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

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.

newb here, first post…
trying to buy on fastech and noticing several versions, all kinda seeming the same but I noticed different tail cap current numbers.
what does this mean?
one was

1050 ma http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10002364/2060915-convoy-s2-1-cree-xm-l2-t6-3b-490lm-2-group-3-5

another was

2800 ma http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10002364/2060912-convoy-s2-1-cree-xm-l2-t6-3b-490lm-2-group-3-5

everything else seemed the same…

is one better?
which should i buy?

thanks in advance

The higher the current (ma number), the brighter it will be. I suggest buying these from the Convoy directly. I don’t know Simon’s email, but he goes by “convoy-flashlight” here.

Very nice review! :slight_smile:

1+

Simon’s thread on the red convoy is here https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/30740 There is a link to the light in his aliexpress store. Aliexpress does not take paypal but Simon will accept paypal orders by email. Ask him for his email if you don’t see it (he has posted his email in other threads at least).

Thanks…

i contacted Simon and ordered one from his Aliexpress store…he was kind enough to explain the difference in output of the different drivers, and answer some newb questions.
He also sent me the link to buy it…

I appreciate the help being directed to the best source to make my purchase…
Happy to have found this site!

Congrats…I’m sure it won’t be your last purchase from Simon!

i am sure of it!
always nice to know you’re dealing direct with a reliable seller!

ps…the above link to Simons thread gives me a “page not found” error

Could someone share more details on mode memory? FastTech says that it is not a normal memory but the crappy next mode memory, is it true?

Also could someone share Simons aliexpress store link?

If you switch it off and wait about 1.5-2s before switching it on again, it will keep last mode. If you do halfswitch or switch off/on without pauses, goes to next mode.

Simon’s store is this

Just wanted to bump this. So no issues with the holes in the tailcap being too big for the clip? I’m getting the same clip for an s2+ 18350. Want to make sure it works.

The Convoy clips fit well, of course one can use some Loctide on the screws to secure them against loosing. I think they are rather week (thin) and need work to clear the sharp edges.

Yep the clips fit perfectly. Loctite is needed on the screws though. And they are a bit fiddly to fit.

Clip itself is ok. Good length, but a little weak and bends too easily. Certainly not the worst I’ve used, but a reasonable way off the best too.