Same advice.
whereas i have a convoy s2+ and do not like it because the beam is way too spotty for me
Nice!
I prefer the A6 over the Convoy S series as well. 
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.
If you want something similar to the A6, I actually recommend the Convoy S3 with the SST-40:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1106058070.html
Very bright, decently throwy, better thermal design, and tons of modification potential 
If you want an A6 clone, that’s one thing.
But pick out what you want first: tailswitch only / sideswitch only / both; UI; reflector vs TIR lens; flood vs throw; color temp; CRI; etc.
There are so many options out there that once you figure out the checklist, you can get pretty close to what you really want.
It's good to have you here, FloopCooper!
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.
Nice choice with the SFT-40.
That's my favorite emitter, though otherwise I prefer the A6.
Would a Zebralight SC64W HI outperform an A6?
No in raw brightness, and maybe the tailswitch+UI differences, but otherwise, the A6 is just worse.
IMHO, the A6 is much better quality than the S2+.
Are you referring to looks, actual function, or both??
Have you ever used a C8?
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.
Both, feels better. The switch also feels better.
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.
OK, thanks for your opinion on that. :+1:
Mine is completely different, I rarely even use any of my A6’s… the S2+’s gets the nod.
BUT hey, variety is what it is all about. We all like different things.
Order through Simon got cancelled. 
No shipping option where I live… even though they charged a shipping fee originally. I’ll have to order it to mainland USA and coordinate receiving it from a relative or something.
Thanks for all your help with the choices - excited to eventually have a decent light again.
Welcome FloopC! I must say, your job sounds tantilizing! I live near the ocean, but have a desk job Can you share anymore details of why you shine lights into the sea? Sounds exciting!
I too was going to recommend the S2+. SFT-40 is a great led. Best of luck with your search sir.