🔦 Crazy Good Budget 18650 Flashlights (under $30 !) 

Agree. For more than a year I purchase flashlights mainly from Sofirn and Wurkkos. Except the C01S, wich has a major flaw, all of them are superb value products.

I agree with your assessment. Sofirn is my go to for learning to emitter swap as they are affordable and easy to disassemble. They also have many options available like 18350 tubes and silicone diffusers etc.

Im using the SC32 every day at work, attached with a ziptie to my helmet. Its awesome because of the big switch on the tail, very easy to press with any gloves. The big spot (or tight flood?) its the best for my needs.

Really appreciate you making these types of flashlight videos. Very comprehensive overview and about to pick up a Sofirn based on this video. Keep up the good work.

Yup SC32 with Anduril 2 would make it unbeatable ✅

My edc light do NOT have magnets and side buttons. Metal shavings end up there and mechanical watch magnitizing concerns are why. I've had too many side buttons turn on in pocket. Streamlight is superb for value and will consider the second one you showed today.

for me the convoy s2+ is still the best cheap allround flashlight. and its only $15.

I got a few lol: sp10 pro; sc32; Sp35t; Sc31t, and sc21pro

Awesome video ! I'm a huge fan of sofirm ! Thanks for taking time to make it !

Great video bud, I learn something new every time I watch your content! 😁

Sofirn is punching WAY above its weight and is CRAZY value for money, especially with Andúril. And they're consistently amazing

Sofirn , matimenco, astrolux, and convoy the best in value and quality!!!

Wouldn't the _most_ non-proprietary and sealed solution be to have removable batteries that are charges externally? A flappy doodle port, even if there are replacements, is still a very easy ingress spot for dirt/water. IDK, doesn't seem all that sealed and likely the very first spot to fail on a piece of gear like this.

Thanks for sharing these, it really helps, SC 32 is crazy, I like your watch, what is it?

on the SC 31 you can flip the symmetrical chassis and swap the ends and now you have the belt clip reversed.

You can "reverse the clip" by reversing the middle section. Unscrew the head and tail cap, flip the battery in the middle section, and screw it back together. Enjoyed your video, as usual. Thanks!

How about doing a vid of all 18650's available by Sofirn? Would like to order one but it would help to get your thoughts and specks having them all together. So far I just can't decide!!! Thanks much!!!

I wonder why men (including myself) tend to be interested in flashlights. All the women in my life own decent flashlights usually given to them by men. I can only think one woman ik who is as interested in flashlights as the average man ik.

Okay.. So on the SC31T.. You can make it reversible? But you just have to flip the tube? So it's a bit more inconvenient doing so

This "mix and match" option would be something for other brands. Thank you for your great videos

Most Sofirns come with this horrible, cheap pocket clip (at least it's easy to remove) The SC32 not only has a proper clip it is finally the first Sofirn light with a really nice and classy design!

So neat that they can be combined, is like lego flashlights kinda thing lol

Excellent video. I just ordered the new, short thrower, the IF19. I agree about Sofirn, they are knocking it out of the park out the moment.

Modular Torches. Makes sense. Does any brand intentionally do this or is this just a quirk stumbled upon with Sofirn?

You get what you pay for. Sofirins are kinda basic by today's standards. Sure you can get the high lumens but the ergonomics aren't that great especially when the clips are generally non reversible and none are truly deep carry. Also, there is no safety feature like a proximity sensor to prevent a fire in your pocket from the light accidentally being turned on. And no, lockout is not acceptable as a safety against the light accidentally turning on for a tactical flashlight where turbo must be easily and quickly activated. Go ahead and spend $30 on a bargain flashlight, or spend $75 for a light that is far better in design and function like the Olight Warrior Mini 2.

Great information, much appreciated.

Thanks once again for this very detailed review of another Sofirn flashlight. Sofirn is fast becoming my favorite brand as well. I was actually looking at that SC32 lately. Just wanted to know though what do you think of the light tint? You have the 5000k version, it looks a little bit greenish on the low mode, or is just the camera? I am so getting this SC32. Am lovin' the SP10 Pro that I bought last time, also thanks to your review, I chatted on your IG page if you can recall. Anyways, thanks man! And as always, great vid!

From what I can tell, companies are pushing to make their products 'proprietary' so they can isolate their ecosystem into a niche that they can control. This usually means that they can control the price (usually not beneficial to the consumer) since the demand is now controlled at a high level since consumers wouldn't be able to buy it from just any 3rd party and if the consumer wants to continue using their products, consumers will be forced to continue buying the brand's products. (like forcing apple before, setting a standard for users to only use their lightning and thunderbolt cables)

Wow, you can gauge the lumens by just looking at it, no measurements? The other thing is to accurately measure the actual battery capacity vs the claimed capacity, and the run time inhigh power mode, which often switched down to low power mode when it gets hot.

Nice blackscout light.

Would you mind mentioning whether the beam is floody or throwy next time? Great reviews. Thank you!

Unfortunately, this is no longer under $30. As of October 2024, it is at $40 or just a dollar below. Not worth the investment imo.

Can I ask you something? I'm not as familiar with flashlights as you are. Would you rather buy this that any of the "higher prestigue" Chinese brands, like Fenix, Nitecore or Nextorch?

I carry the hds systems rotary light and it makes me wonder why more lights don’t have a rotary switch on them. The rotary allows me to control which way the brightness is going and that is important if you want light “discipline” so you can keep your eyes adjusted to `the current lighting.

Just got the big a** flashlight from Sofirn, 5000L. Carries 2x27*** batts. Carry it with a strap. The batts came 97% charged? Light up the sky tonight. :>)

Sir, is there flashlight with magnetic tail switch? Thank you.

I also just bought a couple of Sofirn lights in the past two weeks - SC31 Pro and SP10 Pro. Impressive for such small and budget-friendly lights.

Sofirn is great. I had one and gave mom and father one to each. The SC32 looks like a fantastic compact powerhouse with throwy capabilities. I'm looking forward to what they'll do in the AA/14500 niche.

Super enjoyable video!! Looking forward to seeing you do best light in each battery size !!! Currently have a Sofirn SP10V3 In red... Liking the SC 32 & SC18! Especially interested in 18650 size.. 🔦 GREAT JOB !! - Paul-

i am looking for a good flashlight with good run time somewhere around 900/1000 lums anker bolder looks about best i have seen any thoughts anyone

Impressive reviews/explanations. Thanks for saving me $50.

Can someone suggest a flashlight with a reversible clip magnetic base & a power bank ?

Excellent analysis except, the most important ability. Beam shots.

I happen to own three of the 18650 lights featured in your lineup: the SC31T, SC32 and FC12. I'm looking for my next 18650 EDC and can't decide between the Wurkkos FC11C and the Sofirn SP31 V3. 🔦😍 The SC32 really surprised me - it's much shorter than the product photos suggest and really looks like an 14500 light. I also found out that it transmits heat to my hand a lot faster than my other torches, so I use the SC32's turbo mode very sparingly. Too bad Sofirn elected to program it with its proprietary UI and not Anduril 2. As for the FC12, the one I received from the Wurkkos store is from the second production model with a tactical group mode instead of stepless ramping. There's a bit of an issue with this current release - occasionally the tail cap action locks up the flashlight. It can happen during quick half presses (to invoke Turbo mode) and sometimes the FC12 refuses to turn on after using the Moonlight mode. Wurkkos has not officially acknowledged this problem and the only known remedy is to hold down the side switch and turn on the tail switch button. Besides the intermittent lock-up, I like the FC12's intense hot spot and its 6500K SST40 is consistent cool white from low to Turbo, unlike my SC31 Pro's SST40 which strangely emits a greenish-yellow tint at low output levels. 🤔

'"Theyre making everyone else look silly " 😂😂😂 i hope i dont look silly when my sc18 shows up from aliexpress,it was 8 bucks,and by that i mean i hope it has a battery,wouldve been cheaperpossible to just get it with the battery because now i have to wait and see and if not then amazon i go because its gonna be forever for the light so im not waiting after that,rant over😅.

How can I make the sc32 even smaller im confused?

Good review. I have 3 Sofirns sc31 pro, sp33s, sp36pro. Have given several sc31pro as gifts. Very nice quality for dollar value, having Thrunite, Olight, Nitecore and others to compare. All quality lights. I'm very happy NOT to have magnetic tail to drag other items out of my pocket (keys, Fisher Space pen etc.)

I own a baton 3. Sc31,had a warriornmini 2 a wurrkos sc31

Love the sofirns, cheap but not cheap quality. Used my sc31pro for the last few years - it's been through hell and back, even used as a makeshift hammer at one point and it's still going. Are you going to review their new SP35T by any chance? It's basically their SP35 with a tactical tail switch and their tactical UI from the C8L. Atm I'm loving the UI - but the led they used overheats way too quickly.

Sofrin make great products at a great price.

Nice bro, but what do you most recommend?

I was lokking to buy the sofirn sc32 but I in europe it is 50

can u give em a test at night time, pls.

Can you please test something for me. Sofirn sells 18650 tubes for IF19 I would like to know if those 18650 tubes are compatible with thrunite T1. Since I cannot find reputable 18350 in my area for my thrunite T1 The setup would be as follows Thrunite T1 head +sofirn 18650 tube + some sofirn tailcap (sc31 pro for example)

I don't care to memorize these lame duck UI's 👎 It's frustrating AF and I inevitably turn on strobe when I need moon light... How hard is for the folks in China to throw a few buttons for each of the important light modes? I'd gladly pay extra for a luxury for a few extra buttons! Not in this video but Rovyvan has 5 clicks in their 3rd gen A8. Yes, that's right FIVE clicks! That's ridiculous! Honestly, I think the Chinese engineers design these gadgets this way to annoy Americans 😡

If you're looking for cheap and durable 18650 flashlight, take a look at Sofirn C8 series. The cool part is that they don't have a charging port which elevates water and dust resistance through the roof. They also have a properly wide cone-shaped reflector with a glass lens. C8T's diode is so well-focused, you can comfortably read in the dark in moonlight mode, it's awesome! The best part? Without a battery, you can get them for under 30$ (my C8T costed me 24$).

Very nice video my friend! May I ask, can I recharge my SC31T using an 5V 1A charger? It's from an old smartphone that I have, do you think It's appropriate? I saw on the official Sofirn site that this ligh is meant to be charged with a 5A 2A charger (I have one of those, but it is a fast/turbo 15W charger). Charging it with lower amperage could damage the battery/light in any way?

Don't worry I love flashlight reviews! I do not have any Sofirn lights yet, but think I will have to look at getting some soon. I did buy 5 lights from Wurkkos during their sale because there was so many deals! Can't wait for them to arrive. I recently bought a pelican style case to store my flashlights in, and as you recommended in your live video have been planning it out. So far so good, and much better than all my flashlights laying around loosely! Love your honest reviews, feedback and advice!

is it possible to make a 21700 version of this video/?! Great lights. Cheers

Wuben c3 one of the best flashlight on the market for a budget option

Hey mate, you got another new subscriber here :) I just meant to ask: I charge the Sofirn SC32 with the USB cable and then unplug it when the light indicator is green -fully charged. Then, when I turn it on and then off after a while, the same indicator goes immediately red. Any idea as to how? Did the batt not charge properly? Many thanks in advance!

Mine was sent unusable only works when plugged into a USB cable. Will not send me a working replacement or refund my money.

i dont want magnetic anything. I am a steel worker and it causes problems with every flash light I have tried.

Great video. I think I’m sold. I do need hands free. Am I able to swap out the tube without actually buying the two flashlights?

Dude I just got my SC31T this week, even on the low setting it's just sufficient for me on my daily runs. It's really good for the price!

Unfortunately, SC32 is not available on Amazon.

Tube is also reversable to change clip direction.

Are the sofrin brand available on aliexpress legit?

Right now it's under 20$ on Amazon with 25 %coupon🎉

Thank you for your video. I own SC31Pro and was thinking of getting SC32 as well. Just one moment I didn't get: when saying SC31T does not have a reversable clip by not having that extra groove, why not just flip the whole middle tube 180° and have a clip on the other side of the tube (The same with 18350 tube, reverse the tube and attach the clip in any direction you want). It takes maybe 10sec longer and battery pictogram would point wrong direction but can be covered with clip legs, not a big deal and no need to buy an additional SP40 tube, unless you already have it.

What color temperature do you think is the best for living out in the woods. Thanks

Will the tail switch work on a SC31 Pro running Anduríl?

Remember the old style flashlights with a slide switch and push button? HINT! I HATE button pressing, especially on the tail cap. I HATE the nuisance flashing modes. I want one with the following: Takes an 18650 battery. Can be charged in or out of the flashlight. Solar cell ON the flashlight would be great! White mode LED (twist for white) Red Mode LED. (twist other way for red) Focusable. Strong magnet on the tail. Lanyard on the tail. Belt clip is OK but not that important. SLIDE SWITCH on the tube preferable with a push button to momentarily turn on the flash light if desired. (maybe make that moon mode?). Glass lens. Knurled handle so it is non slip. Castle 'crown' so it can be set on a table and area light. Waterproof down to 10 meters. Can float too with bunch of keys attached. SHOCK PROOF. All metal parts (tube, end cap, lens housing). Replaceable bulb IN STOCK and rapid delivery with normal shipping (no claims of in stock but in stock in China is NOT in stock. Think old Boy Scout style flashlight shape. I also want the springs removable so I can solder on the braided copper to reduce resistance. NO STEP THROUGH BUTTON PRESSES. NO having to hold the button to turn it off. I would also like a head lamp that has Red, White (low/high for both), and a solar panel built in so it recharges while walking in the daytime in 4 hours or less, but lasts all night long on high mode. Who wants a flashlight that lasts 4 hours when you need it all night? Who wants to take 8-12 hours to recharge a flashlight? Or need to plug it in somewhere to recharge. NOBODY makes such devices. They all make TOY FLASHLIGHTS with nonsense features.

Office worker looking for a decent light that’s easier to use than my phone flashlight when I’m taking the dog out after dark, and I am genuinely shocked people are selling lights for more than $30.

Are they interchangeable with the old 4 sevens quark lineup?

Does the green tint on the SC32 bother you?

SC31T ordered. Thanks for helping me spend my paycheck :-)

Thanks. You turned me on to this brand. I only have one, but love it. Which is the smallest green colored model? Thanks.

I do have the SC31Pro (not the T) but I can reverse the body to have the clip in the other orientation. Also, in the box, I had a replacement for the bottom switch with a magnetic end (which is very strong) and I use it every day.

I just got an EDC light 2 days ago then I see this 😅 I got the Thrunite archer mini ( I work in an office so it works for what I need it for)

I need to check out what's on the market these days. I bought a relatively inexpensive ThorFire C8 (or C8S?) years ago, and I LOVE that thing. I use it almost daily for watching the dog in our yard and for occasional walks at night, but I only charge the battery about once per YEAR. The different brightness levels are great, and it gets plenty bright with enough distance for my use.

Great video

Under $30....clicks Olight Warrior $89

Looks like another glitch in RU-vid land, video only showing in 360P resolution 😕

Can't you reverse the clip at the Sofirn SC31T by just unscrew the lamp and reverse the tube? Works at least with the SC31pro and Wurrkos FC11.

The sc32 is on sale right now for $25! So glad I found this video.

Nice review. I really wanted the 32 for it's compact size but went with the 31t because I liked the function better. I may have to get that 18350 tube though

Based on your recommendation just purchased six for our beside tables and vehicles. Got tired of changing batteries and adding to the landfills.

I just got a 16340 light from Walmart .I now know what a fixed income is like. While cycling i find disposal vapes people throw out and have a couple of free extra batteries. I am looking for a small flashlight with more throw. I use them for a bicycle light. The lights and batteries are improving. I can use up to a 17350 and need to know what to get for the most power

I've been thinking about expanding my flashlight collection with some new brands for a while now. And Sofirn is probably gonna be the first brand that joins my collection 🙂

I agree, Sofirn makes some very good flashlights and lantern's, These are two of the best.

They are good cheap reliable compatible and easy replaceable hard to beat value for dollars.

cool, i ordered the Sofirn SC32 Mini with coupon codes etc it was like 30 euros, nice deal, older versions/similar flashlights rum 45-60 euros amazon germany

Two hand moonlight. That sucks. But I'm glad it's there.

Im looking for a good thrower with descent flood. Could anyone help me with it. My range is 100-200 USD.

Thanks for this video. I never heard of this brand before but now it is on my radar.

What do you think about Wuben C3?

@Maxlvledc or anyone else that knows.... what's the best flashlight, period? (Please don't say Olight) magnet chargers suck ... imo

What is a usecase for a 1lumen mode?

Duh...SC21 pro (you mentioned it towards the end of the video).