Thread: Feedback needed concerning Convoy torches

The Convoy brand has quality control issues from the factory, so I carry out a quality control check and mods for the best product possible. One very time consuming mod is correcting the focus on some models by making a custom gasket. I would like to know whether getting max range is worth paying a premium to correct or would you rather cheaper prices?

The L21B model requires a custom gasket to fix the focus on the osram LED versions. The L21B PM1 version in stock form measures at around 1,240m range, with a thicker gasket it measures 1,350m+. How many would care about the range loss if you saved $40? If you prefer cheaper prices then I'd probably just ditch everything that requires mods. The L21B SFT40 achieves 1,200m, so the L21B PM1 would be pointless at 1,240m without the mod. Same thing with the L21B NM1 Green at roughly 1,400m vs 1,700m with the mod.

In the next week or two I'll be dropping the Sofirn and Wurkkos models down to bare minimum prices. I'd also like to do it for Convoy as well, but I can't if I have to keep correcting the focus, among other things. Ideally, I'd like the cheapest prices possible so everyone can afford something. I'm considering to do away with sales and just offer the lowest prices year round. It's not really viewed as a good business practice when everyone enjoys sales with lower prices, but I have always viewed things a bit differently. It's never been about the money, I just enjoy providing decent gear for cheap and hearing how happy everyone is.

I've recently imported some IR illuminators using the VCSEL chips for very good range. I'll get these in after I've finished testing various models. I hear people have been importing from the UK for $400 ish, so maybe $130 locally would be nice. The 850nm gets me around 1,000m using my Pard NV008 S. I'll get in some adjustable windage/elevation mounts too.

Does it have any effect on the focus at closer ranges? Say up to 350m

Not the focus, but of course it'll be less intense, or less bright at any given distance with that range reduction. Using the correct size gasket just focuses the most amount of light into the centre hotspot for the best range.

I'd get rid of all versions that requires that modification though if everyone just prefers lower prices. The L21B with SFT40 LED achieves 1200m without needing anything changed.

L21B NM1 Green is excellent for range and would probably still be with std @ 1400m, plenty good enough to show up background when night shooting.

How are you doing the gaskets? Can you get a gasket maker to mass produce them, then offer the gasket at a price point to cover your bum and let the customer decide? In all honesty, if given the option I'd probably go with the ready-to-rock gasket fitted choice and if you priced it to cover your labour I reckon best of both worlds. Basically an upsell option in a nutshell.

I've got the L21B STF40, mainly brought it for search and rescue work. I find the range and brightness shits all over most of the other team members torches. I laugh inside my head when they say they have a really bright torch then pull a lenser out of their pack.
Not sure what @Happy Jack has but mine was a bit brighter than his one.

Mods and QC you provide are a point of difference to a drop shipper. Keep it up.

Originally Posted by No.3

How are you doing the gaskets? Can you get a gasket maker to mass produce them, then offer the gasket at a price point to cover your bum and let the customer decide? In all honesty, if given the option I'd probably go with the ready-to-rock gasket fitted choice and if you priced it to cover your labour I reckon best of both worlds. Basically an upsell option in a nutshell.

I think that's the answer, it'll save me a lot of time. I get a second gasket and sand it to X thickness, then glue both together. It's very fiddly to get the correct measurement. Convoy have offered to produce custom gaskets at $100 usd for 2000pcs, so that's $300 for 3x types. I've been making my own for 3 years. The only issue is that for each new batch the measurement changes, so I'd need to get new gaskets everytime. Maybe I should also get a 3D Printer.

For $40 to get an extra 100 mtr (5-10% range) when you are already over 1000 mtr on a $150 torch I don't know if i would pay the extra?
I guess you could offer it as a mod and only do the ones that request it.
On the lower ranged torches where its a meaning full gain in range ie 20% then I would pay an extra $40.
Cheer's and keep up the special products and support
Z

Nah, not +$40 at the existing prices. The question was either drop the prices without mods, which would put the L21B at $120, or leave the price as is with mods.

My personal opinion, if its worth anything, is sell them as is but offer the option for the focus "field fix".
There with be some that would take up the option but majority probably wouldn't

Can you keep the existing gasket - but get some shim material (commonly available in brass or steel shim but I believe you can get it in composite in various thicknesses) and then just get a tool to cut the shims out? Man, gotta be a better mousetrap than hand sanding the things down. You could get cunning here and sell three thickness packs of shims! A DIY tuning kit for the torch performance freaks.

If the torch’s have got 1000m range that’s plenty to light up animals and background. If you’re shooting at night, on private property, you should be aware of backdrops/danger areas through prior reconnoiter inspection. If you haven’t done that you shouldn’t be shooting period. While tuning these torches is admirable it’s possibly not necessary and maybe be caters to human greed factor. There’s plenty of individuals out there trying to wring performance out of gear that they don’t need. As previously posted I’ve got an L21B that’s good for 1700m, it’s more than I need or use but that’s how it came. Was the first green led torch that came up in search so got it. As an aside I shoot out to around 400m max at night on farmland and vineyards that I am very familiar with. That’s further than most should shoot at night unless intimately familiar with area. Just my 2c.

One thing that focusing can do is tighten the beam up a little which allows better penetration if you have a night with a lot of crap flying around or backscatter. I found that with de-doming one of the MAxtoch's I have - the biggest effect was tightening up the beam and it actually made it more useful on slightly cruddy nights. As per, mileage might vary but I'd probably go with the better focusing beam if I had the option.

The biggest benefit when it comes to max range is that you get what's needed on High mode as well for searching. If you buy a torch solely based on the turbo spec then you're limited to 1-2 minute bursts before it drops down to a lower level. The sustained range should be what's most important when making a purchase. I see far too many just go for the turbo specs and then end up with a light that's not up to the task. Another thing is that once the battery drops to around 70-80% you either lose the turbo level or it's operating at a reduced level, so now you're only getting 20-30% before it's no longer hitting the required range.

Originally Posted by woods223

If the torch’s have got 1000m range that’s plenty to light up animals and background.... I’ve got an L21B that’s good for 1700m, it’s more than I need or use but that’s how it came.

Yes, but on the high level you'll be getting over 1000m on its High mode, this allows it to be used for a few hours at the range you require. That's the real benefit of aiming for the most range possible so that every level is performing better.

Generally, you take any range spec and halve it, even 1/3 would provide excellent lighting. So, if we take the L21B SFT40 at 1200m and divide by 3, this will allow for 400m of good useable lighting, for 20-30% of the battery. The next mode down is 850m for 283m for good useable lighting, this is now sustained range for the entire run. It depends on how the torch will be used though, if it's only for weapon use in short bursts then the turbo spec is most important, but if it's for searching then the sustained range is most important.