My review on the Sofirn SP40. It’s my first time attempting to write a review so any kind of criticism is more than welcome. All opinions bellow reflect my personal experience with the flashlight.
What’s in the box:
In the box are included: the flashlight, a 18350 battery tube, a clip, a micro-USB cable, a Sofirn 3000mAh battery, two extra o-rings and the head strap.
A Closer Look:
The SP40 is a standard headlamp shaped flashlight. The head can unscrew from the battery tube and it’s possible to use the 18350 tube for a smaller size. The tailcap has a strong magnet that comes handy in many occasions.
On the top of the head there is a silicone button for the operation (which has led lights in it for charging, operation and battery level indication) and on the opposite side of the led there is the charging port (micro-USB). The charging port’s silicone cover is very sturdy and fits securely and tightly. There is also a water-resistant specification from the manufacturer (IPX7: submersible up to 1m for up to 30minutes).
The optics it a slightly orange pill reflector.
The Specs:
Emitter: XP-L 5.000K
Dimensions: 108mm (with 18650 tube) x 25mm (head diameter)
Weight: 63g (without battery)
Max. output: 1.200lm
Runtimes: 1h 50min (Turbo), 4h 10min (High), 15h (Medium), 220h (Low)
Water resistance: IPX7 (up to 1m for up to 30min)
Mode memory (except Turbo mode)
UI/Operation:
The UI is quite simple. One click to on/off. Hold the button to change levels (3 levels: 5lm, 90lm, 450lm), it will cycle for as long as the button is pressed. At any time, double press to access Turbo mode (1200lm).
There is no moonlight mode, strobe modes or other features.
There is mode memory for all modes except Turbo. That means that the flashlight will remember the last used level and will start with it.
The button is at the top of the flashlight and the LED light in it will turn green for 5 seconds after the flashlight is turned on. If the lights turn red, that means the battery has less than 30% capacity and needs charging.
Head strap:
The head strap is made of soft rubber material and the flashlights fits securely in it. That means that the flashlight will not rotate freely by gravity or vibrations and will retain a steady angle the whole time. It fits securely and comfortable on the head.
The flashlight fits by squishing it into the head strap. It has no fast removal feature, that means it can take some time to remove the flashlight from it.
While possible, using the clip and the head strap at the same time, makes the insertion/removal process harder.
Worth noting is that while using the 18350 tube, the flashlight will still fit the head strap but won’t actually match the cutouts on the tube.
Beam Quality:
Sofirn uses a Cree XP-L emitter at around 5.000K temperature. The light quality is actually pretty good with no weird colors around the beam.
Sadly, there are no options for other emitters and/or other light temperatures. (more emitter options are offered only directly from Sofirn)
Beam Shots:
Low:
Medium:
High:
Turbo:
Size Comparison:
About right regarding it’s a 18650 flashlight. Just a bit smaller than the Convoy S2+. It can become smaller if the 18350 tube is used. Personally I find it compact enough with the 18650 tube.
Pros-Cons:
+one of the most affordable priced headlights (including a head strap, a built-in charging port and a battery)
+mode memory
+water resistant
+can use the shorter 18350 tube
+the magnet at the tail
+nice building quality
I’d like more emitter options (maybe a high-cri one too)
-lack of moonlight level
-USB type C instead of micro-USB would be preferable