On the recommendation of you all here I got a Convoy S2 in May. It’s a GREAT light. I like just about everything about it. I especially like the size and shape. It fits the hand perfectly and has enough heft to it to let you know that it isn’t JUNK. I haven’t exactly put it through it’s paces or anything like that, but it has been a great little light and I would not hesitate to pack it on a hunting or camping trip as my only light source.
The only thing I’d like to know is if there are easy mods that can be done to it to make it much better than it is now. I have seen threads where other members talk about modding their lights and I suspect that the S2 is no stranger to this modding. I have a feeling that it can be made MUCH better too.
Keep in mind that I am NEW at this and I would not feel comfy taking this whole thing apart and pulling out a soldering iron and going to work. I’m looking for the easy, simple and effective mods. If there is such a thing.
So I thought I’d ask and see if there is anything that you all would suggest I do.
Is there anything that you have in mind for the S2+ that would make it better for me?
Opening it up and soldering is the only way to mod it
Basic/beginer mods to increase current flow which equates to more light
These are the “basic” simple improvements that can really pick up the output on many lights
Solder braid on the springs
Copper star under the emitter (less thermal sag [emitter heating up because the heat can’t get thru the PCB substrate under the thermal slug], thus light stays “brighter” longer)
Better thermal compound (even on the threads of the pill)
If you have a 7135 type driver stacking more chips for more current
Thicker ga wires from driver to emitter
Better emitter (going from XM-L to XM-L2 gives approx 13-16~% greater output)
And of course higher sustained current batteries
Only way to do all that is to open it up and start removing and replacing stuff
It’s not an easy path to undertake…if you feel you cannot do it alone, or don’t have the skills or tools…then either ordering it “made” the way you want it (thus the beauty of the Convoy S series at fasttech…there are a BUNCH of options), or sending it to someone to do the mods for you is always the best bet
or get a el-cheapo sacrificial light…and learn how to do it…trust me…many a modders have killed lights, but usually come back to them and bring them back to life once their skill sets have improved
Once you get bit by the bug…there is no turning back
P.S. I live in Baytown…work in H-Town…only about 30-40 miles from you (my sister in law lives in Spring)
The best way would be to buy a host S2 and add in parts to your liking. I did that and added a 2.8 A without blinkies and a nice tint XM-L2 led. It gets hot fast but is makes a wall of pleasantly tinted light.
+1 to all of the above. If you want to mod it you are going to have to pull out the soldering iron and get to work. About the only thing you could do without using the soldering iron is replacing the lens with an AR coated one. But you wouldn’t be able to see any improvement with just doing that. I usually just do it as a final step to make sure I’m getting the absolute best out of it that I can.
The only thing I don’t like on my S2+ is the switch. I find it quite hard to push. I wish it was a little bit less recessed. If I had a lathe I would remove some aluminium.
