1) Disclaimer
2) Premise
3) Introduction
4) Configuration
5) Packaging
6) Materials, assembly, processing, finishes, anodizing
7) Specifications
8) User interface
9) User experience
10) LEDs, light output and beamshots
11) Conclusions
12) Aspects positive
13) Negative aspects
14) Neutral aspects
15) Final grade
1) Disclaimer
If my English is good, you can congratulate me. If my english is bad, you can blame google translate ;)
More and more often I find myself using flashlights during my excursions or in daily life, therefore I define myself as a user who has also become passionate over time.
In addition to indicating objective data and measurements, I will always try to be very clear in highlighting strengths and weaknesses, in explaining the impressions during use and what I would like to see or obtain.
All photos, info, measurements, unless otherwise indicated, are my own flour.
I do all this because I enjoy it, mine is a hobby and a pleasure, in life I do anything else, so I apologize in advance to the professionals of the sector, to the enthusiasts and to the simple users for the mistakes that surely are and will be present in mine pages.
If you notice errors, typos or have other reports to make, please let us know, I will be happy to update my pages with your reports.
2) Premise
I bought the S2 + because I wanted a compact and customizable EDC equipped with Nichia 519A led.
The choice was simple: the S2 + has been on the market for several years, it is probably the most modded and modular torch in circulation, the store offers an infinite number of customizations and all at affordable prices.
3) Introduction
We are in the EDC category, that is tools to carry with you every day. It is a very competitive category characterized by increasingly miniaturized and increasingly performing products.
The Convoy lineup under the letter S (it is likely that S stands for small) is varied and we have several models, all with compact dimensions:
1) S2 +
2) S3
3) S8
4) S9
5) S10
6) S11
7) S12
8) S16
I'm not talking about the lineup flowchart to focus exclusively on the S2 + and on the possible configurations and accessories.
4) Configuration:
For this Convoy the configuration possibilities are innumerable:
you can choose whether to buy your favorite model already complete and ready to use, or buy the various components and accessories to assemble them yourself at home.
(All pictures in section 4 are taken from the Convoy online store on AliExpress.)
1) Complete flashlight or host only :
2) Multiple colors :
3) 18350 configuration :
4) With or without battery :
5) Led :
-219B
-219C
-519A
-SST20
-SST40
-SFT40
-XML2
-XPL-HI
-LH351D
-KB CSLNM1.14
-KW CSLNM1.TG
-KP CSLNM1.F1
-KY CSLNM1. FY
-KR CSLNM1.23
-UV 365
-INFRARED
6) MCPCB in copper:
7) Driver :
8) Firmware .
9) Reflector :
10) Optics :
11) Switch :
12) O-ring :
13) Glass :
14) Diffuser :
15) Spring :
16) 18350 tube :
17) other accessories :
5) Packaging:
The Convoy comes in a spartan packaging: a white cardboard, with an adhesive label that shows the torch model and the type of led mounted. Inside the package: bubble wrap, flashlight with battery inside (Keeppower 18350 1200mah) and a black cord.
NB: the steel clip is not included in the package.
During the purchase I added some components as shown in the photo.
NB the 2a is the standard switch, not backlit, which is located on the flashlight and which I immediately replaced with a backlit one.
6) Materials, assembly, processing, finishes, anodizing:
Torch in the classic 60 series aluminum.
The anodizing is blue-gray, almost an aviation gray, which I find particularly successful, as in the M21F. It is a color that I find really captivating compared to the classic black.
Workmanship and finishes are good, I found no defects.
I point out a single aspect: there seems to be a lack of symmetry between the joints present between head and body and between body and tail.
I don't think it is a design flaw as much as an optical effect, due to the different shape of the tail which has a larger diameter than the body, so you get the impression that there is some space between the two segments.
A purely aesthetic question and of a very small entity, but which I point out anyway, as I have done on other torches.
(This picture is taken from the Convoy online store on AliExpress.)
Bezel:
There is no bezel present; if you are looking for a steel bezel you have to look at the Convoy S3.
Lens:
Tempered mineral glass with green anti-reflective treatment.
O-Ring:
Below the lens we find a fluorescent o-ring, which does its duty when the torch is turned off, it is clearly visible, but the fluorescence lasts a few seconds. I liked the GITD effect.
Reflector:
Orange peel finish for the turned aluminum reflector. As an accessory I also took a SMO reflector, but I prefer the effect of the orange peel one because it creates a softer light beam.
Head:
Aesthetically it is presented in a very simple and elegant way: from top to bottom we have a fairly high smooth portion, then a transverse groove, a knurled portion, another transverse groove and finally a new smooth portion but of smaller dimensions.
Absent written or logos.
Body:
The body incorporates the 3-stroke motif of the head with smooth-knurled-smooth portion.
On the 18350 tube there are no written or bindings, while on the 18650 tube, in the central part, there is the brand name and model of the flashlight.
Tail:
The tail, like the body, also takes up the 3-stroke motif of the head.
Present two shoulders that protect the switch and allow you to place the flashlight standing on the tail.
One of the two shoulders has the classic two holes.
(This picture is taken from the Convoy online store on AliExpress.)
Switch:
The mechanical switch works well and provides excellent tactile and audible feedback.
The lighting (in the versions equipped with LEDs) is good, clearly visible at night, never annoying and consumption is normal; both in the version with blue and orange LEDs the light effect is very pleasant.
Threads:
Well made. The segments screw very smoothly and easily. There is a uniform layer of fat.
The thread of the body, on the head side, has no anodizing, instead it is present on the tail side.
Lanyard:
classic black lanyard.
Battery:
In support of the short tube version, comes an excellent 1200mAh Keeppower.
One of the best 18350 in circulation, both for capacity and discharge current.
Clip:
There is no clip supplied as standard.
I purchased the steel version without treatment and with anchoring screws, because I immediately found it very aesthetically appealing. I was able to tighten the screws exclusively with a screwdriver, holding the small nut in place with one finger. The operation is not the simplest as it is very small screws and nuts. By applying the correct tightening torque to the screws, the clip will be firm and solid.
I recommend installing the clip, not in the center of the holes, but to the right or left to have enough space for the lanyard to pass through.
7) Specifications:
• LED: Nichia 519A 4500K Hi-Cri 9080 with copper MCPCB
• Driver: 5A in 12 groups
• Low voltage warning: yes
• Reverse polarity protection: yes
• Lens type: mineral with hardening treatment
• Reflector: orange peel
• Switch position: head
• Memory: yes
• Tail stand: yes
• Luminous flux: 1204LM
• Battery: Keeppower 18350 1200mAh 10A
• Head diameter: 24.1mm
• Length: 84.3mm
• Weight of the flashlight without battery: 61g
• Water resistance: IPX6
7) User Interface:
We have the Biscotti
firmware on this flashlight. The stepdwon temperature is set at 55 ° C. You can choose from 12 different pre-set groups. We have a fairly complete solution, not customizable like Anduril, but still effective.
The only real limitation I have found is that there is no group in which 35% and 50% power levels are present at the same time.
8) User experience:
The S2 + has the classic EDC form factor with 18650 but with the 18650 tube I find it excessively long, I much prefer to use it in the 18350 version, much more manageable and captivating in shape, also with the keeppower not there are amperage or capacity problems.
Generally the first test I do is that of immersion, but being certified only IPX6 I will avoid immersing it in water; too bad, with an IPX8 certification it would have been perfect.
Very compact and light, it is a pleasure to carry it with you and the metal clip helps a lot to keep it anchored in your pocket or jacket or backpack pocket.
The mechanical switch is pleasant and gives excellent tactile and sound feedback, especially when coupled with the metal switch.
The metal switch has a small problem, being higher than the shoulders it does not allow you to use the flashlight stably in tailstanding, so if it is important to use it in this position, I recommend the backlit rubber switch.
The tail of the S2 + is equipped with two shoulders, but only one has holes, therefore the clips with the screws and the lanyard will be on the same side and it could happen to find the latter in an awkward position to put the flashlight in tailstanding.
I would have preferred a couple of holes on the other shoulder as well, in order to move the lanyard.
Below is a photo to better understand what I'm talking about.
Summary:
if you need the lanyard and use the flashlight standing on the tail to use it with a diffuser, better opt for the rubber switch and the screwless clip.
The clip with screws is possible to use it but it often happens that you have to move the lanyard, so it is not the most comfortable choice.
Diffusers:
The S2 + diffusers are made of rigid plastic. I often use these accessories when I stay overnight in tents or shelters.
I find the red one very useful, because at night it barely tires the eyes and does not bore the traveling companions.
I use the white one when I need to have diffused lighting in a limited work area, for example I fix the torch to a branch so I can set up the tent or prepare the ration even without a front torch.
To fix them on the torch they must be lightly pressed on the head, at this point they are stable enough to be able to lift the torch from the diffuser itself without problems. Use with other accessories: While hiking I find it convenient to use small flashlights on the shoulders or on the straps of the backpacks, so as to have a second light point or a signal light. The S2 + lends itself perfectly to this purpose. For cycling use I use a mount with a gopro attachment.
This Convoy with the 519A can be useful on city, trekking or gravel bikes, especially as a signal, while for use in MTB as a helmet light I find it at the limit for power and shooting. For off-road use I think it would be more suitable configured with a SST40, SFT40 led to have greater pull and output.
Customization and modding:
To replace the switch on the tail or to modify the elements on the head, a seeger pliers are required.
The retention rings have two holes in which the tips of the caliper are inserted:
You can proceed to unscrew and replace the components.
Comparison with Wurkkos TS21 and Sofirn SP40 in the short versions:
9) Led, light output and beamshots:
Last but not least we come to the crucial aspect of each torch: led and light emitted.
The led is a Nichia 519A Hi-Cri R9080.
Some measurements with 100% light on 18% gray card.
Runtime
100%, cooled.
Light beam
In these photos the flashlight is equipped with an orange peel reflector.
The light beam is characterized by a fairly large spill and a fairly large and very bright spot: perfect for the type of flashlight; very usable in short distances but with the right shot.
The transition from spot to spill is smooth thanks to the orange peel reflector.
Tint-shift is present: central part of the lighter spot, remaining portion on the gold and neutral white spill. It is a light and non-annoying color variation.
The Hi-Cri LED has an excellent yield on reds and is really pleasant to use: the colors are faithfully reproduced and the contrast is excellent.
Inside or outside it is a pleasure to use this led.
Some shots in natural environment with the following setup:
26mm f1.6
iso5000
1 / 15s
WB 5000k
Control-0,1% -1% -10% -35% -100%
Two comparative shots between S2 + 100% and then TS21 on High (non turbo)
Both with this setup:
26mm f1.6
iso5000
1 / 15s
WB 5000k
S2
+ I really liked: excellent color rendering, very pleasant light beam and with the right trade-off between flood and throw.
I find the light of the convoy more pleasant and restful than that of the wurkkos, it also has a greater range and therefore manages to illuminate more deeply.
Comparative:
Below are some comparative photos with WB at 5000K and on a 18% gray cardboard background.
1) Sofirn SP40 LH351D 4000K Hi-CRI
2) Wurkkos TS21 219C 5000k Hi-CRI
3) Convoy S2+ 519A 4500k Hi-CRI
4) Sofirn C8L XHP50D HI 6500k
White background, WB 5000K, from left to right:
1) Sofirn SP40 LH351D 4000K Hi-CRI
2) Wurkkos TS21 219C 5000k Hi-CRI
3) Convoy S2+ 519A 4500k Hi-CRI
4) Sofirn C8L XHP50D HI 6500k
I have no doubts, the 519A is the LED that I prefer among these and that I would use on an EDC, because it has a color rendering performance very similar to the 219B, but it has a better lumen efficiency / watt and a higher shot.
10) Conclusions
I am in love with this S2+ 519A: the light is very pleasant, it has an excellent light output despite being Hi-Cri, the light beam is well balanced between flood-throw, it is small, pocket-sized and cheap.
I recommend it to all those who want to seriously enter the world of torches, because they can totally customize it and sew it on themselves according to their needs while spending little.
I don't think I go too far in saying that this flashlight is a best-buy in its range price.
For around € 20 I think it's a great buy.
11) Positive aspects:
1) Led: I find this 519A fantastic
2) Good balance between throw and flood
3) Excellent price and quality / price ratio
4) Customization and accessories
5) It lends itself perfectly to modding
6) Keeppower battery at the top
7) the assistance on Aliexpress of the official store is always very fast and efficient
12) Negative aspects:
1) The tail has holes only on one shoulder: I would have preferred both shoulders perforated as on the M21F
2) Very prominent metal switch, does not allow the flashlight to remain stable when positioned on the tail
13) Neutral aspects:
1) No charging port ( for some it is an advantage, for others a defect)
2) Absence of a more customizable firmware
3) IPX6 only I would have preferred IPX8
14) Final rating:
Flashlight: 8.5 / 10
Battery 18350: 9/10
