Review: Convoy M3-C. Single 26650, USB-C, XHP70.2, 4300lm, 365m throw

I'm actually quite impressed as well, with that output.. So much better than 90% of the SBT90.2 flashlights out there..

Indeed. Plenty of lights with a much higher turbo but not many budget flashlights that will sustain lumens for that long.

The output and 4000K LED means it makes a good flashlight to use as a bit of extra indoor lighting too.

Thanks for the review, I noticed that you compared it to the Convoy z1 in one of the beam shots on 1lumen.com. What emitter is in the z1 and would you recommend it?

This compared to the M21C-U which one do you think is better? can handle 1500lm the longest?

Thanks for the excellent review. I have had a pair now for about 4 weeks and except for the delayed re-action time in the ramping config- this light has all my boxes checked off.

I know the older M3 had issues with throttling down way too fast, but this new version REALLY keeps the brightness UP for the whole battery! A perfect muggle loaner in stepped mode: can’t burn hand, stays plenty bright, and has impressive output in a nice wide beam with plenty of throw for it’s size. This light will easily impress a BLF’er and really “wow” a muggle.

Can’t say enough good things about Convoy: solid builds, fair prices! :+1:

Good spot. Yes, I have a Z1 with a CSLPM1.TG (W2). I’ve measured it at about 1200lm when zoomed out and 600lm when zoomed in. It throws almost 950m (220kcd), which is great for its size.

I’d definitely recommend it as it has both a pencil and very usable beam. Zooming mechanism seems good quality but as there’s moving parts it may not be waterproof.

I’ve seen Simon is offering the Z1 with a coupl of other emitters too now.

There probably not much in it really and mostly comes down to your favourite cell size (though the M3-C can take all 3 sizes). I like the 26650 size host personally but I have more 21700 cells. M3-C probably has slightly more mass, which would help a bit.

There’s a M21C-U review here with more info Convoy M21C U flashlight review | 3800 lumens, 1lumen.com

Definitely. :+1:

I’ve had the original M3 for about a year and the only con for me has been the 4 mode UI which the updated version addresses. I assumed the UI and USB charging were the only changes to the new version but while the “throttling down way too fast” issue is something I haven’t experienced, (mine drops to level 3 40% at about 3 minutes, better then most of my high power lights) your experience on the M3 C indicates a upgrade or change to the driver or software. Dave, can you or anyone else verify or have info on these changes?. Right now I can’t justify getting the C version, but…

Great review, thanks for that. 1500lmn for over 2 hrs is pretty great, and the USB-C is ideal for my use. I had some concerns about the UI from seeing comments around here and there, and now in this review. If I get one I’ll maybe leave it in stepped mode for ease.

I’m a newb when it comes to the e-switch thing, although I do love Anduril. Is there a big difference between the Anduril type e-switch lights and this one from Simon? What I guess I’m asking is, is Anduril ever a possibility now or in the future in a Convoy light such as this?

I absolutely LOVE Anduril and ramping especially. The new M3C has ramping and some of the key Anduril functions… but it needs tweaking.

I have other lights with really good ramping and similar Anduril functions that are hard to tell apart from Anduril itself. The key thing you find with this M3C is the timing delay with each click and slightly uneven ramp speed. But after a few minutes in the hand, my brain adapts and it’s workable and ramps ok… but not great (due again to the delay).

While I agree getting Anduril would put Convoy at the top of the list over about anything out there quality/price considered… I ALSO love Simon’s new drivers in his latest lights I’m using for rifles: his C8, S2, and S21b. They make KILLER hunting lights with this driver and the new Osram LEDs.

And really, in step mode this M3C is a simple, yet elegant light with cutting edge run time and SUSTAINABLE high lumen output. And I still use ramping myself as it’s not all that bad really. I bought two and will gift one to a good (muggle) friend this Spring.

Thanks for the review.

I have the original M3 and at the time it was one of the best “bang for your buck” light. However i was very disappointed by the four steps UI and especially by the rather long delay while you had to maintain the switch pressed to move to the next mode. It was very annoying to me as it made cycling through modes uncomfortably long.

You do mention a delay in your review. How is it? Can you elaborate a bit?

What CCT did you get in the M3 C Zappa? You are pushing my buttons to buy this light.

It’s right at 6.5k Pennzy. I didn’t ask if I could get a 5k (which I’d prefer color wise); but as this will be used outdoors, the 6.5k really is the correct choice for the intended use.

I bought an SP70 in a 5k and as much as it looks great… it does lack some throw compared to a 6.5k light in the same build. As BOTH these lights have sustainable output times at higher lumen output, they are both good “search lights”. Thus, the higher CCT applies and I will probably sell off the SP70 (as the Q8 also covers most of my needs there too).

I won’t be buying many larger lights like this M3C, as I rarely need hours of 1500 lumen run time. But for the few I end up keeping long-term, this M3C IS A KEEPER! :smiley:

Sounds good. Does Simon still give a Blf discount and how long are things from his store taking recently?

Not sure on shipping time BUT CNY has already started and so you are probably looking at a good delay IF Convoy doesn’t have it in stock. Last week… Simon told me that “many mfg. are already gone for New Year” and so the classic “Feb delay” has started.

Well, ordered one in 5000k. Couldn’t resist those run time figures. 40% = 2.19 amps = 1500 lumens+? How is this possible?

Is measuring current with a DMM okay in this case?

I thought it introduced too much resistance and clamp meter should be used instead.

Also, that’s the tailcap current right?

I’ve wondered that myself. Maybe the lumens per watt is unusually high at that wattage. Hardly generates any heat which would suggest high efficiency.

Judging from Texas Ace’s test it might be around 200 lm/W.

I asked Simon if the temperature management/regulation was changed on the C version and he said it’s the same as the old M3 so I guess I can live without the ramping and USB charging on my M3. I really like the light and also my M26C and M21C U and I’m eagerly awaiting the 3×21700 SBT90.2. Convoys are the kind of flashlight you get when engineering designs the lights and not marketing.