My buddy showed me this light last year we both work for a municipality where we have to look down manholes and pipes it seriously does a fantastic job at it.
That's cool thanks for this I suppose it would be fantastic for this. Have you seen the LEP lights? they might be ideal for mega long pipes and structures like that as they throw super far.
I liked my Wurkkos TS11 so much that I sought out the Sofirn IF22A. They are awesome long distance lights that can fit into standard jeans pockets. I also like the IF22A's decent foreground spill - something that traditional parabolic smooth reflectors can't do very well. They both share the same SFT40 emitter and TIR optics except that the TS11 takes either the short 18350 cell or the standard 18650 with the optional long tube. Not long after, Sofirn released the mini version of the IF22A - the IF19 and Wurkkos came out with the non-Anduril TS11s. I don't know if it's a coincidence but all the compact throwers with a single SFT40 diode and TIR lens like the IF22A, SF26 and the TS11 are rated between 1900-2100 lumens. I haven't seen one that claims 3,000 lumens or more. It's as if there's a limit to this flashlight design. 🙂
I love this light. The hot spot is fairly large and it has enough spill to use walking at night without sacrificing the range throwing distance. The 1 lumen moonlight setting is also a plus. It does get hot using turbo and warm at 1,000 lumens but still OK to hold.
I've had my IF22A for a few months now and I like the size of the light. It has great throw, but I think it's terrible a walking light, and it's worse indoors. By the time you get the spill bright enough to be useful, the center hot spot is too bright and quite annoying if it hits anything close to you. I don't think that's what the light is for. It's much better suited for open spaces. After all, it is a thrower. I'd be much happier using my SC31 PRO to go for a walk. Just my thoughts on it. It does work with C to C cables and can be a power bank.
I agree, throwers are rubbish for walking. I often wonder what people use them for, outside of work applications. LEPs in particular - who needs to see a tiny dot 4km away?
Very true, one thing I was happy with was the spill BUT like you say in order to get that you need to turn up the lumens, which means the spot is brighter, so up close not so good. As a throw/spill in open areas yes its useful but up close that spot is too throwy and concentrated. I think i can see myself using this to hike IF i absolutely have to have a thrower but obviously if I was just hiking id grab a TIR or at least an orange peel type. or better still a headlamp with a dual output Throw/TIR. How are you finding the CRI? its bearable in outdoors but my testing is getting really low CRI, sub 70%
I agree a thrower is great for search and rescue, working where you need to stretch out for pinpointing things at range BUT for up close its a bit annoying. I see a lot of people buying LEPS and they look cool but I'm not sure if I need to light up an area the size of a can of coke a mile away because I wont be able to see what that is anyway. I'm more than happy to be proved wrong on that but I'm still searching for a usage case for a LEP in my own life.
@@MrSimonj1970 lol My thoughts exactly! They need to bundle binoculars with LEP's so you can see what you're looking at. 😆 There are a few LEP lights that have a reasonable size beam, but I have no desire to own one because I personally have no use for one. Maybe hunter's can use them for some purpose. They're expensive, most have horrendous color, and they drain batteries pretty quickly. I think it's only a matter of time until they become illegal. Too many idiots shining them at aircrafts and into people's windows and the eyes of people and animals.
@@TrailTrek I don't mind the color rendering at all. In fact, I was surprised it was as good as it is on mine. But like many of us, I have too many lights and this one is not the one I would grab to go outside in my yard or to look for something in my house. lol
I came close to buying one. Throwers are more of a curiosity for me however so I knew it would just gather dust. Your footage is decent quality so this gives me an idea of what the torch is like. (My comment keeps getting auto deleted and I'm at a loss to know what's triggering it).
Firstly I'm really sorry your comment gets deleted UA-cam is a nightmare right now for deleting stuff with zero sensible reason. I don't even have the new snowflake filter on which tries to kill even more comments! I never delete comments as long as its about me or the flashlight so it must be some idiotic yotube thing. I think you have done the right thing I mean I like it and as a thrower it does a great job at a very good price however as an all rounder or for hiking, camping, work around the home I wouldn't get one so you have done the right thing mate. The main reason i got the IF22A was to test the SFT40 and it doesn't disappoint on throw, but throw isn't always what most people need.
@@TrailTrek I am not sure yet. But are we only talking EDC lights? Because at this point if we include everything, I have to go with the Olight Marauder Mini as best new light in 2023.
Oi! Hands off my crop😜. I 've had IF22A since January and tbh, I 've used it 5 times max. Two of them to take beamshots and two more to show it to others. I don't think I have a use for a thrower but I had to know first hand. It cost 38 euros back then including the Sofirn 21700 battery so I'm not disappointed. The SMO reflector IF22 has a more useable spill but like I said I wanted to get a dedicated thrower for once. The hard plastic button of sofirn feels weird compared to the Emisar ones I'm used to. Thanks for the vid. P.S. It was either this, Wuben E6 or Catapult Mini. I chose the bigger host for thermal regulation and bigger battery while staying within pocket-friendly limits.
Cheers for this. I like it so far but I can completely see what you mean. I only use throwers when I need that distance. I have my ft03 on the windowsill there for that reason but I wouldn't take it on a walk. I am liking the TIR but unless I needed super distance it won't get so much use. But as a thrower I rate it high so far.
He's back! Red lights, holding it by the tip, cannabis, pimps - this channel is pure filth nowadays - reported! ;) Good to see you back mate, great little light, the IF22A. I think they missed a trick by not including an 18350 tube like the Astrolux EA01 does - I like a small thrower in the pocket for occasional needs.
Warm tips, pimps and cannabis in the dark :-) Yes I get through a few things in my one take streams of consciousness don't I I'm enjoying the light but yeah they should have added a shorter tube in the box as the top and bottom come off so it can do that. What's quite surprising for me is the incredible throw yes useable spill for walking, and it fits in my pocket without me feeling like I'm carrying a hammer in my pocket.
Hi I was probably referring to it being a large headed traditional thrower, so more suited for long range stuff instead of closer up work like hiking where I need to see where my feet are going rather than get max range. Nothing wrong with the ft03 though I have it on my window sill here and use it for range regularly.
@@TrailTrek Thanks. I’m stuck between the FT03S and the Acebeam L19 and I haven’t put my hands on either. I have a larger question, all these super high powered torches can only maintain their amazing outputs for minutes at best and sustain 1000-1500 lumens for a reasonable amount of time. What’s your take, as a trail guy, you want power to last… ? The FT03S has amazing power and throw but only at the upper expenditures while the L19 has less spill and can reach out to long distances at lower power. And, at the same time all that power is really fun. I’d love to hear your opinion on the ‘larger’ question and a recommendation for a throwy light that isn’t too narrow. I use a good headlamp so I for actual walking. Help and thanks.
You bring up a really good point and so I'll tell you what I do. Bearing in mind I have access to 50 lights and putting headlamps out of the question for now. For me it's all about run time as you really are left in the shit when you run out in the pitch black and on a trail unless there is a full moon. So I end up running whether light I have at the lowest setting I can walk by, if I don't then I'm just using up fuel I don't need to use. I mean it's great fun blasting lights on turbo but I don't walk like that and as you say the turbos step down rapidly. I take whatever has the largest cell whilst still fitting in my pocket. So I don't end up running out. I know it's simple to carry a charging power bank but that's just more weight I funny want to carry. Thrower type lights are really nice for distance but I would never go hiking with one. I went to see where my feet are going and also have some decent peripheral vision for balance and safety. For me I can honestly say I've twisted ankles on dam rabbit holes etc when walking about with throwers. I can't say the same for TIR lights. I sometimes make the argument to get an orange peel reflector to try and get a good compromise but I realise that when people buy a light they just look at the range and bit the one with the highest number. In regards those two lights I like the FT03 but expect the Acebeam will be better built, but well cost you much more. You might want to go check my review of the IF22A as it has really nice throw but also some useable hiking spill. Church my thoughts video first as I show it side by side with a load of other throwers. Then in my full review you can see it at much larger ranges by the coast. I hope this is helpful to you. 😁🤣
@@TrailTrek Ha! I just purchased 2 of them yesterday, one for a close buddy and for my father in law based on this video and they are $35 on sale. I might as well get one for myself while the sale lasts. Yeah, I want a trail light that reaches out when I hear something crashing around me or when there is something interesting a ways out. I’ll check out your longer video on the if22a. I don’t mind spending a little extra money as the L19 looks very well built, but is it too narrow, or is it so close in comparison to the Sofirn that I should just watch that video before pestering you with questions. I appreciate your answer, it’s exactly the perspective I was looking for.
My IF22A just came in! Very nice light, I will fool around with it this evening. Have you directly compared the Acebeam L19 to the IF22A? On paper, it looks like the L19 throws a more than double and is more efficient giving longer run times. Is the real world difference marginal? I would use it as a hike, camp and kayak around some islands and long efficient throw appeals to me but if I can’t see my feet that might be a deal breaker. Thanks.
@@ВадимЭйзенгравдин if I buy one some day yes. But I doubt have it on my planned list I have a few other brands to get too. Just too many lights and not enough time 👍😂
hey my friend, amazon has a great deal going on right now, wurkkos fc11 for 27 $ kit , gonna grab it here , need a good work /travels light , talk soon > tom !
@@TrailTrek no probs man , cool, whats that one go for ?, where's the cheapest out there right now over 1100 lumens , got to have something brighter with strobe feature , talk soon > tom !
My buddy showed me this light last year we both work for a municipality where we have to look down manholes and pipes it seriously does a fantastic job at it.
That's cool thanks for this I suppose it would be fantastic for this. Have you seen the LEP lights? they might be ideal for mega long pipes and structures like that as they throw super far.
@@TrailTrek ok awesome I’ll have to check them out
Nice to see you back again pal. I love my 22a and recently used it as a power bank in a power cut. 👍
Nice I'm glad it worked out, when I tested the power bank function I was happily surprised by how rapid it charged other devices!
I've had this light since before Christmas. I love this and the if25a.
Thanks for the info. I like to hear from users of each light.
I bought the Sofirn IF22A but the SST40 version. I can't wait to test.
Will love it its sort of pocketable but throws like mad for a TIR setup. Great light
Great to see you back in the saddle again TT! 👍
Thanks 👍 should have a tool review up tomorrow and get the full review done for the IF22A by the weekend.
I liked my Wurkkos TS11 so much that I sought out the Sofirn IF22A. They are awesome long distance lights that can fit into standard jeans pockets. I also like the IF22A's decent foreground spill - something that traditional parabolic smooth reflectors can't do very well.
They both share the same SFT40 emitter and TIR optics except that the TS11 takes either the short 18350 cell or the standard 18650 with the optional long tube. Not long after, Sofirn released the mini version of the IF22A - the IF19 and Wurkkos came out with the non-Anduril TS11s. I don't know if it's a coincidence but all the compact throwers with a single SFT40 diode and TIR lens like the IF22A, SF26 and the TS11 are rated between 1900-2100 lumens. I haven't seen one that claims 3,000 lumens or more. It's as if there's a limit to this flashlight design. 🙂
I love this light. The hot spot is fairly large and it has enough spill to use walking at night without sacrificing the range throwing distance. The 1 lumen moonlight setting is also a plus. It does get hot using turbo and warm at 1,000 lumens but still OK to hold.
I've had my IF22A for a few months now and I like the size of the light. It has great throw, but I think it's terrible a walking light, and it's worse indoors. By the time you get the spill bright enough to be useful, the center hot spot is too bright and quite annoying if it hits anything close to you. I don't think that's what the light is for. It's much better suited for open spaces. After all, it is a thrower. I'd be much happier using my SC31 PRO to go for a walk. Just my thoughts on it.
It does work with C to C cables and can be a power bank.
I agree, throwers are rubbish for walking. I often wonder what people use them for, outside of work applications. LEPs in particular - who needs to see a tiny dot 4km away?
Very true, one thing I was happy with was the spill BUT like you say in order to get that you need to turn up the lumens, which means the spot is brighter, so up close not so good. As a throw/spill in open areas yes its useful but up close that spot is too throwy and concentrated. I think i can see myself using this to hike IF i absolutely have to have a thrower but obviously if I was just hiking id grab a TIR or at least an orange peel type. or better still a headlamp with a dual output Throw/TIR. How are you finding the CRI? its bearable in outdoors but my testing is getting really low CRI, sub 70%
I agree a thrower is great for search and rescue, working where you need to stretch out for pinpointing things at range BUT for up close its a bit annoying. I see a lot of people buying LEPS and they look cool but I'm not sure if I need to light up an area the size of a can of coke a mile away because I wont be able to see what that is anyway. I'm more than happy to be proved wrong on that but I'm still searching for a usage case for a LEP in my own life.
@@MrSimonj1970 lol My thoughts exactly! They need to bundle binoculars with LEP's so you can see what you're looking at. 😆 There are a few LEP lights that have a reasonable size beam, but I have no desire to own one because I personally have no use for one. Maybe hunter's can use them for some purpose. They're expensive, most have horrendous color, and they drain batteries pretty quickly. I think it's only a matter of time until they become illegal. Too many idiots shining them at aircrafts and into people's windows and the eyes of people and animals.
@@TrailTrek I don't mind the color rendering at all. In fact, I was surprised it was as good as it is on mine. But like many of us, I have too many lights and this one is not the one I would grab to go outside in my yard or to look for something in my house. lol
I came close to buying one. Throwers are more of a curiosity for me however so I knew it would just gather dust.
Your footage is decent quality so this gives me an idea of what the torch is like.
(My comment keeps getting auto deleted and I'm at a loss to know what's triggering it).
Firstly I'm really sorry your comment gets deleted UA-cam is a nightmare right now for deleting stuff with zero sensible reason. I don't even have the new snowflake filter on which tries to kill even more comments! I never delete comments as long as its about me or the flashlight so it must be some idiotic yotube thing. I think you have done the right thing I mean I like it and as a thrower it does a great job at a very good price however as an all rounder or for hiking, camping, work around the home I wouldn't get one so you have done the right thing mate. The main reason i got the IF22A was to test the SFT40 and it doesn't disappoint on throw, but throw isn't always what most people need.
Very good quality budget thrower. It was my EDC pick in 2022.
What a compacts and well priced flashlight from Sofirn. The question I have though is what is your pick for 2023?
@@TrailTrek I am not sure yet. But are we only talking EDC lights? Because at this point if we include everything, I have to go with the Olight Marauder Mini as best new light in 2023.
@@TopDog8762 Nice pic, I suppose it's still too early isn't it. I was hoping Nitecore would bring out more lights with oled screens.
The flashlight is so bright it is changing my screen brightness
That hot spot is pretty intense up close isn't it.
Oi! Hands off my crop😜. I 've had IF22A since January and tbh, I 've used it 5 times max. Two of them to take beamshots and two more to show it to others.
I don't think I have a use for a thrower but I had to know first hand. It cost 38 euros back then including the Sofirn 21700 battery so I'm not disappointed.
The SMO reflector IF22 has a more useable spill but like I said I wanted to get a dedicated thrower for once. The hard plastic button of sofirn feels weird compared to the Emisar ones I'm used to.
Thanks for the vid.
P.S. It was either this, Wuben E6 or Catapult Mini. I chose the bigger host for thermal regulation and bigger battery while staying within pocket-friendly limits.
Cheers for this. I like it so far but I can completely see what you mean. I only use throwers when I need that distance. I have my ft03 on the windowsill there for that reason but I wouldn't take it on a walk. I am liking the TIR but unless I needed super distance it won't get so much use. But as a thrower I rate it high so far.
He's back! Red lights, holding it by the tip, cannabis, pimps - this channel is pure filth nowadays - reported! ;) Good to see you back mate, great little light, the IF22A. I think they missed a trick by not including an 18350 tube like the Astrolux EA01 does - I like a small thrower in the pocket for occasional needs.
Warm tips, pimps and cannabis in the dark :-) Yes I get through a few things in my one take streams of consciousness don't I
I'm enjoying the light but yeah they should have added a shorter tube in the box as the top and bottom come off so it can do that. What's quite surprising for me is the incredible throw yes useable spill for walking, and it fits in my pocket without me feeling like I'm carrying a hammer in my pocket.
Sofirn or manker u22iii sft40 good for me?
Id get the Sofrin if they have a deal on its cheaper and more compact for a similar light.
Why did you say the FT03s wasn’t a proper trail flashlight?
Hi I was probably referring to it being a large headed traditional thrower, so more suited for long range stuff instead of closer up work like hiking where I need to see where my feet are going rather than get max range.
Nothing wrong with the ft03 though I have it on my window sill here and use it for range regularly.
@@TrailTrek Thanks. I’m stuck between the FT03S and the Acebeam L19 and I haven’t put my hands on either. I have a larger question, all these super high powered torches can only maintain their amazing outputs for minutes at best and sustain 1000-1500 lumens for a reasonable amount of time.
What’s your take, as a trail guy, you want power to last… ? The FT03S has amazing power and throw but only at the upper expenditures while the L19 has less spill and can reach out to long distances at lower power. And, at the same time all that power is really fun. I’d love to hear your opinion on the ‘larger’ question and a recommendation for a throwy light that isn’t too narrow. I use a good headlamp so I for actual walking.
Help and thanks.
You bring up a really good point and so I'll tell you what I do. Bearing in mind I have access to 50 lights and putting headlamps out of the question for now. For me it's all about run time as you really are left in the shit when you run out in the pitch black and on a trail unless there is a full moon. So I end up running whether light I have at the lowest setting I can walk by, if I don't then I'm just using up fuel I don't need to use. I mean it's great fun blasting lights on turbo but I don't walk like that and as you say the turbos step down rapidly. I take whatever has the largest cell whilst still fitting in my pocket. So I don't end up running out. I know it's simple to carry a charging power bank but that's just more weight I funny want to carry. Thrower type lights are really nice for distance but I would never go hiking with one. I went to see where my feet are going and also have some decent peripheral vision for balance and safety. For me I can honestly say I've twisted ankles on dam rabbit holes etc when walking about with throwers. I can't say the same for TIR lights. I sometimes make the argument to get an orange peel reflector to try and get a good compromise but I realise that when people buy a light they just look at the range and bit the one with the highest number. In regards those two lights I like the FT03 but expect the Acebeam will be better built, but well cost you much more.
You might want to go check my review of the IF22A as it has really nice throw but also some useable hiking spill. Church my thoughts video first as I show it side by side with a load of other throwers. Then in my full review you can see it at much larger ranges by the coast.
I hope this is helpful to you. 😁🤣
@@TrailTrek Ha! I just purchased 2 of them yesterday, one for a close buddy and for my father in law based on this video and they are $35 on sale. I might as well get one for myself while the sale lasts.
Yeah, I want a trail light that reaches out when I hear something crashing around me or when there is something interesting a ways out. I’ll check out your longer video on the if22a. I don’t mind spending a little extra money as the L19 looks very well built, but is it too narrow, or is it so close in comparison to the Sofirn that I should just watch that video before pestering you with questions.
I appreciate your answer, it’s exactly the perspective I was looking for.
My IF22A just came in! Very nice light, I will fool around with it this evening. Have you directly compared the Acebeam L19 to the IF22A? On paper, it looks like the L19 throws a more than double and is more efficient giving longer run times. Is the real world difference marginal? I would use it as a hike, camp and kayak around some islands and long efficient throw appeals to me but if I can’t see my feet that might be a deal breaker.
Thanks.
What about sofirn sp 33S?
Decent enough 26650 light with a more traditional orange peel regloctor so not a thrower type but still a nice light.
@@TrailTrek will we see the revue of this flashlight?
@@ВадимЭйзенгравдин if I buy one some day yes. But I doubt have it on my planned list I have a few other brands to get too. Just too many lights and not enough time 👍😂
hey my friend, amazon has a great deal going on right now, wurkkos fc11 for 27 $ kit , gonna grab it here , need a good work /travels light , talk soon > tom !
Cheers this is a good help for anyone after one, thanks for the head up and have a great day Tom.
@@TrailTrek no probs man , cool, whats that one go for ?, where's the cheapest out there right now over 1100 lumens , got to have something brighter with strobe feature , talk soon > tom !