[REVIEW] Sofirn SF22 "Bear Hunter" (18xXM-L2, 4x26650) (Pictures, Output, Beamshots)

SoCalTiger

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[REVIEW] Sofirn SF22 "Bear Hunter" (18xXM-L2, 4x26650) (Pictures, Output, Beamshots)

The Sofirn SF22 is Sofirn's 18xLED masterpiece and the largest flashlight sold by Sofirn. The SF22 has 18xXM-L2s and is a monstrous flashlight which can be powered by up to 4x26650s for a claimed 6000 lumens. The SF22 can be configured for either 2 or 4 cells via the included extension tube. This light is ideal for bludgeoning metal stakes into the ground, urban assault operations, melee bear hunting and casual jogs around the neighborhood (excluding California and most of Europe).

I was provided a copy for review by Sofirn (Amazon US stock).

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Official Product Specifications
This flashlight provides Sunlight indoors or Shine your backyard as daylight -- Plain and Simple
18× Cree XM-L2 U3 LED Bulbs, comes with all the 5 functioning modes of typical tactical flashlight. Lighting up a football field in dark as a spotlight due to 1000 meter throwing up. Or the super bright Strobe feature that can blink a would-be assailant in an instant while you can run away. Plus, the hard metal composition is useful in an emergency if one is called upon to break a window to help someone.

1, 18 CREE XM-L2 U3 LEDs a maximum light output up to 6000 lumen
2, Made of a high-quality 6061 aluminum alloy, robust construction.
3, Mil SPEC Ⅲ hard-anodized finish, abrasion-resistant, scratch-resistant and shock-resistant.
4, Ultra clear Tempered glass Lens, aluminum light cup and smooth reflector, providing a more concentrated light beam.
5, Amazing range of application, versatile, ideal for hiking, camping, hunting , self defense, Law enforcement and other outdoor activities.
6, *****Please tighten the tail cap, otherwise it might not work because of a loose battery contact
*******Please keep the tail cap and clean, If the control panel of tail cap is dirty, it may cause the battery to a bad contact, resulting in not lit.

What you get:
High power handheld flashlight
2 O-rings
90 days money back, 12 month warranty and Amazing Customer Service!



Packaging and Contents
The SF22 arrived in an exquisite cardboard box which contained the flashlight, extension tube and 2 spare O-rings.

1 x Flashlight + Extension Tube
2 x Spare O-rings, Small
4 x 18650 to 26650 Battery Adapter Sleeves

Exclusive collector's edition box.

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There is no manual included because the use of this light as a bear-hunting mace is pretty self-explanatory anyway.

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18650 to 26650 battery adapter sleeves

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Fit and Finish
The SF22 has thick smooth black low-gloss anodizing (stated as Mil-spec HAIII by the manufacturer). The anodizing was applied well and my copy did not have any notable defects in the finish.

Balance: Due to the large amount of metal needed for bludgeoning with the head, the flashlight is noticeably front-heavy regardless of configuration.

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The cooling fins are really cool looking. This light is much larger physically than it's closest cousin the S70 and the cooling fins are deeper.

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The body has a cut-out section. The cut-out was noticeable but not too sharp.

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The extension tube felt sharp in my hands. I assume this is because the weight is so front-heavy that you would hold it by the front tube anyway. This leaves the lower-half of the flashlight free so that you can upper-cut/slash bears.

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Glass is not AR.

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The host for this light is pretty rad and intimidating. The only thing missing is the built-in ability to mount this to a custom full-auto Saiga-12 with under-barrel grenade launcher, laser sight and dot scope.

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Flashlight even tail-stands

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When on it's head, it feels like those spikes are going to drive right into my wood table, just as it would an attacking bear's skull.

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Tail has some sharp cuts. This light can be used for attack on both ends and gutting fish/gators, etc.

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In 2 cell configuration, the flashlight is 837g (without batteries).

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In 4 cell configuration, the flashlight is just over 1kg (without batteries). By far the heaviest light in my collection right meow.

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User Interface and Modes
Operation:

  • To turn the light ON, press the tail switch.
  • To advance modes, press the side switch (High > Med > Low > Strobe > SOS).
  • To turn the light OFF, press the tail switch.

Forced strobe & SOS mode.
This is so that your flashlight is always ready to blind people/animals and you can't turn strobe off by accident (common noob mistake).


Comment: I recommend a non-assault-model that does not have any Strobe/SOS modes forced.


Output, Runtime and Power
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Measurements were done using freshly charged protected Panasonic NCR18650GAs using a quasi-integrating sphere. Batteries were at 4.17V at start.

Using 4x GAs, I obtained a high of 4100 lumens after 30 seconds (4200 lumens at activation).

Using 2 cells, output would be roughly half. However, I did not measure output with only 2 cells.

The SF22 draws only 1.6A at maximum on my copy.

Comment: With a minimum setting of 1000 lumens, it would be impossible not to blind a home invader at night even if you accidentally had switched your flashlight to Low. You probably don't want to use this light to go to the bathroom at night if you want any semblance of night vision. Good for people who only want high power output. However, I would recommend adding additional modes.
My recommendation for spacing would be roughly: 4000 > 2000 > 1000 > 400 > 80.


Beam Profile
Wide Balanced Thrower. The best way to describe the beam profile is a large wall of directed light due to the sheer number of reflectors which each have OP reflectors. This is the shotgun of flashlights. In close-quarters, this light is a blinding wall of light. At farther distances, the throw is more apparent.

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I doubt it's even legal to carry this thing in public in California.

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Beamshots, Color Temperature and Tint
The color temperature is 6000K (cold neutral) using Lightroom's Auto WB. When white-balanced in Adobe Lightroom against "Daylight 5500K", the beamshots appear cool.

Tint/Green shift: When compared against Daylight WB in Lightroom, this light had +18 green shift. I have observed a range between -10 (rosy) to +20 (greenish) among LED lights.

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Battery Support and Fitment
The SF22 is powered by 4x26650/18650 or 2x26650/18650 batteries (Li-ion INR, ICR, IMR, etc.).

Protected Batteries Fit. The Protected Panasonic NCR18650GAs fit at about 70mm. However, the fit was a little snug length-wise and the spring sounded over-compressed. I recommend using a spring in the tail instead of the plunger design.

As with any multi-cell light, use caution to ensure that batteries are inserted the correct direction. Since this light uses cells in series, you also must be extremely cautious to only used matched/mated cells and monitor them to ensure that they have similar capacities over time as well as similar voltages prior to use. I always check my cells with a voltmeter prior to use in a series device.

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Threads were perfectly square. Only the final tail thread in the extension is fully anodized. So, if you use it in 2 cell configuration, the tail cannot be locked out (except with the tail switch).


Lock-Out
You can lock out the light both with the tail switch and additionally by a partial turn of the tail cap (if using the extension tube).

If there is a possibility of accidental activation, you should lock-out the light.


Size Comparison
Sofirn SF22 pictured next to Maglites for comparison. The Maglites are 2D, 3D and 4D. The SF22 dwarfs even the 4D.

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The SF22 is ideal for people who have finally realized that their C8 cannot be used for CQC.

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Manual
There is no manual included because the use of this light as a bear-hunting mace is pretty self-explanatory anyway. If you need a manual, learn martial arts instead.


Summary and Conclusion

The SF22 is a pretty rad host that no doubt deserves it's place in a trophy shelf or mounted on the wall in place of a hunting rifle. The size and heft of this light is clearly purpose-built for people looking to out-class a 4D Maglite. The design is large, heavy and intimidating. If you carry this around during night time walks for self-defense, people taking one good look at this thing will either leave you alone or call the cops. Even in 2 cell configuration, this light is plenty bright for most usage.

The modes are just okay if you only want a very bright light. However, my recommended spacing would be 4000 > 2000 > 1000 > 400 > 80. I would also recommend hiding the strobe/SOS functions. The firmware in this light was a lost opportunity.

The light uses either 4/2x26650 or 4/2x18650 lithium-ion batteries in series and protected batteries fit but are tight. I prefer using protected batteries for multi-cell lights. Always make sure you are using matched cells in any multi-cell device, especially devices which uses cells in series.

The beam profile is what I describe as a wide balanced thrower which works great outdoors. Due to the lack of low modes, I probably would not use this indoors or if you want to maintain your night vision. The color temp is 6000K (cold neutral).
 

richbuff

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Re: [REVIEW] Sofirn SF22 "Bear Hunter" (18xXM-L2, 4x26650) (Pictures, Output, Beamsho

Thanks for your review of this poly-XM-L2 mega light stick.



I live west of the Mississippi in a non-urban area, so it is acceptable for people to carry big things.

I walk six brisk hilly miles nightly, so my neighbors are used to seeing me two-fisting larger than urban-size lights.

Thanks again for your detailed review!
 

Keitho

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Re: [REVIEW] Sofirn SF22 "Bear Hunter" (18xXM-L2, 4x26650) (Pictures, Output, Beamsho

"Exquisite cardboard box," awesome!

I'm patiently waiting for Vinh to stuff this host with 18x70.2, should be over 100k lumens for the few milliseconds before it melts...
 

hank

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Re: [REVIEW] Sofirn SF22 "Bear Hunter" (18xXM-L2, 4x26650) (Pictures, Output, Beamsho

Cuuuute! I recently bought a couple of their 3x26650 "AIMAI ARF01" 7-emitter lights, which are plenty stunning.
H/M/L/Strobe, and each level takes about 30 seconds for mode memory to get established.
Interesting company, interesting products worth watching for.
 

lumen aeternum

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Re: [REVIEW] Sofirn SF22 "Bear Hunter" (18xXM-L2, 4x26650) (Pictures, Output, Beamsho

How much does a 4D Mag weigh?
EDIT:
Weight With Batteries
36 oz. 1043 g

So the Sofirn would be a bit heavier when including the batteries.

Is the cigar ring at the rear removable, so it might fit into a "ring" type carry holster (the Mag carry ring)?
NO unless that whole short piece can be deleted.

How is the balance compared to the 4D Mag?
Why doesn't it have a hole near the front so you can attach a shoulder carry type strap?
Threaded hole for tripod mounting?

EDIT: so Mag is selling an incan 4D in their Outlet section for under $30 + postage. A TerraLUX 1000 Lm insert w/ 3 LEDs is $60. So the price point of the Sofirn is attractive even if its true brightness is more like 3500 Lm. Would be a sure buy if it had levels under 1000 Lm.
 
Last edited:

lumen aeternum

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Re: [REVIEW] Sofirn SF22 "Bear Hunter" (18xXM-L2, 4x26650) (Pictures, Output, Beamsho

Does this need high drain batteries to get full brightness?
Reviewer on other site (BLF?) says he modified the resistance (lowered) to get closer to the rated lumens.
Wish I knew how to do that.
 
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SoCalTiger

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Re: [REVIEW] Sofirn SF22 "Bear Hunter" (18xXM-L2, 4x26650) (Pictures, Output, Beamsho

Is the cigar ring at the rear removable, so it might fit into a "ring" type carry holster (the Mag carry ring)?
NO unless that whole short piece can be deleted.

Unfortunately the tactical ring on this light is part of the tail cap. So, it cannot be removed.

How is the balance compared to the 4D Mag?
Why doesn't it have a hole near the front so you can attach a shoulder carry type strap?
Threaded hole for tripod mounting?

Balance-wise, this light is relatively front-heavy. In comparison the head of the Maglite (even my old one which is almost 20 years old) is feather-light. With the Maglite, most of the weight seems to come from the batteries rather than the body itself. So it's very balanced in your hand. I hold the SF22 right below the head. The SF22 is definitely the better choice if you want something specifically for sheer weight and if you wanted to swing it, the head would be the best impact point, like a mace - which is also why you need the ring at the base of the tube. Whereas with the Maglite, it's meant to be held at shoulder-level and held by the head as you bring it down. I guess you could also hold this up at shoulder-level and bring it straight down with the spikes in the front.

No idea why it does not support a shoulder strap. Definitely an oversight with a light this size & weight.

No tripod hole either.

EDIT: so Mag is selling an incan 4D in their Outlet section for under $30 + postage. A TerraLUX 1000 Lm insert w/ 3 LEDs is $60. So the price point of the Sofirn is attractive even if its true brightness is more like 3500 Lm. Would be a sure buy if it had levels under 1000 Lm.

If you're in the US, it looks like the 4D Mag can be had as low as $22 on Amazon (Free S&H if you already have Prime or hit the order minimum).
 

SoCalTiger

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Re: [REVIEW] Sofirn SF22 "Bear Hunter" (18xXM-L2, 4x26650) (Pictures, Output, Beamsho

Does this need high drain batteries to get full brightness?
Reviewer on other site (BLF?) says he modified the resistance (lowered) to get closer to the rated lumens.
Wish I knew how to do that.

I used protected GAs to get the output that I did (GAs are rated as 10A continuous but that one vaper that does battery measurements rated it as 12A continuous). I only measured 1.62A draw with the light stock so even lesser batteries may be okay. But with a light that uses batteries in series, I prefer having higher-draw batteries with more headroom.
 

lumen aeternum

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Re: [REVIEW] Sofirn SF22 "Bear Hunter" (18xXM-L2, 4x26650) (Pictures, Output, Beamsho

>I used protected GAs to get the output that I did (GAs are rated as 10A continuous but that one vaper that does battery measurements rated it as 12A continuous).
>

GA ??? Link?
 

lumen aeternum

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Re: [REVIEW] Sofirn SF22 "Bear Hunter" (18xXM-L2, 4x26650) (Pictures, Output, Beamsho

Anyone know how to stop the auto-scrolling on the Sofirn store at Alieexpress?
Trying to look at something & it goes away... don't see any <> to go back either.
 
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lumen aeternum

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Re: [REVIEW] Sofirn SF22 "Bear Hunter" (18xXM-L2, 4x26650) (Pictures, Output, Beamsho

> 4 x 18650 to 26650 Battery Adapter Sleeves
>
Huh? Isn't the 26650 FATTER than the 18650? So you need to adapt the unit to take the smaller diameter battery.
So its the "designed diameter" 26650 _to_ smaller diameter 18650 adapter.

Their website lists this light as being an 18650 light. But if its the diameter of 26650, then its a 26650 light.
idiots.
 

SoCalTiger

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Re: [REVIEW] Sofirn SF22 "Bear Hunter" (18xXM-L2, 4x26650) (Pictures, Output, Beamsho

You can get protected Panasonic 18650 GA batteries at Mtn Electronics and Liionwholesale, among other places if you are in the US.

Yes, it is technically a 26650 flashlight. I refer to them as "18650 to 26650 Battery Adapter Sleeves" because you are adapting an 18650 battery to fit in a 26650 flashlight. You can use 18650s or 26650s - whatever you prefer.
 
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