Beating the C8+

buck91 · 2019-11-26T15:29:07.000Z

Does anybody have a recommendation for a brighter, better throwing alternative to my Convoy C8+ XPL HI? Looking to keep the budget under $50 with a nod towards neutral tint if possible.

ValuseekeR · 2019-11-26T15:31:26.000Z

Don’t have one yet, but the Astrolux FT03 appears to be king of the budget throwers right now.

maukka · 2019-11-26T16:28:41.000Z

Wait a while for the Noctigon K1 to come out. It’s going to do 500kcd with the white flat, less with the XHP35 HI but with more tint options and uses a current controlled driver with Andùril firmware. Unfortunately no word on price yet.

Yokiamy · 2019-11-26T16:46:54.000Z

The K1 looks very interesting, however note that the White flat will give a lightsaber laserbeam pattern, very much fun, but less practical.

If it comes available i will buy the XHP35 variant.

I already built a L21A with the white flat for fun!

1stein · 2019-11-26T17:39:48.000Z

Built recently UF HS802 with Osram white flat. Throwy.

blueb8llz · 2019-11-26T22:16:05.000Z

Blf gt mini, convoy l2a

sharkman8810 · 2019-11-27T03:09:12.000Z

I don’t know of any, an Astrolux EC01 might be more lumens, but i don’t think it has the throw.
Next flashlight up in the budget thrower is the Astrolux FT03, it is considerably larger look at the specs for size difference. It is a very good light for the money.

Taking your question a bit farther……

How would one easily mod a convoy C8+ to make it have more throw and brighter? I know Matt Smith at adventure sports has a small video on this, and what he did. I would like what could one do that is pretty simple and cheap to get more light out of it without building a switch? Maybe a driver (what type) and a 50.2 led that wouldn’t burn out the switch? Maybe shoot for something in the 2,000 lumen range?

buck91, sorry if you see this as hijacking the thread, I hope not, just trying to take it a step farther.

buck91 · 2019-11-27T06:47:53.000Z

No not hijacking at all! I’m definitely mod friendly. Not sure about improving the c8+, through. If you went to a smaller emitter I don’t think there is any options out there as bright as the xpl right now. If you went to a brighter emitter is there any that would t compromise the throw? For example my seraph turbo head with xhp50.2 is brighter but even with the large reflector that led offers more of a general purpose beam profile like you would get out of various p60 drop ins.

beggindog · 2019-11-30T08:28:26.000Z

Catapult $60

beggindog · 2019-11-30T09:35:22.000Z

Amutorch TC500

Pip · 2019-11-30T10:21:13.000Z

Astrolux FT03 with xhp50.2 and buy the sst40 mcpcb. Dedome the 50.2 and see how you like it and if you don’t, drop in the sst40. Hours of fun for about $40. (Assuming you enjoy working on it.)

mortuus · 2019-11-30T12:50:27.000Z

the astrolux ft03 with sst40 is a great choice and costs like 30$ or something, crazy thrower for that money! blows away even lights costing twice that money anything thrunite has this has for half the price…

WalkIntoTheLight · 2019-11-30T13:10:39.000Z

Yeah, Astrolux FT03 if you’re after maximizing your budget throw. It’s a somewhat large light, though. For something the same size as the Convoy, try the Astrolux C8. Same light, but with a FET driver to maximize output (and throw). Noticeably brighter and more throw than the Convoy, but less run-time as a result.

Of those three lights, I prefer the Astrolux C8. While the FT03 is impressive, it’s just too large to be practical for easy carry.

mortuus · 2019-11-30T16:03:52.000Z

WalkIntoTheLight:

Yeah, Astrolux FT03 if you’re after maximizing your budget throw. It’s a somewhat large light, though. For something the same size as the Convoy, try the Astrolux C8. Same light, but with a FET driver to maximize output (and throw). Noticeably brighter and more throw than the Convoy, but less run-time as a result.

Of those three lights, I prefer the Astrolux C8. While the FT03 is impressive, it’s just too large to be practical for easy carry.

yea true if looking for better but same size i can recommend the lumintop gt mini, also a great thrower but is compact and easy to carry…

F.i.l.a.s · 2019-11-30T16:17:49.000Z

I suggest you to built a C8 with Osram White flat 1 or 2. Use a new 5amp driver from Convoy. You will boost a throw for at least half time more. You will see if this is enough for you. If not, move to bigger head flashlight, L21A is a great host.