Aviator vs. streamlight twin task

[jkilo]

Hi everyone, I've been doing some research regarding these two lights, and they seem fairly comparable, at least on paper. Most everyone seems familiar with the A2, (I've never actually used one, myself) so here's a link to the streamlight hybrid:

http://www.opticsplanet.net/streamlight-twin-task-rechargeable-titanium-ttr-flashlight.html#

They have several different finishes available, but this one's "titanium"

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EDC has been a quark 123x2 for a while, but I recently installed a magnumstar lamp into my 4D mag... and I really love the incan's CRI. I have neutral and cool LEDs, but they just don't measure up in that department yet.

But, the runtime for a smaller incan is dismal. So, the obvious solution would seem to be a hybrid.

A lot of good info here on the aviator, not much on the Streamlight. But, from what I can glean on the manufacturer's websites, the primary defferences are as follows:


1. The Surefire uses a regulated circuit for the incan lamp, streamlight doesn't.

2. The Surefire uses a very intuitive UI, the Stream requires you to cycle through ->Lamp->LEDs->Lamp->Off.

3. The Surefire has many different LED color options, Stream has white or blue/green.

4. Surefire uses a borofloat lens, streamlight uses a polycarbonate, which means modding for higher output could be problematic.

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1. The streamlight offers many different form-factors, including a cradle-rechargeable version.

2. The streamlight claims 25 lumens out of their 3 LEDs, Surefire's website claims a paltry 3 (not necessarily bad, night vision doesn't require a LOT of light)

3. The Stream claims over 90 lumens for 70mins from the xenon for the rechargeable, and 70L for 2.5hrs (yeah, right) for the 2x123 model...Surefire only claims 50L for 60 mins, albeit regulated.

4. The stream goes for around $50 with charger, the Aviator $120 and gobbles primaries.


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My questions regarding the more subjective things. I notice that the streamlight seems to have a larger reflector, which might mean more throw, which is very important to me. How is the Aviator's throw?

The streamlight claims to have a "focusable" reflector, is that useful in practice, or hokey, like the Mag's?

Which one would be simpler to mod? The stock lamps on both are a touch weak. I'd really love something like an ROP with LEDs for backup, but apparently the heat would make such a light impossible. But 120 incan lumens would be satisfactory.


Sorry for the essay, but which one would be the better light, thoughts?

 

[PhantomPhoton]

A2 hands down is better. The A2 has respectable throw actually considering the size of the reflector. Beyond that there are A2 aftermarket upgrades available to boost its output. I'm not a big surefire fan, but I bow down to the A2.

As for the Streamlight the only thing it has going for it is the rechargeable setup.

 

[jkilo]

Thanks Phantom, the aviator looks like a sweetheart, no doubt.

I see several higher output incan lamp options available for the Aviator, would they compare favorably in terms of output/throw to a 2x123 fenix or quark?

I recognize that it takes fewer incan lumens to equal an led's useable output... maybe a 1.3:1 ratio?

Given the streamlight's NiCd battery, might it actually have fairly flat output, even though it's unregulated?

 

[RobertM]

Before buying my first Aviator, I played with both at my local Cabela's. The switch and user interface is much better on the A2. Don't forget, the A2 is a regulated incan., unlike pretty much all other incans out there. It's nice to know that even on half dead batteries that you will pretty much get full output until they die. The A2 just has a better feel to it as well. I'd go with the A2 without a doubt.

-Robert

 

[Chrontius]

A2 has upgrade lamps available; Fivemega's bi-pin adapter taking Strion bulbs, and the HO-A2 from Lumens Factory. Both push 120 levels of high -cri, regulated, overdriven lumens.

Also, the A2 bulb/reflector combo is remarkably throwy for its size. The emission pattern of the main gun is a little ugly within three to six feet, but you don't need the main gun within three to six feet*.

* Unless you're using it in self-defense to blind someone, in which case you don't care if it's ugly.

 

[maxspeeds]

Get the A2 and use the heck out of it. Don't be tempted by the lower-priced streamlight. Surefire's warranty can't be matched and is in a league of it's own.

 

[DimeRazorback]

The A2 for sure!

:twothumbs

 

[jkilo]

Ok, Don't twist my arm off! LOL.

I guess it's the A2 by overwhelming majority...

Thanks!

 

[computernut]

Now you just need to pick a colour! :devil:

Keep an eye open for Koala's Onion Rings:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=199366

Ok, Don't twist my arm off! LOL.

I guess it's the A2 by overwhelming majority...

Thanks!

 

[leukos]

I have the 2x CR123a TwinTask and six SF A2's. The Streamlight lumens output is completely exaggerated. It is a very floody beam and the LEDs are very blue. The A2 is just a better light in every way, but buy one used off BST, I don't think I would pay the $200 retail price for it.

 

[FlashKat]

The Streamlight 51017 looks like it is a lot larger than the A2. Don't waste your money on the Streamlight.

 

[lightplay22]

I had a few twintask lights and while they are a decent (debatable) light for the money, I gave them all away and carry the a2 everyday. Really no comparison between the two and when I did use them the ui really became a "task" while the a2 ui is so simple.

Get the a2 and 5 years later you still won't regret it.

 

[Illum]

the only issue with the A2 is the [occasional] short clip, and inability to tailstand, that's it

the twin task is a cheaper alternative, but I found several things I didn't like about it

• No mode hopping, to go through the modes you'll have to click your way through, no ins and outs about it
• For the 2xCR123A one...I'm not sure if the reflector is the concern, but the hotspot is not as tight as the A2, which may penalize its reaching capabilities
• I never ran it down where only the LEDs work so I dunno how the mode hopping goes from there
• Forget incandescent regulation, there is none

Cabelas Alaskian Guide lights has the same concept, but I never used one so I dunno how its performance fares
http://www.cabelas.com/link-12/pod/0041169.shtml
but from the looks of it it has interchangeable LED assemblies...

 

[M@elstrom]

A few glaring differences between the A2 and SL twintask nobody seemed to touch on, the TT2L can...

• Run it's 3 LEDs independently of the incandescent bulb (A2 runs all consecutively on high)
• Be powered off a rechargeable Li-Ion cell namely the 17670 (your options are limited to CR123a primaries & 3.0v protected lithium rechargeables with small mAh capacities for the A2)
• Be focused from a rough spot to flood (the A2 is permanently focused)
• Be cheaply maintained as the replacement bulbs are less than 25% of the SF bulbs
• Be easily switched to permanent ON (in any holding position) without the need to use both hands

Whilst the SF feels of better quality, build & craftmanship I still admire the TT2L for it's differences and bang for buck :thumbsup:

 

[Braddah_Bill]

I bought the 1x123s and the 3xC Twin Tasks used both of them for about 1/2 hour each, they now sit in my loaner/give away light box.

My A2, on the other hand, is one of my favorite lights.

Looking back, I really feel I wasted my money with the SL Twin Tasks.

 

[M@elstrom]

FWIW Bill... both those variants have a lower rated incandescent bulb (compared to the A2)

Maybe you could get Duane Chapman to autograph either then they'd increase in value

 

[afraidofdark]

I purchased a passel of TwinTasks (1xCR123 and 3C) as gifts a few holiday seasons ago and the non-flashaholics loved them: push the button and the light comes on, push again and the light changes, push again and it goes off.

The 3C models have six LEDs and two different LED modes, 3 on and 6 on. And I got my hunter brother-in-law the "buckmaster" 2xCR123 model with green LEDs. They were all great deals on interesting lights.

Personally, I have an A2-WH which is -so- -much- -more- -freaking- -cool- but hey, I'm worth it

 

[UnderTheWeepingMoon]

... the TT2L can...

• Be switched to permanent ON without the need to use both hands

This feature isn't exclusive to the TT2L. The A2 can also be easily switched to permanent on with one hand without the need to modify one's grip from the standard overhand position.

 

[smflorkey]

Cabela's Alaskan Guide lights has the same concept, but I never used one so I dunno how its performance fares
http://www.cabelas.com/link-12/pod/0041169.shtml
but from the looks of it it has interchangeable LED assemblies...

I got one of these from B/S/T. The price was low enough that it seemed worth a look. It is not in the same class as the A2!

• Reverse clicky switch
• The entire lamp/LED assembly must be replaced to fix a blown "bulb." The LA drops into the reflector a lot like the LA in an E2.
• The UI is a simple toggle: incan, off, LEDs, off, incan, off, LEDs, off, ...

I like the host well enough that I will try to "fix" it with a proper switch and a whole new emitter, probably with a new reflector.

 

[jp2515]

I'd go with the A2, its a great light, which can explain why I own 2. If you are able to find the famous FM Strion adapter you can run the lower cost Strion bulbs in the light.

You can always get a A2 for a good price over at the Marketplace.