Yes, it’s noticeable on a white-wall. The Astrolux is a bit more “crisp” than the Convoy. However, when I did lux tests, I didn’t notice any difference in hot-spot intensity that wasn’t attributable to the extra brightness of the Astrolux. So, I’m not sure it makes much difference in real usage. It might make a few percent difference, but that’s within my margin of error.
The extra 60% brightness is by far the biggest factor.
hard to believe this little light throws as far (or further) compared to my Thorfire S70S. Will be interesting to compare the two.
Of course the Thorfire will have much more light over-all. Amazing how much $20 can get you nowadays.
Yes, it is. Up until I bought a couple of Convoy C8’s this year, I was mainly using one of my 4xAA lights as a compact “thrower”. They did the job almost as well, but are heavy, bulky, and significantly more expensive.
I really like the C8 format for a compact thrower. Coupled with a FET driver like in the Astrolux, it really throws well.
You can get spoiled if using a multiple-18650 light that both throws and blasts a wall of light. But, they’re not very practical to carry because of their bulk.
i am not a modder, at least yet, but is this light mod friendly?
i see there is a whole lot of modding going on, on the convoy c8.
If you are happy with the UI, all you should need to do is bypass the springs.
And nice review. I like the outdoor pics.
On this light, how much would the output increase with bypassed springs (30Q’s)?
Anyone who got it both please compare between Sofirn C8T vs Astrolux C8.
Based on what you get if you do it on the BLF A6, you’ll probably get a boost to 1500 or 1600 lumens. So, maybe 20% or 25% brighter.
I like my XinTD C8 V5, but this one is a little better using a FET.
Hi WalkIntoTheLight,
The Manta Ray C8 with 12x7135 has arrived. The Astrolux C8 is clearly better in most ways. Astrolux wins in brightness and throw as well as overall build quality.
The fit and finish of the Manta Ray feels cheaper from the finish to the “skinny” threads. The driver has 3 stars, one of which is connected to the outer ring. It looks like the owner could change mode groups between one mode, 3 mode or 5 mode (with strobe and SOS) by breaking the track from one star and soldering another star.
A few years ago the Manta Ray would have been “hot stuff”……not now.
The 12x7135 do put out more light than an 8x7135 setup, at least in the beginning. I have not done any long runtime comparisons.
I would like to see this as well.
Just got this light a couple of days ago. Absolutely love the throw. I have trouble getting to the hidden strobe, but its a thrower so not a huge deal. I also ordered the Sofirn c8 yesterday so will find out which I like best soon but its going to be hard to beat the Astrolux.
i ordered mine 2 or 3 days ago and have resisted checking tracking number 
cant come soon enough!
Just placed the order for mine.
The hidden strobes can be accessed by a “medium press” from the lowest mode. A medium press is defined as a half-press (or off/on) between 0.5s and 1.5s. First medium press gives you turbo, next medium press gives you the 1st strobe, etc. You can also get to turbo via the regular “short presses” (0.5s or less), but that’s on the normal mode grouping and you can’t get to the hidden strobes from there.
It can take some practice to get it right, but IMO it’s a great way to keep those strobes hidden except when you really want them.
The Convoy allows you to pick from a lot more mode groups, so you can hide the strobes that way. However, then you can never get to strobes (or battery check which is what I use).
My ideal thrower would be a single mode turbo, plus a hidden battery-check mode. AFAIK, nobody has such an interface. I suppose if you have a firmware burner, you could program your own interface. But, I’m content to just use mode memory so it remembers that I’m in turbo.
What kind of LED MCPCB is in this flashlight? Is it copper and DTP? If not both, I would be concerned about burning up the LED with additional current.
Yes I can get to it but it takes practice. Just not something you would probably be able to get to in an emergency, As in blinding an attacker. I wish I knew how to write and install my own code 
. I am learning but a long ways from there.
After reading the review I ordered one also, waiting see how it compares to my Fandyfire HD 2010, Jacob A60 and Kinfire K1200s. Thanks for the review.
Nice review comparison :+1: , wuz going to buy convoy but now I think I’ll go with Astrolux.
Do you have any runtime numbers? also I would like to know current draw on max mode please.
You cannot be serious (in my best McEnroe voice)! You have been here at BLF long enough to know that where there is any doubt, buy both, so you can compare yourself.