I received my Hammer last week and it is wonderful. If one only ever buys one torch then this is it. Jan Arkert, Wilderness

I loved using my HS40 Hammer headlamp on a recent epic journey through Malawi and Mozambique. The beam has three settings – the brightest was very useful in and around the campsite while setting up or breaking down, the medium was great for cooking over a campfire or gas cooker, and the least bright for chatting to fellow travellers without blinding them. Like all headlights, the ability to use it hands-free makes it a multi-use torch. The head strap has the standard sweat-band support but, in addition, a central cross strap that supports it firmly on one’s forehead, which is essential for multi-tasking on bush holidays. Load-shedding has also made this an essential everyday tool at home! Gillian Scott-Berning, Durban

Note that I've recently received stock of the HS40 Hammer, which is a major upgrade on the SP40 Hammer. The reviews below refer to the older model, and those above to the new one.

The SP40 Hammer has been the best purchase I've made in recent years. I bought it in 2020 and it has treated me so well. It's astonishing that more people don't have headlamps – they are so practical! I find it's ideal to have your hands free and light wherever you turn your head. I've used it for reading, building puzzle, cleaning the pool, cooking on a gas stove, braaing, patrolling, gardening, and so much more. Even my wife uses it. The magnetic tail cap has also proven useful. The strap is still in great shape and totally comfortable. Ricky Coelho, Ferndale, Randburg

Not only is the SP40 Hammer my favourite head-torch because of its tough exterior and comfortable strap, but it also has the warmest beam-tint on the market! The Torchguy specifically ordered this model for me so I could check the real colour of the meat on the braai, not a bleached version – the 4,000 kelvin tint is definitely warmer than your average 5,000K neutral white, and positively sizzling compared to 6,500k cool white light. The run-time is long and turning the Hammer on and off is a very simple operation. I love this guy! Mark Thomas, Mowbray

"You have WHAT in your pants!? Ag shame, it's so tiny!" That's the reaction I got after I received my SP40 Hammer from the Torchguy. I asked him for a torch that could fit easily in my pocket, alongside a folding knife, and could withstand some serious knocks and water splashes. I was also interested in a light that could stand on its tail to shine upward or sideways. Mark recommended the Hammer which has a periscope head, a powerful magnet in the tailcap and takes a half-length 18350 battery. This thing is so small I don't even feel it in my pocket. I always give the tailcap half a twist as recommended to prevent accidental hot pants. What a relief to have the right light at hand when you need it. Diether Etzel, Scarborough

A solidly built and versatile headlamp and torch. It is an excellent torch that you can really use in awkward situations (think mechanics, handymen, plumbers, electricians) – because of the periscope design and strong magnetic tailcap, headband and pocket clip you can light up many hard-to-reach areas. The Samsung LED is high CRI (90) so it's great for someone who needs to light up their work but also needs the colour to be true. If it had the same Luminus SST40 as the SC31 Pro and Anduril UI (or at least smooth ramping vs. stepped) it would win as the ultimate pocket sized EDC, especially when using the short tube for the 18350 battery. Graeme Ho You, Wendywood, Jhb

So I played with the Hammer. Very very nice! Sofirn is just such an underrated torch manufacturer, they make great flashlights with a perceived quality second to none. The Hammer is the same, the fit and finish is on a different level, it exudes quality and I remain impressed with all things Sofirn. As for the light output, another "OTP" as the baseballers would say... The LED tint, fantastic. The ratio of flood to distance, magnificent. And the runtime in the different modes, benchmark! Not to mention the versatility of the periscope design. All I can say is "Sofirn, keep ‘em coming..." Final word for the service that you render to your customers Mark – simply put, the best I've come across!! José Murta, Kempton Park

The Hammer is a nice light. Its versatility comes in the way of having a headband and a magnetic base. I really bought it to use in my workshop, where the lighting is not as good as I’d like – for example clamped by the magnet onto my bandsaw to light up the pencil line that determines my exact cut. Dr Alan Carlston, Cresta, Jhb

I recently had the pleasure of buying a pair of SP40 Hammer headlamps from Mark the Torchguy – one for me and one for my wife so she can read during loadshedding. On unboxing all was in place. I charged up the headlamps and thought I'd get to them later, but later came sooner for me when the garage door circuit-breaker tripped – these things always happen at night! I put my SP40 into its headstrap, which was easier than I thought it would be, and donned the contraption. I thought it was going to be heavy on the head but it wasn't at all – the head band is reassuringly secure. I then marched into the garage to go scratching around in all the dark corners – thank the maker I had the SP40, it is without doubt the best headlamp I have ever owned! It wasn’t fiddly at all, it steps through its modes and just works. It gave me a good spread and sweet hot spot so I could focus on what I was working on while still being aware of where cables were coming from and going to, and I could watch all the wildlife in the garage (I think the daddy long legs like the SP40 too!) I have used headlamps before but in comparison they are horrible. The SP40 was presented with a real-world test and passed with flying colours, surpassing my expectations! Thanks Mark for the great service and a great product. Gareth Owen, Bruma, Jhb

I do a lot of rebuilds on old British bikes, and I'm always finding dark corners in the bikes that my old eyes don't see so well even with upgraded LED strip tubes in my workshop. I also need both of my greasy hands free, so working with the Hammer headlamp is perfect, and I can adjust the light so I don't get glare back. Steve Edwards, Ballito

The SP40 Hammer is extremely versatile – it can be removed from the band and used as a hand torch, it fits perfectly in one's pocket, and it comes with a nice array of accessories for the different carry options. USB charging is an absolute bonus and I really think this is the perfect camping and working light. For its size, the brightness on full power is impressive. Gerritjan Amoraal, Waltloo, Pretoria

This is just to let you know that, even though you have the "big cannons" in your arsenal, it's sometimes the smaller torches that work best. I realised this again last weekend when braaing – it was just so convenient to use the magnet in the Hammer's tail to attach it to the right spot for illumination. My son in law was so impressed that he will be in touch shortly about getting his own. Dries Teubes, Tzaneen

This is my second happy purchase from the Torchguy. I always receive amazing service and have all my questions answered. I was impressed by the quality of my first SP40 Hammer and opted to buy the same unit. The interchangeable battery sizes are great, providing versatility so I can comfortably use the torch for hiking, camping, running and loadshedding. Losing the previous unit was a sore loss, but I managed to replace it in just a few days. 10/10 service! Andrew Noakes, Centurion

The SP40 Hammer is incredible! It offers more options than most of the headlamps I've owned combined, with excellent battery life and price per lumen compared to other brands. It's one of my favourite torches on the market to date. Kyle McLaren, Pretoria

Hi Mark, I know you are anxious to get feedback on the product you sold me, which says something... well, I was just as anxious to test the SP40 Hammer when I went fishing on Boxing Day. I do realise the Hammer is a pocket-torch that can also be used as a head-lamp, and I'm comparing it to the top-of-the-range head torch from *** ****** which is bright enough for cycling at night and costs very much more. Well, on "turbo" the Hammer is just as bright – seriously! The other headlamp has a "diamond white" beam compared to the Hammer which is slightly more orange, but I've learned from using LED lights on my cars that a very white light does not necessarily mean you can see any better – I can understand why BMW and other off-road motorcycles have orange or yellow headlights. The Hammer fits very nicely on my head and I was almost unaware of it, compared to the heavy dual lenses on the *** which never stays in place regardless of how tightly I adjust the straps, and I am also always aware of the very heavy battery pack fitted to my belt. The other headlamp has lots of nice features (wide/narrow beam, independent functionality of two lenses etc) but they can also be very frustrating. For my purposes (fishing, hiking, working on my car) the Hammer is just perfect – it really is an astonishing little torch. I needed to replace the battery pack on my old headlamp and the quote I received was for more than the cost of the Hammer complete with battery and delivery! I could not help remembering what you said in your first email when I made enquiry about the battery-pack: "I don't sell *** ****** or any torches with battery packs because they are just an excuse to separate customers from their money." Look, the other headlamp is a damn good torch, although too heavy and complicated for my liking, but if I had known about you a few years back I would have bought FOUR Hammers with the same money and lit the hell out of all the dark places around me! Everything you said about the torch is true – thank you for that. At 67 I don't see me buying many more torches but I am happy that I will not go down without seeing the light (mean this in every sense). Once again, thank you for your honesty and good advice. You are doing some good for your customers and should be proud. Derrick Hendricks, Mossel Bay

I have been used to a conventional headlamp, so the way the SP40 fits and the operation of the light takes some getting use to, but the settings are easily managed and once you get use to the strange shape the torch becomes comfortable and is a pleasure! On the turbo setting it's potent, and the build quality is excellent. A nice addition to the collection! Dr Karl von Buddenbrock, Nelspruit

The quality of this torch is the same as my other Sofirns – excellent! Light output is almost unbelievable for such a small unit. It’s more versatile than a conventional torch for me – I use it as a work-light rather than a walk-around torch. Ergonomics are good – it’s easy to find the switch in pitch darkness. The Hammer uses readily available 18650’s so it's a good idea to have two. The on-board charging works but I will probably just swap batteries and only use on-board if I get stuck. It fits nicely in a pocket. The tail magnet does its job at all angles and this feature is very useful. This little torch is a great all-round provider of sunshine! Lee Brand, Blockbuster Drains, Benoni

I experienced the Hammer last night. What an incredible and versatile instrument! Besides the amazing performance, one feature I really appreciate is the ability to charge it from the USB port in my vehicle whilst on the move! Thank you for introducing me to this product. Pat Sander, Emmarentia, Jhb

Nothing makes you feel more manly (sorry ladies) than having a well-built torch that makes you feel you can take over the world! That's how I felt when I purchased the Hammer headlamp to use when when getting into tight spaces in a roof looking for leaks. Needless to say I've ended up using it for a lot more than that, including getting the genny going every time "our friend Eskom" makes his appearance. So thank you for this little masterpiece! Sedrick Strachan, Cape Town

My wife bought me the Sofirn SP40 Hammer for my birthday last week. What a great little torch – and so handy! I have it standing next to my bed and pop it on when I need a light without disturbing my wife! Very happy with it. Looking forward to using it as a headlamp for my next night-time braai! Andrew Larsen, Johannesburg

I’m so impressed with the Sofirn Hammer! Not only is it beautiful but also extremely functional. I have used it as a headlamp and it also fits perfectly in my hand. Amazing light source and I’m glad I decided on the high-capacity battery. It really is good value for money and the service I received from you was phenomenal! Dr Johan Momberg, Pretoria

I am really impressed with how much light this little torch puts out (1200 lumens). It has a broad hotspot with a smooth roll off into a nice wide spill. I was initially a little sceptical about the 90-degree light orientation but after using it I am no longer concerned. I thought it would feel unnatural to hold but in the end it's perfect. The user interface is very easy and intuitive, and the internal charging is a nice bonus. The build quality is excellent. In short I would definitely recommend this flashlight to anyone looking for a great small form-factor torch that packs a punch much bigger than it should. Gareth Wooding, Northcliff, Jhb

The SP40 Hammer is very useful in a home environment as it lights up a wide area very brightly! The small size makes it easy to move around and the magnetic tailcap is very handy, allowing you to a attach the light to different surfaces in and around the house. Jeff Baguley, Johannesburg

I am very pleased with my purchase of the SP40 Hammer! The internal charging works like a charm, the machining and finish is excellent, I can vouch for the quality of the Keeppower battery from my other torch, and the head strap is comfortable and well built. The silicone holder is a bit too tight for my liking but this is nitpicking – overall a quality product! Martin Mulder, Pretoria

When I calculated what I've spent on AAA batteries over the years for my store-bought headlamp, getting one with rechargeable batteries seemed like a good idea so I started to investigate. However I was left a little shaken at the prices of the well-advertised ones. Fortunately I discovered Mark who introduced me to the SP40 Hammer. What a step up from my decent store-bought headlamp! It's a little heavier but it's three times as bright, lasts significantly longer at a higher output and I can charge it from any USB socket. It also looks to be much more robust and I can use it like a normal torch when at home. What a gem! Shaun Rootman, Durban North

A while back I bought the SP40 Hammer for my wife. Nowadays, when my Roboguard alerts me of movement in the garden, I tend to grab the Hammer because I can poke its smaller head through the diamond mesh on our veranda and have a clear view of the whole yard. If I try to use my bigger torch it blinds me with the glare from the mesh, so full marks for that versatility! Dries Teubes, Tzaneen

The SP40 is a powerhouse and the magnet has really come in handy already – I can leave it out of reach of our toddler but still have easy access to it, or put the torch up high and shine the beam down as opposed to having to bounce it off the ceiling like I do with my other torch. Glen Dowie, Lone Hill, Jhb

I am so glad I got the Hammers. As you know I’ve bought several torches from you over time but, like firearms, a shotgun or bazooka in the safe is not as useful as a .22 in the pocket. The Sofirn SP40 is just awesome – it’s small enough to take everywhere but not too small for a man’s hand. It’s simple to operate, it’s got internal charging (which I like) and it's both dim and powerful enough, as required. For me it's the perfect everyday carry torch – it should be in every pocket, car cubbyhole, bedside table and, once we’re allowed to travel again, in every traveler’s bag. Gerrie Bosman, Noordhoek, Cape Town

Thank you - I received the SP40 Hammer yesterday. Charged it overnight and it surely has a bright light. Will find some excuse to look for animals in the garden tonight. Francois Peenz, Johannesburg

The SP40 Hammer torch has arrived and is causing great excitement! My daughter is going to light up the way for the whole running team. Sue Foster, Pinelands

I decided to treat my wife to the SP40 Hammer when I bought myself a torch from the Torchguy. She was and is still very impressed! When an electrician was installing a switchover system for a generator at our home it took longer than anticipated and his assistant pulled out his cell phone to illuminate the job. I immediately got my wife's new Hammer, attached it to a nearby doorframe with the magnetic foot and lit up his job for almost an hour on high – this alone was reason enough for the purchase! Dries Teubes, Tzaneen

The user interface on the SP40 Hammer is very intuitive, and the battery indicator light in the power button is a great visual reference. I had a lot of fun sticking the torches to anything magnetic – Yolanda commented that I'm such a child at times :-)) The lumen range is very usable, with 450 lumens being more than adequate to light up any room in the house, and the turbo lighting up the entire garden. Perhaps the only thing missing is a 1 lumen (or less) moonlight mode. I'm running one of my SP40s in "kurz" formation in the headband, with an 18350 Li-Ion. The headband is great, and the reduced weight of the torch with the short battery tube and battery make it very comfortable to wear. So far, I've run it around the house testing the various modes and repaired my daughter's bedroom door lock earlier this evening with it on the 90 lumen mode. My daughter's had a ton of fun with it and I can see I'll be ordering her one in the not too distant future... The second SP40 has quickly become my dedicated pocket torch. Even with the full-length battery tube, 18650 Li-Ion and pocket clip it's lighter and more compact than a tube torch. Tested the 5-lumen mode in the cinema today while watching Star Wars – great for finding dropped items without blinding yourself or disturbing other movie-goers. Everything a clumsy person like me could want! Shane Viljoen, Sandton

The SP40 Hammer is a well thought out design with beautiful aesthetics and a wonderful feel in the hand. The 90 degree offset head makes me feel like a tunnel rat in Vietnam! I like the magnetic tailpiece that's strong enough to support it horizontally, as well as the fact that it can lie on its side while using the pocket clip to orient it to any angle – for example on a garage floor while lying under your car. At first the rubber cover over the USB port looked bulky but I like it because there's a serious tang which is not likely to come adrift, as most cheapies do. The charging port and charge-indicator lights are an added bonus. The Hammer is now my ultimate go-to flashlight as it can be charged anywhere. The headstrap is high quality and very comfortable. The different intensity levels are wonderful and the double-tap for turbo is brilliant – it’s so simple and easy to use yet still feels like a flashlight with all the bells and whistles. I can highly recommend the Hammer as one of the most versatile all-round work flashlights that anyone could desire. An added bonus is that I now have a flashlight that will turn a few heads and start a conversation, and once again I have a better toy than my mates! Mike Posthumus, Bethlehem

The SP40 Hammer is a lovely little torch – especially with the smaller battery. It doesn’t seem to be as powerful as the original Cyclops that I used to run with, but it's certainly powerful enough and much lighter (no need to also run with a cap). Matt Archer, Sandton

The SP40 Hammer has definitely become my new favourite torch – I used the short version in a headband while upgrading my laptop's RAM and installing a solid state drive a couple of days ago. Depending on the precision of the task, either the 90 or 450 lumen modes were put to very good use. This torch is definitely a no-brainer – small, light, powerful and infinitely versatile :) To mis-quote Tom Hanks in Toy Story, "If you don't have one, get one!" Shane Viljoen, Sandton

Hammer headlamp is an absolute beast. Lasted all weekend. Throws a beautiful light. Very excited. Carl de Coning, Cape Town

I went for a night trail-run last week. The other runners all whipped out their [camping store headlamps] so when I strapped on my Sofirn Hammer I could see the smug behind-the-hand snickers – until I turned that baby on and double clicked for turbo. Oh boy, fun times! I was using the shorter of the two batteries so it was perfect as a running light – not too heavy but big enough to last the entire run on high. Rod Gilson, Strand

First the anxious wait for the batteries to charge – you know the story about waiting for a kettle to boil?! Well the smaller 18350 battery was charged first so I spent quite a bit of time checking out the settings – what a little jewel of a torch! When the 18650 Li-Ion was charged I was impressed by the clever extension tube to hold the longer battery and extend the run-time. Burton Saunders, Glenvista Ext 5