This is a comparison of 3 flashlights that are only considered for using in a bike. I do not consider other aspects of these models.
The three flashlights are:
From left to right.
1.- Convoy M1, XM-L U2 tint 1B, driver of 2.8 A.
2.- Convoy S3, XM-L T6, tint 3C, driver of 2.8 A.
3.- Clon of Sikip SK68, modified by me. Led XM-L T6, driver of 2.1 A.
The M1 has a bit of advantage due to the 1B led instead of T6 for the other two models.
Another picture:
For biking, less weight is an advantage. Convoy M1 is larger than the rest…so it must be heavier. Let's check the weights, without battery.
124 grams for M1.
67 grams for S3.
63 grams for SK68. Hence, considering weight, S3 and SK68 are very similar, having M1 the double of weight.
However, less weight means less heatsink. It is know that convoy S2, S3 and similar flashlights get hot after few minutes in high mode. Nevertheless, I have checked that this is not a problem when cycling, when the flashlight receives fresh air all the time. Do not worry about heating, unless you stop cycling. Anyway, of course M1 has a better heat dissipation.
As Convoy M1 is not very well know, let me show some pictures of it:
The driver Nanjg 105c.
Previous picture shows the two switches, top M1, bottom S3. I do not like the excessive size of M1 switch.
A couple of pictures of the pill, no hole there, and copper is employed.
A picture of the light emitted. M1 left, S3 right.
I really like the 3C tint. Some green is visible in the borders of the 1B light. Of course S3 produces more flow… what is going to be an advantage for cycling…see later. In the real use, the central spot is not visible.
Follows a picture taken on white paper.
NIGHT PICTURES.
Battery at 100%. Pictures taken completely dark. All the light comes from the flashlights.
Convoy S3. As picture shows it is very difficult to see the central spot. To be honest, in person you cannot see it. The lateral vision is great, better than the picture can show. Excellent.
M1. Much better throw. However, the central spot is too prominent. Check the sides of the picture to see the worst illumination there. The problem with this flashlight is that the central spot is too bright and closes your pupil! You cannot avoid looking to this so bright light… and the final result is that you have less visibility.
On the other hand, when cycling this central spot is moving all the time… and this is very distracting. But of course M1 is a better flashlight for other purposes.
Modified Sk68. Sorry for the quality of the picture. The picture shows the typical pattern of a zooming. To be honest, I was surprised of the usability of the flashlight. S3 is better, but a modified SK68 makes a good work. The weak point is the low duration of 14500 battery.
More pictures:
Convoy S3
Convoy M1
Sk68
Convoy S3. Look that beautiful 3C tint.
Convoy M1.
La SK68.
SUMMARY
CONVOY S3.
Advantages: best light distribution for cycling. Good weight and size.
Disadvantage:; a bit more of throw would be fantastic. Heat problems when stopped at high mode.
CONVOY M1.
Good flashlight, but too mach thrower for cycling. Too heavy and large, as well
MODIFIED SK68 .
The best option for cycling in city where short rides do not need the better runtime of 18650 battery.
The three flashlights are:
From left to right.
1.- Convoy M1, XM-L U2 tint 1B, driver of 2.8 A.
2.- Convoy S3, XM-L T6, tint 3C, driver of 2.8 A.
3.- Clon of Sikip SK68, modified by me. Led XM-L T6, driver of 2.1 A.
The M1 has a bit of advantage due to the 1B led instead of T6 for the other two models.
Another picture:
For biking, less weight is an advantage. Convoy M1 is larger than the rest…so it must be heavier. Let's check the weights, without battery.
124 grams for M1.
67 grams for S3.
63 grams for SK68. Hence, considering weight, S3 and SK68 are very similar, having M1 the double of weight.
However, less weight means less heatsink. It is know that convoy S2, S3 and similar flashlights get hot after few minutes in high mode. Nevertheless, I have checked that this is not a problem when cycling, when the flashlight receives fresh air all the time. Do not worry about heating, unless you stop cycling. Anyway, of course M1 has a better heat dissipation.
As Convoy M1 is not very well know, let me show some pictures of it:
The driver Nanjg 105c.
Previous picture shows the two switches, top M1, bottom S3. I do not like the excessive size of M1 switch.
A couple of pictures of the pill, no hole there, and copper is employed.
A picture of the light emitted. M1 left, S3 right.
I really like the 3C tint. Some green is visible in the borders of the 1B light. Of course S3 produces more flow… what is going to be an advantage for cycling…see later. In the real use, the central spot is not visible.
Follows a picture taken on white paper.
NIGHT PICTURES.
Battery at 100%. Pictures taken completely dark. All the light comes from the flashlights.
Convoy S3. As picture shows it is very difficult to see the central spot. To be honest, in person you cannot see it. The lateral vision is great, better than the picture can show. Excellent.
M1. Much better throw. However, the central spot is too prominent. Check the sides of the picture to see the worst illumination there. The problem with this flashlight is that the central spot is too bright and closes your pupil! You cannot avoid looking to this so bright light… and the final result is that you have less visibility.
On the other hand, when cycling this central spot is moving all the time… and this is very distracting. But of course M1 is a better flashlight for other purposes.
Modified Sk68. Sorry for the quality of the picture. The picture shows the typical pattern of a zooming. To be honest, I was surprised of the usability of the flashlight. S3 is better, but a modified SK68 makes a good work. The weak point is the low duration of 14500 battery.
More pictures:
Convoy S3
Convoy M1
Sk68
Convoy S3. Look that beautiful 3C tint.
Convoy M1.
La SK68.
SUMMARY
CONVOY S3.
Advantages: best light distribution for cycling. Good weight and size.
Disadvantage:; a bit more of throw would be fantastic. Heat problems when stopped at high mode.
CONVOY M1.
Good flashlight, but too mach thrower for cycling. Too heavy and large, as well
MODIFIED SK68 .
The best option for cycling in city where short rides do not need the better runtime of 18650 battery.