Hi everyone,
I’m new here.
I’m searching for a light for home use.
(1×18650, floody/wider hotspot, 700lm+, no zoom, it doesn’t have to be too much compact, strobe modes not needed)
I own Convoy S2+ ($17) and quite like it, but the flashlight gets very hot and it appears that it doesn’t switch to lower mode automatically (or too late).
Could you recommend any alternative in the similar price range?
Something like Convoy C8+, but designed for indoor use, not for long throw.
Thanks!
I also own Fenix TK22 which doesn’t have any cooling problems at all. (However, it was much more expensive as well.)
Sofirn SP32A v2. Steps down from turbo after 3 minutes and has temperature regulation to backup. Or anything with more mass than a Convoy S2+ without a XPL HI emitter to increase the throw.
If you don’t mind bad quality beam issues one of the boost driver budget XHP 50.2 flashlights (either the Sofirn or the Convoy model) should be floody enough and have enough mass and efficiency to avoid overheating at reasonable output while still be compact.
Convoy M1 or M2 will suit your need.
If you search around, there will be codes/coupons for discount
The C8+ is nice, but not floody, very intense hotspot and not useful for indoor use.
WTB: Jetbeam TCR-1 or Sunwayman V10R Ti
I use my C8+ with a flood plug (its just a frosted glass) and its really good for indoor use and easy to remove for the throw mode.
Sofirn SF 36W handles heat pretty well and won’t break the bank.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Sofirn-SF36-SF36W-Tactical-LED-Flashlight-18650-Cree-XPL-Powerful-1000lm-5-Modes-Torch-Light-Pocket/32837333027.html?src=google&albslr=230295163&src=google&albch=shopping&acnt=494-037-6276&isdl=y&slnk=&plac=&mtctp=&albbt=Google_7_shopping&aff_platform=google&aff_short_key=UneMJZVf&&albagn=888888&albcp=1582410664&albag=59754279756&trgt=296904914040&crea=en32837333027&netw=u&device=c&gclid=CjwKCAjwhbHlBRAMEiwAoDA34-u3KNEtv0BFXPLOgrVen7BmCQcTSArCq_UzjrfV2jyk3P9RJZkN5hoCkYEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
The Convoy S11 has an impressive pill weight. And the reflector is fairly wide compared to its height. Although the 26650 battery (Shockli being a good choice) hasn’t been adopted by the most widely known battery makers. As apposed to the 21700. The S2+ 21700 will be out in few weeks as well.
Get the C8, bug Boaz for some DCFix, go crazy.
I literally fixed the craptastic beams from my LuxPro lights, which all use XP-G3s, to get rid of the tight hotspots with urine-yellow coronas, to nice floody well-mixed beams that’re perfect for indoor use.
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If your S2+ has the biscotti firmware, you could configure the flashlight to mode group 9, which limits output to 50% of maximum.
This will help a lot, in my experience making light output somewhat more floody and much more even.
Not to step on anyone’s toes, but DC Fix and other brands of static-cling privacy film are widely available on Amazon or at hardware/home improvement stores.
Yeah but they don't have 8 different versions of diffuser film either .... unless you like plaid or paisley patterns.
You won't find what I sell stumbling blindly thru home depot .
- No toes were hurt by your comment -
καὶ τὸ φῶς ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ φαίνει καὶ ἡ σκοτία αὐτὸ οὐ κατέλαβεν
Dc-fix diffuser film >… http://budgetlightforum.com/node/42208
Btw, think mine was the #7 that did wonders for the LuxPros. Nonsticky, wedged between glass and reflector, snug as a bug.
Just played with the 2×D light, what a nice beam now!
Was a hateful little circle with a thick uriney ring around it. Now? Nice diffused bliss.
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Why not just order another Convoy S2+ with a 2.1A, 1.4A, or 1050mA driver board?
You can cut down on heat by running the lower driver currents and they’re cheap from FastTech.
You can even order your light with different tints, to set the mood you’re after.
Chris
Or just turn it down to medium instead of high?
That was my first and perhaps the most obvious question.
“Doc, it hurts when I do this.”
“So don’t do that.”
<shrug/>
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S2+ turned down to a lower output, maybe even add a TIR lens.
I enjoy my Emisar D4’s for indoor use (not on turbo, of course).
Oh, and a TO46R is nice and floody in the same form factor.
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Yeah #7 is quickly becoming one of my favorites too . I just stuck some on my D10 Boruit headlamp and now the beam is perfect . #7 is like a very fine micro frosting... Glad it helped
καὶ τὸ φῶς ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ φαίνει καὶ ἡ σκοτία αὐτὸ οὐ κατέλαβεν
Dc-fix diffuser film >… http://budgetlightforum.com/node/42208
Had to think about that for a while… “hownahell’d you stick DCF on a TIR lens?!?”… ‘til I realised that I swapped mine, and the come-with is a reflector.
Think I got the original #1 on the 2×D light, though. But on the 2×AA light (compared both side-by-side), it’s just as nice. The #1 still leaves it a bit “directional”, but the #7 spreads out the beam soooo nicely.
—
Back to the OP… I got a C8A and C8T today, just joined my C8 Army™.
Get the C8A (wider beam to begin with, brighter overall beam) and slap on some #7, and you’ll have exactly what you want.
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Thank you everyone for great tips and ideas! I’m sure I’ll end up with multiple new flashlights
Don’t stop posting!
Just get a C8 or C8+.
Leave most others that size for dead. in throw or flood.
In Their price ranges.
Depending on model you buy.
I have 5. ALL different. ALL great.
I’ve got a bunch of S2’s . None of them get too too hot like I read about. Maybe because it’s colder here.
Since you said to keep posting:
1. Turn it down
2. Remove some 7135 chips, it’s easy.
3. Buy another one. Gearbest has them right now for 11.99 with 6 7135 chips.
I hate that they glue their lights, but the SP32A v2.0 kit for 21 bucks and change after code from Bezos’ Emporium US is a nice deal for a very good all-around light.
That’s what I use around the house; capable, small and easy to pocket, and closest to an S2+. A C8 won’t fit in as many pockets, and can be made to have a better rounded beam, but why bother? It was built for and better suited to another purpose.
But what distinguishes the Sofirn is that is can take CR123A cells and be left or forgotten in a drawer or glove box on stand by as needed, without having the need to periodically refresh an 18650. That makes it much better as a “home” light for most average people.
For work and around the house, I like my Sofirn SF14 V2.0
Surprisingly bright and the 14500 battery (smaller than you mentioned) last forever.
I also have the Sofirn SP32A V2.0 but don’t find myself using much at all since the SF14 is in my pocket from 3am till 8pm ish.
hmmm.. any links to a discussion or info on this one?
Simon talked about it but its not official yet.
How about Jaxman E2L?
I don’t know if they’re still available, but there is a Convoy S4 that’s almost a dead ringer for the S2+ except that it has a ventilated head. I have one, and it cools very well.
Been kicking myself that I never got an S4 way back when. Seems to be sold out everywhere (FT/GB/BG/etc.).
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Definitely agree with the M1. With an OP reflector, it has a very similar beam profile to an S2+ with a smooth reflector.
Don’t really agree with the C8+‘s assessment however. I use my C8 all the time indoors at 0.1% and 1% modes (Biscotti, OP reflector), and the C8+ is no different as far as internals go.
No, the reflector is much larger on the C8 and will have a tighter hotspot compared to the M1/M2 or MUCH tighter compared to an S2 when the emitters are the same.
Dang, those are actually pretty neat looking. I'd ditch an IPxx rating for the interesting looks on those for at least a couple lights.
I'm now imagining those being as popular as the S2+, and people swapping strange pills into them for the bling factor.
Old Lumens Contest 2020 - Hand-made light category
ZL SC62(w) | Jaxman E2L XP-G2 5A | Purple S2+ XPL-HI U6-3A | D4 w/ Luxeon V | RRT-01 | Purple FW3A, 4000K SST20 | Baton S1
Boruit D10 w/ Quadrupel Fet+1/Anduril | EagTac D25C Ti | DQG Slim AA Ti | Jaxman E3 | UF-T1 by CRX | Olight S15 Ti | Nitecore EX11.2
L6 XHP70.2 P2 4000K FET+7135 | Jaxman M8 | MF02 | Jaxman Z1 CULNM1.TG | Blue S2+ w/ ML Special | Thrunite T10Tv2
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Others: Nitecore EC23 | Nebo Twyst | Streamlight ProTac 1AA | TerraLux LightStar 100
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