TL;DR

The Convoy M21H with the W5050SQ5 4000K is a very strong and versatile 21700 flashlight. With the default 3° TIR it acts as a powerful thrower that can compete with or even outperform larger lights, while 8° and 12° optics turn it into a balanced semi-thrower/all-rounder. It offers high sustained brightness, good efficiency, and a pleasant neutral tint (though not high CRI). Compared to similar lights, it stands out with strong range and high sustained output. Overall, it’s a highly capable and flexible light for outdoor and general use.

For most users, this is the one flashlight that covers nearly all needs (in combination with the additional 8° and 12° TIR optics) and is easy to recommend in the vast majority of situations.

Introduction

The Convoy M21H with the W5050SQ5 4000K emitter is an excellent thrower. While it is not high CRI, the relatively new W5050SQ5 LED is a very interesting option for powerful, throw-focused flashlight configurations.

Paired with the 3° TIR optic (default), this LED turns the M21H into a serious thrower that can even outperform larger lights. The beam profile is well-balanced, offering a defined hotspot with useful spill.

Overall, the M21H W5050SQ5 is a strong thrower with the 3° TIR (default), while the 8° and 12° optics provide more balanced, semi-thrower beam profiles. Light quality and tint are very good, even without high CRI.

From what I can tell so far, this version of the M21H outperforms many comparable lights (or even larger ones), as well as other M21H variants, across several aspects such as range, tint, and sometimes even brightness.

Fun facts about the Convoy M21H W5050SQ5 4000K

• It offers equal or slightly more range than semi-throwers like the Convoy M21K LHP73B 4000K and the Acebeam L35 2.0 4000K (both on turbo and at sustained output after step-down)
• The W5050SQ5 version has only slightly lower lumen output than the XHP70.3 HI R70 4000K variant, but outperforms it in terms of range and runtime
• It also provides more range than the SFT40 3000K version of the M21H
• Sustained output on high mode (level 3/4) reaches around 470 m of range. For comparison, my E90 Blaze FFL707RD 4000K reaches about 530 m sustained range (high CRI)

Range comparisons (based on my candela measurements)

• E90 Blaze FFL707RD 4000K: 795 m
• Convoy M21H W5050SQ5 4000K (3°): 661 m
• Convoy M21K LHP73B 4000K: 656 m
• L35 2.0 XHP70.3 HI R70 4000K: 583 m
• M21H SFT40 3000K (3°): 503 m
• M21H XHP70.3 HI R70 4000K (3°): 370 m

Comparison to M21H SFT40 3000K

I previously tested the M21H with the SFT40 3000K and recommended it as a versatile multi-use light (thrower or all-rounder). I can now say the same about the W5050SQ5 4000K version, as it offers an excellent balance of performance in nearly all aspects, except for high CRI.

You can find my post about the M21H SFT40 (including comparisons with XHP70.3 and SFT70) here: https://www.reddit.com/r/flashlight/comments/1rk5647/convoy_m21h_sft40_surprisingly_great_and/

Use with different TIR optics (universal semi-thrower)

The 8° and 12° TIR lenses also work very well, making the light more versatile while still maintaining its semi-throw characteristics.

Compared to my Fireflies X1S Pharos (FFL5009R 4000K, TIR version) and the DA1K (NTG50 4200K), the M21H W5050SQ5 4000K offers similar beam profiles, but with higher sustained brightness and greater range.

Even with the wider TIR lenses, the M21H W5050SQ5 still outperforms the DA1K and comes close to the X1S in terms of throw.

Even though the M21H’s runtimes are good, the DA1K and X1S tend to provide longer runtimes in most situations.

The W5050SQ5 4000K isn’t high CRI, but it has a very pleasant neutral tint that I actually prefer even over the superb LHP73B 4000K.

Convoy M21H W5050SQ5 4000K with different TIR optics (ranges and runtimes)

\ Basically sustained output until low-voltage step-down*
\* Runtime measured with a Samsung 50S battery until the last major step-down due to low battery voltage*

Note: High-1 (level 2/4) provides enough brightness for walking or hiking, even in unfamiliar terrain.

Beamshots

I took several beamshots to compare the three TIR lenses, as well as the 3° version of the M21H W5050SQ5 against other lights such as the M21H SFT40 3000K, M21K LHP73B 4000K, and L35 2.0 4000K. I also added comparisons with X1S and DA1K.

Animated beamshots: https://imgur.com/a/G04h1Ry

Additional comparison (E90 Blaze FFL707RD): https://imgur.com/a/Ya6WBRR

M21H SFT40 3000K TIR comparison beamshots: https://imgur.com/a/convoy-m21h-sft40-3000k-tir-comparison-NT8858m

Summary

I have to say I’m really impressed by the combination of the M21H host and the W5050SQ5 4000K emitter. It’s a very versatile, bright, and efficient setup.

Within the category of typical 21700-sized flashlights, this is one of the most well-rounded options for outdoor use and general tasks. By default, it works as a dedicated thrower, but it can easily be adapted with different TIR lenses from Convoy, making it a highly versatile and easy-to-recommend light for a wide range of use cases.

It’s not high CRI, but the neutral tint is pleasant and color rendering still looks quite good in natural environments.

It’s interesting how this version of the M21H performs as a strong thrower with the 3° TIR, competing with lights like the M21K or L35 2.0, while also working as a versatile all-rounder with the 8° or 12° TIR, where it competes with lights like the DA1K or X1S. Its big advantage is sustained brightness combined with a relatively throwy emitter that produces a neutral and pleasant tint.

What do you think about the W5050SQ5 emitter and the M21H as its host?