Pros: High-performance compact rechargeable LED torch. Variable light output and versatile functions. Convenient integrated USB C charging of 18650 Lithium Ion battery (included).
Cons: Can get hot in Turbo mode. “Anduril” user interface can be a bit of a handful to access more advanced features.
The Sofirn SC31 Pro is a great little all-’round light, with an impressive 2000 lumen output from its single LED emitter. You can ramp output from a low of 1 lumen (moonlight mode) up to full brightness, making it easy to find the ideal brightness for the task at hand.
If you’re looking for a high-performance, pocketable, rechargeable torch at a reasonable price, the Sofirn SC31Pro is a great choice.
Check out the SC31 Pro on Sofirn’s website
Pick up a Sofirn SC31Pro on Amazon.
First Impressions
The SC31 Pro is a portable, high-quality light that has the typical elongated form factor typical of single-cell 18650 powered flashlights. While pitched at the more budget conscious end of the rechargeable LED torch market, the SC31Pro feels very well made.
Build Quality and Handling
Like the other Sofirn lights I’ve reviewed, the SC31 Pro is a well-built flashlight. The aircraft-grade aluminium body is lightweight and strong, and the anodised black finish is top-notch. The barell is knurled for a good grip (even with wet hands).
There’s a reason 18650 rechargeable lights are the most common choice for every day carry (EDC). The SC31Pro sits comfortably in the hand, and is both lightweight and not too bulky. It’s slightly longer, but much slimmer and lighter than its heftier, more powerful quad-LED stablemate, the 21700 powered, 3,800 Lumen IF25A, and slips unobtrusively into a pocket or bag. It also comes with a very serviceable black metal clip to attach it to a pocket or belt.
The torch is 117.5 mm long, has a head diameter of 25.4mm and weighs in at just 59g. The SC31 Pro has O-Ring seals on all openings and a snug rubber seal over the USB C charging port and is rated to IPX8 — which means you can immerse it in water up to 2m deep for up to half an hour without issue.
Performance and User Interface
The 2,000 lumen max brightness Turbo mode is exceptionally bright for a single emitter 18650 light. The maximum throw of 200m is good too, especially considering the beam offers plenty of peripheral spill, illuminating a wide area.
Of course, pumping that much light out of a small torch will always generate quite a lot of heat, so turbo mode is only designed for short bursts when you need maximum illumination. For most tasks Turbo is simply too bright, but the SC31Pro allows you to ramp the brightness seamlessly from a low of 1 lumen (moonlight mode) right up to the max level. If you use turbo for longer, the SC31 Pro thermoregulation will kick in and gradually reduce light output to keep temperatures within safe limits (you can configure the temperature thresholds through the Anduril user interface… but the default values worked fine for me).
The beam itself has a comparatively wide central cone of light, with a wider spill of light out to the sides. In practice, this proves a useful all-round beam for both picking out items in the middle-distance, and for illuminating a wide general area close up. It makes for an excellent all-around flashlight that’s at home in all sorts of situations, making it ideal for every day carry.
Like the IF25A we reviewed recently the SC31 Pro uses a single, illuminated switch on the side to control all functions through the versatile (but fairly complex) Anduril UI.
The basics of Anduril are simple enough. Click once to turn the light on, click again to turn it off. Once the light is on, click and hold to increase brightness, click and hold again to decrease brightness. The torch will remember the last set brightness when you switch it off, and will light up at that level the next time you switch it on. The IF25A remembers the last brightness level when you switch it off, and will switch back on at that level when you next use it. Double clicking the switch when the light is on will jump into Turbo mode.
Anduril offers an entire suite of options, some of which you’re unlikely to ever use. They include a handy lockout mode that prevents the light activating accidentally in a bag or pocket, a restricted “muggle” mode that limits the brightness and functionality (handy if lending the light to someone unfamiliar with the interface) and a variety of flashing and strobe effects.
Battery life seems excellent generally and charging is easy thanks to the built in USB C charging port. I’d typically use the torch for a couple of weeks at a time between charges of the included 3,000 mAh 18650 battery. Even then it showed little sign that the battery was running low. A quick top up via my mobile phone charger, and the SC31 Pro was good to go again.
Conclusion
The SC31 Pro is a fantastic all-around light, and I’ve been really impressed by both its performance and versatility. It slips easily into a pocket, unnoticed, or clips to your belt and provides plenty of light whenever and wherever you need it.
If you’re looking for a superb all-around rechargeable torch for outdoor use, walking the dog, or even just around the garden on dark winter’s nights, the SC31 Pro is a fantastic option.
Technical Specs
＊Emitter: single powerful LED
＊Working voltage: 2.8V-4.2V
＊Dimension: 117.5 mm (length) x 25.4mm (head diameter)
＊Weight: 59±1 gram (without batteries)
＊Flashlight body: Aerospace grade 6061 grade aluminum alloy
＊hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish to get solid built body, anti-crash geometry.
＊Toughened mineral glass lens
＊Anduril firmware 2020-03-18
Operation:
• Turn ON/OFF
Single click the side switch to turn the light on/off.
• Change Brightness
Press and hold to ramp up or down
Acknowledgements
I’d like to thank Sofirn for submitting the Sofirn SC31 Pro for review on Ireland’s Wildlife.
NB. Ireland’s Wildlife has no specific affiliation to any optics or gear manufacturer and all reviews on the site are completely independent and objective. See our disclosure statement for more details. If you’re an optics or gear manufacturer and would like to submit your wildlife related product for review on the site please drop us a line using the contact form and we can take things from there.
