brightnorm
Flashaholic
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2001
- Messages
- 7,161
A2's two-level LEDS
I discovered this feature by accident during testing. After the A2's batteries are depleted so that only the LEDS work, you will be able to select two distinct LED brightness levels. The method of selection mimics the original two-stage function of the light. In this case a light push on the tail button activates a low LED level and a harder push activates a modest but distinct increase in brightness. You may also choose to leave the tail partially screwed in for constant level 1 activation or fully engaged for constant level 2.
Unique bulb
Has anyone noticed that the A2's bulb is unique? It appears to be the only non turbo SureFire bulb with a translucent tip. Also, the filament is located closer to the base than in other SF bulbs, turbo and non turbo. Perhaps most interesting; when compared to (for example) an N2 the A2's glass envelope appears identical in length, diameter, shape and even the configuration of the translucent tip. The A2’s filament is thinner and closer to its base than the N2’s, but that seems to be the only internal difference. After close examination it becomes clear that this is in fact a turbohead bulb, though plastic-shanked and springless, used in a non turbohead light.
One might have expected that the long bulb with its tip practically kissing the lens would cause inordinate lens heating. In fact it does not. In A2/E2E(MN03) comparison testing during steady “on” periods exceeding 45 minutes, both lights became too hot to comfortably hold, but the A2’s lens was barely hotter than the E2E’s. The pyrex lenses of both lights preclude cracking, but it would be interesting to know how the considerable heat buildup affects the life of both bulbs, as well as the A2’s LEDs.
Say what you want about Surefire; I believe that their creative imagination and the constant evolution of their products is admirable.
Brightnorm
I discovered this feature by accident during testing. After the A2's batteries are depleted so that only the LEDS work, you will be able to select two distinct LED brightness levels. The method of selection mimics the original two-stage function of the light. In this case a light push on the tail button activates a low LED level and a harder push activates a modest but distinct increase in brightness. You may also choose to leave the tail partially screwed in for constant level 1 activation or fully engaged for constant level 2.
Unique bulb
Has anyone noticed that the A2's bulb is unique? It appears to be the only non turbo SureFire bulb with a translucent tip. Also, the filament is located closer to the base than in other SF bulbs, turbo and non turbo. Perhaps most interesting; when compared to (for example) an N2 the A2's glass envelope appears identical in length, diameter, shape and even the configuration of the translucent tip. The A2’s filament is thinner and closer to its base than the N2’s, but that seems to be the only internal difference. After close examination it becomes clear that this is in fact a turbohead bulb, though plastic-shanked and springless, used in a non turbohead light.
One might have expected that the long bulb with its tip practically kissing the lens would cause inordinate lens heating. In fact it does not. In A2/E2E(MN03) comparison testing during steady “on” periods exceeding 45 minutes, both lights became too hot to comfortably hold, but the A2’s lens was barely hotter than the E2E’s. The pyrex lenses of both lights preclude cracking, but it would be interesting to know how the considerable heat buildup affects the life of both bulbs, as well as the A2’s LEDs.
Say what you want about Surefire; I believe that their creative imagination and the constant evolution of their products is admirable.
Brightnorm
