Convoy/EDC

Convoy S21A

Name: Convoy S21A
Brand: Convoy
Price: 18 USD
Availability: InStock

A budget 21700 light from Convoy with solid output. The S21A is Simon's answer to the 21700 form factor — no frills, just reliable performance at an unbeatable price.

Beam profile

Balanced, about 28° wide. A usable hotspot with enough spill to see around it.

Estimated from 2,300 lm ÷ 12,000 cd — how this works

$18

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Specifications

Output: 2300lm
Peak intensity: 12000cd
Beam distance: 219m
Emitter: SST-40 5000K
Colour rendering: 70 CRI
Beam type: Balanced
Cell: 21700
Runtime: 2.5 hrs (high)
Modes: 4 Stepped
Interface: Biscotti
Water/dust: IPX8
Dimensions: 5.0 x 1.1 in
Weight: 3.2 oz
Warranty: 1 Year

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

Features

Pocket Clip Waterproof (IP67+)

What owners report

Convoy S21A/3 sources reviewed

The 21700 version of Convoy's tube-light formula: 2,300 lumens, 280 m of throw and 88 grams, for around $17 regardless of which emitter you pick. The extra mass over an 18650 body handles heat better and sustains higher output for longer, which is the practical reason to move up a cell size. As with everything Convoy, the emitter and tint menu is wide and custom options are available if you ask.

The compromises are the brand's standard ones plus one specific to this model: the S21A ships in the older, flimsier box rather than the crush-resistant packaging newer S2+ lights get. There's no manual, no magnetic base, and no onboard charging. Build quality and value remain what enthusiasts rate the brand for.

Consistently praised

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

Common complaints

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

Questions people ask

S21A or S2+?: The S21A takes a 21700 for more capacity, better heat handling and longer sustained output. The S2+ is smaller and cheaper on an 18650. Both share the same emitter menu.
Does the price change with the emitter?: No — Convoy charges the same regardless of which emitter and tint you choose, which is unusual and part of why the brand is recommended so often.
Is there any charging?: None onboard. You'll need a separate 21700 charger, which is the standard Convoy trade for the price.
How does it handle heat?: Better than the smaller Convoys — the extra aluminium in a 21700 body absorbs more before thermal regulation steps in, so high output lasts longer.

Sources (3)