Sofirn SC32 vs Sofirn HS40
Quick take: The Sofirn SC32 throws farther (214m vs 184m).
Which one to buy
On paper these are twins: $30, an 18650, an SST-40 rated at 2,000 lumens, 2 hours on high, USB-C, IPX8 and a simple interface. What separates them is shape, and the fact that the Sofirn SC32 is discontinued.
The SC32 is a compact handheld with a tail switch and a reflector that throws farther than most small Sofirns. Owners like its size, interface and packaging, and it came with a choice of tints rather than cool white only. They also report its measured output runs roughly 25% below the claims, turbo especially, and that the low modes jump from 1 lumen to 90 with nothing between. One reviewer's unit locked up and had to be switched off by unscrewing the head, and the aggressive bezel is uncomfortable in a trouser pocket.
The Sofirn HS40 is a right-angle headlamp that ships with both 18650 and 18350 tubes, so it can be long-running or short and light. Owners note a buck driver that regulates better than earlier Sofirn headlamps and a body that doubles as a work light. Their gripes are an end-mounted button you can't pinch to switch on and no high-CRI option.
With the SC32 out of production and owner-measured output short of its rating, the HS40 is the better buy unless you specifically want a tail-switch handheld and find an SC32 new.
Sofirn SC32
Only if you find one new and want a tail-switch pocket light with some throw, knowing it measures below its rated output.
Sofirn HS40
For buyers who want a current headlamp that also works as a handheld work light, with two tube lengths in the box.
| Spec | Sofirn SC32 | Sofirn HS40 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30 | $30 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | EDC | Headlamp |
| Lumens | 2,000 lm | 2,000 lm |
| Candela | 11,425 cd | 8,500 cd |
| Beam distance | 214m | 184m |
| Runtime | 2 hrs (high) | 2 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 18650 | 18650 |
| LED | SST-40 6500K | SST-40 5000K |
| Beam type | Balanced | Flood |
| Modes | 5 Stepped | 4 Stepped |
| UI | Simple | Simple |
| IP rating | IPX8 | IPX8 |
| CRI | 70 | 70 |
| Weight | 2.2 oz | 2.5 oz |
| Dimensions | 4.3 x 1.0 in | 4.2 x 1.1 in |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |
What owners report
Sofirn SC32
- ✓Compact 18650 body with a simple interface — an easy light to live with
- ✓USB-C charging that works well
- ✓Several emitter tint options rather than one cool-white default
- ✓Around $35 including the cell
- ✓Packaging and presentation noticeably better than older Sofirn models
- ✗Measured output runs roughly 25% below the claimed figures
- ✗Turbo in particular doesn't reach its rating
- ✗One reviewer's unit locked up and needed the head unscrewed to switch off
- ✗The aggressive bezel is uncomfortable in a trouser pocket
- ✗A large jump between the low modes — 1 lumen to 90 with nothing between
Sofirn HS40
- ✓Ships with both 18650 and 18350 tubes — long runtime or light on the head
- ✓Buck driver with better regulation than earlier Sofirn headlamps
- ✓USB-C port sits nearly flush under its plug
- ✓Simple interface with nothing to learn
- ✓Right-angle body works as a headlamp and as a work light
- ✗The button is on the end rather than the side, so no pinch activation
- ✗Less independently reviewed than Sofirn's headline headlamps
- ✗No high-CRI option in the standard configuration
- ✗18350 tube trades most of the runtime for the weight saving
- ✗Basic feature set with no secondary emitter
Sofirn SC32 vs Sofirn HS40: common questions
Does the Sofirn SC32 really reach 2,000 lumens like the HS40?▾
Owners say no: independent measurements put the SC32 roughly 25% under its claims, with turbo the worst. HS40 owners praise its buck driver for holding output steadier as the cell drains.
Can the HS40 be used as a handheld like the SC32?▾
Yes. Owners say its right-angle body works well as a utility and work light off the headband. Its end-mounted button is less convenient than the SC32's tail switch for quick handheld use.