Review - KDLIGHT C8 XPL-HI V3 SMO 18650

Thanks for your comments. :slight_smile:

Thanks for the review Rolz.

Great review Rolz, did you find any difference between the updated KD and the convoy reflector?

This one seems to be the top recommendation for anyone looking for the best thrower under $20.

Great review, Rolz. I just got my KDlight C8 in 4500K yesterday. Your points are all on target. The anodizing is shinier, not as matte, as say the BLF A6. I think the matte finish is a little nicer. The light works great and throws like crazy with not much spill. I’m having a hard time finding things around my house that are far enough away for me to test the beam. The low is listed as 2%, but from the current measurements and observation it is less than that and more of a moonlight mode (I’d prefer a little more output on that level). The LED is well centered. There is a hint of yellow in the hotspot on mine, similar to some other XP-L HI lights I have, but it isn’t that bad. The 4500K seems about right compared to other lights I have with that tint. I think using an IMR in a light like this is compelling: you get the safety of the IMR, driver regulation to 3 amps, and the driver’s low voltage signal to keep you from running the cell too low.

Beamshot comparison with the Convoy XM-L2 please!

Any ideas how this would compare with the Convoy XP-L HI?

Great review, TFS!

I would recommend the Convoy over this. The quality on Convoy looks to be superior based on these images.

Thanks and very nice review for a great light. I just wished they would upgrade the tail cap. I find that one hard to press the switch. Maybe add some cutouts for the thumb. Or at least raise the rubber boot but while still being able to tail stand.

The KD C8 does indeed have a cheaper looking finish, maybe it’s the shiny anodizing and the use of a generic looking logo, making it feel ultrafire-like?

Thanks for the comprehensive review. Nicely built light for the price.

As mentioned the finish is shiny, unlike the Matt finish on the Convoy C8’s. I’ve seen some cheap C8 bodies and this isn’t one. I don’t have access to the latest model of Matt finish Convoy C8’s so can’t compare directly. The finish on the KDs is excellent and would be comparable to the Convoy C8 I have. Whether it’s on par with the new Convoy’s I can’t say.

Thanks for your comments. The low voltage cutoff is a nice feature and provides confidence in using non protected cells. I may get the chance ot try out a 4500K soon, and it will be interesting to see the difference in performance. As you found it’s throwing ability is really good for a C8. I may in time consider a C8 comparison between brands. Just need more flashlights :slight_smile: The big winners here are us as buyers. It’s pleasing to see so many good C8’s on the market. The Convoy’s are always a safe choice at a budget price, and I do believe the new KDLIGHTs as per this review model are a good buy too and may throw further.

Thanks for your comments

Is there another flashlight tailcap that describes your comments as I cant quite picture the cutouts for the thumb?

Kaidomain are seeking ideas on how to improve this flashlight. What improvements would you suggest to the KDLIGHT to make it an even better flashlight?

https://www.google.com/search?q=thorfire+c8s&client=safari&hl=en-us&prmd=svin&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiNvJu9iePNAhUN62MKHX-1AaUQ_AUICSgD&biw=375&bih=559&dpr=3#imgrc=Px7mLXwV5IdAoM%3A

Perfect example would be this thorfire c8s upgraded tailcap

Thanks for explaining with an example. It’s not unlike the C10 in one of the photos I included in the review above.
Any other thoughts people have on possible improvements? What would make for a perfect C8?

A very nice thing for me , is a flashlight like Convoy C8 , without pill . And a retaining ring for the driver .

I’ll aim to buy a new Convoy C8 with the integrated head to compare against for future C8 reviews. Has anyone actually proven that the heat management for a C8 with an integrated head is clearly improved over one with the removable pill?

I just got a new KDLIGHT C8, the machining is great, the low is pretty low, and it has nice throw. Mine has an issue cycling between modes though, I usually have to half press 2 to 3 times to get it to change modes. Other than that I really like it.

Odd issue you have, possibly switch or otherwise driver related.

I’ve ordered a Convoy C8 XPL HI with Cool White. This will enable a direct comparison with the KDLIGHT C8. When it comes in I’ll add some further comments on how they compare. Should be interesting to see how they compare. I’m not sure if the Convoy if the 8x7135 in the Convoy provides 2.8A or 3.04A. This is where a difference may be noticed in brightness and throw.

Hi Rolz
How did the CONVOY C8 XPL-HI compare against the KDLIGHT C8 XPL-HI V3?

Did you end up getting the Convoy with the integrated head?

I’ve got a few of the Thorfire C8S’ (XM-L2) with the integrated head and they seem to manage heat well.