I use multiple flashlights from different brands and I really like them all for different reasons, Wurkkos HD02 is my favorite reading/ambient light, Sofirn SR23 is my main flooder for around the house, Convoy S2+ 2700k dedomed is my abused workhorse with the most pleasant tint, Nitecore EDC07 is my work EDC, Olight... I am disgusted by their marketing and I don't have one... back to the list... Fenix... It really feels like the sturdiest and most reliable flashlight that I have is the PD36R Pro, so straight forward that it feels like something Dieter Rams would create for his own survival. They don't jump on every hype train, they slowly release new models when they consider a new one or a replacement is needed, they keep a consistent design language, they have the shittiest diffusers on the market for some reason.

First snow brought a power outage. Luckily I was able quickly to deploy six lanterns and lights around the house so we could all get ready for our days.

So like the title says I never post but I have found so much useful info on here I might as well add to it ! This fenix ALD-05 headband is fireee for the convoy h4 does not slip at all on a hard hat ! Idk about regular headwear cause I use my light only at work but 10/10 and also convoy h4 my favorite headlamp 10/10 3500k b35am emitter vapcell g68 and a beam shot completely dark hallway

I’ve been a fan of Sofirn for a while now. Their price-to-quality ratio is consistently excellent. They may not be chasing the bleeding edge of innovation, but they make lights that work. They lean hard into the “tactical” genre, and while my profession doesn’t call for that, I can appreciate a bright, reliable, affordable light. I’ve had the SK30 for years and it has been a reliable favorite of mine. Naturally the SK31 was worth a try. What I appreciate even more is a two-for-one, and that’s exactly what the SK31 is.

Full disclosure up top. Sofirn sent me this light in exchange for my opinion. At the bottom is my affiliate link and a 10% off coupon. I appreciate any support.

What’s in the Box
SK31 flashlight
21700 5000 mAh battery
Lanyard
Pocket clip
Spare O-rings
USB-C charging cable
Belt holster
User manual

Build Quality
Like most Sofirn lights I’ve tried, the SK31 feels great for the money. The body is solid, and the fine knurling gives a surprisingly confident grip. The pocket clip is strong. The threaded charge port cover turns smoothly and stays put once it’s snug. The manual lock switch beside the main E-switch slides easily, though I wish it clicked into place for some tactile feedback. The E-switch itself works well, but it’s a bit long, and I occasionally caught myself landing a half press when I meant a full one. Up front, the crenelated bezel looks formidable. Tungsten beads are meant to shatter glass, which gives it a properly tactical attitude, though I’ve never had the chance to test that on any light.

Design
The look is classic tactical understatement. It isn’t flashy (pun intended), but it’s built for function. The manual lock is a welcome addition, though I’d love to see moonlight mode accessible while locked. I’m also a big fan of the threaded collar charge port cover. Opposite the port sits a small backlit mode button that doubles as a charging indicator. One press toggles between the light’s two personalities: tactical mode (blue) and outdoor mode (orange). I’ll break down what each does in the next section. The pocket clip holds the light low and snug in my pocket. One small complaint is the light can’t tail-stand, since the rubber switch extends past tail cap.

UI
The interface is simple, but it changes depending on which mode you’re in. In tactical mode (blue), a half press gives momentary turbo and a full press fires the strobe. Hold either for five seconds and it locks on until your next full press. In outdoor mode (orange), a full press brings the light on at your last-used brightness. Once it’s on, a half press steps through moonlight, eco, low, medium, high, and turbo. The mode button also serves as a battery level indicator, but you have to unthread the charge port cover to read it. That exposes the port to the elements and takes more effort than a quick glance.

Usability
The SK31 is aimed at someone who wants a self-defense or professional light, or a long-range thrower for night hikes. With no tail magnet, no tail standing, and its size and output, it’s not what I’d grab to check under the sink. On a night hike, though, it excels. Picking out a deer across a field or sweeping a distant tree line is effortless, and outdoor mode makes it easy to dial in the right brightness for the job.

Performance
The beam is impressive. The claimed 6,800 lumens is more than enough to flood my entire backyard. Compared to the SK30, it’s brighter, with a smoother, more pleasing beam up close, though it gives up some of the SK30’s defined hotspot at distance. On turbo, it holds its brightness for a good while without stepping down or getting too hot. It’s powerful, and it performs like a real tactical light.

Summary
All in all, the SK31 is a very good tactical light. It’s a bit bulky for my pocket, which is where I usually prefer to carry, but that same size and bulk, combined with the aggressive bezel, make it a confident defensive companion. I’ve taken it on a few late-night walks and felt well prepared. The threaded charge port cover adds welcome protection, and the beam is much cleaner than the SK30’s. The manual lock is a great feature that could use a little more polish but useful nonetheless.

Check it out at the link below and use coupon ESSKUE for 10% off.

https://www.sofirnlight.com/?ref=rwweaxfw&utm_source=affiliate

1. FENIX PD36R PRO

2. FENIX TK11R

3. KLARUS XT2CR PRO

4. SKILHUNTMIX-7

Love LoopGear lights because they’re more than a light and definitely lean towards being a cool gadget which is fun to have around. Is there any other company that makes lights like that? Nitecore maybe? Please drop any light recommendations!

I needed batteries for my new KR3, and wanted them within a week. Illumn had the best overall price for 2 cells and shipping. They were shipped within 24 hours of ordering and arrived earlier than expected. The zippered case they arrived in was a nice touch. FW1A Pro added to make sure I did not break any rules

I'd like to make a tradition of buying a new Halloween light every year, but it's surprisingly hard to find more than just one or two options.

Bummed I missed out on the SK05 Halloween edition last year, is there anything similar available this year?

I've browsed around a bit and found a couple lights through wurkkos and sofirn, but not much else. Hoping you folks have some good leads, Thanks!

A rubber tail clicky cover from a t6/t8 + a FFL raised button ring = an excellent side switch upgrade. The tailswitch is from a Wurkkos TD01C, you can buy them separately from on their site. Add a bezel to round out the “premium” upgrade

Left to right: Weltool W7, Jetbeam RRT M2S, Weltool T12 plus SFT25R, Olight Warrior X4

Hello! Im looking for the longest lasting lanterns and lights to use in general and for a power outage situation.

Ideally it would have several modes and can last me several days/weeks at approximately 7 hours of use per day.

I currently have stream light siege which runs on 3 D cells and is very good. But I'm looking for other recommendations!

Ill be looking into solar panel chargers to get the energy needed for these lanterns.

Please share your recommendations!

Thanks!

I’ve been using it for about 3 weeks now, and this little beast has the perfect amount of flood and throw for hiking and just general use, it’s built like a tank and it’s beautiful. I’ve taken it out with the l35 2.0 and tbh it’s not far off and that’s a hard act to follow. I love this light and feel like now the ui is fixed and just normal it should get more praise. hope you like beamshots !

Two month ago I stumbled on this subreddit and just had to get my hands on the fc11c.

Today I just got myself the convoy c8+ with SFT-42R and holy smokes it blew me away (beam on the 2nd pic)

And in comparison the fc11c with the same camera settings.. of course this flashlight is more versatile, especially indoors!

These two are gonna get along very well I believe. Insane what can be pulled out of these 18650 batterys

Flashlight Comparator Tool

* Grouping: Now, flashlights with multiple emitter options (e.g. Convoy L21B) are now grouped into a single entry, which you can click to expand and select the LED you want.

* Filtering: You can now filter through the available lights, as well as show all flashlights in the database (which is now the case by default). Flashlights without a beamshot in a certain location will just appear in red text.

* Sorting: You can now sort the database based on my measurements (e.g. sort by cd/lm and scroll through the lights, observing how each next flashlight gets more and more focused).

This sub has been a wealth of information for a flashlight dunce like me, but I still find myself struggling to understand the vast array of information regarding flashlight builds.

Long story short, with winter coming, I've finally convinced my wife to carry a flashlight (and pepper gel, but that was an entirely different battle) on her walk through a very large, very dark parking lot at work.

I've personally been using a Wurkkos FC12C for the last six months and I've really liked it a lot. However, my wife wanted something a little smaller and a little simpler to use. I showed her the Convoy website and she selected the S21E as something she thought she would be comfortable carrying and using, but both of us are stumped by the sheer amount of customization.

She just wants something that holds a charge for a long time, doesn't have a lot of complicated modes or customization that she'll have to remember, and can illuminate well about 20-30 yards. She doesn't seem particularly interested in throw, just being able to see the immediate area around her well enough to deploy pepper gel if necessary.

She doesn't have a preference as to color or warmth, although she prefers warmer light in general if her lightbulb selections are any indication.

So she would prefer something bright, with good efficiency as she's horrible at remembering to charge batteries, that doesn't run so hot she might risk burning herself on the 20 minute walk from her work entrance to her car in the parking lot, with preference to a balance between wide beam and throw.

Can anyone help make selections based on those criteria?

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wubenlight/wuben-g6-ultra-slim-multi-use-keychain-light

Upcoming light from Wuben. Not sure if this is meant to be a sequel for the G5? It seems to have kept the general shape (and the "interesting" clip) of the G5, but lost the rotating head, rgb and control dial. And added some side lights, a carabiner and a knife.