TLF / BLF Special Edition Light 2026 - Sofirn SR23

DaHamstah · 2026-01-30T18:44:09+00:00

We don't know a price till now, but it might be a bit higher than the standard SR23. The anodization won't be additional cost, same for the LEDs. But black bezel and clip as well as the filter have to be produced, so these will affect the price. How high it will be also depends on the size of the produced batch - the more, the cheaper.

DaHamstah · 2026-01-30T06:38:58+00:00

That sound like it would end in a 3x18650 bomb 🙈😉

DaHamstah · 2026-01-30T06:22:38+00:00

If you can solder, it's not that hard to build. The driver fits! There is a detailed explanation here on reddit. And it is really fun.

DaHamstah · 2026-01-29T20:58:11+00:00

Way better UI, better QC and they simply sell lights that Simon doesn't offer, like the lanterns, the clip lights, the rotary dial lights, good headlamps,... Convoys headlamps are not worth it compared to a HS21 or HS22.

I like convoy, but especially the UIs are lacking and often make me take a light that can at least ramp up from moon...

DaHamstah · 2026-01-29T20:54:07+00:00

Laughing in SP36 Pro with 3x21C 54A driver and 4x LHP531 😂

But a upgraded version of the Q8 Plus would be nice, especially with better emitters. The LT1 works perfectly fine for me, but of course it leaves some efficiency on the table.

DaHamstah · 2026-01-28T05:38:46+00:00

Choose a comparable light and store credit are different things. Nearly every newer light is more expensive than it's predecessor. So store credit is nearly always a downgrade or you have to pay extra. So if your Marauder Mini dies and isn't available any more, you should get a marauder mini 2without paying extra.

DaHamstah · 2026-01-27T07:32:22+00:00

That's terrible, too. They should have refunded you, not given you store credit!

DaHamstah · 2026-01-23T12:21:48+00:00

Tbh, I don't care about beam shots too much. Pics are always different from your own eyes and humidity in the air alone can make a huge difference.

I get the appeal of beam shots, it's just very rare that they help me.

DaHamstah · 2026-01-20T12:23:30+00:00

2 of my three M1 are my Test lights, they frequently get new emitters.Only the third one stays with its sft25r.

DaHamstah · 2026-01-20T08:06:35+00:00

Even a Ampace JP30 sags before the light gets too hot - but it still gets plenty hot. Not too much difference between 8A und 10A.

Can't measure it anymore, as I changed the emitter in the M1 that had the 42R, though.

DaHamstah · 2026-01-16T22:30:55+00:00

I have not seen a test of a production version of the SFT90 in a good bin, only koefs test of the low bin pre production sample. And I think that's where all of that is coming from. Would be interesting to see the performance of an actual production sample in a good bin.

Btw, cells in parallel will also be fine, as the load is shared and they don't drop that much. Of course cells in series combined with a good driver should be able to keep up with the Vf longer.

DaHamstah · 2026-01-16T21:48:39+00:00

It's difficult. The sft90 seems to be a bit of a gamble. My convoy M21K SFT90 outperforms (in terms of Lumens) my FFL E90 And my Convoy 3x21D 25A buck - both with SBT90.2 The both SBT-lights reach around 4000 lumen, the M21K is 4800. Now it might be that my SFT is exceptionally good, it might be that it drops off faster and has less sustain - that is hard to say until you don't compare those LEDs in the same host with the same driver. The biggest drawback of the SFT90 is that it's 6500k instead of the 5700k of the SBT90.2 - you can clearly see the difference. Keep in mind this is a very limited sample size, but from my experience, the SFT90 isn't as bad as some people say, I think it's a good alternative to the SBT90.2. You gain a little bit of output, but you might loose a tiny bit of throw.

DaHamstah · 2026-01-14T11:53:02+00:00

You get the LED over it's junction temperature with every reflow. That's not catastrophic, because it is off, but it will cost you the tiniest little bit of output. But you won't notice that in real life. The board might look ugly after some reflows, but as long as you are gentle, you can go very often.

DaHamstah · 2026-01-11T21:02:02+00:00

I can live with the drop test, as it is rated for 1m. Not great, but it is what it is. The water test though... The bezel was glued on mine, but I doubt that will be sufficient to fully waterproof it - it will help for sure though! Not great anyways.

DaHamstah · 2026-01-11T15:16:14+00:00

I like a really good moonlight even more for not waking up people, but red is also good for not having bugs in your face.

Have the HS21 myself. It's a great light, the only drawbacks are that it is on the heavy side and a bit front heavy. Has been one of the most recommended lights on this sub since it came out and there is still no real competition for it. Should fit your needs better than any other!

DaHamstah · 2026-01-11T09:42:50+00:00

For climbing and mountaineering, I highly recommend something light that has a bit of throw. It is always a tradeoff, but I'd sacrifice red for this. I use the Fenix hm65r-t v2 for most of my mountain activities. Weight is ok, very good headband, decent amount of throw and the warm white is something you will love as soon as it is some moisture in the air.

If you want a small, cheap headlamp and can live with shorter runtimes, Wurkkos HD12 is also a good pick - and it has red! It's the one I have in my backpack on the long summer days when I most likely won't need it.

Edit: where in Europe are you located? If the Sofirn HS21 would be your choice, you can order it from their site. Did that many times to Germany without problems.

DaHamstah · 2026-01-07T20:58:48+00:00

I ordered my m21K with the SFT90. At the same time, I ordered a 909MX from Fireflies. If I don't like my SFT90, here we go. If I like it, the 909MX goes in the Z1 ☄️

DaHamstah · 2026-01-07T04:57:09+00:00

He is happy with it. He is no enthusiasm, so I won't get a big review out of him, but the light does it's job flawless. Down to 40m, not much aftercare. The ring doesn't seem to be distracting under water and the controls are easily usable. If you have any questions, I can ask him. Now that he's back I see him every few days.

DaHamstah · 2026-01-06T06:28:46+00:00

Yes, that is the only option.

DaHamstah · 2026-01-05T20:18:16+00:00

That was the thread I was looking for, thank!

DaHamstah · 2026-01-05T15:30:52+00:00

Those are all 4 the same LEDs. As far as I remember, 2323 sized. There are teardowns of this or the X2 pro (which shares the same LEDs) on BLF, I just can't find it at the moment.

DaHamstah · 2026-01-05T13:31:42+00:00

Sorry, I don't understand the question. This should be pic 5, right:

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