This is my daily carry flashlight. I don’t really have much use for the RGB feature, though. Before I got this, I had been using a flashlight I got from Duluth Trading that also has a front and side light but ran on 3 AAA batteries. That had lower lumens and battery capacity. The Sofirn was a great upgrade from that. I also carry a small adapter that is USB C to USB C with an optional USB A adapter on one end and a lightning adapter on the other. That allows me to use the power bank feature of the Sofirn.
Great review! Thank you! I had inadvertently locked the unit and couldn't figure out why it wasn't working properly lol! I had the same issue with the USB charging port but just use the cable the light came with instead of my existing ones.
What a feature filled light. Thanks Brother, I need to check with my piggy bank first. Pause. Ok the piggy said it's a Go. Looking forward to receive this on for my Birthday.
And Just like that, I have 2 IF23's now. Like Gun Smoke Matt Dillon dual guns blazing, beams hitting the ceiling. I think these dudes will be all I ever need for quite awhile. When any of these sit for a couple weeks,, one will need to top battery off till green. Typically 10-15 minutes it will. If tested shows 3.28, takes an hour to go green. With no other way than removing battery, a master switch would be fine, or slight drain by electronics seems to be default required. Cheers
G'day Mark, holey moley, they've left no stone unturned. One could just about throw out every other unit and just use this, lol. The interface will be a turn off, (pardon the pun), for some, but it's still quite logical for all that it does. Maybe red, but those other colors dont need to be there IMO, but hey whatever. It is a bit of a chunky monkey for pocket carry, depending on the trousers, I'd probably find a pouch for it. Ultimately, I reckon this unit will appeal to many folks, ..... especially at the asking price. Thanks for the look mate. Cheers Duke.
I have one and it's my favorite all around light. All the positives you mentioned I have substantiated over the past month. I bring it on all my trips... 👍🔦🔦🔦👍
Very nice review sir - after going through the light rotations it makes sense..love this light for work. I plus that many people forget is that since its not cylindrical it wont roll off flat surfaces..a major plus for those of us that needs it to lie flat ASAP.
ThankYou for great review, and yes, one should always use the USB C cable it came with so the smaller shoulder fits into the charging port, which some of my other EDC's require the same design. I have one coming on the way, so I can't wait to have perhaps the one flashlight that does everything. The side flood light is such a handy option, to clip onto any pocket and light up a pitch dark mission hands free of unloading a car full of groceries. To also doing critical pit stop under the hood checking the oil before going on tour. The one hint I'd like to share, that I do to all of my flashlights, is use a good Teflon or Silicone lube, and apply coating to threads of end cap and O-ring. He'll love you long time.. Cheers
@@MarkYoungBushcraft My IF23 just arrived, what a beast of power. The IF24 with rotating mode control will certainly be a hit. The only feature these guys lack, is maybe twin lasers, red & green. Possible cool event camping, with prefocused mirrors, for full chaos of scattered beams in the woods. Cheers
Two things to add: 1) People who hate the auto lockout feature can permanently disable it with 4 quick presses when the light is locked. As far as I know, there's no way to make it automatic again. Instead, you can manually lock it with 4 quick presses while the light is off. 2) When the light is locked, holding the button will turn on the light in moonlight mode. It will turn off when you let go.
It will step down after a few minutes due to heat but it will continue at a high output for the raited time. The stepdown usually isn't noticeable because it's so gradual. Very good review!
Nice review, Mark! Wow, that light's got a lot of features! Given my memory, my only problem would be remembering how to make it do what I wanted, especially changing between the spot and flood - but I think I would be able to figure it out with some practice. While it's a little large for an EDC for me, it definitely looks like an excellent backup light if you are going car-camping or staying somewhere for a while. And while I'm definitely a tail-clicker guy, the shape of the body looks like it would make it easy to figure out how you're holding it and finding the switch pretty easily. All in all, a really nice looking flashlight!
I think the finding the on/off button is one of the lights best features. I just got it out after 6-weeks of testing other lights and the basics came back easy but I had to think about some of the features for a bit. Thanks for commenting
Love how analytical you are with your videos. I just ordered one on aliexpress to use with my photography set up. That side diffused flood light in rgb will be perfect for changing the hue of my portraits. But the main selling feature was being able to use it as a power bank so that i dont need to carry a separate one on me Im combining this with my fireflye light nov-mu to be able to have an entire photography lighting kit inside of two flashlights.
As a photographer as well, I can't wait till mine arrives to explore these cool features. Even doing simply shots to share review of products I do often on news groups, I like to use multiple EDC's to make sure every detail stands out, and perfectly sharp. This side flood light is so nice. Cheers
Thanks Mark, you have explained the operation of this light very cleary. This light is going for only £36 on Amazon UK, I almost bought two. They could have charged 3 x that price and compared to other lights that would be reasonable.
This light is still one of my most used. Sofirn is sending me a newer version with updated operating system. Looking forward to testing it out. Thanks for commenting
Fair enough. Having tested the side light outdoors I felt while it did provide illumination in my immediate area, it did not provide light at sufficient distance to show up well enough on camera. Thanks for commenting
Theses fancy light features are nice, but I often find myself frustrated when I can’t remember all the button press patterns. I have multiple flashlights and they all work slightly differently. I think there could be a market for feature flashlights with more intuitive controls (maybe a button and a dial).
Nice looking light. Price doesn't seem that high either compared to others. I bought a cheap Walmart light years ago for ten bucks. Uses 3 AA batteries. Kind of big heavy but for $10.00 was a nice find.
If they had a lighter built into it, that would make it complete.............wait, I have a refillable lighter that has a built in light.........now I'm confused. ✌️🇺🇸😘🇨🇦✌️
Funny you should mention that. I was collecting up a few lights to give to family members in advance of a hurricane coming our way. Most of them required instructions on how to use. I had to sort out the most simple ones. Thanks for commenting
Hi Mark, that clip looks like it's made to go on cap brim, which is a great feature. Can you tell me what kind of battery is in there? Is it a removable cylindrical like 18650 or 21700?
The fact won't fit most of my USB c cords kinda is kinda disappointing. (Most of mine have metal ends that would not fit) looks like it would be a good flashlight to keep in your car for camping or emergency uses.
The lock mode is a bother! Sometimes it locks after 3 min, but not always. If it's locked, double click starts the spotlight. If not locked, it starts the floodlight. Different functions for the same action isn't nice. A kind of random thing, it seems. The light is good, though. At first use, it signaled that it was locked (a double blink). But I didn't get any other function. It went dead! Removing the battery got it functioning again, or rather for the first time. Very annoying. It killed my conficence in it. It would be nice to know that it works if you really need it. Probably a programmed chip in it. And they haven't made it robust enough. There must be better ways to not activate in in the pocket than this loocked mode, which isn't even reliable! It would be better without this lock mode! The manual for it is a failure. That's why I'm watching this video!
I have it sitting beside me at my desk. I find it one of the most versatile lights I have. Having said that, I agree with your observations. The double-click can be a bit annoying. As a result, I would not choose this as a tactical light, but of course, it was not designed for that. Hope the video helps. Thanks for commenting
You can disable the Auto lockout permanently with 4 quick presses when the flashlight is locked. As far as I know, it can not be re-enabled. But you can always manually lock the flashlight with 4 quick presses when it's off. Another great feature is that when it's locked, holding the button will turn on the flashlight in moonlight mode until you let go.
Has the magnet had any effect on your cell phone screen as i am sure if you pocket carry ...sooner or later they end up in the same pocket. Also how it work with the cards in your wallet? We all know how much use we can get from a magnet. Do most people know how destructive a magnet can be? Also any problems with your car key fob? just things that are not magnet friendly.
You would not want to place this flashlight, or any flashlight, in the same pocket as your phone. This heavy duty light will scratch your screen, if not crack it.
One of the best flashlights I’ve owned recently, function and form work well. Recommended!
I agree. It is sitting next to me at my desk right now. Thanks for commenting
The color change would be nice for astronomers that use red to preserve their night vision. The white would be nice as a night light while traveling.
Yes, good points. Thanks for commenting
Yep, one of the main reasons I picked this light. I use the flood for setup and takedown of my telescopes and the red when I'm using them.
This is my daily carry flashlight. I don’t really have much use for the RGB feature, though. Before I got this, I had been using a flashlight I got from Duluth Trading that also has a front and side light but ran on 3 AAA batteries. That had lower lumens and battery capacity. The Sofirn was a great upgrade from that. I also carry a small adapter that is USB C to USB C with an optional USB A adapter on one end and a lightning adapter on the other. That allows me to use the power bank feature of the Sofirn.
Right on. I really like mine. It is sitting next to me on my desk even now. Thanks for commenting
Finally.!!.A much needed thorough review..🔦💯😉
Glad it was helpful! I have a review of the IF24 coming out soon. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft Looking forward to it.😊
Great review! Thank you! I had inadvertently locked the unit and couldn't figure out why it wasn't working properly lol! I had the same issue with the USB charging port but just use the cable the light came with instead of my existing ones.
Great light other than the USB cable thing. It remains one of my most used. Thanks for commenting
What a feature filled light. Thanks Brother, I need to check with my piggy bank first. Pause. Ok the piggy said it's a Go. Looking forward to receive this on for my Birthday.
I really like mine. I hope you do too. Thanks for commenting
And Just like that, I have 2 IF23's now.
Like Gun Smoke Matt Dillon dual guns blazing,
beams hitting the ceiling. I think these dudes will
be all I ever need for quite awhile.
When any of these sit for a couple weeks,,
one will need to top battery off till green.
Typically 10-15 minutes it will. If tested shows 3.28, takes an hour to go green.
With no other way than removing battery, a master switch would be fine,
or slight drain by electronics seems to be default required.
Cheers
Right on. You may want to see the new IF24. My review is coming shortly. Thanks for commenting
@MarkYoungBushcraft
Amazingly, their new dial design cures the tap sequence syndrome.
All I can say about this flashlight Mark is "Wow what a light" Cheers my friend and thanks for reviewing it.
I agree. One of my favourites. Thanks for commenting
G'day Mark, holey moley, they've left no stone unturned. One could just about throw out every other unit and just use this, lol.
The interface will be a turn off, (pardon the pun), for some, but it's still quite logical for all that it does.
Maybe red, but those other colors dont need to be there IMO, but hey whatever.
It is a bit of a chunky monkey for pocket carry, depending on the trousers, I'd probably find a pouch for it.
Ultimately, I reckon this unit will appeal to many folks, ..... especially at the asking price.
Thanks for the look mate. Cheers Duke.
Most welcome Duke. I have rated this as one of my top lights so far. Thanks for commenting
I have one and it's my favorite all around light. All the positives you mentioned I have substantiated over the past month. I bring it on all my trips... 👍🔦🔦🔦👍
This is the light I have sitting next to me all day. Thanks for commenting
Very nice review sir - after going through the light rotations it makes sense..love this light for work. I plus that many people forget is that since its not cylindrical it wont roll off flat surfaces..a major plus for those of us that needs it to lie flat ASAP.
Yes, good point about not rolling off a table. Thanks for commenting
ThankYou for great review, and yes, one should always use the USB C cable it came with so the smaller shoulder fits into the charging port, which some of my other EDC's require the same design.
I have one coming on the way, so I can't wait to have perhaps the one flashlight that does everything.
The side flood light is such a handy option, to clip onto any pocket and light up a pitch dark mission hands free of unloading a car full of groceries.
To also doing critical pit stop under the hood checking the oil before going on tour.
The one hint I'd like to share, that I do to all of my flashlights, is use a good Teflon or Silicone lube, and apply coating to threads of end cap and O-ring.
He'll love you long time..
Cheers
I still use my IF23 on a regular basis but now have the IF24 that may replace it. Review coming soon. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft
My IF23 just arrived, what a beast of power.
The IF24 with rotating mode control will certainly be a hit.
The only feature these guys lack, is maybe twin lasers, red & green.
Possible cool event camping, with prefocused mirrors,
for full chaos of scattered beams in the woods.
Cheers
Two things to add: 1) People who hate the auto lockout feature can permanently disable it with 4 quick presses when the light is locked. As far as I know, there's no way to make it automatic again. Instead, you can manually lock it with 4 quick presses while the light is off. 2) When the light is locked, holding the button will turn on the light in moonlight mode. It will turn off when you let go.
Thank you for the additional information
It will step down after a few minutes due to heat but it will continue at a high output for the raited time. The stepdown usually isn't noticeable because it's so gradual. Very good review!
Thanks for the info!
Wow ! Packed Full Of Features ! Affordable Too. Thanks For Your Demo & Thoughts Mark ! ATB T God Bless
Thanks, you too Terry
Nice review, Mark! Wow, that light's got a lot of features! Given my memory, my only problem would be remembering how to make it do what I wanted, especially changing between the spot and flood - but I think I would be able to figure it out with some practice. While it's a little large for an EDC for me, it definitely looks like an excellent backup light if you are going car-camping or staying somewhere for a while. And while I'm definitely a tail-clicker guy, the shape of the body looks like it would make it easy to figure out how you're holding it and finding the switch pretty easily. All in all, a really nice looking flashlight!
I think the finding the on/off button is one of the lights best features. I just got it out after 6-weeks of testing other lights and the basics came back easy but I had to think about some of the features for a bit. Thanks for commenting
Love how analytical you are with your videos. I just ordered one on aliexpress to use with my photography set up. That side diffused flood light in rgb will be perfect for changing the hue of my portraits. But the main selling feature was being able to use it as a power bank so that i dont need to carry a separate one on me
Im combining this with my fireflye light nov-mu to be able to have an entire photography lighting kit inside of two flashlights.
Very interesting. I am not a photographer so I did not thing of that. Thanks for commenting
As a photographer as well, I can't wait till mine arrives to explore these cool features.
Even doing simply shots to share review of products I do often on news groups, I like to use multiple EDC's to make sure every detail stands out, and perfectly sharp. This side flood light is so nice.
Cheers
Thanks Mark, you have explained the operation of this light very cleary.
This light is going for only
£36 on Amazon UK, I almost bought two.
They could have charged 3 x that price and compared to other lights that would be reasonable.
This light is still one of my most used. Sofirn is sending me a newer version with updated operating system. Looking forward to testing it out. Thanks for commenting
I think I’ll get two 👍
Hello from Beautiful British Columbia
❤👍🇨🇦🖐🌳🚐🌲🌍🤳🔥🔦🎨🖌🎠🎪🧜♀️
Thanks for commenting
Pretty impressive little light there. All useful functions. Thanks for sharing Mark!
It really is! Thanks for commenting Steve
Excellent review, I can work it now. Thank you.
It does take a bit of practice but I like using it and have it next to me as I write this response. Thanks for commenting
Would have been nice to see the side lights outside was kind of looking forward to that?
Fair enough. Having tested the side light outdoors I felt while it did provide illumination in my immediate area, it did not provide light at sufficient distance to show up well enough on camera. Thanks for commenting
Theses fancy light features are nice, but I often find myself frustrated when I can’t remember all the button press patterns. I have multiple flashlights and they all work slightly differently. I think there could be a market for feature flashlights with more intuitive controls (maybe a button and a dial).
Fir comment. I recall a light with a dial, I think an OLight. I will take a look to see if it still around. Thanks for commenting
Great option Mark, thanks for sharing, God bless !
You are very welcome. Thanks for commenting
Nice looking light. Price doesn't seem that high either compared to others. I bought a cheap Walmart light years ago for ten bucks. Uses 3 AA batteries. Kind of big heavy but for $10.00 was a nice find.
Can't beat that price. Thanks for commenting
That’s a beauty!
I really like it. Thanks for commenting
If they had a lighter built into it, that would make it complete.............wait, I have a refillable lighter that has a built in light.........now I'm confused. ✌️🇺🇸😘🇨🇦✌️
Best of both 😉 Thanks for commenting
Remember when on and off were the only options on a flashlight? Does it come with a glow in the dark idiot card ? : ) Great review.
Funny you should mention that. I was collecting up a few lights to give to family members in advance of a hurricane coming our way. Most of them required instructions on how to use. I had to sort out the most simple ones. Thanks for commenting
Hi Mark, that clip looks like it's made to go on cap brim, which is a great feature. Can you tell me what kind of battery is in there? Is it a removable cylindrical like 18650 or 21700?
It has a 21700 battery. It does have a two-way clip but it would heavy for most hats. Thanks for commenting
Good
Thanks for commenting
The fact won't fit most of my USB c cords kinda is kinda disappointing. (Most of mine have metal ends that would not fit) looks like it would be a good flashlight to keep in your car for camping or emergency uses.
I agree. Would be great stored in the car or even a bug out bag. Thanks for commenting
The lock mode is a bother!
Sometimes it locks after 3 min, but not always.
If it's locked, double click starts the spotlight.
If not locked, it starts the floodlight.
Different functions for the same action isn't nice.
A kind of random thing, it seems.
The light is good, though.
At first use, it signaled that it was locked (a double blink). But I didn't get any other function. It went dead!
Removing the battery got it functioning again, or rather for the first time.
Very annoying. It killed my conficence in it. It would be nice to know that it works if you really need it.
Probably a programmed chip in it. And they haven't made it robust enough.
There must be better ways to not activate in in the pocket than this loocked mode, which isn't even reliable!
It would be better without this lock mode!
The manual for it is a failure. That's why I'm watching this video!
I have it sitting beside me at my desk. I find it one of the most versatile lights I have. Having said that, I agree with your observations. The double-click can be a bit annoying. As a result, I would not choose this as a tactical light, but of course, it was not designed for that. Hope the video helps. Thanks for commenting
You can disable the Auto lockout permanently with 4 quick presses when the flashlight is locked. As far as I know, it can not be re-enabled. But you can always manually lock the flashlight with 4 quick presses when it's off. Another great feature is that when it's locked, holding the button will turn on the flashlight in moonlight mode until you let go.
Have you had any problem turning on by it self in a pocket causing essues?
No, but I don't carry it much in my pocket. I find the auto-lock out helps as well. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft thank you
Has the magnet had any effect on your cell phone screen as i am sure if you pocket carry ...sooner or later they end up in the same pocket. Also how it work with the cards in your wallet? We all know how much use we can get from a magnet. Do most people know how destructive a magnet can be? Also any problems with your car key fob? just things that are not magnet friendly.
I can't answer that as they are never in the same pocket. Thanks for commenting
You would not want to place this flashlight, or any flashlight, in the same pocket as your phone. This heavy duty light will scratch your screen, if not crack it.
Is it actually 4000 lumens?
The website claims it is. I have no way of confirming. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft No, thank you!
Worst customer service im the world they treat customers like trash boo sorfin your kool sir
Sorry to hear that. Hope yours is an isolated incident. Thanks for commenting
To many lights
Thanks for commenting