[REVIEW] Sofirn C8A "XP-L2 2,000 lumen Hot Rod" (XP-L2, 1x18650) (Pics, Beamshots ++)

SoCalTiger

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[REVIEW] Sofirn C8A "XP-L2 2,000 lumen Hot Rod" (XP-L2, 1x18650) (Pics, Beamshots ++)

The Sofirn C8A is one of Sofirn's new C8 18650 flashlights (which include the C8T and triple-emitter C8F). The C8A is a single 18650 "C8 style" flashlight which utilizes a domed Cree XP-L2 in a polished reflector with a throwy beam. Output is speced at a max of 1747 lumens (I measured ~2000 lumens @ 30 sec.) The C8A comes from the factory with a very pleasant warm-neutral tint of ~4800K.

I had the opportunity to evaluate the Sofirn C8A and was provided a copy for review by Sofirn (sent direct from manufacturer).

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Official Product Specifications

  • CCT Range: 5350K-5700K, Neutral White (NW)
  • Voltage: 2.8V-4.2 Volts
  • Power: C8A--(18W,Max current 5.6A) , C8T--(14W,Max current 4.5A), Please be sure your battery could support this high current
  • Dimension: 44.6mm(head) *24.5mm(body diameter)*144mm(length)
  • Net Weight: 140 gram (no battery included)
  • Material: 6063 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy
  • Light Cup: smooth reflector
  • Made by 6063 aluminum alloy, CNC machines, Premium type Ⅲ hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish to get solid built body, anti-crash and better heat exchange
  • Toughened glass lens with AR coating, anti-crash and wearable
  • The water-resistant level is IPX-8, it can be used in underwater 2 meters for 30 minutes. And it is used in rainstorm.
  • Mode Memory: Yes. The current mode can be memorized if the flashlight turns on more than 2 seconds. Turn it on next time, it is the original mode memorized.
  • Low voltage protection: Yes. The light is automatically turns off when the voltage is lower than 2.8 volts. The signal is that the light slowly flashes for 1 minutes
  • Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation. The light is off if battery install improper.
  • Battery: It powered by one 3.7V 18650 battery ( not included,suggest unprotected battery)


Packaging and Contents
Box, C8A, Manual and Lanyard. No O-rings with my copy.

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Fit and Finish
The C8A has smooth black anodizing that appears somewhat matte. The anodizing was applied well and my copy did not have any notable defects in the finish. The design uses the standard C8 base style and adds some Sofirn styled touches like the ridges in the body.

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The threads are extremely nice (best I have seen from Sofirn yet) and they mate with Convoy. Very smooth and the entry thread is nicely tapered. I did not add any lube. The rear thread is anodized.

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Springs are bypassed from the factory!!!

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Factory bypassed!

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Output, Runtime and Power
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Measurements were done using a freshly charged protected Panasonic NCR18650GA hot off the charger.

I estimate High is practically 2,000 lumens at 30 seconds. Peak at activation was about 2100+ lumens.

"Moon" mode was about half a lumen.


Beam Profile
Throwy. The C8A uses a domed Cree XP-L2 in a polished reflector.

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Beamshots, Color Temperature and Tint

The Sofirn C8A is a very nice warm neutral white. I measured mine at ~4900K although the official specs listed it as closer to daylight 5500K. The light appears slightly warm white in practice. There is some temperature variance throughout the beam with the hotspot being the warmest point. This is a very good choice of default color temperature.

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Battery Support and Fitment

The C8A is powered by 1x18650 lithium-ion (INR, IMR, ICR, etc.)

Protected Batteries Fit. The Protected Panasonic NCR18650GA fits fine length-wise and width-wise. The dual-spring design is very tolerant of a range of battery lengths.

Button vs Flat-Top: Flat-top batteries should also fit due to the dual battery springs although I did not test this.

The positive & negative contacts are both springs.


Lock-Out
You can physically lock-out the light by loosening the tail one-half turn to break the circuit.

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


Size Reference
Flashlight pictured next to another C8, 18650 and Q8 for reference.

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Summary and Conclusion
This is a very nice "Hot Rod C8" that comes with the springs bypassed from the factory. Putting out 2,000 lumens stock, I could not ask for more from a C8. This light performs very well although at full power it can start to get warm quickly. This light also provides a very nice Moon mode which can be avoided by switching between Mode Sets. The only down-side is that the Mode Set which includes Moon also includes strobe. Fortunately for me, I rarely have a need for a Moon setting in a C8. However, it would be nice if there were 3 mode sets - 1) Normal (Low / Med / High) 2) Normal + Moon 3) Normal + Strobe

The beam profile is throwy as can be expected with a C8 although since the C8A has a domed emitter, it is not overly throwy (this is good IMO).


I liked the warm neutral color temperature.
 

Derek Dean

Flashlight Enthusiast
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Nov 14, 2006
Messages
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Location
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Re: [REVIEW] Sofirn C8A "XP-L2 2,000 lumen Hot Rod" (XP-L2, 1x18650) (Pics, Beamshots

Very nice review, SoCalTiger. Beautiful photos and thorough descriptions...... only thing missing is some outdoor beam shots..... hint hint : )
 

Scourie

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Re: [REVIEW] Sofirn C8A "XP-L2 2,000 lumen Hot Rod" (XP-L2, 1x18650) (Pics, Beamshots

Seconded, nice review. What was the peak intensity, so we can get an idea of the throw?
 

JeJe.us

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Nov 20, 2017
Messages
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Re: [REVIEW] Sofirn C8A "XP-L2 2,000 lumen Hot Rod" (XP-L2, 1x18650) (Pics, Beamshots

Wow!! Couldn't ask for a better review. Thank you very much for the Info and Details. Very easy to understand and well formatted with great pictures included. Would have been awsome with some outdoor shots but never the less excellent. Thank you!
 

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