Recommendation for Convoy C8

LED Flashlights – General Info 18650 Flashlights
1

Hi Guys, I have bought a S2 off Simon before and was after a convoy C8 this time. Im not a flashlight guy, just a hunter, only need the on high function to be used with a remote tail cap. Fairly dazzling array of options as usual I have to try and figure out. Will list the specs I am after, thanks if anyone can assist.

1. Waterproof
2. Temp regulated
3. Good thrower
4. No added frills/glowing bezels/fancy options needed
5. Protected battery capable?
6. Any suggestions for compatible remote tail cap for firearm use.
7. Are these relatively recoil proof for rifles( 270 winchester)

Also another question, for no.3 is there one that stands out as ’’ even better thrower’’. :slight_smile: I might get both.

2

1. C8 and C8+ refer to the body, it’s the driver, LED and anodisation colour that changes to give all the variants.
So all Convoy C8s use the C8 body and all Convoy C8+s use the C8+ body. There are slight differences between the plus and non-plus versions but i don’t think they affect waterproofness which should be on par with the S2 for both models.

2. The drivers i know have temperature regulation, i don’t know if any don’t. The driver will be selected to match the LED, mainly for power reasons rather than functionality, so unless you’re going significantly away from standard offerings (and i don’t see anything that says you are) there should be temp regulation.

3. Good throw means different things to different people, i have no idea what it means to you. The CSLNM1 will have the most throw but also the narrowest hotspot and least spill. The CULPM1 and SFT40 will have slightly less throw but a bigger hotspot, but will use a bit more power to get there.
These will be narrow spotlights with little spill though, if you want to light up a field you would need something with more spill.

If you have an idea of how far you need to see, whether you need to spot a target or search for a target, and how long you need to go between charges we could help narrow down the options for you.

Also, do you want white light or coloured light? The CSLNM1 comes in red, blue, and green, as well as white.

4. I think the C8 and C8+ meet this need, and the standard drivers can be set to single mode only, at 100% power.

5. Convoy state: Battery: “C8 runs on 1pcs 18650 lithium battery (protected or unprotected)” and i’ve not seen any mention of batteries not fitting. Protected batteries fit in my C8s, i don’t have any + versions but can’t see there being any difference.

You need to make sure that the protected battery you use can supply the current required without tripping it’s protection circuitry. Shouldn’t be too hard to sort out though, will depend what LED you choose.

6. The only remote switch i know of is the one Convoy offers: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32801326773.html
I don’t know if it will be suitable for you, and there may be others out there.

7. No idea, sorry.

Not sure what your extra question means tbh, sounds like you want to buy 2 C8s, one with good throw and one with better throw which i don’t understand.

Hope that gets you started :slight_smile:

3

Thanks for the detailed reply. I just recieved advice elsewhere to go for large hunting type spotlight mounted on scope. 2 x 18650 olight model, recoil resistant. Thanks for the info though, will store it for future purchases.

4

IIRC the C8+ has a LED/ driver “shelf” built into the body of the flashlight instead of using a screw in module like standard C8’s. So it should be better at controlling heat.

5

Hi, both C8 and C8+ are shock proof even to bigger calibers and the above mentioned remote switch is fitting both bodies. You can choose Osram CSLNM1.TG/12 group driver for most throw and narrow beam (5m/100m pattern) or SFT40 with 12 group for 80% of the throw but bigger pattern (8m/100m) and double lumens. You should educate how to switch to group 12 (only strong) or group 6 (strong-middle-weak) without memory. As mentioned, the driver requires 5A, so make sure your battery protection can supply that, otherwise you do not need protected battery in the light - driver has built in protection. Flashlight body is 1” so you can use your existing attachment options. If you need more throw, you can also look to L21B (SFT40/8A12 group driver), but first try C8/C8+ as more practical option. Also note that L21B has signidicantly bigger head and body is 26 mm, so not necessary to fit all attachments. It also has corresponding remote switch, tailcap is different than c8/c8+.

6

Which Olight are you talking about?
The only similar light that I could find is the Javelot 2.

7

I would 100% choose the SFT40 - it’s a beast of an emitter.

C8+ is a pretty large head to mount to a rifle. Please check out the M21b - it will have an 8 amp driver vs. 5 amp in the C8+ and is a much more appropriate size for a rifle imo.

8

Bah another olight. Don’t waste your money as you’ll get all the performance of an olight (argueably more) out of Convoy, Sofirn or a host of others. If you want a good weapons light on a budget Streamlight does well, if budget isn’t a concern there is Surefire, Cloud, Arisaka, etc. But if you are trying to get the absolute best bang for the buck Convoy is awesome.

I have a number of Convoys from the S2, S3, C8 and others. I love the feel of the C8, just is “right.” I have an XPL HI version which throws like a beast despite that emitter having fallen out of enthusiast favor. I actually potted it with some 832HD epoxy and it turned out great. Virtually impervious to shock now. Only weak spot really would be the large lens. If you are truly trying to bulletproof the light you would want to find an acrylic lens to replace it with (though those will scratch easier, typically). My other C8 I’m runing his SST-40 driver with a LH351D. Gives a spotty beam good for general purpose use with great output and color rendition. Really happy with that one, although it never gets used anymore….

Anyways, I like the sand/tan ano that he offers. The older ones were an amazing matte, newer seems to have a bit more sheen.

9

The difference is convoy, sofirn etc require flashaholic knowledge and interest levels to understand, neither of which I have . Eg your post, replacing acrylic lenses, stuff for potting, SST-40 driver with a LH351D, sand/tan ano… whaa? Did you read where I said I am just a hunter lol. Anyway I bought the olight, most the pro shooters here run large reflectors atop 223, 243 etc for head shooting to 200m and small game to 400 so I went with it.

10

The convoy C8 is about as simple as it gets. Reverse clicky switch. You can get it in 4 modes only. Click on, half press for level change…
Well you got what you got. If you ever want to try something else, the Convoy C8+ will be worth a look.

11

Its not how simple the device is, its the knowledge needed to make the choice. Simons site for example, 40+ types of C8, (!)reams of info I could spend days trying to decipher, and the two main bits of info I am after lumens and candela not even listed.

I took the easy way out. But thanks for all the replies, as mentioned if I need to apply myself more to the subject in the future I know where to find it.