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.