A high out throw and a flood

QMT93 · 2019-07-21T19:48:03.000Z

Hi guys,

I’m looking for two flashlights: 1 high output throw (beam profile similar to C8+, L2) and 1 dedicated flood. In your opinion, is it possible? Where do I need to compromise? Hope to hear from you.

Budget: $300 for both

Length: 6.5’’ (170mm) or shorter

Diameter: 1’’ (25.4mm) for both head and body, willing to go up to the head of C8+

Switch: Forward tail, with momentary

Battery: 18650 (willing to go 20700, 21700, 26650)

Output: Flat line for at least 1 hour(60kcd for the thrower, and 800 lumens for the flood) until the battery can no longer sustain

My reason for the number: I was able to compare the Convoy C8+ and the Malkoff M61HOT, both running 18650. The C8+ clearly wins in brightness with at least 60kcd, while the M61HOT wins in terms of runtime - flat line at roughly 20kcd for 80 minutes. Hence, I wonder if there’s a light that can combine the best of both: flat line @60kcd, and 800 lumens for 60+ minutes in a similar size.

I’ve been waiting for the review of the M21A, especially the runtime graph. If you have any information about it, please share!

Yokiamy · 2019-07-21T20:07:40.000Z

The M21a is basically a C8+ with a larger cell, so that will possibly suit your need for long runtime on max when using a Samsung 50E.

A flooder with a small head?
Hmm, most flooders have a larger head

Pete7874 · 2019-07-21T22:00:41.000Z

Yokiamy:

Hmm, most flooders have a larger head

Huh?

It’s easier to make a flooder with a small head than it is to make a thrower with a small head.

QMT93 · 2019-07-21T23:24:58.000Z

@Yokiamy: I was considering the M21A as well, and am only waiting for the graph.

@Pete7874: The S2+, and its 21700 version S21A is on my list as well. Any other suggestions?

singularity35 · 2019-07-21T23:32:44.000Z

What’s that M21A you’re talking about? Is that a new Convoy?

QMT93 · 2019-07-21T23:34:27.000Z

The Convoy M21A is the 1x21700 version of the Convoy C8, which runs on 1x18650. Similarly, L21A, and S21A are 21700 versions of L2 and S2, respectively. The L21A can carry up to 2x21700 with its extension tube.

singularity35 · 2019-07-21T23:46:56.000Z

QMT93:

The Convoy M21A is the 1x21700 version of the Convoy C8, which runs on 1x18650. Similarly, L21A, and S21A are 21700 versions of L2 and S2, respectively. The L21A can carry up to 2x21700 with its extension tube.

Thanks! I have an L2 and I use it in single 26650 configuration. I just wish it had a little more output. Does the L21A have the same output?

scosgt · 2019-07-21T23:52:11.000Z

Astrolux with the XHP-50 is an incredible throw. Uses a 26650 but as always you can use a high output 18650

QMT93 · 2019-07-22T01:47:05.000Z

@singularity35: You can use the L2 with 2x26650 for at least 120kcd. Reviews on either the M21A and the L21A haven’t surfaced yet, probably because they are too new.

@scosgt: Which Astrolux are you referring to? I’d love to have a look at those.

scosgt · 2019-07-22T02:03:24.000Z

QMT93:

@singularity35: You can use the L2 with 2x26650 for at least 120kcd. Reviews on either the M21A and the L21A haven’t surfaced yet, probably because they are too new.

@scosgt: Which Astrolux are you referring to? I’d love to have a look at those.

FT03
Beam shots:

[Album] Astrolux FT03 unlit street

[Album] astrolux FT03 AWT 4500 IMR battery TURBO

[Album] imgur.com

Frumious · 2019-07-22T04:32:54.000Z

QMT93: Your post is not clear to me:

Are you looking to purchase two separate lights; one a thrower and one a flood. OR

Are you looking to purchase a single light that has qualities of both thrower and flood?

Lemme know. I have suggestions for either.

Note: Either can easily be accommodated with $300.

QMT93 · 2019-07-22T06:37:51.000Z

scosgt: the graph of the FT03 drops overtime, and the light is a side switch type. I prefer a flat output, and a tail cap switch. Thanks for the input though! Fruminous: 2 lights - 1 high output throw and 1 dedicated flood - with the above specs. The most important thing is the flat output.

Frumious · 2019-07-22T07:49:51.000Z

OK.

I see the challenge: Small physical format limiting you to a single cell, but wanting long performance at somewhat high output.

For your thrower: Look at the specs for the NIGHTWATCH NS22 SEEKER with either SST20 or SST40 emitters and with the optional 21700 battery handle. It is a relatively narrow-headed thrower. Affordable: Around $30 plus battery. (I use a high drain 4000mAh Sofirn.) Beautifully made. If you are willing to have a wider head, take look at the Acebeam T27: Tail and side clickers. 21700/5100mAh Acebeam battery, Ultra-long throw. Over 300Kcd. Pricier. This is my go-to thrower. Something similar (though much less expensive and with side-clicker only) is the Astrolux FT03 - powered by a 26650.

For your flood: I know less about what’s available in flooders. Those few I have are side clickers - except my BLF A6 (an EDC). My choice for a long-running one-cell flooder is the fabled side-ramping Emisar D4S - ramped waaaay down. With its 26650 battery (Orbtronic 5750mAh High Drain) it will crank out 800 lumens for a lonnnng time.

Hope this is useful information for you.

Yokiamy · 2019-07-22T19:22:53.000Z

QMT93:

The Convoy M21A is the 1x21700 version of the Convoy C8, which runs on 1x18650. Similarly, L21A, and S21A are 21700 versions of L2 and S2, respectively. The L21A can carry up to 2x21700 with its extension tube.

Hmmm, my L21a from gearbest did not come with any accessories, only a brown box with lasercut foam and just the single cell light.
No extra O rings, no lanyard, no extra tube.

Did i miss something?

QMT93 · 2019-07-22T20:49:27.000Z

Thanks for the suggestion! The Acebeam T27 seems promising, although if the L21A can achieve a constant current regulation, I’d opt for that, given the price:output ratio.

The BLF A6 looks nice as well. Is it a different version of the Convoy S2+?

The Emisar D4S has a side switch. I prefer tail switch.

I’m not a Convoy fan, since I have only the C8+. I’m considering its models, because Convoy gets a lot of praise here.

Thanks for the input!

QMT93 · 2019-07-22T21:00:29.000Z

@Yokiamy: I don’t have an L21A myself, so I can’t say for sure. You can contact Simon Mao, owner of Convoy. He is user 30339 on this forum http://budgetlightforum.com/user/30339

Also, can you take some photos?

Yokiamy · 2019-07-23T07:19:29.000Z

QMT93:

@Yokiamy: I don’t have an L21A myself, so I can’t say for sure. You can contact Simon Mao, owner of Convoy. He is user 30339 on this forum http://budgetlightforum.com/user/30339

Also, can you take some photos?

I just read a review on AliExpress from a Russian guy that said exactly the same, no spare O rings, no lanyard, no 18650 to 21700 adapter, no extension tube.
But the light is very nice though, it feels high quality due to it’s weight (its much heavier then the FT03, which is approx. the same size, the FT03 is a tad wider) the thick aluminium wall, great finning and the forward clicky.

The only downside is the tube inner diameter is 21,5 mm so some 21700 don’t fit, i bought Shockli cells, which are too wide, so i had to buy new cells. The Samsung 40T i bought fits nice and even has some space left.

I will try to come up with some beamshots soon

singularity35 · 2019-07-23T12:23:00.000Z

scosgt:

QMT93:

@singularity35: You can use the L2 with 2x26650 for at least 120kcd. Reviews on either the M21A and the L21A haven’t surfaced yet, probably because they are too new.

@scosgt: Which Astrolux are you referring to? I’d love to have a look at those.

FT03
Beam shots:

Astrolux FT03 unlit street - Album on Imgur

astrolux FT03 AWT 4500 IMR battery TURBO - Album on Imgur

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

Thanks but I like the L2 because I can run it on high for at least 10 minutes and it doesn’t get too hot. An L2 on steroids is what I want really.

Yokiamy · 2019-07-23T20:46:50.000Z

I think chatika von paus is selling a L2 host with a Lexel TA driver, pop in a LED you like and you’ll be happy

QMT93 · 2019-07-24T02:32:12.000Z

If I understand correctly, I should be looking for a light with constant current regulation, right?