Convoy C8+ Flashlight Review (Micro Arc Oxidation, CSLNM1.tg LED) | BEST Value 1KM Pocket Thrower
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- Опубліковано 28 лис 2024
- In this video, I review the Convoy C8+ in MAO (Micro Arc Oxidation). This new coating is being used on some flashlights and should exhibit superior durability to normal hard anodizing. The C8+ is the best-value pocket thrower on the market. It's $44 AUD for a light with a 1KM range! I got my C8+ with an OSRAM CSLNM1.TG LED in 6500K (cool white). Is this little thrower worth the hype? Watch my video to find out.
Get the C8+ (MAO) here: www.aliexpress...
BEAM SHOTS: 11:17
Full Measurements: darrenyeo.com/...
Please support my work by purchasing recommended products here (affiliate link): www.amazon.com...
My website: www.darrenyeo.com
Tip jar:
www.buymeacoff...
This flashlight sample was sent to me by Convoy. I was not paid to do this review. All opinions are my own.
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Convoy C8+
Build quality, and disassembly:
• Flawless machining. Beautiful finish that feels like ceramic/marble. Better cutouts, and more surface area. Anti-roll design.
• Like all convoy lights, the C8+ can be taken apart quickly, there's no glue or thread lock used. It makes it easy if you want to swap the emitter later.
LED, Lens, Bezel, and Reflector:
• This is available in a few options. I chose the CSLNM1.tg emitter. Maximum throw, even further than the PM1. The die surface is only 1mm2, which is incredibly small for a light that makes over 1000 lumens. This translates to maximum throw.
• The lens is made of AR glass and the bezel comes with cut-outs.
• Smooth reflector with LED perfectly centered.
Size and comparison:
• IF22A, FC12, M4, L8, LEPs = smaller head.
Retention and carry:
• Because of the larger head diameter (44.5mm) this is not an EDC light that you can fit comfortably in your jeans pocket. But it outthrows all my other LED flashlights of the same or comparative size. It'd go well in roomier jeans, pants, or a jacket pocket.
• No belt clip but you can purchase one separately.
User interface, modes, and operation:
• simple UI once selected. 12 groups with a max output of 5A. There's also temperature management.
• Some groups have bike mode, strobe, and battery check. I keep mine on simple 5-brightness levels.
• Fully press the switch to turn it on. Half-press to switch modes. 20 taps to access mode selection.
Batteries and charging:
• Takes both flat tops and button tops 18650 cells. Doesn't come with a battery.
• No USB charging. Need external charger.
Performance (beam profile, lumens, and run times):
10000 lux @ 5m
= 250000 cd
sqrt(250000*4)
= 1000m
CRI/CCT:
5300-6300K, 5300 on high.
CRI: 60+
What I liked:
• Most impressive throw I've seen from a light of this size. Throws further than my SFT40 lights, TIR. Those make more lumens, however.
• Better than TIR throw, but with usable flood.
• 5-year warranty
Considerations:
A bit bulky in my jeans pocket. No USB charging.
Final Verdict:
This is hands down the best budget thrower you can buy in my opinion. You can get it even cheaper if you get the non-anodized version. It's less than half the price of other similar-sized throwers and outperforms them in candela measurement.
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Thank you - Darren
The only issue is that the 5A driver from Convoy is actually pushing 5.7A which is too high. I've had multiple NM1 white leds fail on that driver. I get everything with Convoy's 3A driver now and I only lost 30m range on this C8+, just shows that the 5.7A is mostly an increase in heat. I now get much longer use of the 100% level before stepping down. I was told by Djozz on BLF who runs most led tests and he said he wouldn't comfortably sell anything over 3A.
EDIT: changing to a mode group with 50% being the highest level is 2.8A.
Hey Jacob, you're right, that is pretty high. I was trying to work out what the max rated current should be with this LED but couldn't figure it out from the spec sheet. I was wondering if there is a way to increase the throw of this light by adjusting the reflector somehow?
@@DarrenYeoYT datasheet shows a max forward current of 3A and 3.3A pulse. This driver is nearly doubling that. When I first told Simon over a year ago he said "in fact it can even handle 6A and okay if cooled properly". It may handle it, but not for long. My friend Tim received an L21B with a 6A installed.
The reason why the gasket is now black instead of white:
The L21B was designed after my request for a long range hunting torch my customers could mount. The factory botched the reflectors and Simon was very upset, I found it was just a matter of installing a thicker gasket, so I worked with Simon to produce the correct gasket. About 4 months ago I noticed that the C8+ was now shipping with my black L21B gaskets, the factory had made a mess of this new batch of C8+ reflectors and the old white gaskets produced the same poor focus of the L21B. Range is slightly less now than it was with the earlier batches. The old reflector is also slightly different in shape.
@@PiercingTheDarkness Interesting, I was taking a look at the reflector the other day and noticed the black gasket fell off the back of the reflector. I put the reflector back on without the gasket and the beam was ugly, had reduced range. Have you done a ceiling bounce/lumen test with 3A vs 5.xA? Much difference?
@@DarrenYeoYT It was roughly 80 lumens between the two. 2.7A extra isn't worth 80 lumens with only 30m more. I'm kind of surprised that Simon didn't start selling them with his 3A driver as soon as I reported my damaged emitters turning purple. Not all of them fail, but it was enough to pull them from my store until the 3A drivers arrived.
That's most much at all for the extra 2A+ draw. I don't run mine for very long though, more like 10 seconds to a minute. I notice there's the M2 or M1 host that also has the CSLNM1 emitter. It's a lot smaller in the head, pocketable. Would you reccomend any of these or another variant that can throw close to the C8+? I carry around the FC12 a lot as it throws but is slim enough for jeans pocket.
Great channel, just a recommendation if you could slow down your movements when taking beam shots . Maybe pause at certain points and certain distances . I think it would really help . Thank you
Hi Gonza thanks for your support and feedback man! I'll try go slower for my next beamshots with more pauses.
that's a beautiful flashlight. convoy should consider making their flashlight with forward switch for a better 'tactical' series
Yeah that would awesome if they did. I guess they cost more to make at the current price point of these lights. But my Wurkkos FC12 has one.
You can just add the forward switch yourself. It's easy as pie to mod.
Interesting video on this flashlight! Greetings from the Detroit, Michigan, USA area. I just ordered my FIRST Convoy about 2 hours ago off Amazon for $49 WITH battery. It will be my first Convoy and my first micro arc anodizing finish ever! I hear nothing but good about these so that's what I'm going by.
Nice man, you won't regret it. They're excellent long range lights that you can fit in your pocket. I'd buy them from the official store next time as it's much cheaper: convoylight.com/
I've watched this review about 4 times over the past few days, and now I have ordered my self one, you seem so impressed by this little beast, will be a nice little step up for me from my few S2+'s.
Would love to see this with the orange peel reflector.
You'll definately like it haha. Did you get the same NM1 emitter though? That pairs well with SMO reflector. If you're gonna get an OP, might as well get a floodier LED.
@@DarrenYeoYT Yeah it does make more sense to pick a floodier LED if I'm gonna use OP, guess I'll end up with two then haha
@@DarrenYeoYT Dude, this torch is amazing, I live in a large town, well lit and from my window I can easily hit some flats that are over 250m away.
Going out for a walk after dinner tonight to really test it out.
@@zGJungle That's awesome man, yeah it's like a lightsaber when you use it in dark areas!
@@DarrenYeoYT Hi, seems my LED is badly centered, the inner hot spot sits on the edges of the outer hot spo, and also outer hot spot seems blurry and not perfect round, can this be solved or does my torch need to be replaced ? I'm new to all this stuff so would rather not be messing about with LED as i imagine its fiddly work ?
I got this after your recommendation in a comment section. I love the super tight beam, very fun. My W1 had a tiny chip taken out of the corner from factory, but it didn't affect the beam noticeably (I took apart the head and recentered some parts)
Although I got mine in the sand brown (darker than the pictures make it seem)
Hi Gatlin, the chip was on the phosphor surface? Might be worth contacting Simon for a replacement. The beam spot still appears circular?
I think the white is nice but does get dirty very easily. Just get bored of the same black anodizing you see with all lights!
@@DarrenYeoYT I thought about reaching out to Simon, but the beam is almost all symmetrical. Honestly don't think it's worth it, you can see it at any real distance
@@gatlinlehmann3417 ah nice. I'd like to see this emitted in a small host with deep reflector. Have considered an emitter swap for my Wurkkos FC12. I like the portability factor a lot, but you do get limited throw with a smaller reflector
Great review my friend, I have the same led on the way i got it in the m1 host should be here soon can't wait. keep up the great work my friend.
Hey mate, yeah it's a great little thrower. Awesome, look forward to seeing that video of yours - the C8+ is difficult to pocket so having a smaller head... with decent throw would be idea. What light meter do you recommend by the way? I realised mine maxes out at 50,000 lux which isn't enough to measure turbo on most lights.
What LED is better for general purpose living near a forest i like to point out 300-500 metres when i like to search for something ? The SFT40 or the NM1 ?? I own the 8Q-PRO, Fireflylite e07, sofirn sc31pro, but i don't have a light that can make a long throw hotspot for 500-700 metres, it should be small like a m21f or a c8+, the white micro-arc looks great, only 1 flashlight i found for now is the M21F with sft40 and white anodized, will it be good for my purpose ?
SFT40 will be a better all rounder. The NM1 will throw much further. But you'll find it probably doesn't produce enough light or spill. May also want to look at the XHP50.3 Hi. Make sure you get lights with smooth reflectors to maximise range.
Nice beam shots. Mines on its way!
Good choice bro!
Thanks for all that useful information man great work
Hey thanks buddy!
Suggest me a flashlight for long range with no heating and long run on turbo without heating and longer battery under 50 to 60 dollar
All lights will get hot and step down at some point. But this might be your best bet:
www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005124975501.html
Get the L21B with the CSLNM1.TG @5A. This will produce less heat and I believe it will throw very far. Maybe over 1.5kms. The 6A model in unnecessary and doesn't produce extra light.
@@DarrenYeoYT what about l21a osram which have more thermal mass but i think less runtime than l21b cslnm1. Which should purchase from these two
@@fazil5648 that one is good too. You can get it with the CULPM1 emitter which is brighter.
@@DarrenYeoYT i am confuse now from these two..please tell me which is best l21a or l21b cslnm
@@fazil5648 l21a culnm1, as better heatsinking - but I don't see it on the convoy website
great informative review . liked and subscribed. I also looked and liked your Amazon store as I have almost all the flashlights you recommend. Thanks!
Thanks for the sub man! I'm glad you liked my review and videos.
Looks like a w1 I have the w1 with the blf gt nano (the tennie tinny one) and even with it being smaller than a aa battery it still throws measured I think 500m roughly if I remember. Factory specs aren’t always right with these lights and sometimes it’s a good thing.. the catapult mini is a good example of that
Yeah it is a W1. Probably the best throwy LED out there. Have to sacrifice on overall output though.
Hi, do you still have this light with the same emitter? I'm wondering if the moonlight mode gets really low compared to the FC12's eco mode.
Yes I do, the FC12 moonlight mode is a lot lower.
@@DarrenYeoYT Thank you for the reply.
Hey mate, I just purchased 2 convoy C8+ SSt40 torches and for some reason both have what seems to be like a low voltage flash in the 2 highest modes (4 modes). Just wondering if you have come across this and might know how to fix it please? I have tried a few different types of freshly charged batteries...Have I been stitched up and just need to buy another 2 through your links?
Hi mate, when you say low voltage flash, do you mean it flickers on the two highest modes? It shouldn't do that. I have the 12 mode grouping version of the C8 and no issues. You can go to your past orders on AliExpress and message the convoy shop to get hold of Simon. Give that a try and see what he says.
@@DarrenYeoYT Thanks for that.
When I select the 2 brightest modes, after about 30seconds it will start flashing. It'll turn off for 1 second, then stay on for 4 seconds, then off for 1 second.....and so on...
The 2 I bought have 4 fixed modes, I cant enter into config mode...
@@aussiepigshooters5488 yeah that is not supposed to happen...probably got some dodgy ones unless I'm missing something obvious
Is there a difference between C8 and C8+ (same led, nm1)???
I think they'd produce similar beams. C8 doesn't seem so common these days.
Would this out throw the M1, both having the cslnm1.f1?
Yes it would as it has a larger reflector.
@@DarrenYeoYT one more question sorry, should I get the buck or linear driver C8+?
I'd suggest the buck driver for better temperature regulation and similar output!
Wich is the best : c8+ vs nebo 2000k king ?
I don't know much about Nebo unfortunately..
What modifications have been done?
No mods, this is stock standard
Nice review, Saw this post on FFP, 🥂 🔦
Hey, glad you liked it man. I was pretty surprised at how far this light throws.
@@DarrenYeoYT definitely a budget friendly pocket thrower. As of now my m2 in cslnm1 is my farthest throwing FL, will get a c8+ after i complete all the colors of s2+ 😅
@@WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot1911 Do you know roughly how far the NM1 throws in the M2? Looks similar to M1 host.
@@DarrenYeoYT i remember someone said it was about more or less 800m
Is there something similar to this from Convoy that uses a 21700 battery?
Yes mate, this one: www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002312757141.html
@@DarrenYeoYT Thanks for the quick reply!
@@homerthompson6028 you're welcome
How many meters of throw does it have?
1000m
@@DarrenYeoYT tested or claimed?
Hope they haven't gotten too expensive
I haven't checked since last time but I guess with inflation etc, it will slowly.
Thanks.👍💯
All good man
The way I see it, if you got the reflector dirty we aren't getting a true demonstration of the flashlight. We demand a do over...
It's a few specks of dust/moisture that I wasn't able to clean off. I tested the throw again with my light master pro and the lux figures were identical. The heads are sealed in dustless environment...
Demand?😮
Lol!
i have the c8 + convoy and it is very cheap....
Yeah it's something like $27 AUD for me. Bargain
@@DarrenYeoYT Where is it AUD 27 if I may ask mate? Cheapest I can find is around 30 USD for non-mao and 40 USD for mao
@@sign5372 $32.20 AUD here: www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001400455356.html
@@sign5372 $25.56 AUD for the C8 - looks like an even better bargain: www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001531644535.html
@@DarrenYeoYT Thanks, I see higher prices but it must be because of VAT-related auto mark-up.
I'm watching a lot of your video's, but I have to let you know ,, the massive blown out overexposure "theme" is super annoying on the eyes after watching on a large monitor at night. I can't see what the finish is actually like and that was a large part of why I clicked on this video.
Thanks for letting me know Scot, will see what I can do in terms of getting a darker desk mat etc. Or maybe try a different location, face on view/different angles. I'm always trying to improve the production quality.
Thanks for letting me know Scot, will see what I can do in terms of getting a darker desk mat etc. Or maybe try a different location, face on view/different angles. I'm always trying to improve the production quality.
Ngl title is already misleading since not even the company claims such bullshit ranges its around 500m on a clear night.
I use an opple light master pro to measure lux from 5m. I state this clearly in my reviews. It's a theoretical figure. All reviewers use a similar system - but I agree in that the effective range varies depending on atmospheric conditions, and even on a good night @ 1km our eyes are not sensitive enough to pick up the light reflected back.