Convoy M2 vs Convoy M21B: Which One Should You Buy?
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- čas přidán 29. 12. 2022
- In this video, I compare the Convoy M2 and Convoy M21B (both with CULPM1) to help you decide which one is right for you.
The M21B is slightly larger and takes a 21700 battery. The M2 takes an 18650 battery. Both have excellent throw (600-700m) and are suitable for EDC use. Though, I prefer carrying around the M2 as it's a little smaller.
Both lights have very different drivers, so make sure you watch this video before you buy one.
Get the Convoy M21B here:
www.aliexpress.com/item/10050... (6A)
www.aliexpress.com/item/10050... (8A)
Get the Convoy M2 here: www.aliexpress.com/item/10050...
BEAM SHOTS: 10:46
Full Measurements:
darrenyeo.com/convoy-m21b-cul...
darrenyeo.com/convoy-m2-culpm...
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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 M2 Notes:
General thoughts after a week of usage/size comparison/practicality:
• I've found my new favorite EDC. Impressive pocket thrower with strong spill.
• Fits easily in a pocket, I like the included clip.
• Comparison with other pocket throwers.
LED, lens, bezel, and reflector
• Perfectly centered LED. CULPM1 - 4040 (4mm2) footprint, better heat transfer. I went for the PM1 over the SFT40 as it throws further. Highest bin PM1s capable of producing 2000+ lumens @8A. Unsure what bin this one is. The NM1 can throw even more but with -300 lumens.
• Tactical style bezel, cutouts, SS.
• 25mm SMO reflector.
UI - modes
• 12 selections + memory
Performance - total output, beam profile, longevity, practicality
• No ring pattern. Previous reviewers have noted this. New gasket?
• Measured 656m throw with Opple Light Master Pro. It should be producing well over 1000 lumens with the 5A driver.
• Ramps down to 45% at 2mins 45.
• CCT: 5300K, CRI: 60 (both on 100% reading)
Considerations
• Finish is slippery.
• No onboard charging - need an external 18650 charger
• A tactical switch would make this perfect.
Verdict
• At the end of the day, this flashlight gets a 5-star rating from me. For $20-30, no other pocket thrower out there comes close in terms of value, performance, and quality. It's my new favorite pocket thrower. Link to the M2 on the AliExpress Convoy shop above. A few places sell Convoy lights, but I've found they're cheapest direct from Simon. I don't get any commission from these links either - just want to make sure you get the best price possible.
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Convoy M21B Notes:
General thoughts after a week of usage/size comparison/practicality:
• Strong pocket thrower with decent spill. feels rugged and sturdy.
• Fits easily in a pocket, though it didn't come with a clip and the head is slightly large, though necessary to achieve decent throw figures.
• Comparison with other pocket throwers.
LED, lens, bezel, and reflector:
• Perfectly centered LED. CULPM1 - 4040 (4mm2) footprint, better heat transfer. I went for the PM1 over the SFT40 as it throws further. Highest bin PM1s capable of producing 2000+ lumens @8A. Unsure what bin this one is. The NM1 can throw even more but with -300 lumens.
• Tactical style bezel, cutouts
• 27mm SMO reflector.
UI - modes:
• 12 selections + memory
• Recommend 3-5 mode selection due to heat.
Performance - total output, beam profile, longevity, practicality:
• Beam pattern is nice, not ringy. New gasket?
• Measured 728m throw with Opple Light Master Pro. It should be producing over 1500 lumens with the 8A driver.
• Slow, linear ramp down from switch on to 8mins (ended test, was still at 70% output at 8mins)
• CCT: 5600K, CRI: 65 (both on 100% reading)
Considerations:
• Gets very HOT after a few minutes. Ramps down too slowly. Get the 6A version if you are worried. Ramping modes only go from 35% to 100%.
• No onboard charging - need external 18650 charger. No clip.
• A tactical switch would make this perfect.
Verdict:
Over-performing pocket thrower for a bargain price. I love the feel of it, the 700+m throw you get in such a small host. Link to the M21B on the AliExpress Convoy shop above. A few places sell Convoy lights, but I've found they're cheapest direct from Simon. I don't get any commission from these links either - just want to make sure you get the best price possible. - Věda a technologie
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Thank you - Darren
Hi Darren! I'm sure your schedule is pretty hectic, so this is just a suggestion for a future video, if you can find the time. I would be curious to know to what degree spill would increase by replacing the smooth reflector with an orange peel reflector on the M21B using the CULPM1 led. A short side by side comparison using with the same led, host and driver with only the reflectors being different, smooth vs orange peel. My thoughts are perhaps an OP reflector will cause the M21B flashlight to be more of an all around EDC with better flood but still having plenty of throw. Thanks again for the nice M2 vs M21B comparison!
Hey there, missed this comment somehow. I'd have to find myself an OP reflector that fits properly. Could potentially swap one from another torch but I'll see if I can get a replacement one from Convoy. Probably better even if I just buy another M21B host with XHP50.2 etc that already has one. OP would definitely blend the spot beam better with the surrounding flood. That channel you referred me before Weerpat... ? - I'm pretty sure he has a video of what you're asking for. Just can't find it.
Thank you for the very nice work. Have 3 M21B - SFT40, XHP70.2, GT-FC40 and a couple of M1. Now you sold me on the M2! Thanks again.🤘
Hey, thank you. Haha, so I carry the M2 around with me mostly for the reduced size. For it's size it really offers the most throw compared to M1 and M21B.
Hello, which version of M21B do you like most from the three you own?
@@polymathematics5837 love them all equally - ones a thrower, ones a high CRI(easy on the eyes), and the XHP70.2 is a really bright flooder. If I had to choose one I’d go with the GT-FC40. It’s a great all-around beam - bright, 5000K tint/high CRI and some usable throw. 🤘Also, I chose the MAO on all 3, ceramic type feel and more eye appeal. You’ll love it.
@@speedbrknek Thanks for your kind response and reasons for liking each! Much appreciated!
the m2 is a phenomenal light BUT. As with most Convoy lights with the w1 emitter usually they're not come aligned that well with those reflectors, you need to put a shim under the white plastic thingy over the led and mess around with different positions and screwing the whole head assembly in and out in order to align that beam to look perfectly round in a white wall and without any artifacts. If you do that though then this light even out-throws the famous pocket rocket the Noctigon kr1 with the w2 and the bigger diameter head of 35mm. This m2 has a 31mm head diameter which makes it the ideal pocket thrower. Nothing at this size can come close except for the mateminco fw2 which is an lep light and far less useful for closer range except if you make a custom diffuser for it which i always do for all my throwers eitherway
It's amazing isn't it. Even with all the other more expensive lights I have now, the M2 and M21B outperform them all in terms of throw/output. You do have a barebones setup though with Convoy and I miss the tactical switch. my M21B with green CSLPM1 throws near to 1km (if I remember correctly). Insane.
It would be interesting to see The M21B with the CULPM1 vs. the SFT40.
SFT40 would have slightly less throw but more lumens :)
Great content. Thanks for all the information. Do you have recommendations for a 100-200 metres zoomable thrower.
Yes, get the Convoy Z1. I'm reviewing it at the moment.
Thanks.💯💯👍
Thanks for this great review.
May I ask why your m21b has a clip and mine was delivered without?
I put this one on myself. It's from the Sofirn SP35.
What about the sst40 version of m2 sir? Do you think the sst40 version is better than cslnm1 of heat management?
SST40 will likely produce more heat - but just check whether it has a 5A driver or higher. NM1 @ 3A is very efficient. But I think the ones in Simon's store are 5A.
@@DarrenYeoYT thank you sir 🥰 so better to choose m2 cslnm1 5a driver than the sst40? Because here in the philippines the weather temperature is hot it feels like 33°😅
@@Davin.29 try the XHP50.3 version with 4A - www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003435525584.html
Hi Darren! Nice comparison thank you for the great review! Curious to know if the 8 amp driver model only affects current flow only on high and turbo, compared to the 6 amp driver, or does it also cause more current draw on all settings including low and medium (using group 2 settings)?
Hi buddy, I'm sure it affects all modes as I have both on group 2 which I think is (0.1, 1, 10, 35, 100) and when I compare both M2 and M21a, the M21a is brighter on all modes than the M2. I learned the other day from @piercingthedarkness that the modes also refer to current flow. For example lowest mode 0.1 x 8A.
@@DarrenYeoYT Perfect! That was exactly the information I was interested in! Thank you my friend!
@@polymathematics5837 you're welcome man! I like the 8A version as I want as much throw as possible but it would be nice to have a 65% option in the UI. The different is too much between 35% and 100%. But then again, anything above 6A has diminishing returns as the lumen curve flattens off
@@DarrenYeoYT I agree Darren. Adding something like a 65% setting would be real nice.
Why can't I find lumens and candela specs on these?
They're not posted on Convoy's shop. I did post some candela measurements though in this review.
which is the difference between 6a and 8a in m21b thanks
and which is better
The 8A heats up a lot. I can't hold it anymore after a few minutes. The 6A is better with heat. I suggest getting 6A, as the light output is almost the same, with less heat.
All I want is somethign that takes an 18650 and throw's as many electrons in as tight a beam as possible...
in 5,000k
The M2 is your best bet then. I love this light. Get it with a CULPM1.TG, pretty sure it's 5000K. Can check my full review of it on my channel as I did the colour graphs too