A few years ago I bought a Zanflare F1 and am very happy with it. I am now in need of a similar torch. I was going to buy a new one, but the exact same, but apparently they aren’t made anymore.
There are plenty of cheap torches with fake performance claims around and I don’t want to waste my money on one.
Does anyone have and recommendations for a good replacement for the Zanflare F1?
The reason I liked it was that it had a very bright mode which was quickly assessable 1075 lumens, and three lower modes (one just a glow really!). The lower modes gave plenty of light but lasted much longer. The 1075 maximum seemed genuine to me. This meant when I’m camping I can use a lower power to do things like cook and walk, but a higher power to see something in the distance when needed.
It felt of high qualify and well made. No flimsy parts. I like the easy recharging of the 18650.
Any recommendations, particularly where the performance is known to be genuine?
Thanks.
That looks like a nice torch. However I’m a little reluctant to busy a Sofirn. I bought one a few years ago which was supposed to be waterproof. I dropped it from knee height into a stream of water. The stream was little more than 10cm deep. As I picked it out very quickly….maybe 5 seconds later, but it was ruined, never worked again.
I contacted Sofirn at the time and they first told me it was out of warranty. When I pointed out that it wasn’t, they then wanted to send me a part to solder into the broken one to see if that would fix it. Eventually after much pushing, they did send me a replacement.
I thought that maybe I was unlucky, so after your comment I googled them and found a similar story about a light breaking and them doing the same “try everything but warranty”. So to be honest, I’m a little reluctant to buy a Sofirn again, due to not having confidence in the quality nor their warranty.
I will use it while out camping in the mountains. So if it breaks, I’ve only a small backup. I really want something that I can depend on.
Apart from the brand, the SP35 looks ideal. Any alternative suggestions?
I totally agree on the Zanflare F1. I find the modes perfectly set for my use. I use the 290 lumens a lot. This mode has a long runtime. The ring above the recharge port is genius. Its surprising that no one has copied this yet.
I agree about the F1, wish they still made it. You didn’t mention whether you needed charging capability or a side switch. If you don’t, my perennial favorite is still the BLF A6. Otherwise perhaps an Emisar?
I own both the Zanflare F1 and the Wurkkos FC11, and they both have a different beam pattern. The Zanflare is relatively throwy and good for walking (I like throwier lights). The FC11 is a nice light as well, but in my opinion it is more a light for around the house.
For walking I now have a Astrolux FT03 mini XPH50.2 (because I wanted more power and a side switch). Throwy, but not too throwy (it has a much wider beam than the SST40 version). Size comparison below.
The only issue I have with the FT03 mini is that (like the Zanflare) it’s a bit lengty with the normal (18650) tube. The interface is also a bit complicated, but I don’t really mind that.
Personally I think that going with Sofirn still is the best option if you’re looking for a simple light that won’t go nuts interface wise. I have owned the SP33 V3.0. Simple and versatile, great allround light. Same goes for the SP40, I gave one to my sister and she likes it very much.
