This seems to be the exact same light sold at Intl-Outdoor as the EDC 18650. Does anyone have any experience with the Convoy S3? The model I am looking at is the XM-L T5-5C -1400mA -AMC7135*4-3 mode.
I want to check out the 5C tint, but don’t understand driver spec enough to have any idea how this light may perform. Any input would also be appreciated as to build quality...etc.
Each 7135 is worth 350ma, so 4 =1.4a (1400 ma) 6 = 2.1a 8 = 2.8a
In these little tube lights, I prefer not to push them as they get hot quick on high there’s just not enough mass to them.
Ok, just had a look at the s3, it is the same looking host as the 18650edc, which is good, I really like mine, I have mine running at 2.6a on high (different driver but same UI) and it soon starts to warm up, 2.8a, I don’t think you’d see a benefit.
If you activate the drop down box under the price, you can pick your drive current, I’d perhaps go 2.1a. At 1.4a, I’d prefer the xp-g2 myself in nw over an xm-l.
It is a nice host though, I don’t think you can go wrong with it.
I have the ‘EDC’ version of the same (S3) host, and it’s worth mentioning the limited inside length. Mine won’t quite accept a protected Panasonic 18650B. Other than that, it’s great. I think the Fasttech lights are excellent value.
Help me with the math here - assuming a 3400 mAh unprotected 18650B, and a 5% low on the 1050 mA version (i.e. </>52 mA), what would the approximate runtime be? How much of that 3400 mAh is available before cutoff?
I would expect the Solarforce clip to be too big a diameter for these Convoys. That clip also doesn't seem like it would let the light drop deep enough into a pocket either. Thoughts?
Beware that the 3400mA cell is rated 3400 down below 3.0v (to 2.5v?) where you won't get to use that capacity in a flashlight (single cell with a typical driver). See HKJ's review (he discharge tests to 3.0v) - look at the chart for capacity at 1A draw -> 3,197mAh. Now take 3,197mAh/1050mA and you get 3.04hrs use. EDIT: Sorry, I forgot you wanted runtime at 5% (52mA). So therefore 3,197mAh/52mA = 61.5 hours use. This is a rough calculation, but should be close to what you'll see. I think these calculations get further from reality with lower current levels, but I'm not sure. I think 52mA will get you about 20 lumens output.
You can drive an XM-L at any current level below it's "poof" level (5A+ depending on heatsinking); you just aren't getting as high output. See Match's test here and look at the chart for the XM-L. You'll see the XM-L will put out about 392 lumens at 1,000mA.
Thanks for the link. I'm really liking the idea of a deeper pocket carry clip though. Will be ordering a few Solarforce clips to have on hand sometime too.
I see the January 10th FastTech new arivals page now shows Convoy lights/battery/charger combos! EDIT - No driver / drive current listed for these! Are they 8x7135 for 2.8A or what???
Considering Tumbleweed48’s post #3, is the Panasonic 18650B a different length than the standard Panasonic protected? I do not understand why they would make a light for 18650 batteries, and some would not fit. Help?
Jerry
You gotta remember that medium and low modes are PWM generated and there's some efficiency loss as a result. IIRC, the lowest mode only has like 50% efficiency or something like that.
It sorta fits. I think it messes with the o-ring and prevents contact at the switch ring unless you add a metal spacer.
