Aviator or Backup for Backup!!

[umc]

Who has both of these?!?

I just got the Aviator today and think it's an awesome setup. I need to compare the two to decide which will end up being used as my "backup" light for work. I really like the 400 lumens and flood of the MV Backup. I think the throw is the TIR is going to be nice to have from the Aviator. I just ordered two Aviator tail caps from Surefire so one will be going on the backup if I decide to go that route.

Looking for opinions on which to use as a backup light just to get some brain storming going. The tail cap is key for me as I want to be able to use it in "candle mode" hands free bouncing off the ceiling. I like that the backup puts out more light for that scenario but I think the 250 lumens of the Aviator will work fine as well.

Not sure if the red is the Aviator will be something I'd use a lot or not yet.

I think it comes down to if I'm going to want that flood vs throw. My main light is the Stiletto Pro 2.

Thoughts on the two pictured??

 

[scalpel_ninja]

I like the Aviator for the feel in hand and the tail cap. I've owned the exact same model and now own the same but with amber secondary.

 

[Erif]

Im looking to buy an Aviator right now but started considering the backup as you're using, what ended up working out for you?

 

[elzilcho]

I've had both for a while and only carried the Backup once. It's so floody that it can't deliver the kind of light I want farther than a few feet out. An HDS with 300 lumens that's only slightly less floody (but still floodier than I like) beats it in the backyard. I just prefer a more focused beam and because of that, the Aviator performs better for my real-world use, which may not match anyone else's. In hand, the knurling on the Aviator's head gives it a little more grip. I swapped the tailcap for the same one the Backup uses because it's easier to activate.

In fairness, the Aviator has some negatives. The bezel isn't crenelated, if that matters to you. It's slightly larger than 1" but not as big as SF's new standard bezel size, so neither the old nor the new beamshapers fit. No easy on-off option for flood. The runtime on low is abysmal. Like, epically bad (5 lumens for 20.5 hrs) compared to the Backup (5 lumens for 50 hrs) and even compared to older Backup generations. It's the only reason I got the Y/G secondary, since the high is actually a good medium level and runs for 12 hrs, while the low is rated at 58 hrs. I have never, ever used Y/G and wish I'd grabbed red instead because at least it's good for dark-adapted use. Lastly, I was pretty careful about getting the twisty part of the bezel lined up correctly after battery changes, but one time apparently I didn't pay enough attention and the light was juuuust far enough off the correct dial setting that it didn't come on when I pushed the button later that day. At first glance it looked okay but something wasn't lined up. It mostly sits in a drawer now.

 

[Erif]

I've had both for a while and only carried the Backup once. It's so floody that it can't deliver the kind of light I want farther than a few feet out. An HDS with 300 lumens that's only slightly less floody (but still floodier than I like) beats it in the backyard. I just prefer a more focused beam and because of that, the Aviator performs better for my real-world use, which may not match anyone else's. In hand, the knurling on the Aviator's head gives it a little more grip. I swapped the tailcap for the same one the Backup uses because it's easier to activate.

In fairness, the Aviator has some negatives. The bezel isn't crenelated, if that matters to you. It's slightly larger than 1" but not as big as SF's new standard bezel size, so neither the old nor the new beamshapers fit. No easy on-off option for flood. The runtime on low is abysmal. Like, epically bad (5 lumens for 20.5 hrs) compared to the Backup (5 lumens for 50 hrs) and even compared to older Backup generations. It's the only reason I got the Y/G secondary, since the high is actually a good medium level and runs for 12 hrs, while the low is rated at 58 hrs. I have never, ever used Y/G and wish I'd grabbed red instead because at least it's good for dark-adapted use. Lastly, I was pretty careful about getting the twisty part of the bezel lined up correctly after battery changes, but one time apparently I didn't pay enough attention and the light was juuuust far enough off the correct dial setting that it didn't come on when I pushed the button later that day. At first glance it looked okay but something wasn't lined up. It mostly sits in a drawer now.

If you decide to sell your Aviator, let me know! Have been wanting to give this one a try