Review: Convoy S2+ (the red one!) – Fantastic 18650 EDC

Maybe these are the same parts (steel switch) as the ones built-in the rechargeable Models like the Dipper BD03/BD04?

Just took the clip off the S4 which is the same as the ones I ordered, and it fits the S2+ fine.

The tailcap housing is physically different btw for the red S2+. The last pic above shows it - that red ridge around the SS - it protrudes up -- that's not on a standard S2+ tailcap. So, I'm thinking it would not be possible (or the same) to get a SS button conversion kit for a conventional S2+ w/rubber boot.

Is there a separate name for this S2+ it makes it confusing since the only difference seems to be the color and the tailcap?

Hey.. no straight flash photography ;) PM

+1 - it is pretty confusing. Same as the S3 - new design, but not called an S3+ -- weird...

These are the different model names as I understand it:
S2+
New S2+
Red S2+
16340/18350 S2+

S3
New S3

I agree they could use a better naming system.

Make sure you use some loctite on the little screws on the pocket clip…they will loosen and the darn thing will fall off at the most inopportune time (ask me how I know :frowning: )

Those are the stainless pocket clip from fasttech I believe
https://www.fasttech.com/p/1281100

Man, those switches look GORGEOUS!!! I soooo wish Simon would find a supplier and sell them as an addon (aka completely separate from the Convoy deal) I need about 8 of em :slight_smile:
Only problem I see…they are smaller than the entire rubber boot and wouldn’t fit

Simon…have your engineer gurus come up with a viable rubber boot to stainless switch “upgrade” and you will sell tens of thousands of em (especially if the ring on the bottom had a tightening groove cut in em (like the groves on some of the SK68/98 pills) so they could be removable/replaceable

I guess we can refer to them here as the S2+ ADV (for advanced tailcap) :slight_smile:

No flash used for any pictures in this review. Zeusray used on the indoor shots at it gets dark before I get home from work. Clip pics taken today in daylight.

So the holes are not too big for those nuts in the clip?

4C's are also my favorite now, and the 5B1's I like, but no longer available at MtnE or IOS... Think I bought Richard's last one.

Ding Ding Ding! I believe these are the exact same switch.

Maybe... Definitely different from the L4's switch - I compared them.

Simon specifically said in another thread that it is not possible to swap a rubber boot onto the red S2+, which uses a smaller than normal diameter boot hole in the tailcap.

So it’s not about the switch at all, but the switch assembly? How does the feel compare with Solarforce switch assemblies?

Aesthetically I find the SS switch assembly jarring on these lights. The double-bubble thing is the main issue, not the fact that it’s SS. Compare with something like this SS flashlight or this brass flashlight to see what I’m taking issue with. Aesthetically I’d prefer an aluminum plunger with no additional bezel ring.

Thanks for the review and pics!

I need one!

Dunno - you'd have to try this one -- it seems done right. Nice amt of force, nice amt of depression to engage - doesn't feel cheap at all. Who knows, I probably got a good one for a change Smile. With the rim (bezel), you have to have a shallow depression, otherwise it's frustrating. This design seems bout right. The L4 has a shallower depression to engage, but e-switch's have that advantage. This S2+ at least has the tail end cap flanges to protect against accidental depressions, unlike the side switch lights like the L4.

Maybe if I pick one up the enhanced feel will win me over despite my opinion of how it looks. Hmm.

EDIT: I’m convinced that I should at least try it. I ordered 1 unit.

Ohh - just finished an update mod. Took a 2.1A Nanjg from FastTech, boosted up to 2.8A, added a OTC cap, took the 4C LED and reflowed it onto a SinkPAD. PITA, but I filed/dremel'd out the driver retainer ring so it's just fits around the 7135's, allowing it to thread on. It's an awesome EDC now. This is my mode set:

#define MODE_MOON 5 // min reliable # to use

#define MODE_LOW 20 // (8%) Can comment out to remove mode

#define MODE_MED 80 // (31%) Can comment out to remove mode

#define MODE_TURBO 255 // Max for mode #4 Turbo (Can comment out to remove mode)

#define MODE_TURBO_LOW 100 // (~40%) Level turbo ramps down to if turbo enabled

#define TURBO_TIMEOUT 240 // 120 sec turbo timeout

With these modes with the quick OFF time, using STARTOffTime with a mod so when in Turbo Low - one click restores Turbo, the nice feel switch, warm 4C (it appears to be warmer, more like a 5B1), and paired with a Pana BD @3200 mAh cell it's just plain awesome... Smile

At 2.8A, a S2+, like any 18650 tube light, gets hot quick. A knock-down to 40% after 2 mins seems bout right.

What is the quick mod to restore turbo?

This is the updated ISR (Interrupt Service Routine) code I use. Format is fugly, but hope readable. Comments mark the changes. I think once you go into Turbo low, 1 simple click will restore Turbo - this is the way I think it should work - my opinion I guess? Smile

/************************************************************************************
************************************************************************************/
ISR(WDT_vect) {
static uint8_t ticks = 0;
if (ticks < 255) ticks++;
// If you want more than 255 for longer turbo timeouts
//static uint16_t ticks = 0;
//if (ticks < 60000) ticks++;

#ifdef MODE_TURBO
if (ticks >= TURBO_TIMEOUT && mode_idx == (mode_cnt - 1) && PWM_LVL > MODE_TURBO_LOW) {
#ifdef TURBO_RAMP_DOWN
set_output(PWM_LVL - 1);
#else
// Turbo mode is always at end
set_output(MODE_TURBO_LOW);

// TE: Always save previous mode so the next quick click will restore TURBO mode
store_mode_idx(--mode_idx);

// TE: Remove this original code
//if (MODE_TURBO_LOW <= modes[mode_idx-1]) {
// Dropped at or below the previous mode, so set it to the stored mode
// Kept this as it was the same functionality as before. For the TURBO_RAMP_DOWN feature
// it doesn't do this logic because I don't know what makes the most sense
// store_mode_idx(--mode_idx);
//}
#endif
}
#endif

}

*** Note:

There may be an inadvertent side effect of this... Thinking if you don't restore Turbo on a quick click, the saved mode is medium (1 less than turbo) , not Turbo, but I don't mind this functionality, though saved turbo makes better sense.