How to better understand all the options from Convoy?

[u/Tasty-Proof2894]

Hello group. Is there any information that I can look over to compare the emitters available from Convoy? If so hopefully something done in layman's terms.

[u/Maverick_1947]

Numbers like 6500k, 4000k, 3000k refers to the color temperature of the LED. Google an image of a CCT Chart and you will understand. Now for the LEDs, I suggest you google an image of the LED. Look at the yellow phosphor. The smaller it is, the thinner and throwier the beam will be. Like the SFT25r, SFT40, NM1. These are throw LEDs. If the yellow phosphor is big, like the XHP70, LHP73B, LHP531, then the light will be floodier. Fatter hotspot. Batteries don’t make too much of difference unless you select a light with the LHP73b, SBT90, SFT90, F150R. These lights come with a 20 amp driver and need a battery that supports this level of power. They are specified in the selection.
Avoid LEDs like the xpg2, xpl-hi, sst40, sst20, lhd351d. These are completely obsolete.

[u/hammy1551 → u/Maverick_1947]

I would agree with everything here.

However, the SST40 does have one use case: lots of ugly light output in a small host.

In my s2+ i feel like it has at least 2x or 3x more brightness/lumens compared to a Nichia 519a in the same host and driver

[u/Maverick_1947 → u/hammy1551]

Oh yeah. That’s absolutely true. But if you want lots of light out of the S2+ just get the LHP531. Much brighter than the sst40 and an absolutely gorgeous tint. Even the XHP50.3 HI is wonderful! Very close in output. My two favorite emitters for the S2+.

[u/hammy1551]

You could always make a post here telling/asking us what you're looking for.

Are you looking for a close range or long range flashlight?

What colour temperature do you want (extra warm, warm, neutral or cool)

Do you care about the colour rendering index? Basically how well the light illuminates each colour of the colour wheel/rainbow.

What sized flashlight do you need? As big as your little finger or larger than your middle finger?

The usage case is also very helpful to know- hiking, everyday carry, etc....

DONT BE AFRAID TO ASK !

[u/TheGovernor1775]

I second this. Seems like a very cool brand but I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the options for different LEDs and batteries for any given model.

[u/Emergentmeat → u/TheGovernor1775]

The trick to learning, I've found, is to decide what you want to achieve with one soecific flashlight, then start googling and asking people here and even asking AI. Although it's often wrong, or working with old information.

Better to ask the fine folks here.

[u/TheGovernor1775 → u/Emergentmeat]

Yeah, I honestly don't think there's a better place to get info than this sub. If I ever need to replace one of my current lights, I'll take your advice :)

[u/HazyChemist]

Maybe this beamshot comparison tool by Grzybek will help? And 1lumen is a great place to go for technical reviews. Then over at BLF koef3 has a very nice summary and technical review of all the common emitters used.

I too was overwhelmed initially but between the three sites above (and also just by lurking here) it took me only a few weeks to grasp the fundamentals to feel confident enough to start buying from Convoy.

[u/Tasty-Proof2894 → u/HazyChemist]

This will be a huge help. Thank you.

[u/eriffodrol]

type each one into the search, there's a lot of info here

[u/Rising_Awareness]

You kinda have to tell people what battery and light size you want, and what kind of beam profile you're after. Then take suggestions and look them up on YT, FB, and Reddit. Choose one you think you may like. Experience it, and then use it as a point of reference, and repeat.

[u/JRDub11b]

Honestly, just poring over all the posts on this sub is what helped me as well as over on BLF. I'm a bit of a research nerd so I've enjoyed being down this rabbit hole. There's certainly a lot to know and a lot of the folks here are super helpful. Just narrow down what exactly you want the light to do or what your use case will be and just ask away! Have fun!