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
