Buying a Genuine Convoy S2+ (Simon’s Store and advice)

[Photolunatic]

Original message:

I’m looking to buy a Convoy S2+ flashlight and want to make sure I get the real deal, not a fake.

Years ago, I read that Simon was the recommended seller for authentic Convoy lights, but I noticed he hasn’t been active on the forum for a long time. Does anyone know what happened?

Can someone share the link to his official store or the best way to contact him? Are there any other reliable sources to buy from?

Thanks in advance!

Edit (25 Feb 2025 ):

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for the helpful and prompt replies. I truly appreciate that no one roasted me for my ignorance! This forum has always been a great community, and you’ve provided exactly the information I needed.

I’ve been reading here for many years, but I only recently created an account. Now it makes perfect sense that Simon is the owner of Convoy and has set up his own website.

I had bookmarked this AliExpress store (Convoy flashlight Store - Amazing products with exclusive discounts on AliExpress) years ago, so that was my first point of contact. Now that I see https://convoylight.com/, I might order from there, since it seems well-stocked.

Looking for Advice – Convoy S2+ for My Son’s Birthday

My teenage son’s birthday is on March 7th, and we’re in England, so I want to make sure I order the right flashlight in time.

I’m looking for a budget-friendly yet high-quality flashlight as a gift. I’ve heard great things about the Convoy S2+ and its customization options, but I could use some advice on the best configuration.

LED & Color Temperature

• I prefer a high CRI LED (Ra) for accurate color rendering.
• I’m considering 2700K–4000K, with 3500K–4000K likely being ideal.

Driver & Firmware

• I’m unsure about the best driver choice and understand that firmware varies.
• I was initially considering the 7135x8 configuration. Would this be a prefferable choice?
• Is the Nichia 519A a good contender for this purpose?

Battery

• If possible, I’d like to purchase a battery as well.
• I don’t need the highest capacity, but I prefer a trusted, tested brand.
• Do you know if batteries can be shipped to the UK?

Accessories

I plan to get some accessories like:

• Magnet
• Clip holder
• White diffuser for camping use

I also had these different lenses in my wishlist: AliExpress link.
Now, that I see Convoy offers glass and coated lenses, I’m not sure if these are still relevant. Would they make a difference, or should I stick with the stock lens?

Bike Mount

• My kid cycles, so I was wondering if there are bicycle handlebar mounts compatible with the S2+.
• Any recommendations?

Extras?

• Is there anything else a teenager might want or need with the flashlight? Maybe a nylon holster/case?
• I’ve always preferred black gear (cameras, computers, etc.), but for a flashlight, I think a bright color might be more visible in the dark. I know this is subjective, but what color would you guys pick for a boy?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again for all the help.

[L4M4]

convoy flashlight

Simon is the Owner of Convoy, he is active in the forum, but at the moment he has a lot of work and he is not often here.

[ebastler (Moritz)]

Simon is not just a recommended seller, Simon is Convoy

This is his official webstore: https://convoylight.com/

Edit: too slow

[L4M4]

Oh, this is him: Profile - Simon_Mao - BudgetLightForum.com
And this is the Convoy Thread for every question: 【convoy】SFT70 3000K CRI95 available - #14889 by inert-shadow

[Photolunatic]

Thanks. For some reason, I had an old thread bookmarked and assumed that Profile - convoy-flashlight - BudgetLightForum.com was Simon’s account, but it doesn’t seem to have been active since 2015.

[Photolunatic]

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for the helpful and prompt replies. I truly appreciate that no one roasted me for my ignorance! This forum has always been a great community, and you’ve provided exactly the information I needed.

I’ve been reading here for many years, but I only recently created an account. Now it makes perfect sense that Simon is the owner of Convoy and has set up his own website.

I had bookmarked this AliExpress store (Convoy flashlight Store - Amazing products with exclusive discounts on AliExpress) years ago, so that was my first point of contact. Now that I see https://convoylight.com/, I might order from there, since it seems well-stocked.

Looking for Advice – Convoy S2+ for My Son’s Birthday

My teenage son’s birthday is on March 7th, and we’re in England, so I want to make sure I order the right flashlight in time.

I’m looking for a budget-friendly yet high-quality flashlight as a gift. I’ve heard great things about the Convoy S2+ and its customization options, but I could use some advice on the best configuration.

LED & Color Temperature

• I prefer a high CRI LED (Ra) for accurate color rendering.
• I’m considering 2700K–4000K, with 3500K–4000K likely being ideal.

Driver & Firmware

• I’m unsure about the best driver choice and understand that firmware varies.
• I was initially considering the 7135x8 configuration. Would this be a prefferable choice?
• Is the Nichia 519A a good contender for this purpose?

Battery

• If possible, I’d like to purchase a battery as well.
• I don’t need the highest capacity, but I prefer a trusted, tested brand.
• Do you know if batteries can be shipped to the UK?

Accessories

I plan to get some accessories like:

• Magnet
• Clip holder
• White diffuser for camping use

I also had these different lenses in my wishlist: AliExpress link.
Now, that I see Convoy offers glass and coated lenses, I’m not sure if these are still relevant. Would they make a difference, or should I stick with the stock lens?

Bike Mount

• My kid cycles, so I was wondering if there are bicycle handlebar mounts compatible with the S2+.
• Any recommendations?

Extras?

• Is there anything else a teenager might want or need with the flashlight? Maybe a nylon holster/case?
• I’ve always preferred black gear (cameras, computers, etc.), but for a flashlight, I think a bright color might be more visible in the dark. I know this is subjective, but what color would you guys pick for a boy?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again for all the help.

[ebastler (Moritz)]

@Photolunatic

LED & Color Temperature

I would go for either 519A or B35AM. B35AM is a bit more efficient and floody, 519A is a bit more throwy.

@Photolunatic

Driver & Firmware

Go for either a Buck (519A) or boost (B35AM) for maximum efficiency. Those only come in 12 groups, and the UI is good.

@Photolunatic

Battery

I’m not well versed in 18650s, but Simon mostly sells only good cells. Shipping to EU is no problem, so neither should be UK - just one thing: don’t order “stand-alone” cells. One cell per flashlight is fine. There’s a legal difference between having the cell inside a product and as a bare battery.

@Photolunatic

Accessories

I like the screw-in clips a lot (esp the new black ones look cool) but those are mutually exclusive with the magnet and with lanyard.

[Lumaine_Moore]

I would suggest you buy from his website directly, it is easier and cheaper.

• Go for the 519A if the light will be used as bike light also, B35AM is too floody for that.
• Go for 5A buck
• All the batteries Simon provides is good enough, vapcell F38 is my personal recommendation
• Dont get the magnet as the screw on clip is more useful
• Simon sells diffusers on his website but not the cyccle mount. you can get that from AliX
• You should get a battery charger if you dont have one already.
• I like the look of the gray S2+
• Simon has a stripped TIR lens that is useful for cycling but not general use and swapping lenses is quite a hassle.

[Chris100575 (Chris)]

Do not just mount an S2+ to the handlebars without fitting a striped TIR. Without the appropriate beam cutoff you’re going to blind oncoming motorists which is obviously dangerous for both them and the cyclist.

[Qubeet]

@Photolunatic

teenage son’s birthday is on March 7th

I doubt the parcel will arrive in 8 days.

[Photolunatic]

Thanks, everyone, for the helpful and prompt replies.

I hope I understood everything correctly.

Could I go with this listing?
Convoy S2+ - 519A, Buck Driver

Selected options:

• LED Type: 519A
• Color temperature: 3500-4000K (?)
• Driver type: 5A 12-groups buck driver
• Battery: Molicel M35A 3500mAh or Vapcell F38 3800mAh

Additional accessories:

• Black stainless steel clip for S2+
• Diffuser for S2+

Just to confirm:

1. The clip and magnet cannot be used together, right?

2. Some photos show a rubber cover on the power button, while others do not. Why is that?
   

   
   

3. Is the 3500-4000K range ideal for general use and cycling?

4. Would the striped TIR lens be a good addition for bike use, or is it too much hassle to swap?

5. Which one from these would fit? TIR Lenses

I appreciate all the advice!

[Chris100575 (Chris)]

2. Some body colours come with a rubber switch, some come with metal.

3. CCT is down to personal preference, 5000K is neutral like sunlight, 3500K is closer to an incandescent bulb. Personally I don’t like to go warmer than 4000K, but some people won’t go cooler than 3000K. If you’re not sure, 4500K is just slightly on the warm side of neutral.

4. Swapping a TIR isn’t difficult but it’s a bit fiddly, requires tools and takes a couple of minutes. IMO you’d be better off using an actual bike light. It’s very likely that human nature being what it is he’ll decide that it’s too much of a faff and just leave the default reflector in there which is then hazardous on the road. The striped TIR is going to make the beam weird for general use.

5. 20MM TIR lens for 3535 LED - Convoy flashlight These are the right ones for an S2+ with a 519a.

[Photolunatic]

@Lumaine_Moore @ebastler @L4M4 @Qubeet @Chris100575

Thank you all for the detailed info! You were absolutely right—buying from Simon’s website was a much better experience. The options are much clearer compared to AliExpress, where prices fluctuate and listings can be confusing. Now I understand the different materials available: aluminum, titanium alloy, copper, and brass—some anodized, some painted, with checkered or smooth finishes.

I also initially thought the rubber on the power button was just a cover that wasn’t attached in some photos, but now I see there are actually two switch types: rubber and metal. Some even look metal but are black, like on the desert tan version. I also noticed the optional illuminated switches. Which is generally preferred—metal or rubber? Do they serve different purposes or cater to different users?

My First S2+ Order

Yesterday, based on the suggestions and advice from this thread, I ordered my first S2+:

• Body: Red with a silver metal button
• LED: 519A 3500K
• Driver: 5A 12-group buck
• Battery: Vapcell F38 3800mAh
• Extras: Red and white diffusers, TIR striped lens, and a black clip

I’ll be ordering at least two more shortly, and I’d like some variety for comparison. Personally, I’d love a black, desert tan, or brass version. Unfortunately, brass isn’t available at the moment. The black version has a rubber button, while desert tan has a flat black metal button. Are there practical differences between these switches?

Future Order Considerations

• Battery: I’ve heard Molicel M35A is a great option, so I might try that next.
• LED Choice: I plan to go with 4500K this time. I read somewhere on AliExpress that the highest CRI and Ra values are found in LEDs under 4000K, but I didn’t see this mentioned on Convoy’s site. I also tried looking at the 519A specs, and it seems even 4500K+ has high Ra9 values. Can anyone confirm this?
• B35AM: I’m also thinking of testing the B35AM to compare its “floody” beam with the 519A. Does it offer similar light quality?

I appreciate all the advice—this has been a great learning experience!

[Chris100575 (Chris)]

Both the metal and rubber buttons work the same way. I have one of each and I prefer the rubber one, but others prefer the metal. YMMV.

All 519a emitters have excellent CRI, however CCT will affect how you perceive the colours. If you shine a 5000K light onto a white wall it will look white, if you shine a 3000K light onto the same wall it will look yellow. This will apply to any other coloured thing that you shine the light at, it may still be high CRI on paper but visually the warmer the CCT the more artificially yellow / orange the colours will look. Also note that while warm lights will subjectively improve the appearance of reds and oranges, blues and greens will be muted to a degree.

For most practical purposes you can choose whichever CCT you happen to like, and a lot of people like warm lights, but if what you want is accurate colour you need neutral white.

[gravelmonkey]

According to Simon, brass is back soon (maybe another week or so).

I also prefer rubber switch, I find the metal switch to feel less “positive”, I think the distance of travel before activation is far shorter on the metal switch, which gives this feeling.

Have a play with the light you’ve ordered and see what you like/don’t like before ordering another.

I’ve recently received my first B35AM in a Convoy S2+, visually I find it pretty similar to the 519a. Reviews I’ve seen say the B35AM has good light quality.

For more throw, perhaps try a S6 with SFT-40 or even a SFT-25, be aware with the 519A, you are spoilt for CCT options with high CRI, the SFT LEDs come in less options.

If you like a pink/rosy hue to your light, it’s possible to easily de-dome a 519A, plenty of guides online, just be careful not to damage the phosphor.

Make sure you have a good charger for your cells.

[Photolunatic]

Thanks for the detailed insights! I appreciate the perspective on metal vs. rubber switches—I’ll definitely go with rubber next time.

For batteries, I have a few XTAR chargers, a SKYRC B6 V2, and a lab power supply. I also keep spec sheets handy and charge/discharge accordingly. Safety is a priority, so my cells are always stored in fire-resistant bags.

Since I’ve never used 21700 cells, I’m considering thicker hosts like the S21A. Would you say it’s a quality alternative to the S2+? I’m aware of the extra 40–45g with battery, but for general use—server work, car repairs, and so on—I think a floody B35AM with a TIR lens (60° or 90°) could be a solid choice for my next order.

I’ve heard about de-doming and might experiment with spare LEDs in the future. I assume it slightly worsens the light quality parameters, but it’s still an interesting modification.

As for colors, black appeals to me most, but brass is also tempting. The PCB-style one looks fantastic, though a bit beyond my budget.

On a side note, while I’m new to flashlight LEDs, I have a background in lighting. I worked in the industry for about 10 years, covering a range of applications—from decorative incandescent bulbs and chandeliers for churches, through fluorescent lamp systems for schools, gyms, and hospitals, to metal halide projectors and sodium lamps for industrial and factory setups. That was around 20 years ago when LEDs were still emerging. Now, as an amateur photographer, I’m used to working in a color-managed workflow with calibrated profiles. I still use a CCFL monitor because LED displays never worked well for me.

I tend to prefer warmer CCTs, but I think my next flashlight will be 4500K for a change. Looking forward to exploring more options and learning from you all!

[L4M4]

I have 4 S21A’s - two with SST40 5000K, one with a B35AM 5000K and one with 4x519A 5700K.
I personally like the B35AM Version the most because I love neutral white light and a bit floodier beam patterns which you get with a large LED and a small reflector.
The one with the 4x519A at the moment is too floody for me, it has the 30° lens. 10° is on the way. Shame that there is no 20° option.

Dedoming is mostly not done anymore since the SST and XHP LEDs are available without a dome.

I can also recommend the GT FC40 LED. BIg LED, so for floodier lights, but fantastic light quality - at least in 5000K, I only have that one.

Convoy and Sofirn are great manufacturers.
I like Sofirn for their often integrated USB-C charging and quite cheap included Liion cells and Convoy for the customizability of the lights and the amount of cheap spare-/tuningparts

[ebastler (Moritz)]

My journey into custom lights began with S2+ - you might find some interesting stuff in my thread about my S2+ collection:

Convoy S2+ with various emitters and beaded TIRs

Aliexpress order showed up today! [photo_2023-12-29_14-47-06] First things first, I took the lights apart. The clips needed mounting, and since I did not want them to come loose again, I put a little bit of threadlocker on. I also swapped the PH screws for some stainless torx head screws I had around, and filed them down so they would not touch the rubber button anymore. The UV version needed a filter, and a green o-ring instead of a black one, and the gray one needed removal of this thing h…

I’m a huge fan of beaded TIR lenses, so my S2+ all have beaded TIRs.

[zoulas]

S2+ is more popular than TS10 many times over.

[Chris100575 (Chris)]

They’re not really comparable lights though are they? Totally different form factor, battery and emitter arrangement.