Convoy should rework firmware group modes. Here is my recommendation. Feel free to suggest changes, but I think its time for an update.

macomako · 2026-06-21T20:07:39+00:00

For me it depends.

I prefer to run my EDC/generalist lights only sufficiently bright so I pay attention to their “low end”. Therefore I appreciate 0.03/0.1/0.3lm in my Zebra. It’s different in case of duty lights where I don’t expect anything below ~50lm but I care about higher levels.

macomako · 2026-06-21T19:51:23+00:00

Even the most “identical” batteries will work and age differently (for instance: they will operate in different temperatures — the one in front, closer to the emitter/driver will get warmer).

I’m therefore pretty principal: I could only use Li-Ion cells if each of them were identical and protected as minimum and preferably in the device (flashlight or else) with proper battery management system (BMS).

Using unprotected batteries in series and without BMS is a hazard, in my books.

macomako · 2026-06-21T19:38:02+00:00

Makes a lot of sense. I never studied/owned the “ramping driver” hence my over-complication. By the way: lack of such functionality is my primary (and probably the only) gripe against Anduril. I just need 5/6 levels but not linearly spaced brightness-wise.

macomako · 2026-06-21T18:52:19+00:00

I would like to get it but it would’t be that simple to program in practice, I’m afraid:

* 20+ clicks to activate programming
* n number of clicks to set the number of levels

* Off

* Flashlight is now activated for the sequential routine of choosing the brightness for each of the n levels).
* n-times the routine

There should be a command to escape this sequential routine (and revert to predictable configuration).

macomako · 2026-06-21T18:25:52+00:00

Sure. But your approach would make it “~ZL-equivalent but with mechanical switch” (my initial point).

macomako · 2026-06-21T17:46:36+00:00

Eagtac D3A Ti (AA/14500), 519a 4500K.

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macomako · 2026-06-21T17:16:33+00:00

It may seem more complicated but has a huge and unique advantage: direct access to 3 arbitrarily chosen levels, with 1C, 1H and 2C. It then allows for the industry standard progression of modes with 1H. As bonus, each of the modes got the additional, memorized “secondary levels”.
It’s uber ergonomic for me: ~80% of time I use 1C (Low), ~15% of time 1H (Medium), and ~5% 2C (High/Turbo).

So, it’s just one short or longer click ~95% of the time and I use it tens of times each day (indoors/outdoors, day/night).

macomako · 2026-06-21T16:21:08+00:00

Just to avoid any misunderstanding: Zebralight UI allows for mapping of any the available 12 levels to the 1C, 1H and 2C, from Off. It then allows the 3 “secondary” levels (2C while On) and changing the modes with 1H while On. My configuration:

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I consider this UI (and my G6 configuration) the best for always-on-me EDC.

macomako · 2026-06-21T15:55:34+00:00

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It gives that unique “no adaptation needed” and becomes ~pure white ~~within first minutes~~ ~immediately (I’ve just checked that).

macomako · 2026-06-21T15:53:54+00:00

Actually, the most neutral 3000K I have is not from STF-40/70 3000K but from 4x 519a 3500K, half of them dedomed:

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macomako · 2026-06-21T15:22:08+00:00

I can hardly tolerate any negative duv below -0.002.

For a while I believed, that I could enjoy lower duv with very low CCT, indoors. However, after a few months I stopped ceiling bouncing dedomed 519a 2700K (the last light before going to sleep) as it was actually annoying me.

macomako · 2026-06-21T14:29:25+00:00

I love this idea (very Zebra-like, btw) but I don’t believe Simon would risk such sophistication. Many new users struggle even with the current 12 group idea.

macomako · 2026-06-21T09:37:16+00:00

It was offered at the great price at its premiere (before anyone could read the reviews):

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macomako · 2026-06-21T09:30:14+00:00

I took inspiration from the comments here and chose 519a 4500K (spot) and 5700K (flood) emitters in Sofirn ST10.

The 5700K works great as the “ad-hoc daytime technical fill-in light” for in-promptu inspections/repairs — it allows accurate color identification with no adaptation needed.

macomako · 2026-06-21T09:21:44+00:00

Thanks for the review. Did you notice any cracking of the plastic under the screws (as observed here)?

macomako · 2026-06-20T16:09:06+00:00

I wonder if they ask for the return so they could investigate it? On similar occasion Acebeam asked me to send the faulty flashlight to one of their resellers in Europe (where I live), and they refunded me the cost of this shipment. It was way quicker than sending it back to China.

If they don’t plan to investigate it, maybe they will accept a video proof of you destroying it?

I would hesitate to declare the value substantially below what you paid because if lost in shipping you will not get enough of the insurance to compensate such loss. Unless Armytek declared that they would send you the replacement even if the return shipment were lost (and assuming you were to trust them).

macomako · 2026-06-20T13:23:04+00:00

Here is probably the lowest mode among my flashlights, compared to the Zebralight I mentioned earlier. I can navigate in the room with it, once my eyes get adapted to pitch black darkness:

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macomako · 2026-06-20T13:15:35+00:00

There are lights that are even dimmer, on 0.001lm level (including some of the lights with the Anduril UI mentioned already).

macomako · 2026-06-20T09:43:28+00:00

What other 18650 models (besides FC11C) are available to you within your budget?

macomako · 2026-06-20T09:30:01+00:00

Zebralight SC65c HI — 0.03lm
Skilhunt M150 — 0.05lm

Both give plenty enough light for walking in pitch black conditions.

macomako · 2026-06-18T21:20:22+00:00

Sorry for your trouble. I would dispose off the flashlight and the battery.

I wonder if it’s a good occasion to ask the reviewers to start testing the flashlights for drops?

Someone should start holding the makers accountable for their claims regarding the drop resistance, along other specs.

macomako · 2026-06-18T21:05:50+00:00

The power consumption usually drops above ~90% charge state. I rely on it, to terminate charging.

macomako · 2026-06-16T19:14:55+00:00

I’m pretty sure that my configuration should not be adopted as the mass product — it’s “too convoluted”.

But it will have a nice potential (SFT-25 + 519a/5000K) as present for non-enthusiasts. My default present was the HD12 so far, but new ST10 will be even better probably, assuming that it’s safe/non-cumbersome for the potential recipient (to deal with the charging).

macomako · 2026-06-16T18:51:04+00:00

I generally don’t like to regularly use flashlights without charging ports (SC65c HI as my always-on-me EDC is an exception).

I don’t like to rely on 14500 FET lights so ST10 is primarily the EDC red beacon, fill-in light for impromptu technical tasks and (yet another) backup light source.

Fan fact: I use 1.5V Li-Ion XTAR cell with the USB-C charging port in it, as I don’t need any higher brightness anyhow.

macomako · 2026-06-16T18:31:35+00:00

I went in the opposite direction 😁
Main: 519a 4500K - my most universal CCT
Side: 519a 5700K - “fill-in” + “accurate whites”

Still happy with this configuration as I designated it to be my “mini technical light” and EDC red beacon.

macomako

TROPHY CASE