F150R (4000K) in Convoy M21A & F45R (4000K) in Convoy C8+

The M21A and C8+ share the same size reflector, the only real differences are the driver and the larger body on the M21A. The M21A also uses a 20mm driver, compared to the C8+'s 17mm driver. Because of that difference in thermal mass, this isn't really a fair head-to-head, so think of it more as two separate performance tests presented side by side rather than a strict comparison. That said, their throw numbers can still be looked at together, since they share the same head and reflector.

🛠️ Test Equipment Used

• Lumens & Lux: Tklamp TK2303D Flashlight Tester (Lux measured at 5m)
• CCT / Tint / DUV / Ra: Hopoocolor HPCS330P
• Current (Amps): UNI-T UT210D

📸 Camera Settings (Oppo Find X9 Ultra Pro Mode)

• ISO: 800
• Focal Length: 23mm
• Exposure Compensation: —
• Aperture: F1.5
• Shutter Speed: 1/10
• White Balance: 5000K

🔧 Build 1 — Convoy C8+ SMO, F45R 4000K

• Host & Reflector: Convoy C8+, smooth reflector
• Driver: 17mm 3V 10A
• Emitter: F45R, 4000K
• Battery: Molicel P30B, 4.2V

https://preview.redd.it/l9h7xebxibkh1.png?width=3064&format=png&auto=webp&s=0a47f3f6581d8010d344ada09318ba3be5f99e6a

https://preview.redd.it/wzedzwjzibkh1.png?width=3064&format=png&auto=webp&s=abf6f7dfa39f8439f3e975b7067612cc2afea4b7

Output & Light Quality Measurements

Mode	Current (A)	Output (lm)	CCT	DUV	CRI (Ra)	Intensity (cd)	ANSI Throw (0.25 lx)	Usable Throw (1 lx)	Ratio (cd/lm)
1%	0.1	44	3880K	+0.0071	68	3,550	119.2m	59.6m	80.68
10%	0.7	410	3922K	+0.0042	68	32,575	360.9m	180.5m	79.45
35%	2.7	1,250	4018K	+0.0015	68	92,300	607.6m	303.8m	73.84
100%	9.4	2,750	4164K	-0.0010	68	193,900	880.7m	440.3m	70.51

Note: No runtime test performed on the C8+, the 17mm 3V 10A driver has no thermal regulation and would just run away with heat, so a sustained runtime graph wouldn't be a fair or useful representation of this build.

🔧 Build 2 — Convoy M21A SMO, F150R 4000K

• Host & Reflector: Convoy M21A, smooth reflector
• Driver: 20mm 3V 20A Buck driver
• Emitter: F150R, 4000K
• Battery: Reliance RS50, 4.2V

https://preview.redd.it/wbetovx4jbkh1.png?width=3064&format=png&auto=webp&s=180f44f1560bbb28b2f1d03f1f7ee75945aed849

https://preview.redd.it/6euhyub6jbkh1.png?width=3064&format=png&auto=webp&s=85b946ed3e91b3fa8157a92cb9b1d446daa3a2bf

Output & Light Quality Measurements

Mode	Current (A)	Output (lm)	CCT	DUV	CRI (Ra)	Intensity (cd)	ANSI Throw (0.25 lx)	Usable Throw (1 lx)	Ratio (cd/lm)
1%	0.3	150	3964K	+0.0024	70	5,200	144.2m	72.1m	34.67
10%	2.3	1,125	4064K	-0.0005	70	39,450	397.2m	198.6m	35.07
35%	3.9	1,760	4076K	-0.0017	70	60,475	491.8m	245.9m	34.36
100%	18.6	5,200	4272K	-0.0048	70	163,675	809.1m	404.6m	31.48

https://preview.redd.it/tm70lrhbjbkh1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=f45e40a55d9fa9898c4180b063550e3cb104f223

Runtime Notes:

• Turbo & Step-down: Turbo opens at ~5,200lm and drops hard within the first minute to ~880lm, then actually climbs back up over the next ~3.5 minutes to a ~1,780lm plateau, holding there until around 4:50, where it steps down to ~1,260lm. A further step-down follows around 10:20 to ~1,120lm, before settling into a final sustained level of ~1,050lm by roughly 13:20.
• Sustained Output: Final stable output holds at ~1,050lm essentially flat for the back two-thirds of the 30-minute run.
• Thermal Performance: Max turbo temp reached 56.5°C; max sustained output temp reached 54.6°C.

📊 Beamshots Comparison

https://preview.redd.it/n2dgbq7rjbkh1.jpg?width=6144&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=09e20c68e7c704450a62b27e4e637d2ce0bbc6dd

https://preview.redd.it/tm06wdeujbkh1.jpg?width=6144&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9c4a94f6e2d217f03e027b654b2d64e2923d4538

💭 Final Impressions & Thoughts

Beam Profile: The F45R's beam profile is the same as what I found testing these emitters in the L21A, much more defined and concentrated, perfectly round like the SFT-42R, with a hotspot roughly 3x smaller than the F150R's. The F150R's hotspot isn't as defined and doesn't have as hard a cutoff between hotspot and spill as the F45R does. In the M21A specifically, the F150R also shows a slight tint shift within the hotspot itself, very subtle, not something you'd notice in actual use, only visible if you're really looking for it on a white wall. It wasn't present in the L21A, so I'm wondering if the F150R just needs a larger reflector to focus properly. The spill on the F150R is, as expected, a lot brighter, and even at 10% it puts out enough light to comfortably walk with, without an overly bright, blinding hotspot. The same can't be said for the F45R, with its very concentrated hotspot and dimmer spill, it doesn't give off much peripheral lighting at 10%, and by 35% the hotspot gets uncomfortably blinding up close. Both are dedicated throwers though, so it's not really a big deal, just worth mentioning.

Tint & Color Quality: Same as in my earlier post comparing these emitters in the L21A, so I won't repeat myself here: https://www.reddit.com/r/flashlight/s/WryapCN3Zm

Which Wins Where: As a dedicated thrower, I've actually shifted my opinion a bit compared to when I tested these in the L21A, where I leaned more toward the F150R since it suits the L21A's bigger reflector better. In the M21A/C8+, I'm definitely more into the beam profile the F45R gives, it produces a bigger hotspot than in the L21A while still holding very good throw. I think the F150R belongs in an even bigger reflector than the L21A, something like a 3x21D.

Overall Verdict: I've without a doubt found my new favorite thrower in the C8+ with the F45R 4000K. It's a great pocket size but with really good throw, and I'd guess its sustained output sits around 900 lumens, which is pretty solid for a 4000K thrower with good tint. I really hope Simon fixes his 17mm 3V 10A driver so it gets better thermal regulation and can actually be run for longer at 35% without roasting your hand.

Want to see how the F45R or F150R (4000K) stack up against other emitters/hosts? Go mess around with my Beamshot & Spec Comparator over on my site: https://metaflashlights.com/?page_id=286

I'm curious of the most powerful flood and throw options for the T2 and T3? Was looking for the highest amp and led set up for both, hot rod lights. I'm really looking for a wow factor.

I'm leaning toward an SFT12R, SFT25R, S5050SQ5, or NM1 for throw and a driver to match to push them to their max performance.

As for flood I was hoping you could recommend driver/led pairings?

I'm also looking to get leds on PCBs to swap into the T6 and T8, is this possible? 17mm the correct size for driver and leds? I know colored LEDs the max amperage is 5A. What is the maximum amperage driver for a T6 or T8 for white LEDs for flood and throw led/driver combos?

Thank you.

Why doesn't Simon sell this cell??

Acebeam just released a 6500 mAh cell with onboard USB-C charging and 25A continuous discharge for the very Acebeam sum of $21+/battery (on sale!). This sent me down the rabbit hole and I'm guessing that this Mollicel M65A is what's inside it and can be found for much much less elsewhere (minus the USB-C charging of course). So back to my original question -- why can't I buy this from Simon when I'm already buying all my other bits and bobs for my torch builds from Convoy anyways? I'm about to pull the trigger on a $100+ cart (I can't wait to get my hands on the new SFT60!!) and I'd love to throw a handful of these in my cart as well.

As a consolation I see he sells the Vapecell F66 which is 6600 mAh but just 12.5A discharge. Should I default to this cell if I can't get the Molicel or stick to the Molicel P50B's and EVE 50PL's I've got? I know they are much higher discharge but the M65A/F66's I'd be using in single cell applications (S21G) so I wouldn't need more than 25A vs things like the 3X21 series where we're pushing a lot more oomph.

Edit: fyi the M65A runs at 26A not 25A like the Acebeam.

Howdy folks - has anyone received their Convoy T9 yet? I've been waiting for a review to see if its worth purchasing. I love the T4 form factor (with 519A 3000k) for night walks - and the T8 for a pocket sized thrower. I'm hoping the T9 is good hybrid of both worlds. I'd love to get one in camouflage blue ☺️

Please let me know if anyone has received their T9 - and if there are any video reviews available to see. (I tried looking, but only see the first two posts on Reddit from the launch day)

Thanks!

Good Evening flashlighters,

I am looking to build a Convoy light similar to the ModLite PLHV2. Was looking at either the S8 or the S21G for the body.
Ideally I’d like something I don’t have to worry about overheating and frying, and if anyone has emitted recommendations for something that comes in a slighter warmer temp like a 5000K I’m all ears!

Thank you all in advance!
(Remove this if it’s not allowed)

Edit:Also post pics of your mini tactical builds id love to see them

I'm about to pull the trigger on an M26E with an F150R. All I can seem to find is examples of the 4kk version. I like it, but I'd love to know how it compares to the 5kk version. My main thing is, like most of us, I dislike any amount of positive DUV. I don't like things TOO rosy, but a slight negative DUV is preferred. Also, is the overall output or throw likely to be significantly different between the two? While we're at it, if anyone has any 🫘 of the 3KK or 6500k, I'd love to see those as well :).

Is there a specific reason why some high output emitters are available in some 18650 lights and not on a 21700 light for example in the regular c8 u can op the f150r 20a buck but the m21a u can’t or the sft60 yet the M1 u can opt out f45r f150r sft90.

I've been looking forward to these two emitters for a while now, they're both brand new and sounded really interesting on paper, so I wanted to get them tested and see how they actually perform.

🛠️ Test Equipment Used

• Lumens & Lux: Tklamp TK2303D Flashlight Tester (Lux measured at 5m)
• CCT / Tint / DUV / Ra: Hopoocolor HPCS330P
• Current (Amps): UNI-T UT210D

📸 Camera Settings (Oppo Find X9 Ultra Pro Mode)

• ISO: 800
• Focal Length: 23mm
• Exposure Compensation: —
• Aperture: F1.5
• Shutter Speed: 1/10
• White Balance: 5000K

🔧 Build 1 — F45R 4000K

• Host & Reflector: Convoy L21A, smooth reflector
• Driver: 3V 10A
• Emitter: F45R, 4000K

Output & Light Quality Measurements

Mode	Current (A)	Output (lm)	CCT	DUV	CRI (Ra)	Intensity (cd)	ANSI Throw (0.25 lx)	Usable Throw (1 lx)	Ratio (cd/lm)
1%	0.1	43	3881K	+0.0070	68	7,400	172.1m	86.0m	172.09
10%	0.7	402	3955K	+0.0039	68	66,475	515.7m	257.8m	165.36
35%	2.7	1,200	4020K	+0.0009	68	196,400	886.3m	443.2m	163.67
100%	9.7	2,600	4190K	-0.0014	67	406,000	1274.4m	637.2m	156.15

https://preview.redd.it/c90alvek28jh1.png?width=3064&format=png&auto=webp&s=6ee4802df6e445c877a025a3c007bbb3e268ff8b

https://preview.redd.it/jpvkbclm28jh1.png?width=3064&format=png&auto=webp&s=06f658f8b403d64f0901a28d57bd0f00b50f63f6

https://preview.redd.it/fz1e8ucpmsih1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=597dd3705370646ef7feddefdbda44a7070c0629

Runtime Notes:

• Sustained Output: Turbo opens around 2,520lm and steps down gradually and repeatedly over the first ~13 minutes, through roughly 2,440 → 2,100 → 1,850 → 1,650 → 1,480 → 1,330 → 1,250 → 1,180lm, before finally settling on a stable ~1,180lm plateau that holds for the remainder of the 30-minute run.
• Thermal Performance: Plateaus at 53.5°C during sustained runtime.

🔧 Build 2 — F150R 4000K

• Host & Reflector: Convoy L21A, smooth reflector
• Driver: 3V 20A
• Emitter: F150R, 4000K

Output & Light Quality Measurements

Mode	Current (A)	Output (lm)	CCT	DUV	CRI (Ra)	Intensity (cd)	ANSI Throw (0.25 lx)	Usable Throw (1 lx)	Ratio (cd/lm)
1%	0.2	82	4072K	+0.0006	70	6,275	158.4m	79.2m	76.52
10%	3.2	1,440	4198K	-0.0038	71	104,925	647.8m	323.9m	72.86
35%	5.8	2,340	4268K	-0.0053	71	166,425	815.9m	408.0m	71.12
100%	19.3	5,200	4467K	-0.0080	71	359,500	1199.2m	599.6m	69.13

https://preview.redd.it/k34mp1pp28jh1.png?width=3064&format=png&auto=webp&s=04a396a5b261bdc3c7fe67fd003d525802881f2e

https://preview.redd.it/709tvl8q28jh1.png?width=3064&format=png&auto=webp&s=2f4b82aa826082e15c1bbc6f4efdb4a6ab33a16e

https://preview.redd.it/e7orhaxrmsih1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=e062a63eea460def53a4889c48afce8178c539dc

Note: Logging appears to have started a few seconds late on this run, the graph's initial reading of ~4,820lm is lower than the measured 100% output of 5,200lm, so the very first moments of turbo (the true peak and the start of its decay) aren't captured here.

Runtime Notes:

• Sustained Output: Turbo opens (as logged) at ~4,820lm, likely already past its true peak of 5,200lm due to the late start, and drops sharply within the first minute to ~1,700lm, holding fairly steady there until around the 7-minute mark, where it steps down again to a ~1,370lm plateau that holds, with minor thermal ripple visible, for the rest of the 30-minute run.
• Thermal Performance: Not separately logged, the light stays in a similar low-50s °C range as the F45R build based on observed behavior.

📊 Combined Runtime Comparison

https://preview.redd.it/7st3oluj38jh1.jpg?width=6144&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1f4d67ae6a9355e4f746f40fe8d465a21d3b7fa8

https://preview.redd.it/7bslackk38jh1.jpg?width=6144&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a1b4c07a3a1c679f58637cb70537724610d849ac

https://preview.redd.it/te6i08vxmsih1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=fc398bac28319f00250b064646709a37fa03fd69

Comparison Notes:

Comparing both builds against an SFT-42R (5000K, 10A) and SBT90.2 (5700K, 20A) in the same L21A SMO host:

• Turbo Behavior: F150R opens the highest by far (~4,820lm), followed by SBT90.2 (~4,050lm) and SFT-42R (~2,400lm), with F45R starting close to SFT-42R (~2,520lm) despite the output difference — largely a reflection of the 10A vs 20A driver split rather than the emitters themselves.
• Convergence: All four lights converge into a fairly narrow output band by around the 4-5 minute mark, settling between roughly 1,100-1,400lm.
• Final Sustained Levels: F150R settles the highest of the group (~1,370-1,400lm), followed by SBT90.2 and F45R sitting close together (~1,150-1,200lm), with SFT-42R settling the lowest (~1,100-1,150lm).

💭 Final Impressions & Comparison

Beam Profile: The F45R's beam is nearly identical to the SFT-42R's, which I kind of expected since the two emitters are pretty similar. It's completely clean, no rings around the hotspot at all. The F150R is close, but not quite as clean, there's a faint ring around the hotspot, though you'd only ever notice it on a white wall, not in actual use. Its hotspot is also about 3x bigger than the F45R's.

Tint & Color Quality: Tint is really good on both. The F45R stays neutral no matter the output level, and the F150R has a nice rosy tint without it being too much. No yellow on either one, which is a big part of why they both look so clean.

Which Wins Where: If you want the more neutral, consistent tint and slightly longer throw, go F45R. If you want WAY more power and a lovely, rosy tint, the F150R is the one.

Overall Verdict: I'm genuinely impressed with both of these. Good tint, and the CCT stays pretty consistent as output goes up, which isn't always the case with other throwy emitters I've tested. My favorite is the F150R though, it's a bit more rosy, looks cleaner overall, and has an insane amount of power.