[Review] Convoy M21C-U

How does it compare to M3 in terms of beam profile - throw/spill/etc?

Hi, I updated my review, decreased host and build score because of rattling reflector. I discovered it is not only my problem, my friend ordered about 12 flashlights and each of them has the same problem.
If you have this issue too, let me know.

That’s odd. Mine is tight as hell o_o

Yes, this is a very common but in no way it is a big issue

This is a step by step :heart_eyes:
1- Open your palm.
2-Hold the flashlight by the head
3-Push the head inside your palm
4 Screw clockwise
5 check rattling and repeat 3,4,5 until you hear no rattling,

you can also do it with a self healing pad or mouse pad….

I have 3 M21C-U. All came with reflector rattling. And all 3 the SS Bezel not tighten. Not sure if this is on purpose by Simon as some will prefer to change an OP into this light like I did.

Not a problem for me with them rattling. Once tighten SS Bezel, rattling gone.

By the way, I have more than 10 Convoy lights, all the Bezel came not tighten. Again, I’m not sure if this is on purpose.

I wonder of the tail switch from the standard M21C is compatible and can to be used as a mechanical lockout.

Yes, it can be used this way :smiley:
You can even use M21C-U tailcap with M21C and make a non switchable flashlight :stuck_out_tongue:

Thanks for the info.

Do you also know if the M21A tailcap fits… and what about the S21A, or S21B tailcap switches?

M21B does not fit, so I assume the rest also will not fit.

Also mine came with reflector rattling. Solved in a minute of course

This lantern has a different bezel mount design. The sealing ring does not rest against the reflector, but against the lamp housing around the perimeter. When tightened, the bezel first pushes the rubber band, and only at the end presses the reflector. As other participants in the discussion have already written above, when tightening, you need to press firmly with your palm.
Hope my “lame” english can be understood ).

I figured out how, when turned on, it is guaranteed to get into the first low mode. If you turn it on by pressing 6 times, then the control mode is changed with the inclusion of the minimum mode. The crutch is certainly uncomfortable, but it’s better than getting an unexpected turbo mode.
For some reason, the following began to happen with my flashlight: when switching from a stepped mode to a smooth ramping mode, in the first few seconds the flashlight spontaneously raises its brightness by three small steps, up to about 90lm.

I added 3 more beamshots of stepped ramping mode in the Beamshots section.
And it’s worth mentioning I edited the review after some time and added info about simple 4 mode UI available after 6 clicks. Sorry I didn’t mention it earlier, and I gave this flashlight worse rating than I should. I changed that too.

I put orange peel reflector on my lantern. As expected, the transition from hotspot to side illumination became smooth, the light became more convenient at close range. At the same time, I did not notice the loss of range.

I have an M21C U and also a M21C and M26C. What annoys me is the gap between the bezel and the body. My bezels also came not fully tightened. On the M21C U there were a couple of small burrs in the threads which I scraped then lubed the bezel and forced it past the burrs so it is as tight as possible but still has a small (maybe .25 mm) gap as do the other two lights. If you look from the side you can see daylight between the bezel and the body. Seems something is out of spec, likely the bezels. It bothers me as as the lights seem perfect otherwise. (except for the ramping issue on M21C U), and my other lights with the same type bezel (non Convoy) are all fine.

Can anyone confirm if this light uses the regular C8/C8+/M21A reflector?

I have C8+ but this reflector (M21C) is bigger

Alright thanks. I’m thinking of getting this light and swapping in a Linings SST-70. I have had very good results with that LED in my Convoy L6. Pure white, no ugly corona, good throw. Such an underrated LED!

Maybe a stupid question but how can I insert the orange peel reflector? Do I have to remove the silver ring on the head? If yes how?

Hello.
You’re right, you need to unscrew the stainless steel pressure ring located on top.
Can be unscrewed by hand counterclockwise while pressing the ring with palm. When reassembling (twisting clockwise), you need to firmly press the ring with your palm in order to firmly press the sealing rubber ring located between the silver ring and the flashlight body. Otherwise, if it is not tightly screwed, the glass may rattle.