Convoy flashlight opinions?

[PaladinNO]

You're going to need a hand truck to roll that many Convoy lights into your house.
their value is incredible.

Whole order was "only" 7 lights, with batteries + some accessories. :)
Details here.

Fun fact: we already have a hand truck, I bought that back in 2024 thinking I would need it to handle all our nets with firewood when I was clearing and cleaning inside the garage (I didn't use the hand truck once - doing the moving by hand was much faster and convenient).

Yeah, that's why I buy some many Convoys. EXCELLENT value for testing new emitters!
...Then I can buy an Emisar with my favourites - for the more premium Anduril features - and already know what I will get.

Current lights in the Convoy shopping cart is:
Replacement 3X21E, 519A 1800K
M26D, 519A 1800K + Keeppower 26650
2x 30° bead TIR optics
2x 10° bead TIR optics
L21A, KT CULPM1.13 ("Verdure", 530 nm)
L21A holster
Second try at the "green thrower" I wanted. Extra TIR optics for more playing around with the 3X21E.

And for a friend of mine:
T4 Camouflage Blue, 519A 2700K
T4 jagged bezel

...Another ~200 USD total.

I didn't intend to buy more lights now!! I was even trying to save up some cash, but I guess there is no escape.

 

[PaladinNO]

Simon agreed on a 25 USD discount on a new 3X21E.
Order has been made, but payment cancelled per Simon's instructions, as he said he would correct the price for me before paying.

So that will be a 3rd 3X21E, 519A 1800K. And I also have a 3X21E, 519A 4000K. All with 60° TIR optics.
I also ordered some more TIR optics, 3x 30° bead and 3x 10° bead - a review said the 10° bead gives a slightly narrower beam than the 10° flat. I have already received the flat ones, so I figured I would try the bead as well.

Also ordered a L21A, KT CULPM1.13 "verdant light" (aka Osram 525 nm green) + holster.
Plus a T4 Camouflage Blue + SS jagged bezel, and a M26C diffuser for a friend of mine.

EDIT:
It seems I had managed to activate the Turbo II-mode on the 3X21E that broke - the 54A mode (double-click and hold). That would explain why the light felt significantly brighter than I remembered it being, after only recharging the batteries. And also why the LED burned out. :/

 

[PaladinNO]

Ugh, I am still not having enough of Convoy...

Is there any reason why the SST-20-DR can't be put into the 3X21C? Is the Voltage too different for the driver compared to a White LED?
I am looking for a large, powerful red light for light therapy. And wanted to ask here first, before looking stupid when asking Simon. ^^

Convoy 3X21C 21700 flashlight - Convoy flashlight

Convoy 3X21C 21700 flashlight

convoylight.com

Also, I am considering a decent flood light for indoor use, in large rooms. Preferably single 27100, I would like it to be easily pocketable and / or managable with one hand while carrying / handling something in the other. Looking at the M21K, LHP73B 5000K or M3-C, SFT-70 5000K.

Rooms equivalent of this - except there is zero light in them. There are several interconnected shelters in the basement of the school where I'm working, and much like the image below, it's mostly used for storage now. I.e. filled with trip hazards. Last time I was down there, I tried flicking two different light switches but nothing happened.

Currently using a Fenix LR35R, but I would like more flood. And I can't believe the words coming out of my keyboard right now, but (trust me, I will repent later)...the CRI doesn't matter for this light.

EDIT:
What about the Wuben X1?
On paper, that looks to be exactly what I want. Up to ~2500 Lumen sustained, according the 1Lumen review.

 

[Jean-Luc Descarte]

Sorry about the question about the SST20-DR, I can't help you on that one.

No opinion on the X1, I'm not familiar with Wuben. I will say that you don't want the M21K for this, though. All tests and beamshots I've seen about it show a narrow throwy beam that only floods out of sheer brute force. And indeed, Simon only stocks the 3º TIR, so the polar opposite of what you need.

The M3-C would work here but only with the LHP73B. The SFT70 is kind of a small emitter with a small LED, so it puts out a decently throw-oriented beam even on my S26A that has a significantly smaller reflector than the M3-C. So if you feel like sticking to the M3-C, either get it in LHP73B or XHP70.3 HI R70.

But all of this is in the realm of single-cell. Since you're already using a dual-cell light in the LR35R, why not go for the big boys and get the L6 or L7 with the LHP73B? OP reflector with such a big emitter should give you the flood you need.

(Personally, I'd go with either the M26D and the super floody 36° TIR or the M3-C, both with the LHP73B. Single-cell would be fine because with my eyes, I wouldn't need or want more than 600 lumens sustained. There will be a lot of backscatter throwing light reflected from objects straight into your face if you go much higher than that.)

 

[PaladinNO]

No opinion on the X1, I'm not familiar with Wuben. I will say that you don't want the M21K for this, though. All tests and beamshots I've seen about it show a narrow throwy beam that only floods out of sheer brute force. And indeed, Simon only stocks the 3º TIR, so the polar opposite of what you need.

The M3-C would work here but only with the LHP73B. The SFT70 is kind of a small emitter with a small LED, so it puts out a decently throw-oriented beam even on my S26A that has a significantly smaller reflector than the M3-C. So if you feel like sticking to the M3-C, either get it in LHP73B or XHP70.3 HI R70.

(Personally, I'd go with either the M26D and the super floody 36° TIR or the M3-C, both with the LHP73B. Single-cell would be fine because with my eyes, I wouldn't need or want more than 600 lumens sustained. There will be a lot of backscatter throwing light reflected from objects straight into your face if you go much higher than that.)

Is this where I am going to regret NOT including a M26D, 4x 519A 1800K with that last Convoy order after all? I had it in the cart, then deleted it right before making the purchase...

Honestly, neither the M3-C or M21K has the expected properties I am after here. L6 / L7 is definitely out, sadly - from the beamshots, those monsters has a hotspot out of this world, and I am specifically after a light with virtually no hotspot. So I am looking at a multi-LED light, with either a wide-angle bead TIR, or multiple shallow orange peel reflectors. Am also a bit sceptical on the M26D, as the LHP73B draws all of the 20 A the Keeppower can deliver. Not comfortable riding that close to the edge.

I have tested my Fenix LR35R and Sofirn Q8+ here at home, and I felt both of them had a too narrow beam. The 3X21E, 519A 4000K 60° TIR does what I want, but is too large for my purpose. As for the M21K, I recently purchased one for a friend of mine (LHP73B, 4000K), which I am certain he can lend me for a test run. Am also looking at the S21D, which is basically 1/3 of a 3X21E (of which I have several, but those are too big). But I would like that side-button.

Goodness, if I am getting even more S21E's - 2x in Silver, with SFT-70 5000K 60° TIR, and carried on each side in swivel holsters (already got those)...I'm gonna look like I'm carrying a flashlight quick draw rig. 'I'ma start illuminating when the clock chimes noon, pardner!' ^^

Here is the Wuben X1 review (direct link to beamshots):

Wuben X-1 review | EDC with 2*21700 battery pack, and 10,000 lumens | 1Lumen

The Wuben X1 has a pretty non-standard design, that you probably have to get used to, but it could be a great fit for certain use cases. Tons of power and high sustained output. 25% coupon included!

1lumen.com

That High mode, which is sustained 2500 Lumen indoors, and no visible hotspot? Looks exactly like what I want. UI makes sense too. And I even like the body colour.

But I wanted to ask whether Convoy has something similar before I make any sort of decision. The Wuben is also currently on a 44 % sale right now, for unknown period of time (~100 USD, down from 180), so I shouldn't dawdle for too long.

 

[Jean-Luc Descarte]

Do you REALLY need that four-digit lumen count for an indoors location, though? 2500 lumens is A LOT of light. Chances are, as I said before, it'll all scatter and reflect back in your face and dazzle you.

Just to make sure, mind. It's not every day that you hear someone that isn't a total noob in the hobby want so much power in such confined conditions.

 

[PaladinNO]

Do you REALLY need that four-digit lumen count for an indoors location, though? 2500 lumens is A LOT of light. Chances are, as I said before, it'll all scatter and reflect back in your face and dazzle you.

Just to make sure, mind. It's not every day that you hear someone that isn't a total noob in the hobby want so much power in such confined conditions.

Hence the desire for full flood. I EDC 1000 Lumen sustained (Acebeam E75), and I find that to not be nearly powerful enough (the 3000 Lumen Turbo works, but it gets too hot before I am finished). The Fenix LR35R (10000 Lumen Turbo) easily has the power, but not the spread I want.

Another reason for the full flood - actually, 2 more reasons - is the beam pattern. Once you spread a set number of Lumen out over an area, the Lux / Candela, whichever you prefer, drop significantly. Which leads to reason 2 - there won't be much reflections (ceiling and wall bounce is already accounted for) if the beam pattern is so wide. Put differently, how much backscatter do you get from a mule in a large room?

The dazzling comes from a narrow beam, not a wide one (ask me how I know, when the first thing I did when I got my first LEP was testing it out a window...). And in this case, there won't be any windows, only grey / painted concrete. And I wouldn't know that, or how many Lumen I want, without experience and being well above average interested in flashlights.

And some of the rooms are quite large, mind you, it is a government owned / public shelter after all.
And (insert Alien vs Predator reference) I would rather have the Lumen, but not use them, than need the Lumen and not have them.

But as it is, I will bring one of my 3X21E's to work, see if I can make that work (I didn't have a holster for it before, but now I do), before I do more purchases. While I haven't owned any Wuben lights yet - and that alone makes the light interesting - there is the cost vs actual need ratio to consider as well.

 

[Jean-Luc Descarte]

Got it, noted. You do know exceptionally well what you want.

Have you considered a mule light? Don't quote me on it but Emisar/Hanklight could have one that fits your bill.

 

[PaladinNO]

Got it, noted. You do know exceptionally well what you want.

Have you considered a mule light? Don't quote me on it but Emisar/Hanklight could have one that fits your bill.

Thank you. But I wouldn't have a clue what I should look for in any light without the knowledge that is almost exclusively gained from this forum.

I did consider a mule, but I know the one I have

Post in thread 'My collection'

Mar 6, 2025

Didn't expect so many others to post their collections here, but here are some pictures of my latest acquisitions.

Emisar D4K Titanium Colourful E21A 8x 3500K + 8x 4500K mule

Asked for an additional Raw Copper bezel and additional magnetic Raw Titanium tailcap.

This is my "dream light", and 40th birthday "midlife crisis" light - and Hank delivered it P.E.R.F.E.C.T.L.Y.!
...And as I promised Hank in my last email, if he got that light right, I got orders for another 350-400 USD coming his way - and I am a man of my word.

Emisar...

• PaladinNO

• 

...isn't powerful enough. I have tried it as well at work. The E21A emitters, even 16 of them, is so focused on hCRI (which is why I love them so much in general) they barely have any output. My particular mule can just about illuminate the garage on High, so wasn't much point in even trying in a space nearly 3 times the size. And the light got so hot when I tried, I regretted not bringing gloves.

That said, I have considered one of Hank's current 519A (or other emitter) mules, though not for this specific purpose. Thermals is also an issue with a 2000+ Lumen sustained output. And the Wuben X1 has a fan for active cooling. Not a fan (no pun intended) of that, I prefer a huge body for passive cooling, but it shouldn't matter unless the fan is really noisy. And the reviews says it isn't.

 

[PaladinNO]

Slight change in plans regarding the Wuben X1. Before making a final decision, I had a chat with my supervisor regarding us (the IT-department) storing things down in the basement, and he said we are to stop storing things down there. And that we would clear out our things within a few months (adding, with a grin, how clearing out our storage room would be my job, once we got a garbage container / yard dumpster).

And that removes any need for a handheld flood light - knowing what it looks like down there, I will still need some light, but it have to be a handsfree solution. So I am back to considering a pair of Convoy S21E Silver, SFT-70 5000K 60° TIR, mounted in rotating holsters. Of which I already own some:

Nite Ize Lite Holster Stretch, Expandable, Secure Flashlight Holder With Belt Clip, Universal Sizing,N00874-BRK,Black - Basic Handheld Flashlights - Amazon.com

Nite Ize Lite Holster Stretch, Expandable, Secure Flashlight Holder With Belt Clip, Universal Sizing,N00874-BRK,Black - Basic Handheld Flashlights - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

They felt initially like a poor purchase as they don't fit 18650 lights very well (which was all I had at the time if purchase), but they are excellent for the bigger 21700 lights.

 

[Monocrom]

This would be ideal for a headlamp, regardless of brand. Also, be sure to examine anything before tossing it in the junk pile. Might be a few things worth keeping, maybe even selling online for a few extra bucks.

 

[PaladinNO]

This would be ideal for a headlamp, regardless of brand.

Don't mind me...

My thoughts: "I don't have a spare headlamp that's good enough to leave at work for this."
My words:

My new, and now spare Fenix HP30R v2 headlamp.

View attachment 90908

*Puts said SPARE headlamp in my backpack*

...Thank you for the reminder (I'm not actually saying that, as I don't want to embarrass myself by openly admitting to forgetting about my SPARE headlamp, but thank you anyway).

Also, be sure to examine anything before tossing it in the junk pile. Might be a few things worth keeping, maybe even selling online for a few extra bucks.

We are, and started going through some of the stuff today. We will be removing the RAM (4 GB sticks and above), and any storage drives.
As a public school, we are sadly forbidden by law to sell anything. Something about sales / acquisition agreements, I don't know - it frustrates me something insanely!

We can keep whatever we want for ourselves though (except the storage for obvious data security reasons), but when the release date for most the laptops was around 2007-2008 (we're talking 2nd generation Intel CPUs at best - it's now 15th gen.), it's not much value in any of it. And 24", 1920x1080 60 Hz monitors with VGA...I'd rather get rid of them.

 

[dc38]

Don't mind me...

View attachment 93165

My thoughts: "I don't have a spare headlamp that's good enough to leave at work for this."
My words:

*Puts said SPARE headlamp in my backpack*

...Thank you for the reminder (I'm not actually saying that, as I don't want to embarrass myself by openly admitting to forgetting about my SPARE headlamp, but thank you anyway).


We are, and started going through some of the stuff today. We will be removing the RAM (4 GB sticks and above), and any storage drives.
As a public school, we are sadly forbidden by law to sell anything. Something about sales / acquisition agreements, I don't know - it frustrates me something insanely!

We can keep whatever we want for ourselves though (except the storage for obvious data security reasons), but when the release date for most the laptops was around 2007-2008 (we're talking 2nd generation Intel CPUs at best - it's now 15th gen.), it's not much value in any of it. And 24", 1920x1080 60 Hz monitors with VGA...I'd rather get rid of them.

FINALLY! A KOPF-TISCH REFERENCE! I'm so happy right now.

 

[PaladinNO]

Simon sadly said "no" to my most recent request - putting SST-20-DR in a 3X21C.

Sorry, the voltage of this LED is 2.0 to 2.5 volts, which requires a dedicated driver circuit, and it cannot currently be installed in the 3X21C flashlight.

He suggested the S12, but that only has a single mode as far as I know. I got both the S12 UV-A and IR, and both is only On or Off. Unless I am missing something? Same with the S21A and L21B with that emitter.

I am looking for something powerful with 660 nm for light therapy. Trying for myself whether it's something in it or just snake oil.

 

[PaladinNO]

I just received my L21A, with the Osram Green ("verdant light"), but the hotspot is eggshaped and not even close to centered. I have tried to loosen the bezel and shake it into place, but only got it a bit better.

Before contacting Simon and without trying to be difficult, is this something others would complain about or is it to be expected at the price?
Can post some pictures when I get home from work. And I can live with it if I have to. ^^

 

[glockboy]

Which Convoy light got TIR lens?

 

[PaladinNO]

Which Convoy light got TIR lens?

S21D, S21E (optional), M21K, M26D and 3X21E that I know of.
They also got several TIR-lenses for user swaps, but I don't know which size fits which model.

 

[orbital]

Which Convoy light got TIR lens?

+

M21J
M26E
S21E select the TIR that best suits you
others for sure

along w/ ones mentioned above in # 297 (some are color differences in light)

one of my favorites ~ M26E
run on a 26800

​

 

[glockboy]

Thank you "PaladinNO" and "orbital"
Now to check my wallet.
Thanks

​

​

 

[JP031716]

If you want a smaller 1x 18350/18650 footprint you can get a S2+ or S3 and get one of the 20mm TIR lenses (3535 LED option for SST20, 219, 519A, LH351D, XPL and 5050 LED option for SST40, XML2, etc). I personally just my first Convoy in a S2+ with the 18350 tube and 519a 3500k with the 20 degree beaded TIR optic. Also went with a forward switch and 5A 12-mode buck driver as well. In the notes of your order you can request for Simon to install the forward switch and optic you just have to add the parts to your cart. Pretty nice setup for an amazing price.