A2 Fever

[Size15's]

Come come!

The SureFire A2 is a poop load more then just an LED light!
It has three 5 mm LEDs in the same reflector as a DIGITALLY REGULATED INCANDESCENT BULB

Guys, the A2 gives you whiter light (higher colour temperature) at constant brightness for the runtime of the batteries. This is SureFire quality beam (think E2e), but whiter, and regulated to maintain it's output.

The LEDs or the bulb can activated by the two-stage TailCap switch. Press gently for the LEDs, or harder for the bulb.
The constant-on low output can be activated by rotating the TailCap, and by pressing the switch, the main beam is activated, or, the constant-on main beam can be activated rotating the TailCap all the way onto the body.

SureFire's A2 sets the new standard for bulb powered lights, and the practical fusion of LED and bulb technology for users.

Luxeons are a whole different kettle of chips and not for discussion in this part of CPF.

Al

 

[Unforgiven]

I would like to see both of them side by side

 

[Size15's]

Unforgiven,

Do you mean the SureFire A2 and the Arc LS3?

I think perhaps the LS3 will be compared to next gen of SureFire Luxeon rather then the A2.

The A2 appears to have no competition apart from the proto-type MagLite shown at the SHOT Show in Vegas. But that was a 2D cell bulb and Luxeon job so it's playing a different game.

Al

 

[Mrdi]

The new Surefire A2-
So,
Rumor is it's in the tubes, when are you going to be able to put your fingers on one.

 

[BugLightGeek]

What's an A2 ?

 

[K-T]

The A2 will be a killer. I cannot wait until I get my hands on one of these - already have a bag of used 123A's waiting for that light.

Klaus.

 

[Wits' End]

Did somebody edit out a couple posts in here? It looks like there is at least one missing post between. ChrisM's--What's an A2 ?---- and Size 15's---Luxeons are a whole different kettle of chips and not for discussion in this part of CPF.----
I don't know what was taken out but it looks like there is an anti-LED flavor to the GENERAL flashlight and headlamp discussion. I would think something that was only LED would be better served in LED, E+L but I wasn't aware that Luxeons or any LED were banned from this part of CPF. Can someone clarify?

 

[Velcro]

Witsend, I too noticed that some posts are gone. I wonder why.

Greetings,
Velcro

 

[Size15's]

I've not removed any posts, and I've not been informed of any being removed.

The A2 does have three LEDs, but as I mentioned before, the Digital Regulation of the bulb is far more significant.

The advantage of an A2 is that it replaces the likes of the E2e and the ArcAAA etc with a single flashlight that is far superior. Rarely is something designed to do two jobs better then an item designed to perform one job, but in the case of the A2, I think we have a flashlight that will make carrying and using light easier, more simple, more cost effective, and mean that you have one of the most highly advanced flashlights available.

Al

 

[sunspot]

I removed some of my posts from yesterday all over the board. I seem to have inadvertently upset or p.o.'d some members by my replies. I am going into lurk mode for awhile.

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

People are sensitive sometimes so we have to watch what we say, ...sometimes putting a smiley helps ease the tension a bit....that said....

BRING ON THE A2!!!! Wooohooo, I want one, er...uh..2 no no ...uhm..3 I want 3!

 

[artar]

Al,

the A2 cant definitely not replace the need for an Arc AAA.

 

[Joe Talmadge]

Originally posted by artar:
Al,

the A2 cant definitely not replace the need for an Arc AAA.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Well, I'm not sure I've correctly parsed the above statement, but I think I agree with it anyway

I'll always have a photon 2 or Arc on my key chain. My keys are the one thing I always know i have somewhere close. I'll carry the A2 often, but not 100% of the time, so I'll still want a keyring light.

Where the A2 really fits in great is for when I'm using the light a lot, it lets me use a single digitally-regulated light for everything, without having to choose between running to get my keys or using a way-to-bright-incandescent when I'm doing close-up work. The A2 will come in handy for everything from camping to looking for lost items around the house; in each case, I will be switching from LED to incandescent often.

Joe

 

[Quickbeam]

The advantage of an A2 is that it replaces the likes of the E2e and the ArcAAA etc with a single flashlight that is far superior.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">(empahsis added)

Pretty big claims about a light that is still in the "vaporware" stage.

(Al, SOMEBODY's gotta bust on you for your Surefire affinity!

)

Seriously, I'll probably get one as well if it's all that it's cracked up to be. I really like the idea of an "all in one" light.

Al - can you check with your SF contacts and find out if the LED's will also be digitally regulated? This would be icing on the cake.

 

[pjenkins00]

i can't wait!! al, or anyone else, if there is more information out there i would love to hear it.

- Pete

 

[Size15's]

The Runtime/output characteristics of the A2 have not been official confirmed.

The trouble is that many of you have not seen the A2, and it's output.

Another thing is many people carry the E2e so carrying the A2 will not be a problem. I suspect that there are people who do not carry the likes of the E2e because all they think they need is an LED light such as the ArcAAA.

When you have the ArcAAA or Photon on your keys, I find it's not really easy and quick to access or use because the keys and whatever stuff on the ring gets in the way. With the A2, clipped securely to the inside of your trouser pocket, it's readily accessible.

The Runtime of the A2's LEDs will mean that many other LED lights will not come close in terms of output quality and length of runtime.

And to top it all off, you all the brilliant white light of the A2 main beam - I think the A2 will change the way we use light.

Al

 

[brightnorm]

Originally posted by Size15s:

I think the A2 will change the way we use light.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Al,

Will the A2 be 6P-sized?

Brightnorm

 

[Sean]

I think it may be 6P or even M2 length (The 2nd gen prototype was M2 length) but about E2e diameter. Hopefully the Surefire crew can widdle it down a bit more.

 

[DonL]

Al, while some of us aren't fortunate or special enough to have seen the A2, to many of us it is still indeed vaporware.

Don't get me wrong, though, I do expect great things. However, I don't expect it to really
"change the way we use light". If it's dark, we turn on a light. I don't think that's going to change in the near future.

The basic size issue isn't as important a point for some, but not all. For those who carry an E2 or 6P on a daily basis, the A2 certainly has potential to put those on the shelf.

On the other hand, there are those who carry an ARC AAA or Photon because, for whatever reason, they don't carry a light as large as an E2 or 6P on a daily basis. I certainly don't, but that doesn't mean that I'm willing to go about completely "lightless". In this case, regardless of how good the A2's LEDs are, I won't always have it on my person. In this way, if I rely on the A2 to replace other lights and perform all my lighting duties, I'd often be in the dark.

The A2 appears as though it'll be a neat light, but how much it shifts flashlights to a new paradigm remains to be seen.

 

[dano]

It may be a nice light, but will the general public, outside of the techie/hobbyist accept it, and it's (more than likely) premium MSRP?

I'm guessing this little light will go for at least $200.00 MSRP, which will keep it out of reach from most...
--dan