[Review] Astrolux C8 Flashlight - Compact Thrower

I prefer the C8’s build quality over the F1, the glossy finish of the F1 makes it look cheaper than it already is. And the UI of the C8 is definitely superior to the F1’s. The only thing missing in the box is a holster.

How does the Astrolux C8 compare to the Astrolux S2 (aka BLF X6v2) in terms of throw and lumens?
I understand the Astrolux C8 with its bigger reflector will outhrow the Astrolux S2, but will it be a big enough difference?

The Astrolux S2 has a good flood spill, any comparison of the Astrolux C8’s flood spill?

I don’t know if a difference of 39,000cd matters to you (102,000cd official specs for the Astrolux C8 and 63,000cd for the S2 here ).

Assuming that the measured 1,500lm from the Astrolux S2 by the TLF reviewer is correct, the spill of the S2 would be brighter than the C8’s (1,300lm output with 102,000cd intensity). The C8’s spill would be dimmer in comparison.

I have some doubts in the output obtained at TLF for the S2 since both the C8 and the S2 use a relatively similar emitter. Maybe you can squeeze a little more output from the C8 by bypassing the (already double) tailcap spring.

The S2 has a better UI, at least for me. Bistro has thermal calibration while the BLF A6 in the C8 uses a timed stepdown of 45 seconds (already mentioned in the OP).

Does this light really have so bad UI in comparison with a silver 12 groups Convoy C8?
And which battery do you suggest for astrolux C8, 30Q or 35Q?

Thanks

Who said this light has a bad UI? As to which UI is better is a matter of personal preference. I like both UIs, the BLF A6 in the Astrolux C8 and the Biscotti firmware in the Convoy.

There is no 35Q, I assume you mean 35E. The 30Q would give a little bit higher output at Turbo compared to the 35E.

Both the silver Convoy C8 (with biscotti firmware) and the Astrolux C8 (same UI as the BLF A6) have good interfaces. Whichever you prefer is a matter of preference, but they’re similar in modes and flexibility.

The advantage of the Convoy is you can set it up as a single-mode light. The advantage of the Astrolux is that it has hidden modes, such as battery-check. I normally set both up with mode-memory, so it just turns on to the last mode I used (usually max).

I use a Samsung 30Q in both lights. It’s a high-drain cell, which is especially beneficial for the Astrolux C8 because it has a FET+1 driver which uses all the current it can from the battery.

Something I like with the BLF A6 is the ability to go back to the previous brightness level with a medium-press. Biscotti is not bad either, but there’s no go backwards, have to cycle to the front (or I think long-press to reset to lowest mode). Having used both, they’re both great, though I seem to prefer the BLF A6 UI (or Bistro UI of the Astrolux S2, which also has the same go-backwards)

I just read reviews on BG, some people like UI and some doesn’t, so i asked here, because i don’t know what to buy a silver Convoy C8 with 12 groups or this Astrolux C8?

What about this, someone wrote this in review, does someone have the same problem?
” Unfortunately In turbo mode smoke is generated from the LED and it’s actually clouding the reflector a bit”

Smoke? That sounds like a defective unit. The LED should certainly not smoke. I don’t know how it could smoke and still work, though.

I wonder if it really was smoke. I notice that when I’m using some of my lights outside in cold weather, the inside of the lens can fog up when the light is on. I presume that’s from moisture somewhere in the light that is heated up and the cold glass condenses it.

I have never experienced any “smoke” in the reflector. I like the UI and the light itself. I would buy it again in a heartbeat.
It has a really far reaching throw, it surprises me everytime because im expecting small lights to not reach very far. Not the case with this.
I havent had ANY problems with my C8

Got my astrolux c8 today:) great throw for its size. Looks to be similar cd as my Utorch UT02, but with more Lumens. I noticed the astrolux has a better quality beam to the standard convoy c8, more focus and cleaner. Your not going to find a better thrower at this low
Price IMO. I got it on sale for under $30 canuckistan copacks, lol

Has anyone compared the Astrolux C8 head-to-head with the Sofirn C8T?

Very nice review!! Thank you…… . :+1:

I received my Astrolux C8 today, and it is quite impressive. I’m easily impressed because I don’t have much to compare it to, yet, besides the Convoy C8. One thing I noticed right away is a distinct and bright yellow spot in the center of the beam. This is not something you need to search for, it is prominent. I got the 3A NW tint. Is this normal?

Yes with xpl hi leds the middle of the beam is a different color. On cooler leds like my nitecore p12gt you can really see it

What would happen if I use an ICR cell instead of INR with this C8? would it simply give it’s max discharge current and be fine or would it burst into flames?

It would just give its max discharge current, and be fine. I’ve used old ICR laptop cells in direct-drive lights, and it’s fine. You don’t get as high output as you do with high-drain cells, but you still get good output.

I suspect it’s hard on the cell, and you likely will get fewer cycles out of the cell than you would if you used it lightly, but it’s fine.

Keep in mind that you probably won’t even exceed the max sustained current recommended on the cell’s spec sheet. That’s usually around 2C for a ICR cell, or about 4.4 - 5.2 amps. Because the voltage sags pretty far with “low drain” cells, the flashlight won’t use as much current compared to a high-drain cell (which is why you get lower output).

I’m curious about the “2C” for ICR cell — where can I find “generalized” max discharge current info about the others — for instance for INR and IMR cells (or LiMnCo like LG HG2)?

Thanks, I always use my lights on sub-200 lumen modes so it won’t be that hard on the battery I presume. Turbo modes will be used only in case of emergency.

The stock tail spring current limitation might also be to my advantage :slight_smile:

2C for ICR is usually pulse discharge and continuous discharge should be less than 1C.

You can find the info you’re looking for over here.

You can usually find a datasheet for whatever cell you want on Google. Sometimes it’s a PDF file sometimes it’s a website