It’s a big EDC market out there, and tons of awesome gear is released all the time. We made The Drop to help you discover the latest and greatest essentials worth a spot in your EDC.
Modern LED flashlights let you carry what feels like the sun’s power in your pockets. That’s because efficient LED emitter technology has converged with higher battery capacity and throughput to enable the kind of brightness people used to dream about having. And one of the leaders driving innovation for LED flashlights is Sofirn, a brand trusted by many everyday carry enthusiasts today. They’ve just introduced their new SC33 EDC flashlight, which features massive power and throw distance in a compact, pocketable package.
The Sofirn SC33 features an XHP70.3 HI LED module powered by a single rechargeable 21700 lithium-ion battery, with two tint options in either 6500k or 5000k. It features a blinding 5,200-lumen maximum output on Turbo, and it can throw that crazy brightness out to a distance of 1072 feet. Keeping the 21700 battery topped off is easy, thanks to the built-in USB-C port in the light’s precision-machined aluminum body. And for peace of mind, the Sofirn SC33 features IP68 waterproofing against moisture and dust ingress.
Functionally, you get a bright searchlight functionality from the SC33 in a relatively compact 5.15” package that will fit most pockets. Sofirn opted for a rear tail switch for easy one-handed operation. With it, you can access six brightness levels and convenient Strobe, SOS, and Beacon modes. And because having 5,200 lumens go off in your pockets can lead to some discomfort (like the serious potential for melting and burning both your clothing and what’s under them), the Sofirn SC33 features an automatic lockout mode that requires clicking the rear tail switch more than once to prevent it from going off when you don’t want it to.
What we like: With a maximum of 5,200 lumens, the Sofirn SC33 is one of the brightest and most potent EDC LED flashlights you can buy today. And it can do this while being a fraction of the size (and cost) of a traditional searchlight, with USB-C rechargeability to boot.
What to watch out for: As mentioned above, 5,200 lumens is a lot of output to put right next to your skin or to shine into your or someone else’s eyes accidentally. Take extra care when using the light!
Final verdict: The Sofirn SC33 is one of the brightest LED flashlights you can add to your everyday carry today, from a brand known for providing exceptional value for enthusiasts without the heavy price tag.
