Sofirn/EDC

Sofirn SC21

Name: Sofirn SC21
Brand: Sofirn
Price: 20 USD
Availability: Discontinued

DiscontinuedSofirn no longer makes this light; what dealers have left is the last of it. See Sofirn’s current lights.

Sofirn built the SC21 around a 16340 cell, running Anduril 2 behind a magnetic tailcap. High CRI and USB-C charging came standard on a body small enough for a coin pocket.

Beam profile

Balanced, about 29° wide. A usable hotspot with enough spill to see around it.

Estimated from 1,000 lm ÷ 5,100 cd — how this works

$20

Specifications

Output: 1000lm
Peak intensity: 5100cd
Beam distance: 143m
Emitter: LH351D 5000K
Colour rendering: 90 CRI
Beam type: Flood
Cell: CR123A
Runtime: 1.5 hrs (high)
Modes: Ramping + Stepped
Interface: Sofirn stepped UI on the plain SC21
Water/dust: IP68
Dimensions: 3.3 x 1.0 in
Weight: 1.6 oz
Warranty: 1 Year

Manufacturer figures, measured to ANSI FL1 where the brand states it.

Features

High CRI (90+)Anduril UI USB-C Charging Magnetic Tailcap Pocket Clip Waterproof (IP67+)

What owners report

Sofirn SC21/4 sources reviewed

The SC21 is Sofirn's answer to the Olight Baton 3, built for people who would rather have a removable cell and USB-C than a proprietary charging dock. For about $21 you get high-CRI output, a magnetic tailcap, a deep-carry clip and a 16340 in the box — a specification list reviewers repeatedly describe as hard to beat at the price.

The beam is on the floody side with a defined hotspot, which suits a general-purpose pocket light. The recurring reservation is low-voltage protection: on the original SC21 it only engaged on turbo, so the cell can be run down on lower modes. One reviewer also had a mushy switch on their first sample that a replacement didn't share. The later SC21 Pro addresses several of these, so check which one a listing is actually selling.

Consistently praised

High-CRI emitter at a price where colour rendering is usually the first thing cut
Magnetic tailcap and a genuinely deep-carry pocket clip
USB-C charging with the 16340 cell included
Floody beam with a defined hotspot — a sensible general-purpose EDC profile
16340 size makes it small enough to actually carry every day
Complete package for around $21

Common complaints

Low-voltage protection only engages on turbo, so lower modes can over-discharge the cell
One reviewer's first sample had a mushy switch; a second unit didn't
Runtime is short, as any 16340 light's is
USB port placement draws criticism
Easy to confuse with the newer SC21 Pro, which is a different light

Questions people ask

Should I buy the SC21 or the SC21 Pro?: The Pro is the later revision with a higher output and fixes to several of the original's rough edges. If the prices are close, buy the Pro. The original is still a good light when it's meaningfully cheaper.
Is the missing low-voltage protection a problem?: It matters if you habitually run the light until it dies on a low mode, which can take a lithium-ion cell below a safe voltage. Using a protected cell, or simply recharging before it gets dim, avoids it entirely.
How does it compare to an Olight Baton?: Similar size and concept, but the SC21 takes a standard 16340 and charges over USB-C rather than a proprietary magnetic dock, and it costs a third as much. The Olight has better finish and a real warranty.
Is the magnet strong enough to be useful?: Yes for hands-free work on a steel surface, which is what most owners use it for. As with any magnetic tailcap, keep it away from cards and expect it to collect swarf in a workshop.

Sources (4)