Convoy H1 short review

LED Flashlights ā€“ General Info 18650 Flashlights
1

Dear All,

Maybe you will be interested in this headlight review :smiling_imp:

You can find a full, more detailed review on my flashlight blog (with google translator in lower left corner).
In this short article I will show you the Convoy H1 headlight.

Brand: Convoy
Model: H1
Emitter: Cree XM-L2
Luminous Flux: 1046 LM
Max Beam Intensity: 3861 cd (I measured)
Switch: electronic
Battery: 18650 (only)
Modes: 5 (low, mid, high, turbo, strobe)
Lens: AR coated hardened glass
Reflector: OP
Waterproof: IPX6

Get a headlight in a familiar white cardboard box (as colored edition S2+). We do not get a lot of accessories. We get a simple headband and a clip.

There are three main parts can be disassembled.

The head contains the 21mm diameter driver. Unfortunately, I did not release the metal closure in front of the reflector and above the switch.

The body is the usual thick tube, the thread towards the head and towards the tailcap is not the same.

The tailcap is a simple structure, unfortunately there is no space for magnets.

Large enough. Not just big, itā€™s heavy: 69,9g

From left to right: AA battery, NCR18650B, Armytek Tiara A1 Pro, Nitecore HC30, Skilhunt H03, Convoy H1, Armytek Wizard Pro

The above picture shows the biggest problem. The headband. Unfortunately, this is weak, it does not keep the lamp safe when we move. It is recommended to replace it with a stronger 3 strap version.

Apparently, there is no heat protection and no timed step down in the turbo mode. Safe to use in high mode!

Also, everyone is interested in beamshot pictures:

In ascending order: Convoy H1 high mode, Skilhunt H03 (the highest) turbo, Armytek Tiara A1 (the highest) turbo, Nitecore HC65 turbo, Convoy H1 turbo, Nitecore HC30 turbo, Armytek Wizard Pro (the highest) turbo mode.

Heavy weight is good for draining heat. Unfortunately, the headband is weak for this weight. The clip works well. When used as a (angled)flashlight, the Convoy H1 performs very well. If you use it as a headlight, you need a stronger headband. You also need to be careful because your turbo burns your head if you touch it!

You can buy @ GearBest

2

Thanks for the review. I didnā€™t know this was coming from Convoy.
It looks pretty decent for the price.
Although the headband is weak, better be provided with one with the light rather then none.

3

Curious as to why itā€™s not at the Convoy flashlight store on Ali.

4

Thanks for the review. My fingers have been hovering over that ā€œBuy Nowā€ button, but Simon says that heā€™ll be making some BLF-requested updates (perhaps lighter, improved UI, charging, 3535 LED). Iā€™d hate to pull the trigger just in time for him to release an update.

I was really curious about the mod-ability of the H1. Glad to see thereā€™s a retaining ring. Iā€™m wondering whatā€™s inside that headā€¦

  • Is the LED on a standard MCPCB (16mm)?
  • Is the driver Attiny-based? Linear/7135?
  • Can the switch be gotten to? Replaced with one that includes aux LEDs? (likely requiring driver mods) Is the switch on itā€™s own board or mounted to the driver?

Almost tempted to buy it just to rip it apart.

5

When they make it in ā€œSandā€, Iā€™ll order up.

6

Is the LED on a standard MCPCB (16mm)?
Unable to disassemble, I could not measure the size of the PCB.

Can the switch be gotten to? Replaced with one that includes aux LEDs? (likely requiring driver mods) Is the switch on itā€™s own board or mounted to the driver?
Unable to disassemble, I could not measure the size of the MCPCB. The switch is wired, not mounted on the PCB board.

7

This is an awesome headlight, didnā€™t expect it to come out.
Iā€™ll take one in Camouflage Green.

Where could one buy a better/compatible strap?

8

Difficult to get to the PCB is a deal breaker

9

I see a retaining ring for the driver and notches in the bezel, so I imagine itā€™s not impossible to disassemble if youā€™re determined enough.

Eh, screw it. Iā€™m that curiousā€¦ I just ordered one.

BTW, thanks for the quick review and pics. I was waiting to make sure that the driver was held by a retaining ring and not glue. I canā€™t wait to dive into mine when it gets here.

10

+1 for 3535 footprint and LH351D no ugly tint shift like Crees have

11

The driver clamping ring can be rolled out easy.
I could not loosen the reflector and switch ring :zipper_mouth_face:

12

:+1:

13

Some Convoy stuff is reverse-threaded, i.e. clockwise to loosen. Apparently intended to automatically keep it tight as people open and close their lights. Might be worth carefully turning the switch ring the ā€œwrongā€ way.

14

The driver ring loosens in a counterclockwise (normal) direction.
No special tools to loosen the ring in front of the reflector. I couldnā€™t move in either direction.

15

Thanks for the review :smiley:

16

Itā€™s strange that they chose to compare it to the Rofis R2, a pretty unique 14500 swivel head light with magnetic charging and battery indicator.

17

Iā€™m a huge Convoy fan and I use headlights more than flashlights. Iā€™ve been hoping for a Convoy headlight.
Simon has a lot going on, S11, H1, 21700 S2 and C8, latest and greatest LEDā€™s and upgraded drivers. Iā€™d say he rushed this out. Itā€™s a great looking light and Iā€™ll buy one, but Iā€™m disappointed. It doesnā€™t do anything that my other right angle lights donā€™t do, and I much prefer the Sofirn/Boruit D10 style headlamp for many reasons.
Simon had those headbands in stock. They look like they were designed for a 18350 light. He must have a new one in the works. This is a heavy light. Probably needs a headband with a strap that goes over the top of the head. It would be nice if it had ā€œConvoyā€ on it.

18

Keep in mind that you will also receive Convoy quality. I think this is an important point!

19

Oh GAWD! The last thing I need is another headlamp.
Is there an ordering link? :smiley:
Iā€™ll probably use my Skilhunt headstrap with it, the one with the over-the-top strap.

20

Nice review!
Iā€™m wondering if you can replace the body with S2+ (short) body?