Help a newbie pick a C8

After looking around and reading I think I’ve decided a C8 is what I want.

I know nothing about this kind of stuff but I have an EE degree and related tools so I think Im good to build one with some guidance (if thats the best route).

Questions:
-Is there an advantage to Convoy VS XinTD?
-Would buying a host + LED + Driver offer any advantages to just buying a XinTD?
-What do I need to buy if piecing one together?
-Im having a hard time deciding between XP-G2 and XM-L2. I think I would prefer the greater throw of the XP-G2 but want a Neutral tint…
-Im in the US and not in a hurry to get the light. I don’t have and wont use paypal. How safe is ordering from these Chinese sites using a debit card? Where is safe to order from?

I have a Nitecore i4 Charger but need to buy 18650 batteries. I would like top quality batteries. What would you suggest for the light you will recommend?

Thank you for helping a clueless newbie :slight_smile:

Is there an advantage to Convoy VS XinTD?

Sorry, I can't help here

Would buying a host + LED + Driver offer any advantages to just buying a XinTD?

It would give you a little more customization as far as emitters and drivers/modes

What do I need to buy if piecing one together?

Emitter on mcpcb, driver, some wire

Im having a hard time deciding between XP-G2 and XM-L2. I think I would prefer the greater throw of the XP-G2 but want a Neutral tint...

You can get a neutral tint in an XPG2 as well

Im in the US and not in a hurry to get the light. I don't have and wont use paypal. How safe is ordering from these Chinese sites using a debit card? Where is safe to order from?

Why don't you like paypal? I personally won't give them my account number. You could try using a pre-paid visa from walmart to protect your CC number.

I have a Nitecore i4 Charger but need to buy 18650 batteries. I would like top quality batteries. What would you suggest for the light you will recommend?

I recommend these

http://www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers/18650-keeppower-2600mah-samsung-icr18650-26f-protected-button-top.html

or these

http://www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers/18650-keeppower-3400mah-panasonic-ncr18650b-protected-button-top.html

Are there other/better drivers than whats included with the XinTD to consider? Modes appear to be user selectable at purchase and later with soldering, correct?
Would glass quality between Convoy host and XinTD be something to consider?

I havent looked at prices but I assume peicing a light together is less expensive.

Long ago I looked into setting up a paypal account and was reading stories about paypal freezing poeples bank accounts. I dont know if thats still and issue or not but I wont ever associate my bank account with something like that.

Are there any US based places to safely order from?

The Xintd is considered the best quality. The driver used is a very good one. Some people would just like to “hotrod” their lights more.
You can buy an empty convoy C8 host for $11, emitter for $5-8, and a driver for about $5. It would end up cheaper than the XinTD, but not cheaper than a stock Convoy C8

I’ve never met someone who didn’t trust paypal :~

they freeze the funds transfer until the transaction is complete (that’s the point), but I don’t see how they could freeze your actual bank account

Mtnelectronics is your best bet. They have batteries, both lights you are looking for, and based in Seattle. The owner is a member here.

US Source?
Sure -> Search - XinTD C8 V5

I have a grey Convoy - for the money (17:money_mouth_face: this is a awesome light. one of my best.

I don’t think that the XinTD is so much better that the 13$ more are justified.

And I don’t know about any problems with PayPal…

Really? Moding/building at the get go?

Why not just get the convoy with a choice of emiter? You can do better given experience but for may be a buck difference. You are getting a prebuilt light with warranty.

I would suggest just get the light you want from mountain or Illum.

Cheers

How would a Thrunite TN12 or PD35 compare to the C8 in beam shape and output?

I don’t have either, but they seem to be narrow tube lights. I would expect the C8 to have a much tighter beam and longer throw.

With roughly the same output?
If thats the case and the XinTD is good enough quality it seems like a no brainer to get the XinTD for the price difference and throw.

Can anyone confirm the quality of the XinTD and if you have this light and either a TN12 or P35 compare the light they put out to the XinTD please.
Im especially interested in the XM-L2 U2 3C warm tint version if you can comment on the tint and beam.

Yes roughly the same ouput. The 3C tint is a nice neutral tint. Some people prefer the 3D tint, but they are much harder to find and not that different.

I have the latest Convoy and an older XinTD V3 and I like the Convoy slightly more. It’s smaller, lighter, has an extra fin, anodized threads, screws hold the LED and you can quickly disable/enable blinky modes. Both have AR lens.

My XinTD has a brass pill w/screw in reflector, a proven driver w/multiple mode selections and a more robust feeling switch and body. I think the newest version has a soldered in star. IMO, the overall quality is a little better.

Is this the LED youre talking about…XM-L2 T5 5D3
I have no clue what these part numbers indicate about the LED

The second set of numbers is the tint bin. What most people think of as LED light is bluish like a 1A, pure white is close to 3D, and old incandescent flashlights are probably in the 5A range. “cool” = blueish, “warm” = orangish. Use this for reference.

The first set is the output bin. Later in the series equals brighter. T5 < T6 < U2. Typically the warmer tints are only found in the lower output bins like T4 or T5. The difference between a T5 and a U2 is a couple hundred lumens at 3amps.

Thank you, that helps to visualize and put things in perspective.

Its a hard choice on the light.

There is a review on the Convoy host that lays out some cons. I dont know how important these things are being new to this.
I was thinking the XinTD would have better heat sinking because of the screw in reflector but I dont know how important that is. The Convoy matte black looks really nice.

Both the ready to go Convoy and the XinTD in the neutral tint are out of stock currently :frowning:

I added a couple comments to the tint post for reference.

At 3amps, I think either one will have adequate heat sinking.

I use a special account with paypal—special meaning I keep only the money in it that keeps it a free account—mainly to collect payment from buyers—I also have a low limit credit card linked to make purchases—don’t link your main bank accounts to paypal or use a debit card with lots of money in the account anywhere

Thank you pilotdog68, that really helps.
Having explained that I would guess Im looking for a tint somewhere between 3A and 4A?
This light will be used walking and spotting in the woods and needs to have more natural color rendering.

You know, it never crossed my mind to open a seperate dedicated account for the sole purpose of making online transactions. Thank you for that suggestion chops728. I usually use my debit card linked to my main account and always watch my bank statement like a hawk.

A warmer tint will look better outdoors than indoors. It really brings out the greens and browns. 3C is a good all-around tint, but I think you would be happy with anything in the 3 or 4 ranges.

I have both a Fenix PD35 and an XinTD V4 (The old, slightly inferior model) and the XinTD is brighter and throws SIGNIFICANTLY farther. They are not even remotely in the same throw class. The XinTD wins in both departments, and if you are not going to pocket carry, the XinTD is a no brainer win for me.