I am looking to build a xp-g2 build using one of the convoy EDC tube style 18650 hosts. I am looking for one that has decent throw.
It looks like the s4 has the deepest reflector.
Any suggestions?
Also, I wouldn’t mind one that fits the protected panasonic 3400. But it looks like none of them do.
‘ComfyChair’ is your man, he knows things. I think he said the S4 has a marginally deeper reflector. When I put an SMO reflector on my S5 it helped the throw a bit. That’s all I got.
Ask Simon, he has an account here, somewhere “Convoy Flashlights” or something along those lines.
He’s listed as a commercial seller.
He is the manufacturer of them, so if he doesn’t know, there’s a good chance no one would 
Inside surface measurements of the reflectors, S4 is slightly deeper but by less than .5mm. I can't tell them apart once they're hidden inside the lights.
Best throw is with a dedomed XPG2. Dedomed XML2 is only slightly better than a non-dedomed XPG2, they're very similar as far as beam profile. I'm sure a light meter would clearly show the XML2 putting out more light than the XPG2 but it's not enough of a difference that I can spot it by eye or in my beamshots.
Good luck getting an answer. I'm still waiting on an answer as to if he has legitimate rights to use the Convoy name, asked several times in several threads and got no response.
Have you tried emailing him ?
Who do you believe holds the rights to the name or contests the rights to Simon using it ?
I have no idea. Asking is not the same as an accusation. If I'd known the answer to the question, I wouldn't have asked.
What initially made me curious was that I'd expect Convoy to have an internet presence other than an aliexpress store, there is stuff for sale in the aliexpress store that's not Convoy (think Henry Ford selling Oldsmobiles at his dealerships), and Simon's first account here was using a name not in any way containing or related to the name 'Convoy'.
My apologies if my wording suggests I’m aggressively calling you out upon it, yet I’m curious as to your suspicions, which you’ve answered 
No worries, the Convoy lights are great no matter where you choose to buy them.
The S3 is the only one to stay away from if you want it throwy, all the others use the deep reflectors that work really well. The only benefit to the S3 is that the pill threads are the same as a P60 so it's easier to mix-n-match if you have lots of those laying around.
thanks for the response comfychair. so the s2 s4 s5 and s6 use effectively the same reflector?
I am completely new to the world of dedoming. Are there any negatives to this procedure (like lessened reliability of the led)?
also do any of these fit the protected Panasonic 3400?
thanks again for the help.
I don't have any protected cells, or an S5, but the S2 tube ID is bigger than the S4. Best to track down reviews on each one and see what others have found.
Dedoming... if it survives the actual dedoming process, I'd say no, it doesn't affect longevity. Rough treatment can kill one even with the dome still on so as long as you don't go poking it with a pointed stick it should be fine.
Lots of beamshots with the various LEDs in the same Convoy reflector, here: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/20093?page=1#comment-445402
The S4 has the deepest reflector of them all, I believe, but think they are all OP reflectors - I would think SMO would be better for throw, so if you could find a replacement SMO, may help. Really haven't looked at throw much from an EDC - kind of opposite it's purpose, but I could understand a use for a pocket thrower. Mostly from my experiences, wider reflectors mean greater throw, while deeper reflector narrow the spill. I've seen deep reflectors having a great looking spot, but that's all it does is look good - not really more throw. HD2010 is a good example - has width, throws great, but not much depth.
this is going to be a build for a hiking trip. I built a m1 but it is pretty heavy. I am trying to use one of these edc bodies to try and shave off some weight. At the same time I’d like some throw since it will be used outdoors.
Smooth reflectors are available and they don't make a whole lot of difference, just gives a cleaner edge to the center spot.
The S4 reflector is deeper but only because it has an o-ring groove in the front face, only a very small difference and I can't tell which is which between the S2/S5 and S4 when they're all using the same LED.
My S2 came with a reflector that's identical to the stepped-base one sold separately at FT, except the hole had been bored out to XML size. I dunno if they're all like that, but it didn't change the beam from the small hole version.
The S4 is pretty, but I think I prefer the S2. Less fiddly to work on, feels more solid somehow. I always end up cutting/pinching the stupid o-rings on the S4 reflector every time I take one apart. And the S2 doesn't have a separate front bezel to mess with, all the parts go in from the backside of the head.
One thing to keep in mind is that those Convoy “S” lights are like peanuts - you’re never going to stop with just one. You might as well get an S2 and maybe an S4 and get it over with. Even the S3 is great for flood at close quarters - everything up to 100’ or so is like being in daylight, and with great peripheral light. I wouldn’t part with any of mine.
Secondly, for outdoor stuff, you can’t beat one of those Nitecore headbands for about ten bucks. The S lights fit into the three elastic loops perfectly. Makes for great ‘hands free’ whether you’re just walking, or skinning a moose in the dark. (Yup, we actually do that kind of stuff up here!) 
Thanx comfy - I only have the S4 and S3. Didn't realize OP reflectors can throw as well as SMO's - guess all good throwers use SMO, so wasn't sure - I usually don't even look at throw #'s on OP reflector lights. Agree then - the S2 would be a better way to go.
If you plan on beefing it up, I was able to add piggyback 7135's to an S4 to get it up to 3.5A, but I also added a copper disc for additional heat sinking. Sounds like though you want to keep it light. The S4 is a lightweight compared to the S2, if you check FastTech's weight #'s for the hosts -- if those specs are correct?? For some, the S4 is a no-go for it's open shell design though.
Mouseover for P60 smooth reflector dedomed XPG2, both lights using same driver & bin/tint LED, S4 with the original OP reflector.
Considering the size difference between them, I think the S4 is doing a fine job, OP or not! :)
And, I spent a good bit of time setting the focus on the P60 but only put the S4 together with what looked decent indoors on a white wall. The S4 could possibly be better than that with some tweaking.
thanks for all the info guys. so is it safe to say the s4 is not waterproof due to the cut outs?
This is where I differ…the SMO reflectors I got for my S5 definitely improved the throw. YMMV.
Dunno - it exposes the reflector, hhmm - sorry - I'm not testing mine 
, though I gave it a few milliseconds of consideration.
comfy - that P60 looks way better than the EDC - spot looks pretty intense, compared.
Illumination Supply now has Convoy S2, S3, S4 and S6 all in stock with XM-L2 emitters and CW or NW options. All of the Chinese vendors I looked at are still selling Convoy S series lights with the older XM-L emitters.
Illumination Supply is also selling the Convoy M1, M2 models and also the Roche F8 (for which Convoy is the OEM). I just pulled the trigger on an M1 (based on JohnnyMac’s review) and will be buying a S2 in a week or so.
(FYI, I am a BFL noob and this is my first post. I have no connection to Illumination Supply other than my first order mentioned above so please don’t bust my chops about that. I am deeply afraid that I am slowly slipping into flashlight obsessive/compulsive syndrome (FOCS) with no way out……)