I received my Convoy S2 flashlight from FastTech today. It’s not the most expensive one they had but I wanted to start slow before jumping in. I took the advice I got here and went with the Convoy S2 since I am a beginner.
The specifications are:
Cree XM-L U2-1B 2-Group 3/5-Mode EDC LED
I’m still learning what all that means!!
I had to read up on it to learn how to switch modes (pretty slick!!). My back fence is over 50 feet from the back door and the S2 lights it up surprisingly well. It’s going to be a great addition to my deer hunting gear for sure.
If you stay around here long you are in trouble, lol. Out of all of the hobbies that I have had, this has been by far the most fun. There is always something to learn and the technology is continually changing. Have fun with the light and start looking for the next of many. This is an awesome forum with tons of great advice.
The laptop pull batteries are almost as fun as the lights to me, how did I miss all this fun for all these years? Try a C8 for some throw ( I got the Thorfire one with the 3/5 modes, but now they have a 4 mode one!!!).
ko4nrbs you made a very good choice with the S2 as it's a very well priced quality torch as your entry to the world 18650 powered flashlights.
I've had a S2 for a couple of years as my main torch for every day use in the winter months. Great torch although it would heat up whilst on high (2.8A version). As a 18650 torch I found it to be near perfect as it was compact, had the brightness when needed and very good runtime. For me the flood beam pattern was also very important as I would use it for walks where a floody torch is more important.
I gave away a couple of 18650 torches (Ultrafire 501A) to guys at work along with spare batteries and older chargers. They were very happy with what was handed as it was a huge step up from the traditional non LED equipped torches.
I am by no means implying that we should not gift lights…And yes, the homeless may have access to electricity… let’s just say he has access to an outdoor plug that someone doesn’t care he is using… you really think he is going to carry around an obscure battery/cell charger for an 18650? Probably wouldnt even know where to buy one. Unless he/she frequents a vape shop nearby.
Let me put it this way: If you are going to gift someone a Li-ion powered light, fine. But also gift them a minimum of two cells, and a decent inexpensive charger like a Nitecore i2 for $10-$15. I would also try to tactfully explain the basics of proper Li-ion cell handling, WITHOUT scaring the bejesus out of them. Otherwise, a single light (however nice) with one cell and no way to recharge it and no knowledge about how to properly handle the cell is doing them a disservice after that cell is depleted.
I went with a T6-3B and couldnt be happier with that bin/tint in that light. It seems very natural and the S2+ really floods an area with tons of usable light at 2.1A.
