I've been a flashlight lover since I bought my first LED flashlight sometime back in 2005. Over the years, I've used all sorts of lights from simple 1 AAA battery lights to modern 18650 flashlights that have complicated interfaces. I've been a fan of Sofirn flashlights since I bought my first Sofirn SP10 a few years ago. Since then I've probably purchased about ten Sofirn lights. I like them because they are well made, bright, have useful features, and cost considerably less than the more famous brands like Surefire, Streamlight, and Pelican. Well this flashlight is no exception.
This is my first 21700 battery flashlight and it is considerably larger than a standard 18650 battery light. I'd say that this SP35T is about 40-50% larger than an 18650, so it is not really an EDC light for someone like me, who prefers to EDC smaller flashlights. This is more of a tool box, glove compartment, or bedside drawer sized flashlight. But what you gain by going up a size is the light output. This flashlight is bright! When I got her, I charged her overnight and tested her out during the daytime and the TURBO mode was so bright, it brightened the entire room even though the evening sun was shining in through the windows of my office.
At night, the modes are useful, and the middle level is probably sufficient for 90% of the tasks you'll ever need a flashlight for, but the high mode is really bright and is about as bright as the high end of a typical 18650 light. The TURBO modes blows away my other flashlights of this size. At night, the TURBO mode will blind you even if you are looking at it from a distance of about 50 feet. It is like having a small blazing sun pointed at you.
I liked the simple interface, the two switch mode of operation (tail cap switch for on/off/momentary, and the side switch for levels), and I liked the beam pattern. It is not very tight and gives a large, voluminous cone of light that is useful for lighting up things in the near distance and up to maybe 100 feet in the higher modes. The beam pattern reminds me of another one of my favorite EDC lights, the Streamlight Jr., but this light is far superior in brightness and throw distance.
Pros:
1. Excellent brightness on the top end
2. Useful brightness levels
3. Easy to use, intuitive interface with some nifty shortcut modes
4. Sturdy build quality - the light feels solid
5. Excellent run-time, especially on the lower brightness modes
6. IPX8 waterproof rated, which means you can use it at the bottom of a pool if needed
7. Easy to recharge with a USB-C cable, which is convenient since you don't need a special charger for the 21700 battery
8. Comes with a 21700 battery installed
Cons:
1. Kinda big for an EDC light - this is more of a tool box or bedside light
2. 21700 batteries can be expensive and hard to find if you are not familiar with them
| Special Feature | Rechargeable |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Light Source Type | LED |
| Material | Aluminum |
| White Brightness | 3800 Lumens |
| Included Components | Batteries included |
| Product Dimensions | 3.2"D x 1.1"W x 1.3"H |
| Voltage | 3.7 Volts |
| Light Path Distance | 918 Feet |
| Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
| Item Weight | 3.07 Ounces |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
| Warranty Type | limited warranty |
| Brand | sofirn |
| Brightness | 3800 Lumen |
| Battery Description | 21700 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion |
| Runtime | 58 minutes |
| Style | Tactical |
| Specification Met | IPX8 |
| Manufacturer | Sofirn |
| Part Number | USFBASP35T-6500K |
| Item Weight | 3.07 ounces |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | USSC35T |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | Rechargeable |
| Shade Material | Aluminum |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Color Temperature | 6000 Kelvin |
| Bulb Length | 918 Feet |
