RE: the S8… while I’ve never held one, it doesn’t do much for me due to these speculations & observations:
lots of sharp angles (lack of chamfer on most parts of the light) = anodizing won’t hold up in those areas.
tiny square grip pattern = slippery
weird over-diameter fins = snaggy in pocket? grab/grind/drag against my other stuff every time I pull the light out?
large crenelated bezel - what’s up with that?
no square-cut threads at all! At least the S2+ has one set of square cut IIRC
appears to be somewhat inspired by the cheaper imitations of the Roche F12: square ‘knurling’ , tube light with fins on head, scalloped thumb-area in tailcap… also the timeline fits pretty well with the F12 showing up in 2012 or so and the S8 showing up in 2013 or so.
The S2+ features:
Wide square cut threads on tailcap for less chance of cross-threading. (Head uses bare triangle threads - probably on purpose but I do suspect that bare square threads would work just as well? Maybe someone else has deeper insight into that than I do.)
Chamfering on pretty much all surfaces, ranging from good to decent. The tailcap on my most recent S2+ host leaves a bit to be desired (and has already flaked ano off from the factory! still in the little gift box!). Still, much more effective looking chamfers overall than the S8.
EDIT: And I just like the appearance of the S2+ much better than the appearance of the S8. Personal preference!
I think that this is a tricky one. Sturdy and permanent black markings on anodized aluminum is a completely different thing from the ‘white’ markings done with a laser.
And here’s an example of OD Green and black, using a handgun again for continuity. I think having both tactical color schemes could make a desirable set.
That’s not a great pic so here’s some more reference.
I’d buy a couple sets and I’d also talk my coworkers into who knows how many. So many kids use their friggin cells phones as their only light source even in the field… it’s aggravating. I’ve turned about half of my subordinates into at least edc carrying professionals, and I’ll continue to work on the rest.
I agree, but OTOH it’s really impressive how much useful light a modern cellphone can put out! There has been more than one occasion where I was certain that someone had pulled out a small flashlight - only to realize that it was actually a phone.
I won’t lie, I’ve used my phone now and then for the occasional unexpected lighting need. My problem is when young’uns think their phone is acceptable as their only “flashlight”. I’ve actually walked up on a pair fixing some equipment with one of them holding their phone for the other to illuminate the situation, and when I asked where their flashlight was they told me their phone was all they had. For context we go out to the field for weeks at a time and do 24 hour operations. Oh and a while later the same person wanted to borrow one of my power banks because their phone was dead so they couldn’t Facebook or whatever it is they do in their spare time. Not to mention if they actually needed the “phone” for an emergency to call for help it might not be available. I never cared what other people used for lighting before this smartphone era but I think it’s getting worse within a certain demographic.
I do like square ‘knurling’ but it needs to be large enough to actually provide good grip. I have a Convoy F6 and it could be better. The Convoy BD02 looks better. Or just go straight for the Block style Convoy L2 tube Now that’s what I’m talking about.
I also agree, but what I do like about the S8 is the slight finning, making it less boring looking than the other Convoys and allows a slightly hotter driven build. I just think it looks good .
I would not mind seeing a redesigned S8, without the many sharp edges (ditch the crenelated bezel!), deeper knurling (personally I like common diamond knurling better btw) and the fins perhaps without the flat edges (or round fins flattened on the two opposite sites for anti-rolling).
I’d +1 all of this. And it’s the reason I own multiple Convoy’s but not a single S8.
The S2+ just looks and feels a quality and design bar higher. The S8 is, if honest just a bit minging, while the regular S2 looks rather plane and boring.
In answer to your question, of course this will be available as a host and of course short tubes will be made. Man you people said a lot since I went to bed last night. More replies coming.
Great news on the FDE S2+! I can’t wait for the pics; this is definitely one I want to buy as soon as it’s available!
Another vote against the S8 body… I want to use the Convoy tube light as a pocket-carry EDC. For that, it needs a smooth body, and a deep carry option. The fins on the head of the S8, combined with the crenelations and lack of deep carry means I would not buy one. (Edit) On closer examination, the new-style pocket clip might work for deep carry on this light; I’m not interested in buying this light, unless I wanted a FET-driven light with a narrow optic for a surprise-thrower.
My favorite Convoy is the S6 actually. The knurling, lack of lettering, and general design make this a very nice looking light:
The S2 is a good compromise that has all the features I need for an EDC light.
Just a point of clarification, FDE is a bit darker than the goal here, yes? I have an FDE cerakoted light and I love it, but its definitely more of a brownish color than a tan.
Depending on the FDE, it may very well be. I’m happy with any shade of FDE/sand/khaki/coyote type of tints. There are multiple varieties of this color ranging from a darker Magpul FDE to a lighter more tan variety. This Youtube video shows a comparison of the tints:
Example, my model AR, as pictured earlier in the thread, is listed as a FDE, but it is a much lighter tint than the typical deeper-brown Magpul FDE commonly seen.
Black logo is only a consideration at this point. Simon thinks it would look weird. He also thinks a black metal switch is weird yet he’s still trying to appease us weirdos. If the black lettering won’t be durable like the white laser engraving then we’ll probably just stick with white. Oh and for the O-rings I asked Simon to go black on this one. I don’t think GITD has any place here. It would be kinda like putting a neon sign on an M1 Abrams tank.
As far as talking other lights we should probably circle back to the light this thread is about. That said, I do own an M2. Even with the OP reflector it’s definitely throwier than the S2 and mine isn’t de-domed. I find it a very nice useable balance of flood and throw without being a dedicated thrower. Once you get into true thrower territory you need to carry two lights as a thrower just stinks for up close work. The M1 has even more throw and has about the same “pocketability”. Personally I find both too big for all but a coat pocket. The only Convoy I consider truly pocketable is a stumpy S2+ with the 18350 tube…until we start making Convoy 14500 lights anyway. If the desert tan anodizing turns out the way we want it to the M1 is my next target light to receive this treatment.
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I crack me up! 
If the desert tan anodizing turns out the way we want it to the M1 is my next target light to receive this treatment. 