Convoy M21B (CULPM1, 8A) Hands-on Flashlight Review: Best Budget Thrower?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- This is my review of the Convoy M21B (CULPM1, 8A). It's an excellent thrower and EDC with over 700m range. The M21B comes with a variety of LED options but I picked the CULPM1 for the best combination of throw and flood. Some prefer the extra brightness of the SFT40 but I rather have the additional throw of the PM1. This light has excellent heat dissipation, however, the 8A version can't be used for long on 100%. I'd recommend the 6A version for reduced heat and almost identical lumen output.
It's quite amazing how far this light throws with such a small reflector. There are no artifacts within the beam too, perfectly centered. This is easily one of my favorite EDC throwers, and the extra capacity of the 21700 cell gives me more confidence on long trips.
If you're looking for a great pocket thrower with a long run-time, make sure you watch this video.
Get the Convoy M21B here:
www.aliexpress... (6A)
www.aliexpress... (8A)
BEAM SHOTS: 07:24
Full Measurements: darrenyeo.com/...
Please support my work by purchasing recommended products here (affiliate link): www.amazon.com...
My website: www.darrenyeo.com
Tip jar:
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This flashlight sample was sent to me by Convoy. I was not paid to do this review. All opinions are my own.
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Convoy M21B Video Transcript/Notes:
General thoughts after a week of usage/size comparison/practicality:
• Strong pocket thrower with decent spill. feels rugged and sturdy.
• Fits easily in a pocket, though it didn't come with a clip and the head is slightly large, though necessary to achieve decent throw figures.
• Comparison with other pocket throwers.
LED, lens, bezel, and reflector:
• Perfectly centered LED. CULPM1 - 4040 (4mm2) footprint, better heat transfer. I went for the PM1 over the SFT40 as it throws further. Highest bin PM1s capable of producing 2000+ lumens @8A. Unsure what bin this one is. The NM1 can throw even more but with -300 lumens.
• Tactical style bezel, cutouts
• 27mm SMO reflector.
UI - modes:
• 12 selections + memory
• Recommend 3-5 mode selection due to heat.
Performance - total output, beam profile, longevity, practicality:
• Beam pattern is nice, not ringy. New gasket?
• Measured 728m throw with Opple Light Master Pro. It should be producing over 1500 lumens with the 8A driver.
• Slow, linear ramp down from switch on to 8mins (ended test, was still at 70% output at 8mins)
• CCT: 5600K, CRI: 65 (both on 100% reading)
Considerations:
• Gets very HOT after a few minutes. Ramps down too slowly. Get the 6A version if you are worried. Ramping modes only go from 35% to 100%.
• No onboard charging - need external 18650 charger. No clip.
• A tactical switch would make this perfect.
Verdict:
Over-performing pocket thrower for a bargain price. I love the feel of it, the 700+m throw you get in such a small host. Link to the M21B on the AliExpress Convoy shop above. A few places sell Convoy lights, but I've found they're cheapest direct from Simon. I don't get any commission from these links either - just want to make sure you get the best price possible.
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Thank you - Darren
Thorough and informative. Like hearing your opinions too. Thanks!
Thanks mate, glad you liked my video!
Subbed! Appreciate the effort and the thougtful perspective in your video reviews. As an urban dweller myself, I can totally relate to the frustration of not being able to find darker areas without ambient lighting to really put my flashlights to good use.
I love convoy as a value proposition and own a few of their larger lights. I travelled recently for some outdoor adventure fun and really missed having a proper 21700 edc type throwy light. I realize I either have 18650 tube lights or larger 21700/26650 lights that would be difficult to carry around. I ended up taking my IF-22A with me but even that with its flared head was cumbersome. I'm now looking to add some convoy m21 SERIES lights. I was looking at M21e and M21f because they have onboard charging and the designs are slightly more attractive but after watching your review I'm kinda liking the look and rugged feel of the M21b. It looks like something that could fit in my pocket too. The sf-40 is a favorite emitter in smaller lights but I like why you went with the 8A osram on this one.
Hey mate, thanks for your support. I know what you mean, and the throwy lights tend to be more dramatic in areas with some ambient light. But I also find them useful for seeing into the distance, pre-empt what's next. The bezel seem to be the culprit but the M21B is just on the cusp of being pocketable. Anything above 34-36mm diameter is too annoying in the pocket for me. SFT40 is also a great choice. A bit less throw but more lumens.
Great review! Thanks Darren!
Hey mate thanks for watching. I bought another of these in 6A CSLPM1 (Green). Should be here soon. I think it'll throw even further. 800+m
@@DarrenYeoYT Cool Darren! I look forward to the upload. I discovered a year-old review from Weerapat Kiatdumrong today. He compares two M21B flashlights, both with 8 amp drivers, one with a CULPM1 led the other with a SFT40 led. The SFT40 version had a much larger hot spot with equal brightness to the CULPM1. Here is the video if you'd like to check it out.
th-cam.com/video/7JqjzSyrF2U/w-d-xo.html
Interesting video! The SFT40 definately produces more light. In the comments, he says the PM1 might throw further. It looks quite similar. Only way to know for sure is to measure with a lux meter.
@@DarrenYeoYT I'm real curious to see the light output and runtime before ramp down on turbo on the 6 amp vs the 8 amp model!
@@polymathematics5837 I reckon the 6A will be quite similar - if you check these measurements by djozz:
budgetlightforum.com/comment/1418096#comment-1418096
There's about a 100-lumen difference between 6A and 8A (but the test is only for CSLPM1, not the CULPM1). Probably with a lot less heat and better run time. I also found my M2 which apparently puts out 5-6A on the same LED produces about -20 lux through a ceiling bounce test. So both lights are outputting similar amounts of light :D
Fine review. Keep up the good work Darren. Loved those nighttime shots. Been wanting this light for a while now and this might just make me pull the trigger. I cannot make up my mind though between this 8A PM1 and the XHP70.3. I know the throw is better with this but the XHP70.3 seems brighter and has more tint options (5000k being my preference. Any thoughts?
Hi Alan, the XHP70.3 will be more of a floody flashlight and significantly brighter. so if you're looking for something for short to mid range, that's a better LED. The PM1 has decent spill/flood, but incredible throw. For me, it's so impressive that I'm willing to sacrifice the extra lumens and flood. Also, get the 6A as the 8A gets too hot. Hope that helps mate.
@@DarrenYeoYT that's the answer I was looking for. I already have an XHP70.3 in an L6. I'll go with the 6A Osram on the m21b. I needed a throwy 21700 light as well. So Thanks 👍🏼
Thanks.👍💯
No problem 👍
How does it behave at medium outputs at 100 metres? I'm looking at a walking flashlight that will throw at least 200 lumens at that distance.
Medium is fine for walking, probably the best mode as the lower modes will not have enough spill. Anything higher will blind you up close or ruin night vision. Of course, most prefer OP lights for walking.
I can't (again) seem to find accurately how waterproof it is. What rating
No official rating mate. All Convoy lights are this way. There's o-rings but I wouldn't submerge the light in water. Splashes, rain etc should be fine.
Hello, Does this M21B has a removable pill or its a fixed one? I mean the base metal where the led board sits, just curious. If its a removable one is it made of aluminium or Cooper?
It's fixed - the LED board sits on bare aluminium - which is connected to the body of the light. The driver screws into the base of the head and is held in place by retaining ring.
@@DarrenYeoYT thanks for the reply brother.
Thanks for the review. I was recently gifted some protected 21700 cells so I ordered an S21B to use with them. It turns out that the S21B can't fit a protected 21700 cell inside - the flashlight is too short. I think this is so that the shorter 18650 cell can be used with an anti-rattle tube instead. Anyway, can you tell me if the M21B has the same limitation? Thanks.
Hi Greg, I just tried a protected/longer 21700 in my M21B and no issues. It's about 5mm longer than a flat fop 21700 too.
@@DarrenYeoYT Great, thanks. Yes, the protected are about 4mm longer, and two of the cells I got were NiteCores with a USB charger in the protection circuit and need about 5mm more. I'll be ordering an M21B.
Ok fantastic. This version of the M21B only needs 6-8A so most protected cells can easily provide this. Thank you for your support man.
Cut the springs a bit on the S21B to fit a protected 21700.