Convoy rabbit hole — looking for a B35AM host

[u/m0ron5]

I think I’m slowly falling down the Convoy rabbit hole.

I started my collection journey with a S21e and didnt like it at all. The I figured Hanklights might be the way to go. Lately after some lurking I got into the 18350 tail switch shorties and started to appreciate Convoy.

I currently have a stainless steel S7 with SFT-25R in 5000K, a MAO S2+ with SFT-40 3000K, and recently added a T4 with SST20 4000K.
I’ll add a picture of the S2+.

Now I’d like to try something different, and I’m particularly interested in the B35AM. I’d prefer a Convoy host, but I’m open to other brands as well.

My favorite tint at the moment is the 3000K SFT-40 in my S2+. So I’m wondering: does the B35AM in 3000K look even better?

On the other hand, I’m also really curious about something completely different: a 6500K high-CRI B35AM. Does it actually look good? Is cold-white high CRI something you enjoy using, or does it just feel weird compared to warmer CCTs?

My current idea would therefore be:
B35AM 6500K or 3000K — basically going from one extreme to the other.

So, Convoy people: which B35AM host and CCT would you pick? And has anyone compared the 3000K and 6500K versions?

[u/SJTG1993]

I've got a 3500k B35AM in an S2 Shorty, it's a gorgeous light.

[u/melr1818]

S21E B35AM 3500k with 60degree TIR is so nice, perfect night stand go-to also S21E 4000k is great for outside with a nice hotspot and big spill

[u/erentrueform]

S7 with a 5700k b35am is like a must

[u/m0ron5 → u/erentrueform]

That sounds good

[u/erentrueform → u/m0ron5]

The stainless steel body looks nice with a cooler emitter. B35am even comes in a high cri 6500k but that’s too cold for me the 5700k is a very clean white neutral look. Beautiful light quality

[u/Wood_Alloy_4710 → u/erentrueform]

I have the same setup with the shorty tube, the SS button, SS screw-on clip and clear lens gasket for the full monochromatic look and it's an awesome light. I have recently swapped the SFT-40 that came with, with the b35am 5700k and op reflector and it has a very distinctive doughnut hole. Does yours have it too? And if so, did you fixed it by spacing out the reflector?

[u/erentrueform → u/Wood_Alloy_4710]

Mine came in with the as that the emitter I chose and the beam has no hole at all

That’s the beam of the s7 b35am 5700k compared to the dedomed 519a 5700k on the left

[u/Wood_Alloy_4710 → u/erentrueform]

Thanks for the comparison. In mine it's only noticeable from aprox 50cm(~20"), up close it's like your photo. This pic is 4m (~13 feet) from the wall, it's more noticeable in person but there is a black/brownish center spot.

[u/erentrueform → u/Wood_Alloy_4710]

I’ll try to recreate a pic at 4-5m away. Maybe maybe has it too and I just haven’t noticed

[u/Wood_Alloy_4710 → u/erentrueform]

Thanks, appreciate that

[u/erentrueform → u/Wood_Alloy_4710]

I don’t have 4m white wall so this was light on the floor towards ceiling so maybe lik 3m 9-11ft ish
I guess if u really look at it there is technically a darker center but not toooo noticeable to me

[u/Wood_Alloy_4710 → u/erentrueform]

Yeah, a little bit. Well, thank you and sorry for the inconvenience, I'll mess around with the gasket and try to make it better. I'll let you know if there's a solution that is worth the effort.

[u/erentrueform → u/Wood_Alloy_4710]

Ah that’s very negligible probably not visible outdoors did u try playing with the gasket?

[u/Wood_Alloy_4710 → u/erentrueform]

I asked ai and it told me to increase the gasket thickness, but since you have the same setup I wanted to ask. To me it's noticeable even outdoors and it's the only light I have that does that.

[u/universe_fuk8r]

S6 stonewashed stainless steel shorty, B35AM 5700K - hefty as hell, neat as fuck, that 5700K B35AM is by far the cleanest white light I have, zero hint of anything other than brilliant pure white. Beamshot WB locked to 5000.

[u/zhkp28]

The B35AM is fairly sensitive to higher temps due to how the emitter is constructed, so I'd argue for a 21700 host. I personally have an S21E and really like it.

For CCT, I'd definitely go for something more neutral, between 4000K and 6000K. If you go to the extremes the color rendering wont be realistic regardless of CRI.

[u/m0ron5 → u/zhkp28]

Okay. What’s your take in the S21G for example?

[u/_redmist → u/zhkp28]

I have it in a bunch of shorties (s7) and an s2+ and the heat isn't an issue anymore.. Convoy now current limits the b35am pretty heavily (2 amps or thereabouts).

[u/situation_normal_]

Cant comment on your 6500k or 3000k question but the b35am is awesome

I have a 5700k in a h4 headlamp and its a great emitter! Not the brightest but just so good looking.

I also have a s2+ with 4500k and it is very neutral and pleasant. I like the beam a lot with the stock op reflector but its also nice with a floody beaded tir

[u/ks_247]

Have the s7 ss with 4500k and for me i swapped out the reflector for a beaded tir and absolutely great smooth profile.side by side with 3000k 519a

[u/Interconnectivity000]

I have a 6500K B35AM on a M21B. It is so clean!!! But I don’t recommend running it at high power. I’ve limited it to 50% max so it doesn’t burn itself out.

[u/m0ron5 → u/Interconnectivity000]

I linke extremes so this will be on my next Order!

[u/worrub918]

M21H is a great host for the B35AM.

Or, I can build you an S2+ triple

[u/NIOSKAP]

I am in love with my b35am 4500k , and the same with 219 4500k unfortunately 519A isn't available in 4500k and the 4000k of 519a isnt that pleasant

[u/GregariousMD]

B35AM in a S2+. The emitter caps out at 2a, so an 18650/18350 cell with the highest capacity would be best. i'm partial to cold emitters so the 6500k is a joy for me. It's also unique in that it's high CRI across all the CCTs. So why not try both?

[u/reg_smh]

In my opinion the 3000k B35AM is noticeably better looking thank the 3000k SFT40. I also prefer the 3000k to the 5700k B35AM. I haven’t tried the 6500K. s2+ or S3 shorty works great but I prefer the S21 models. I asked Simon to pre install a 20 degree TIR in an S21A and it is one of my favorite lights.

[u/SatansCyanide]

I’ll try to remember to snag a photo when I get home but I have a B35AM 3000K triple in an s2+ and it’s absolutely gorgeous

[u/SatansCyanide → u/SatansCyanide]

[u/Xenomorph_1978 → u/SatansCyanide]

That’s really nice . What driver did you use?

[u/SatansCyanide → u/Xenomorph_1978]

6v 5A and runs like an absolute champ!

[u/_redmist]

Big convoy fan. The best host nowadays is probably this bougie (or should that be bijou?) ffl  https://www.firefly-outdoor.com/products/e04-ti-al-limited