Convoy S21E Review

[selfbuilt]

Following up on my re-introduction post here, my next review is now posted up on my flashlightreviews.ca site:

Convoy S21E

As I discuss in that review, I previously stayed away from so-called "budget" lights. But I can see a few things have changed in the time I was away, and I thought it was a good idea to start with a new baseline of a popular budget model.

I went for all three emitter classes in this model, so I can directly compare performance (and have more than one sample to evaluate). I hope you find it useful - I certainly found the results interesting.

Here's a teaser runtime:

 

[KITROBASKIN]

Most interesting and notable for the value of those flashlights.

 

[selfbuilt]

Most interesting and notable for the value of those flashlights.

Yes, I was very impressed, especially for the price.

Of course, there were some issues with batch variability for a couple of components - but the only potentially significant one was resolved (confirmed on a more recent sample I've handled). Clearly Convoy has a commitment to their brand.

 

[hsa]

Outstanding review. Thank you.

 

[id30209]

Briliant review, as always!

 

[selfbuilt]

Outstanding review. Thank you.

Briliant review, as always!

Thanks guys, glad it is appreciated.

 

[kerneldrop]

Following up on my re-introduction post here, my next review is now posted up on my flashlightreviews.ca site:

What caused Sofrin to tinker out so quickly compared to all the others?

 

[bladesmith3]

wonderful review as always...

 

[SCEMan]

Great job. Glad to have you back!

 

[KITROBASKIN]

I personally applaud you for spreading the word about your flashlight reviews on other forums.

Wondering if you will try out Emisar/Hank lights at intl-outdoors.com

 

[selfbuilt]

What caused Sofrin to tinker out so quickly compared to all the others?

I expect it is the multiple lower output emitters being driven to that level. But we'll see how it goes when I complete the testing on that one.

wonderful review as always...

Thanks!

Great job. Glad to have you back!

Thanks, and good to see you are still here.

intl-outdoors.com

I'm certainly open to trying out new makers and models (and so, appreciate the suggestions). I have a bunch of samples on hand, we'll see how these go and take it from there.

 

[Poppy]

@selfbuilt Thank you, this review is very interesting. I'm glad you are back in the game! For years I relied on your comparative reviews.
I look forward to additional reviews.
THanks again.

 

[selfbuilt]

Thank you, this review is very interesting. I'm glad you are back in the game! For years I relied on your comparative reviews.
I look forward to additional reviews.
THanks again.

Thanks Poppy, glad to see you are still around here.

 

[Rob420]

I was considering the Convoy S21E for a while. Your review pushed me over the top. I just ordered one from Simon. You are not easy to please in relation to flashlight details. The fact that you speak so positively about this 'budget' brand says a lot. I've read many of your older reviews. Respect your emphasis on measurements & factual comparisons rather than subjective preferences. Glad you've come back to guide us again. Cheers.

 

[bladesmith3]

@selfbuilt you have always been my favorite tester. thank you for your reviews.

 

[PaladinNO]

Very straightforward and easy to read and understand review, thank you.

I have been looking at the Convoy S21E in orange as a replacement light for permanently keeping in the car. And the 40 % / ~550 Lumen output is exactly what I need. Tint and beam colour is pretty much irrelevant for this use, so even if the S21E is "built to a cost" with beam variations as a result, it doesn't matter for my usecase.

Currently have a "gen. 1" Streamlight Polytac, 275 Lumen (I think) with a single 16650 cell, and I would like something a bit more powerful and with better runtime. Been looking at a few other Convoy models as well, but after this review, my mind was rather made up, and I think I'll get a couple S21E's.