Best pocket 18650 thrower?

In unmodded tube format definitely the mh20gt.

But value wise I think the convoy m2 will be better. How does it compare to the m2 and s2+(+).

And what about the sofirn sf36w

It is the same size as the Convoy M2 different emitter, the M2 will have a better throw with the XPL-HI also has a little deeper reflector great light, head is larger than S2+

I did some test and I think about 25 mm really is my limit when it comes to the thickness.

The M2 is about 31mm, for 25mm better stick with the tube lights like S2+

Yeah, I was just looking up the dimensions. Tube light are the way to go.

Yoordie, “Which is the best? Do you have any other suggestions for a different flashlight?”

Here is a photo review for Convoy C8+ - https://forum.guns.ru/forummessage/234/2356363-0.html
You don’t need a text, see only photos and I hope that will help you.
Price history for this item Convoy C8 Cree XML2 U2-1A Led Zaklamp, Zaklamp, Lantaarn, Lanterna Fiets, Zelfverdediging,. The price is very stable.

I’ve dithered around on this topic myself for a while, but haven’t bought anything new yet.

GT Mini, Emisar D1s, Thrunite Catapult V6, C8+ and other Convoys, various Sofirns, etc… All look like nice lights, but I’m not sure any of them would get more use than the S2+ (I have 3,) especially in terms of being pocketable.

I do already have a couple of Sofirn SF36’s. Fantastic budgets lights for the price I paid and fairly throwy, but even those are a little bulky for a pants pocket.

Also have the ss BLF X6, which is a gorgeous light, but mainly a shelf queen. A lot of that is the weight, which is why I keep thinking about another compact thrower, but I haven’t been completely sold on anything to this point.

So if you were looking for an unhelpful ramble, there you go. :slight_smile:

I know where you’re coming from mate :slight_smile:

Edit: typo

They look very similar.

25mm is squarely tube-light territory. Nitecore P12GT is a nice but pricy option (a thinner sibling of the MH20GT). I’m working on a review of the Sofirn SP31 V2.0 - a tube light with XP-L HI. It seems to be a great light so far… smaller than the P12GT, much cheaper, and has 90% of the throw of the P12GT (I measured 17,900 vs 20,150 lux).

From afar, basically the differences are not big, considering they have similar-sized reflector/heads. The Sofirn SP31v2.0 is a bit brighter (confirmed when I use a basic lux meter and do a ceiling bounce test at the same distance).

For instance, using a fully-charge battery, and doing the same ceiling bounce tests, I get these lux readings:
Sofirn SP31 v2.0 (XPL-Hi) : 115 lux
Convoy S2+ XPL-Hi NW (7135x8) : 90 lux
Convoy S2+ SST20-4000K (7135x8) : 60 lux
(lux readings when on max brightness, at the start)

I would have guess that the Sofirn sp31 was brighter than the convoy s2+'s too . I was surprised to hear people saying otherwise .The Sp31 is simply a great tube light,nice tint, with a forward clicky on the tail , side switch,bright as hell and works great with an18350 tube and tail magnet to make it a very small very versatile pocket light for about $20 it's hard as hell to beat .

i'm not sure why the OP is having so much difficulty deciding over which tube light to buy if indeed he's willing to spend upwards of 100$ why not just buy 3 of the most recommended and see what you like ? IMHO lights are much more about how it feels in your hand or cri/tint than just output .After years and years of playing with lights it's still very hard to know anything without actually having a light in your hands . it becomes easier but as a noob there's no way for you to know until you try something .

Listen to some good advice .and go with what you like the looks of .be prepared to be wrong .rinse ,lather ,repeat.

Tube lights imho are some of the easiest lights to enjoy ,one of my an N-light L2 .i'm not sure I know anyone else who has one .Ak-47 driver nichia 219A swap Nitecore d-10 clip .< best pocket 18650 tube light I know

Form factor of S2, but has better throw… BLF A6. All other suggestions have been different form factor and are rebutted by OP with “S2”, so here we go…

A6 w/ XPL (can be de-domed with novice skills to make it XPL-HI). Add a Carclo 10507 or 10511 TIR optic to aid beam with novice skills while the bezel is off to de-dome. 30min of effort if you stop mid-way to go have a beer.

I’m a BLF newbie, too, but already infected with modumust syndrome.

I bought the Sofirn SP31V2.0 and the Convoy S2+ SST20 because is couldn’t decide what to buy. It’s just in my nature to doubt.

I’m overwhelmed by the options available and the S2 is hard to beat value wise. I’m a newbie but definitely going to try some modding in the near future.

Much love to all the people posting comments❤️

Maybe a Convoy S6/S2 with the 1mm^2 Osram „Flath White” driven at 4A with the led4power driver? This should give rougly 40Kcd and will definitely be pocketable.

My favourite 18650 pocket-thrower is the Zebralight SC600w MkIV HI.

Very small, so it is indeed a pocket light. Puts out about 20,000 candella on 1100 or 1200 lumens. (Specs claim 1400 lumens, but they’re not right because they copied the same specs for the non-HI version.)

Anyway, it does throw very nice for such a small light. Also has a large enough hot spot to be useful for closer range too. IMO, it’s the best general-purpose outdoor light I have. I like a little throw for hand-held outdoor lights.

For even smaller, I use the Zebralight SC64w HI. It uses the same XHP35 HI emitter as the 600w HI light, but it’s a much smaller reflector so I consider it more floody than throwy.

Tell me, what is the short tube 18350 suitable for Sofirn SP31 V2.0?

No mention of the Jaxman M8? Tons of throw for ~$20.