After some experimentation, I think I've found a 'sweet spot' in the output of this light. I use stepped mode, 8 steps. I have the ramping ceiling set to max, same as 'turbo'. So, 2 steps down from the max gives a good output of about (I'm guessing) 2000 lumens and does not get too hot, and can hold that level as long as the battery can supply enough current.
@@nicolejhondelacruz9339 Yes, modern flashlights have complex UI's -USER INTERFACES. Many flashlights use the ANDURIL interface, which requires a manual to learn how to use. There are so many things you can program the light to do - - infinite brightness levels, strobes, temperature check, heat protection, battery status, and many other things.
Just found this 3 year old video that is till very useful as I am only now getting around to looking at these 3 lights though I have just ordered the 5000k Pro and now after seeing this I am pretty sure I made the right choice for me plus the rings are not as prominent as those I have seen with the brighter 6500k pro.
Also, fingers crossed even more good news, according to a comment on another YT vid about the Pro, "Sofirn went on to fix the ring issue in later versions of the SP36 pro." 🤞If you find that is the case, would love to hear so.
@@Dybs_ I doubt I will remember to come back to these posts but I may mention it somewhere if it seems resolved. I also ordered another SC33 500Ok and another SP33 V3 5000k as I like both of those a lot, while on sale currently. Also have an Astrolux EA04 on the way so went a bit mad lately as one does with these things. I had originally set out just to get a second SP33 V3 and fell into the trap lol.
@@geeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzz Haha, yeah that's how it goes for me too. Eyeing the SP36 BLF as a gift for my father. That's what has me here. Dangers waters, hard to resist adding more to the order, lol.
@@Dybs_ Yeah something with lighting that I like and electronics & LED tech is very good now. I'm wondering if there is just some variation with the SP36 in the leds that accounts for people having different experiences with rings or whatever. That Wurkkos TS 32 looks thee business if you really want a good artefact free beam.
@@Dybs_ Ok just got it in the post and the beam is absolutely fine. Nothing nasty. Lovely bright 5000k hotspot and sort of 4 petals at the outer edge of the beam but nothing of concern such as any nasty rings. I can immediately see that it puts my SP33 V3 in the shade and I thought that was quite bright but there is obviously extra weight and width with the 36 as a downside but already liking this 36 a lot & they supplied a nice free pouch that fits well with it too! Excellence from Sofirn :)
Thanks for the upload.. I've had the SP 36 BLF for 2 years and do enjoy its gimmicks. Some of them I use often, like the candle light mode or sunset. Heat has never been an issue because if 1000,000 lumins was needed I'd buy that torch.... Then have to carry a monster club? No thank you!! The SP 36 packs well in a belt holster. YMMV. 😆
Just use it in minimal light setting the light that you want, just what i use, i just adjust it, not that dark or dim not too bright, aside giving me the brightness that i want, it will not get hot and prolonged battery life 😊, i have the sofirn sp36 pro, sofirn q8 plus and sofirn C8L, i enjoy using it, walking at night 🌃🚶♀️👍
I believe they are similar. SST40 version will give you a bit better throw, but beam pattern is worse. I would stick to Q8, unless you need extra lumens and USB C charging
@@FlashlightEnthusiast Here's the weird thing. I have the q8 pro too and that stays green when fully charged the 36 pro might go full blue but after you unplug it, it goes black after like 5 seconds or so.
Yeah, they heat up quite fast but it is expected with lower efficiency LEDs (e.g. lh351d). I get it, there are better designed construction for excellent heat dissipation, but 3 min on turbo before the stepdown (temp up to 60*C) is not that bad at all.
@@FlashlightEnthusiast 60*C is too hot to handle. It is 140 degrees F. If you hold the light by the tail end you might be able to hold it for 3 min. It takes a while for the heat to make it down to the tail.
Just returned the Sofirn SP36 PRO. Not a good flashlight. Like almost all Sofirns the SP36 PRO Overheats VERY quickly, even on lower lumen settings. Beam profile is narrow with a horrible ringed effect. I have also tried the Sofirn SP36 XP-L2 6000 LUMEN version and the smaller Sofirn IF25A. All had overheating issues with a narrower beam. Wouldnt recommend Sofirn unless you can get one at a big discount and dont expect to use them anywhere near their advertised max lumen output for a reasonably sustained period. I also use Imalent and Wowtac , Thrunite ect.
Yeah it does heat up quickly, especially comparing to some bigger flashlights with more efficient, cool white LEDs (like xhp70.2 for instance). Also Sofirn tend to design their flashlights to be extremely compact for their rated power, thus heating is inevitable. However I totally agree with you - for most users it is a drawback that affects negatively their experience
@@FlashlightEnthusiast The 6000 Lumen SP36 uses relatively efficient Cree XP-L2 Leds and still had major overheating issues,. I also found the overall workmanship sub-par, the machined edges of the heatsinking and lanyard hole on all Sofirn Flashlights can be quite sharp and not on par, quality wise with other brands.
I get your point. Sharp edges are something that should not happen. As of more efficient LEDs - xp-l2 are indeed less heat generating than lh351d. Enthusiast design flashlights will heat up and we cannot fool physics there. Personally I don't consider it a drawback - in my climate hand warmer is well appreciated. All jokes aside, Emisar or Astrolux or Fireflies flashlights heat up even quicker - that is the price you pay for compact dimensions and high power.
I have LH351D versions of the SP36 and C8F, yes they do heat up but this is expected of a LED torch/flashlight. Not the most efficient emitters but the CRI is good and the beam pattern is acceptable. Also have the SP31 headlamp. Sofirn is very competent in the "budget with good quality control" segment where Convoy might be it's closest competitor.
@@android584 Well your certainly stating the obvious when you say "Led flashlights are expected to heat up" . But it's to what degree of hot and when and how long it's takes for that to eventually happen that separates the mediocre budget flashlights like Sofirn from other top and well established brands. And sharply machined heatsink edges is certainly not what I would call good quality control. But I suppose we all have different opinions and expectations.
The runtime chart for the SP36 BLF is exactly what I was looking for! This video is loaded with great content, thank you!
Appreciate the comment. My pleasure
After some experimentation, I think I've found a 'sweet spot' in the output of this light. I use stepped mode, 8 steps. I have the ramping ceiling set to max, same as 'turbo'. So, 2 steps down from the max gives a good output of about (I'm guessing) 2000 lumens and does not get too hot, and can hold that level as long as the battery can supply enough current.
Excellent, thank you for sharing!
Man i need more studying to understand what you're saying bro. Just realized the flexibility of modern flashlight a few days ago and I'm hooked
@@nicolejhondelacruz9339 Yes, modern flashlights have complex UI's -USER INTERFACES. Many flashlights use the ANDURIL interface, which requires a manual to learn how to use. There are so many things you can program the light to do - - infinite brightness levels, strobes, temperature check, heat protection, battery status, and many other things.
Just found this 3 year old video that is till very useful as I am only now getting around to looking at these 3 lights though I have just ordered the 5000k Pro and now after seeing this I am pretty sure I made the right choice for me plus the rings are not as prominent as those I have seen with the brighter 6500k pro.
Also, fingers crossed even more good news, according to a comment on another YT vid about the Pro, "Sofirn went on to fix the ring issue in later versions of the SP36 pro." 🤞If you find that is the case, would love to hear so.
@@Dybs_ I doubt I will remember to come back to these posts but I may mention it somewhere if it seems resolved. I also ordered another SC33 500Ok and another SP33 V3 5000k as I like both of those a lot, while on sale currently. Also have an Astrolux EA04 on the way so went a bit mad lately as one does with these things. I had originally set out just to get a second SP33 V3 and fell into the trap lol.
@@geeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzz Haha, yeah that's how it goes for me too. Eyeing the SP36 BLF as a gift for my father. That's what has me here. Dangers waters, hard to resist adding more to the order, lol.
@@Dybs_ Yeah something with lighting that I like and electronics & LED tech is very good now. I'm wondering if there is just some variation with the SP36 in the leds that accounts for people having different experiences with rings or whatever. That Wurkkos TS 32 looks thee business if you really want a good artefact free beam.
@@Dybs_ Ok just got it in the post and the beam is absolutely fine. Nothing nasty. Lovely bright 5000k hotspot and sort of 4 petals at the outer edge of the beam but nothing of concern such as any nasty rings. I can immediately see that it puts my SP33 V3 in the shade and I thought that was quite bright but there is obviously extra weight and width with the 36 as a downside but already liking this 36 a lot & they supplied a nice free pouch that fits well with it too! Excellence from Sofirn :)
Thanks for the upload..
I've had the SP 36 BLF for 2 years and do enjoy its gimmicks. Some of them I use often, like the candle light mode or sunset. Heat has never been an issue because if 1000,000 lumins was needed I'd buy that torch.... Then have to carry a monster club? No thank you!!
The SP 36 packs well in a belt holster. YMMV. 😆
Instablaster.
Just use it in minimal light setting the light that you want, just what i use, i just adjust it, not that dark or dim not too bright, aside giving me the brightness that i want, it will not get hot and prolonged battery life 😊, i have the sofirn sp36 pro, sofirn q8 plus and sofirn C8L, i enjoy using it, walking at night 🌃🚶♀️👍
Super ! Thanks !
Glad I could help
I ordered a 36pro an a sp 31 about a week ago hanging out to try them
I really liked your video. Thank you for giving so valuable information
Appreciate your comment 😃
Would you recommend the Sofirn SP36 PRO over th Q8 PRO, or vice versa.
Let me know your thoughts.
For more slick body and throw I'd go with SP36 Pro, for more floody beam and longer runtime - Q8 Pro
@@FlashlightEnthusiast Thank you for your reply.
@@FlashlightEnthusiast What do you think abaut SP 36 PRO vs Q8
Hey....i wish buy sp36 pro....but i hesitate between 5000k or 6500k....i love both colors....what do you think ?
Hey, take whichever you like. CW will have slightly more power and help to stay alert at night, NW slightly better color rendering.
@@FlashlightEnthusiast thanks for you retourn.....i bought it in 6500k.....in fact
Bye
do you think Q8 pro is better in terms of flood and throw combo?
I believe they are similar. SST40 version will give you a bit better throw, but beam pattern is worse. I would stick to Q8, unless you need extra lumens and USB C charging
Compared to the Fireflies E07x pro??
very good
From the graph it seems the pro version have better runtimes?
Yeah, sst40 are generally more efficient than Samsung lh351d emitters which can be seen on the graph
@@FlashlightEnthusiast thanks! Does the pro sst40 version always have better throw at similar brightness level to the lh351d in the blf?
Yes indeed. SST40 is more throwy in the same brightness compared to LH351D which tends to be on a floody side
@@FlashlightEnthusiast thank you for your information!
Why is my 36 pro switch blue and yours are green?
Different production time
@@FlashlightEnthusiast You know mine is only illuminated solid blue when it's fully charged and plugged in. Once you unplug it it goes black.
Alright, try 7 click from off, maybe you have AUX switched off
@@FlashlightEnthusiast Here's the weird thing. I have the q8 pro too and that stays green when fully charged the 36 pro might go full blue but after you unplug it, it goes black after like 5 seconds or so.
Great video. But Sofirn is taking a lot of heat on social media for their big burners heating up so fast. Pun intended.
Yeah, they heat up quite fast but it is expected with lower efficiency LEDs (e.g. lh351d). I get it, there are better designed construction for excellent heat dissipation, but 3 min on turbo before the stepdown (temp up to 60*C) is not that bad at all.
@@FlashlightEnthusiast Comparatively a 3-minute step down is not bad at all.
@@FlashlightEnthusiast 60*C is too hot to handle. It is 140 degrees F. If you hold the light by the tail end you might be able to hold it for 3 min. It takes a while for the heat to make it down to the tail.
If you live further north they make great winter lights; they double as handwarmers in and they perform longer before stepdown!
Just returned the Sofirn SP36 PRO. Not a good flashlight. Like almost all Sofirns the SP36 PRO Overheats VERY quickly, even on lower lumen settings. Beam profile is narrow with a horrible ringed effect.
I have also tried the Sofirn SP36 XP-L2 6000 LUMEN version and the smaller Sofirn IF25A. All had overheating issues with a narrower beam.
Wouldnt recommend Sofirn unless you can get one at a big discount and dont expect to use them anywhere near their advertised max lumen output for a reasonably sustained period.
I also use Imalent and Wowtac , Thrunite ect.
Yeah it does heat up quickly, especially comparing to some bigger flashlights with more efficient, cool white LEDs (like xhp70.2 for instance). Also Sofirn tend to design their flashlights to be extremely compact for their rated power, thus heating is inevitable. However I totally agree with you - for most users it is a drawback that affects negatively their experience
@@FlashlightEnthusiast The 6000 Lumen SP36 uses relatively efficient Cree XP-L2 Leds and still had major overheating issues,. I also found the overall workmanship sub-par, the machined edges of the heatsinking and lanyard hole on all Sofirn Flashlights can be quite sharp and not on par, quality wise with other brands.
I get your point. Sharp edges are something that should not happen. As of more efficient LEDs - xp-l2 are indeed less heat generating than lh351d. Enthusiast design flashlights will heat up and we cannot fool physics there. Personally I don't consider it a drawback - in my climate hand warmer is well appreciated. All jokes aside, Emisar or Astrolux or Fireflies flashlights heat up even quicker - that is the price you pay for compact dimensions and high power.
I have LH351D versions of the SP36 and C8F, yes they do heat up but this is expected of a LED torch/flashlight. Not the most efficient emitters but the CRI is good and the beam pattern is acceptable.
Also have the SP31 headlamp. Sofirn is very competent in the "budget with good quality control" segment where Convoy might be it's closest competitor.
@@android584 Well your certainly stating the obvious when you say "Led flashlights are expected to heat up" . But it's to what degree of hot and when and how long it's takes for that to eventually happen that separates the mediocre budget flashlights like Sofirn from other top and well established brands. And sharply machined heatsink edges is certainly not what I would call good quality control. But I suppose we all have different opinions and expectations.