I hated the A6 (first series, monday morning product) while others loved it.
Never had any trouble with my (also first series) FW3A. It’s only flaw was sloppy assembly. From this light I learned that every new light that lands on my doorstep needs to be inspected, cleaned and (if necessary) re-assembled.
It is said that with every new batch that is made, the manufacturer cuts an extra corner. So today the quality of the FW3A seems not to be the same as it used to be.
I would go for the Convoy S2+ with SFT-40 led. It has a 5A driver.
I’d vote the S2+ also, but I’d give serious consideration to the newer 21700 cells if you don’t mind buying new cells and/or if you might want more run time. The S21 is the same light with the larger cells…just slightly larger in the hand, good feel to it.
I’m wondering if you’d really like that light with something like an SST-20 in 3000K. It’ll have a tighter beam than larger emitters like the SST40/XML…not sure if the warmer temp would be nice or dull in ocean water, though. Does colder white make sea life pop with color a little more?
Pretty bombproof light. Probably pick up some spare o-rings when you order…he’ll include them for free if you ask or leave a note. Usually sends a spare set with the light but since they’re not easy to find in any hardware store I’d keep a bunch extra and store them well (body tube rings and lens ring, both).
The Sofirn SC31 Pro is something else to consider. Nicely built, has the Anduril ramping firmware with a side switch instead of just stepped modes with a tail clicky. I don’t know if it’s truly reliable with water, though.
I have the A6 and S2+ myself and like both of them. I wouldn’t call them throwers thou, actually pure “flood” lights is more what I’d think of them. For me the strong point about the A6 is the Bistro UI, I still like that UI about the best of all lights I have. The strong point of the S2+ is the choice in led’s, it also makes it a bit harder to find the perfect one but that’s all part of the hobby. I recently got me a S2+ with the 519a 4500K and like that one a lot if you want high CRI.
The warmer led’s do work well in humid conditions thou, they may look less bright than the colder variants but actually reach better in foggy or very humid conditions, the colder led’s tend to white out in those conditions.
So ask a bunch of geeks what you’d need and the answer will be “all of it” and a bit more but you really can’t go wrong with any of these.
I placed an order (left a hello for Simon if he’s still there) for a Convoy S2+ SFT-40.
I’m sure in a few months I’ll have collected a few more of the recommendations. I’d love to try a high CRI light next to see if the sea life looks better, then maybe a small FW3A after that. Might do a Convoy 3 eventually to see if it hold up alright around the water like I use them.
Thanks for all the input, I’m definitely going to keep looking while I wait on this first delivery.
It's takes a single 18650 and has significantly more throw than the BLF A6.
Many brands, including Convoy, have one in their lineup. Price can be very reasonable.
For boating, I'd probably want both an S2+ and a C8 (or their 2170-battery equivalents). For close work, such as helping a flipped kayak, the S2+ would be best. For spotting boats or buoys in the distance, the C8. I'd also want a headlamp, but that's a whole other story.
On a budget, I might skip the S2+, and go with a headlamp for close work, and a C8 for everything else.
Remarkable. My A6 is not (size-wise) compatible with any other of my lights, but the switch + PCB can be swapped with that of all of my S2+ and C8 lights.