Convoy/Thrower

Convoy C8+

Name: Convoy C8+
Brand: Convoy
Price: 16 USD
Availability: InStock

The budget throw king. The C8+ delivers serious beam distance for its price with a big reflector and an efficient driver, and it remains the standard cheap thrower recommendation.

Beam profile

Thrower, about 8.4° wide. Reach first: a small hotspot that puts light a long way out.

Estimated from 1,100 lm ÷ 65,000 cd — how this works

$16

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Specifications

Output: 1100lm
Peak intensity: 65000cd
Beam distance: 510m
Emitter: SST-40 6500K
Colour rendering: 70 CRI
Beam type: Throw
Cell: 18650
Runtime: 2.5 hrs (high)
Modes: 4 Stepped
Interface: Biscotti
Water/dust: IPX8
Dimensions: 5.9 x 1.7 in
Weight: 5.6 oz
Warranty: 1 Year

Manufacturer figures, measured to ANSI FL1 where the brand states it.

Features

Pocket Clip Waterproof (IP67+)

What owners report

Convoy C8+/4 sources reviewed

The default answer to "cheapest thrower worth buying". Under $30 delivered gets you around 500 metres of reach, an anti-reflective coated glass lens that most budget lights skip, and Biscotti firmware you can reconfigure to whatever mode set you want. Build quality is Convoy's usual standard — excellent for the money — and the rear mechanical clicky has positive, snappy clicks that are easy to reach in any grip.

The caveats are small and predictable. Some units arrive with the lens ring and tailcap not fully tightened, so it's worth snugging everything before first use. It's too big for pocket carry and has no clip, though one can be added. And as with all Convoy, buying means AliExpress and no documentation.

Consistently praised

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

Common complaints

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

Questions people ask

Is it really a 500-metre light?: That's the ANSI figure, which is the distance at which the beam falls to full-moon brightness. Realistic identification range is a fraction of that — but for the price, the throw is genuinely impressive.
What is Biscotti firmware?: Convoy's configurable mode firmware. You can choose how many levels the light cycles through and in what order, which means you can strip out modes you never use — unusual at this price.
Should I do anything before first use?: Tighten the front lens ring and the body and tail caps. Reviewers report some units shipping loose, which can cause flicker or water ingress.
Can I carry it?: Not really in a pocket — it's a C8-format light with a big head. There's no clip fitted, though aftermarket ones exist. Treat it as a bag or vehicle light.

Sources (4)