Sofirn SC32 vs Sofirn HS40
Quick take: The Sofirn HS40 costs $2 less; the Sofirn SC32 throws farther (245m vs 184m).
| Spec | Sofirn SC32 | Sofirn HS40 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30 | $28 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | EDC | Headlamp |
| Lumens | 2,000 lm | 2,000 lm |
| Candela | 15,000 cd | 8,500 cd |
| Beam distance | 245m | 184m |
| Runtime | 2 hrs (high) | 2 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 18650 | 18650 |
| LED | SFT-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