I already have the V2.0 version and picked up this upgraded Sofirn SP33 V3.0 to see what’s changed.
On paper it looks very similar to the SP33 V2.0 but in reality just how different is it?

Lets start with the overall presentation. Sofirn have moved away from the plain brown cardboard box of old and are now using printed boxes with molded plastic trays inside. This gives a positive first impression and gives Sofirn a more professional appearance to their products and you can imagine them on display in retail stores now.

Almost every detail has seen some small improvements.

⦁ The most noticeable being the larger Stainless Steel Strike Bezel which is more aggressive looking.
⦁ The anodizing is also glossier than my V2.0.
⦁ With a softer, less rigid coating the USB cable has a more premium feel and is of a decent length.
⦁ You can see there’s deeper fins around the head to help aid heat dissipation.
⦁ The addition of USB C charging is great and this has a really tight fitting rubber boot for protection.

If we compare the technical specs the V3 has slightly different mode spacings, the 1 lumen low mode is much better for creeping about at night without ruining your night vision or disturbing anyone else in the house!

As the mode spacings are slightly different they equate to a difference in projected run times. I tend to use the ramping feature so these are more indicative values for me personally. Specifications wise they are ‘almost’ identical, the V2 is a couple mm longer but the V3 is a smidgen heavier.

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I am always a bit wary of integrated USB charging and water ingress.

I don’t have facilities for 2m deep water testing however I did give it a good dunk in my sink and as you can see it passed my simple test no problem. Incidentally I accidentally dropped this down my stairs and it continued to work without issue, not even a scratch. This thing is solidly made!

I can’t say for sure but to achieve the increased throw I’m guessing the Orange peel reflector has been altered a bit for the V3 as it definitely has a wider surrounding spill and throws just a bit further than it’s predecessor. This makes it useful for every day tasks.

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What does this mean in practical terms? Well, as you can see in the video clips below, the V2.0 is no slouch and is a perfectly capable torch however with the wider spill, being generally brighter overall the V3.0 is a clear winner.

Final Thoughts:

I like this new SP33 a lot, I’d say it’s a perfect ‘Muggle’ Flashlight for someone who just want’s a solid dependable torch without the complication of fancy UI’s. The Sofirn UI is relatively simple to use and the integrated USB port means you don’t need a separate charger. It feels comfortable in the hand, and the larger 26650 cell allows for long run times.

I was surprised at how much more I preferred the beam on this compared to the V2.0, mine seems to have a slightly warmer tint which, for me at least, is much more usable when out in the woods walking one of my dogs. The Turbo is brighter than you’ll need for general use and the low moon mode is really handy for use around the house without disturbing anyone.

Things I like:
• Build quality is really good.
• The UI is nice and no fuss and I like the ramping mode.
• Long press for moon and double press for Turbo is perfect, with the option of evenly spaced brightness levels or smooth ramping being easily changeable with 4 clicks from on.
• This is comfortable in the hand. Really good length and thickness for a pocketable EDC

Things I don’t like:
• The button is slightly raised which means it’s easy to accidentally turn this on in a pocket or bag, or even just brushing it with a finger is enough to activate it.
• The battery could be tighter as it has a little rattle if you shake the light, this is also present on my V2.0 and I’d have liked Sofirn to have fixed it on this version.

Torched Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

If the button was less easy to turn on by accident and they’d eliminated the battery rattle I’d have given this a full 5 rating no problem. It’s a solid little light!