So i’ve recently managed to return my faulty SP36 BLF to the seller, and got my refund
But i’m itching to get a torchlight, the question is, should I go with the SP36 BLF again, or the IF25A/TS25?
I noticed that the IF25A is kind of close in terms of max lumens (4k vs 5.6k), which would only be slightly brighter to the eyes due to the way lumens is calculated?
The SP36 BLF was a real blast to use, lighting up fields and trees, but was too bulky to carry in a pocket, and had to fit into a small sling bag to carry around.
The IF25A looks to be alot smaller, for just about 30% less lumens. However, I’ve read that the IF25A wouldn’t be able to sustain those lumens anyway, and would heat up way too quick and would quickly ramp down?
I would prefer something that would be able to sustain those lumens without throttling due to heat, which of these two lights would be better?
Anyone have any thoughts or experiences between these two flashlights? Or do you have any other recommendations?
Yeah it’s one or the other. What I think most people do is get something that is a true pocket light and a walking light. Think of the pocket light as backup. The IF25 does get hot fast and turbo use makes it even worse.
I’m trying to expand into other lights for different form factors and things like aux lights…but I love my SP36 BLF 5000k. Puts out a great wall of floody light or serves as a ramping room light
I never walk around at night more than 5 minutes these days….and if I did, why would the flashlight be in my pocket anyway? I’d either be using it or holding it as a deterrent/weapon.
I haven’t touched my IF25a since getting a TS25. There’s no contest, no debate, the TS25 blows it out of the water. The IF25a is effectively obsolete. There no reason that I can think of to ever buy one so long as the TS25 is available and similarly priced. But neither can sustain their turbo. They heat up maybe 3-5x faster than an sp36.
The sofirn is bigger, and does have deeper cooling fins, and its not as bright, so it does sustain turbo longer. But we’re looking at seconds here. I haven’t actually timed it with the same battery but I wamna say if you have it calibrated to 60°C the sofirn steps down in like 60 seconds, the TS25, with the included battery, in 40 seconds. That extra 20 seconds of turbo isn’t a fair trade over the nichia 519a’s, the disco RBG Aux lights, the magnetic tailcap, the much higher build quality, and IMO the better more comfortable to hold form. And slightly smaller size.
Also, the TS25 can really take advantage of a high drain 21700. The IF25a doesn’t seem to notice a difference for whatever reason. With a high drain cell the TS25 becomes too hot to hold in <30 seconds. So if you think the IF25a gets too hot too fast get ready for that. Personally I prefer it that way. Turbo isn’t meant to run forever.
That said, I have the sp36 pro and it’s one of my favourite lights. It’s essentially my EDC. I imagine the BLF version is as good or better.
