Convoy S21A vs Convoy C8+
Quick take: The Convoy C8+ costs $2 less; the Convoy S21A is brighter (2,300 vs 1,100 lm); the Convoy C8+ throws farther (510m vs 219m).
| Spec | Convoy S21A | Convoy C8+ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $18 | $16 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | EDC | Thrower |
| Lumens | 2,300 lm | 1,100 lm |
| Candela | 12,000 cd | 65,000 cd |
| Beam distance | 219m | 510m |
| Runtime | 2.5 hrs (high) | 2.5 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 21700 | 18650 |
| LED | SST-40 5000K | SST-40 6500K |
| Beam type | Balanced | Throw |
| Modes | 4 Stepped | 4 Stepped |
| UI | Biscotti | Biscotti |
| IP rating | IPX8 | IPX8 |
| CRI | 70 | 70 |
| Weight | 3.2 oz | 5.6 oz |
| Dimensions | 5.0 x 1.1 in | 5.9 x 1.7 in |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |
What owners report
Convoy S21A
- ✓2,300 lumens and 280 m of throw for around $17
- ✓21700 mass handles heat better and sustains output longer than an 18650 body
- ✓Wide emitter and tint menu, with custom options on request
- ✓88 grams — light for the cell size
- ✓Impact resistance and thermal protection built in
- ✗Ships in the older, less protective box
- ✗No manual
- ✗No magnetic base
- ✗No onboard charging — an external charger is needed
- ✗Buying means AliExpress and international shipping
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