Aside from the modes, what’s the difference? Are the emitters are the same - is the 7090XR-E the same as a CREE Q5? Additionally, the 3-mode light states that you can use either one 18650 or 2 CR123 batteries. Would this be the case with the 1-mode light? I’m figuring if it’s the same host, same emitter, then you can use the same batteries, no?
If anyone could clarify my ignorance, I’d greatly appreciate it.
IMO, these are grossly overpriced old LED technology with Cree XR-E. Avoid and buy yourself something newer than 3 years old.
Most of us have a real following for the XM-L 2.8A Convoy C8, for its cheap price, reliablity and excellent workmanship… and its damn bright. Just make sure you buy quailty name brand cells not made in china if you expect it to perform well.
On top of that, there are strong rumours that Manafont is out of business at the moment, for some time already, although their website is still up (do they accept payment??).
How about this flashlight? Same size, price, quality, throws a bit less than the Tank but has a much better output.
I’ve looked at the Convoy lights, but what appealed to me the most about the Tank is the form factor and the fact that it can take either 2 CR123 batteries or 1 18650 (I have plenty of CR123s on hand). Would I be able to do this with either of these Convoy lights?
The Convoys all have 7135-based drivers, so they should just about be able to take the 6V of 2 x cr123 batteries, but it will not be very efficient, the 3 or so volts that is above the led-voltage is just burnt off as heat, the driver gets really hot. ( 2 x 16340 li-ion rechargable is out of the question for these drivers ).
I have a Pt10 (“tactical” 5-mode, XM-L, SMO). It’s an okay P60 host, feels nice in the hand, but better after changing the driver and reflector. I would like it more if I could get it to tailstand. >.<
From a price performance perspective I think a Convoy C8 would be a better buy. The stock Tank007 driver was not really that nice, just basic H-M-L-Strobe-SOS, and the SMO reflector was a little bit ringy (I generally prefer orange peel reflectors).
Being P60 you may want to wrap the pill with foil to aid thermal transfer to the body. I did this with mine and it runs fine with the Nanjg driver drawing ~2A, albeit a bit hot.
Alright, alright, you folks have twisted my arm - I’ve decided on a Convoy M1. I just can’t pass it up for $20. Is the build quality on this light comparable to Streamlight? Or am I way off in my expectations?
