Convoy S2+ (Micro Arc Oxidation, Nichia 519a, 3000K) Review | The BEST value EDC Flashlight?
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- čas přidán 16. 11. 2022
- In this video, I review the Convoy S2+ in MAO (Micro Arc Oxidation). This is a new type of coating that is being used on some flashlights and should exhibit superior durability than normal hard anodizing. I got my S2+ with a Nichia 519a LED in 3000K (warm). Is this coating worth the hype? Watch my video to find out.
Get the S2+ (MAO) here: www.aliexpress.com/item/10050...
BEAM SHOTS: 11:30
Full Measurements: darrenyeo.com/convoy-s2-micro...
Support my work by purchasing recommended products here (affiliate link): www.amazon.com/shop/watercolo...
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This flashlight sample was sent to me by Convoy. I was not paid to do this review. All opinions are my own.
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Convoy S2+ Transcript
Build quality, and disassembly:
• Convoy offers the best quality-to-price ratio. I maintain that, especially for some of their smaller lights like this one. Flawless finish and machining. It feels like ceramic?
• You can modify this light easily. Unsealed.
LED, Lens, Bezel, and Reflector
• The 519A is one of the best LEDs to use in a professional setting. Comes in various tints from 2700K - 5700. 90+ CRI.
• AR Glass lens with OP reflector. Simple bezel. LED centered perfectly.
Size and comparison:
• 11.7cm X 2.4cm
• SC31 Pro, E51C, FC-12, Reylight Pineapple Mini, etc.
Retention and carry:
• Fits easily in a pocket and the lanyard is a handy addition.
• No pocket clip. Only fits one with a thin retaining ring. You can buy them separately from Convoy for a few dollars.
User interface, modes, and operation:
• Mode memory on/off.
• UI selection of 12 groups. Some prefer fewer groups but I like the different options. Memories once off, even when the battery is taken out.
• Change modes by half-pressing once on. 20 taps, mode selection.
Batteries and charging:
• Takes both flat tops and button tops 18650 cells. Battery included for a few extra dollars.
• No USB charging. Need external charger.
Performance (beam profile, lumens, and run times):
• 162m throw on high
CRI/CCT (Opple Light Master Pro 3):
2950K
CRI: 95+
What I liked/didn't like:
• Convoy provides the best value at this price point in my opinion. You give up onboard USB charging but it's worth it for the excellent build quality and performance.
• Choices...! There are so many configurations you can buy the S2+ in. Colors, LEDs, two drivers, there's even a 21700 cell version. Most manufacturers offer two-color tints at most. I love the 3000K, which helps greatly on foggy nights and is easy on the eyes.
• Considerations: the white finish marks easily if you have it knocking around with other objects. It mostly cleans off with alcohol wipes. No chips or scratches.
• Would have liked an included pocket clip but at this price point that's acceptable and you can buy one separately.
Final Verdict:
This is one of the best EDC lights for flashlight beginners and enthusiasts. The high number of options in this model, low price point, and excellent build quality. I like how all the technical specs are made clear and you know exactly what you're getting. Highly recommended. - Věda a technologie
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Thank you - Darren
Just yesterday a hiker died in our country.. A young and fit person.. But it went dark and started snowing so he lost orientation.. He called for help but the rescue team with helicopter could not find him. A flashlight might save your life. Not only to see in the dark but also to signal the rescue team.. 😐
That's a shame. I heard there's been some serious snow storms in the states recently. Yes, agree - I also think it can be a good self defense tool, it could blind someone temporarily, giving you a few precious seconds to escape.
Paired with a pocket knife and a small ferro-striker or whatever they're called.
Just got this Convoy s2+ MAO, 3 pieces! Amazing light. What I love is its 3rd group of modes and ability to switch off mode memmory, so it is always on in predictable mode (100% in 3rd group)
It's an awesome little light and I actually use it the most out of all my lights because it's a bedside light / general purpose one around the house :)
Nice choice of light Darren! I have a MAO M21b in transit in the same emitter @4500k. Looking forward to trying it out as soon as it gets here
Cheers Alan, the M21B is a great value light, though a little larger if you are thinking of pocketing it. I have a couple with PM1 emitters.
I love Convoy. Such great value
Yeah, best bang for buck. Sofirn gets close, they have charging ports but nowhere near as many options for their lights. I like that you can choose a Convoy host, emitter, colour temperature..
I really like the MAO finish and the warm color temp. I may pick one of these up, thanks.
It's my most used light 😃
Really helpful thanks
Thank you mate
Thinking about getting a 519a, just in 4000K. I want a warm pocket flashlight that has some narrow beam, instead of full flood as in the Wurkkos TS10.
You can de-dome the 519 yourself easily. That gives it some extra throw but makes the beam warmer.
Nice review! Did you use auto white balance? I noticed in the alley shot that the light initially looked very "rosy" then switched to a more neutral white.
Cheer! In these earlier videos, I didn't set the white balance to manual so there's a bit of this going on.
If only it had a shortcut to turbo and moonlight, then it would be the perfect light.
Pre-installed forward clicky too :D
Three months ago I got my first proper flashlight, A Sofirn SC31T, and it is pretty amazing for the price, quite a throw with a good amount of flood, but now I want to try this Nichia 519a, do you think this Convoy with the 519a would be more floody than the sofirn (SST40)?
Congrats on your first proper light :D the 519a produces less light maybe 1/2 the amount of the SST40. Both of them in a small host like the S2+ are going to produce more floody beams. But you still get a decent sized hotspot.
Great video! I’m debating between sst20 and the 519a, What are your thoughts?
Hi Andre I'd go the 519a, it has 97+ CRI and more efficient than SST-20. What are you using it for though? And in this same S2+ host?
Yes it’s the same exact model. Is there any reason you went with 3000k? It seems like people are loving the 4500k
@@hondaaccord8500 I use it mainly as a light around the house, and point it at the room for awhile before I sleep. The 3000k is easier on my eyes as there's no harsher white/blues in there.
I decided on the 519a with a 4500k emitter. I noticed it has a 5 amp driver. I wonder if it’s still a 7135 chip driver. I’m still learning about these.
@@hondaaccord8500 that's a nice place to start, 4500 is a neutral tint. Not sure about the driver. Might need to check on BLF forums.
I don't know anything about LEDs but from what I have heard the nichia LED is only prefered in the S2+ UV. Is this true for the original S2+ also, or would SST40 be better?
Hi, I'm not sure about the UV edition but the Nichia 519a has the highest CRI @97 (best for colour recognition). It's not as bright as the SST40 Or SFT40 which has better throw. Depends what you're using it for?
@@DarrenYeoYT Thank you very much!
@@sign5372 you're welcome man
@@DarrenYeoYT so whats the advantage of the 519A? Sorry i'm not a light guy
Excellent color rendition , high CRI, decent output and throw, as opposed to regular nichia (219b/c).
Just got my 519a S2+!
But I noticed something, this light gets pretty toasty even on lower levels, like 20% to 35%, is it safe to use it on these levels for long periods of time? Could it somewhat damage the LED or something? Thanks!
Hi, I read that these electronics can comfortably take up to 70 deg C. The issue is the battery getting too hot. At 30% it should still be ok to use for extended periods. On full blast 100% I'm not comfortable operating the light for long periods as the battery gets way too hot.
@@DarrenYeoYTwhat is concidered long periods?
@@XiaoPangZi 5 min+
do you know how to clean the MAO finish of the flashlight. the usual scratches and chips are ok w me. but theres a kind of coating fomed that looks dirty. do you know how to clean it? if yes. tips are appreciated. thanks bro
Hey bro, yeah so it seems to have formed a slightly off white colour where I hold it most. It's not too obvious. The MAO finish seems to absorb stains more easily. Compared to normal anodising. Maybe it's the oils in our hands. There are some chips and scratches now on both my MAO lights. I think if they applied a thicker coating, this wouldn't happen...
Hello. Do you know if the driver on this has overheating protection? I know that some s2 drivers have a 55c temperature limit but I do not know if the driver used on the mao version has a temperature limit.
Yeah it does and will step down when it gets too hot. Not sure what it's set at though. Though when it steps down from 100%, the body is still quite hot.
@@DarrenYeoYT Thanks for letting me know. Hopefully it will not be too hot to turn it off.
I've just ordered an S2+ with this exact spec, but what confuses me is that the datasheet for the Nichia 519a seems to suggest an absolute maximum current of 2.2 A. But the driver is pushing 5A through it. Am I missing something here?
I have to check the spec sheet but it's probably overdriven then. Check out this test where it produces peak output at 6.5A: www.reddit.com/r/flashlight/comments/scntbw/nichia_519a_light_output_compared_with_other/
@@DarrenYeoYTso does it damage it if it has more power to it?
@@michaelcarrion5962 will lower the lifespan of the LEDs and at worse burn it out
Does this take button top 18650s?
Yes it does
Get the 18350 tube and the S2+ will be even more impressive and much better to EDC.
Hi Corrado, just saw that the MAO 18350 tube is up on aliexpress :D I'm actually thinking of getting another M2 with CSLNM1.F1 for max throw.
@@DarrenYeoYT My S2+ 519A 5000K is my EDC light and ever since I got the 18350 tube I only used the 18650 in two situations where I needed the extra runtime. It's pretty perfect with the 18350 tube.
I'm planning to build another 2 S2+s, one with the Cslpm1 5A driver and another (which will be my new EDC) will be the Ti version whenever Simon releases it, I plan to use his new 17mm 6V boost driver and XHP 50.3 Hi 5000K and OP reflector, all in 18350 form of course! :)
Hi, flashlight is a new hobby for me. What does the 18350 do on the S2+. Why is it better for edc? Thank you!
@@Timmy_Turner Hi, it makes it shorter, easier to pocket. But you'll need to buy the 18350 tube from Aliexpress + a 18350 cell. External charger as well. I can recommend XTAR VC4 or VC8.
@@Timmy_Turner You sacrifice runtime for a smaller light, which for an EDC i much rather have a smaller light since I don't really need extended runtimes at once daily on my EDC.
Does the light zoom out & zoom in?
No it doesn't, just one set focus with most reflector lights like this.
Any temp protection?
Yes, on 100% it gets hot but steps down slowly. It should do that at 55 deg C.
Is there a flashlight which has warm and cool light ?
Yes convoy S21F :)
@@DarrenYeoYT thanks
Did u live in Singapore?
Nah Australia
what does the finish feel like
a bit like ceramic
@@DarrenYeoYT does it bother you at all
@@googlaccoit's quite nice, but it will get dirty easily if you're using it outdoors or in a workshop
3000K yellow light right?
Yeah very warm white
@@DarrenYeoYT thanks
dang, nice flood.
My most used flashlight of all time...
White flashlight against a white background is not a bight idea
Some would argue it was the Brightest idea😂
😂😂😂
Yes it was 😂@@BushidoMusicOfficial