Mine arrived today from FastTech, very speedy service
First impressions, it is a very professionally made nicely constructed torch. Fit and finish are excellent. Some might miss knurling, but I like it smooth.
The tint (T63C) is whiter than most of my neutrals. The beam is very nice and even, the hotspot is there but softer edged.
This M2 is a throwy little thing. It definitely beats any of my tube lights, and yet the beam and spill are well spread, making it very useable. Even on low, it throws a lot of light down the paddock.
The switch is very positive reverse clicky and a little stiff, it feels very good quality but makes a definite audible click
It has memory and comes on in whatever mode it was last on. It takes two clicks to get into mode changing mode. Two mode groups. I do like this new driver.
It could do with an extra low mode, but the three it has seem quite well spaced. I ordered the 2100 mA version
I can’t believe I got this for $22. It looks like a light that would retail for $80-100. Think I might order a couple more
Th M2s LOP reflector looks to be a couple of mm bigger in diameter and quite a bit deeper than a P60 reflector. I only have a couple of SMO P60 to compare it with.
The M2 is very similar in size to the LOP reflector in my Balder SE-2. The corona of the M2 is a little brighter and more evenly spread, and the spill a little larger compared to the SE-2. I like the SE-2, it is one of my favourite lights. The M2 has a similar UI, only with a reverse clicky instead of forward, and the Balder doesn’t need a second click to change modes. The new SE-2 has a similar 2 group 3/5 mode driver to the Convoys. I hope this type of driver sticks around for a long time.
Considering the M2 cost 2/3 of the Balders price, I think it’s a real bargain. The Balder is a real workhorse light, and would not be out of place on a police duty belt. The M2 is like a thoroughbred, smooth, light, and quality all the way. It has some serious heatsink fins too, although they probably don’t make a huge difference on such a small light, they can’t hurt and also help reduce weight.
The beams on both of these are much nicer than my P60 lights, more useable for me. My P60s have decent beams, no bad ringy ones. The P60s have less spill and a less defined hotspot. None of my dropins are high priced ones though so YMMV with quality ones.
Mine is whiter than my other 3Cs but compared to a regular T6 there is a very visible difference in tints. It makes the XM-l look a little bluish white with green corona. The M2 is definitely softer, but not yellowish or pinkish.
When I look at the LED with the light turned off, the phosphor looks markedly more yellowish/orangey than a regular XM-L
I wonder is they are a newer version LED than we are used to?
I looked @ the a8 but It looks like it would add more weight to my bag than a slimmer 18650 light. 18650s are also more energy dense. Plus I don’t feel like buying new batteries.
Fair enough, although the A8 will run a 18650 with an adaptor tube, it will be a bit bigger and heavier for sure.
The M2 is not tiny either though, it’s almost identical in size to a SolarForce L2P clone I have, and it’s heavier too, but much better made. It’s much bigger than the single 18650 tube lights.
I like the Convoy, I’m taking mine camping, well dorm room camping, tonight.
The only light I have with really low (moon) modes are the ThruNite Ti and Neutron series, and an EagleTac d25A Clicky Ti. The ThruNite T30s has a 10 lumen low, which is not bad. The Scorpion has ramping with a decent low, but these are all expensive lights.
I really like the ultra low modes, I find them very useful around the house and I particularly wanted them for camping and long runtimes.
I’m guessing the low on my M2 is 20-25 lumens, still very useable and not blinding bright. It’s brighter than my T30 on low, but not a huge lot more.
I think the beam of the M2 is a very good all rounder, which makes it a good choice for camping. It’s not too big and the modes, if not ideal, are pretty decent. It is quite smooth though. The M1 has knurling, and I am thinking of ordering one. I had my eye on that host for a long time, but the M2 is better looking.
Have you looked at the Xiaozhi on FancyFlashlights? It is a very nice torch and is still under $20. The Convoy S3 is also a very nice compact 18650. The M2 will out throw them though.
i also recieved mine last week and was truly impressed. havent really got that satisfied feeling in a long time with these small light purchases untill i got this one.
i also bought the convoy c8, and that was is even brighter and throws further just incase anyone is looking for a c8