Convoy C8+ vs Convoy L21B
Quick take: The Convoy C8+ costs $8 less; the Convoy L21B throws farther (1549m vs 510m); the Convoy C8+ runs longer on high (2.5 vs 2 hrs).
| Spec | Convoy C8+ | Convoy L21B |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $22 | $30 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Thrower | Thrower |
| Lumens | 1,100 lm | 1,100 lm |
| Candela | 65,000 cd | 600,000 cd |
| Beam distance | 510m | 1549m |
| Runtime | 2.5 hrs (high) | 2 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 18650 | 21700 |
| LED | SST-40 6500K | Osram CULPM1 |
| Beam type | Throw | Throw |
| Modes | 4 Stepped | 4 Stepped |
| UI | Biscotti | Biscotti |
| IP rating | IPX8 | IPX8 |
| CRI | 70 | 70 |
| Weight | 5.6 oz | 10.5 oz |
| Dimensions | 5.6 x 1.75 in | 6.5 x 2.4 in |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |
What owners report
Convoy C8+
- ✓Around 500 m of throw for under $30 delivered
- ✓Anti-reflective coated glass lens, which most budget lights omit
- ✓Biscotti firmware lets you configure your own mode set
- ✓Rear mechanical clicky with positive, snappy action, reachable in any grip
- ✓Wide choice of emitters and tints, including high-CRI options
- ✗Some units arrive with the lens ring and caps loose — tighten before first use
- ✗Too big for pocket carry, and no pocket clip fitted
- ✗No onboard charging
- ✗Buying means AliExpress with no manual
- ✗No lockout, so it can switch on in a bag
Convoy L21B
- ✓Around 1,300 m of measured ANSI throw — best in class at the price
- ✓SFT-40-W domeless emitter that handles 10+ amps
- ✓Capable 8-amp buck driver borrowed from a higher-end design
- ✓Stable tailstand
- ✓Convoy's informal but genuinely responsive parts-and-repair support
- ✗Body texturing isn't aggressive — slippery in the wet
- ✗Only a basic lanyard included for carry
- ✗No charging, and cells with built-in charging won't fit
- ✗Protected 21700s are too long
- ✗Biscotti interface is basic compared with modern firmware