Just bought my first A2

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abarth_1200

abarth_1200

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jun 16, 2008
Messages
1,034
City & State/Province
Scotland
Hi guys, not often do I make an appearance here.

I was just browsing ebay and up popped an A2 aviator with red leds, the guy selling it had a buy it now price of £90 but he also mentioned that it needed a new bulb, he also said it was in mint condition, so I made him and offer and got it cheaper, I was going to post on here before I made an offer just to make sure I was doing the right thing.

Now I have a few questions and apparently a lot of reading, A2's are very popular here lol.

I have managed to find a surefire MA02 lamp assemblt for £26! is this too much to be spending, anywhere else cheaper, I also found out the lumens factory do an A2 bulb but not sure on quality and originality etc. 110 lumens and it runs for ten mins short of stock bulb???

I think my first mod will be to lightly sand the LED's after of course I have changed the incan bulb
 
Yeah, SF A2's have quite a following .... I would suggest looking into the fivemega bulb adapter and calipsoii rings soon, before you do too much modding to your stock A2.

LF bulbs are fine, but with the FM adapter you have rather more lamp options available. With the calipsoii rings, you can have whatever secondary LEDs you want (warm white, red, yellow-green, UV, etc.), without having to alter your factory ring.

BTW, were you lucky enough to get one of the older versions with the "4-flats" body style? The newer ones are completely round, but those prior versions are often considered more desirable (and collectible).
 
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My understanding is that the lumensfactory offering is better at everything over the ma02, throws better, is brighter and whiter, and has a better build quality.
 
Its not the 4 flats version, im not flashlight collector I just like using them (and modding them)

Any links to these adapters and rings, anyone still producing these or do I have to find them on the marketplace, you mentioned calipsol, should I start with him.

Also should I go ahead and purchase the MA02 bulb now so I have something to run in the A2, otherwise it looks like it will be a few weeks delivery from lumens factory before I can fire her up, any UK members know where to get cheap Surefire bulbs
 
I think that the lamp adapter and the LED rings are both currently still in production. I can't do links with Tapatalk, but a search for fivemega bi-pin adapter and calipsoii A2 LED ring should provide useful results.
 
ebow86 said:
My understanding is that the lumensfactory offering is better at everything over the ma02, throws better, is brighter and whiter, and has a better build quality.
Click to expand...

What about the MA02's build quality is lacking compared to the LF offering?
 
RobertM said:
What about the MA02's build quality is lacking compared to the LF offering?
Click to expand...

I had never seen one in person, but I have seen several members here in the past say they thought the overall build of the lumensfactory offering was better. Can't confirm myself but I have no reason to doubt them.
 
RobertM said:
What about the MA02's build quality is lacking compared to the LF offering?
Click to expand...

I have pulled the end cap off of two SF MA02's when attempting to remove them. The FM Strion adapter is heavy duty, I still don't have any MA02 from LF, but I do have several other MN'S from them and they are definitely a nice build.
 
OK going by most peoples responses here about Surefires original MA02 bulb assembly the verdict is poor, I have gone and ordered a Lumens Factory HO-A2, also a lot cheaper...

Oh and I found calipsoiis sales thread and put my name down for 2 rings, one UV and the other warm white
 
OK, must have misinterpreted fellow cpf's opinions.

I would at some like to try out the MA02, just not right now, other things to spend money on.

2 surefire legends in one week, I have an L1 on its way, well see how that one turns out, im not sure if im a fan of twisty interfaces, at least these light are only half twisty so these might be up on the chopping block once I have had my way with them...
 
Did you already order the HO-A2? The reason I ask is that Lighthound has them in stock for a reasonable price, and they ship internationally. That might be the quickest way to get a bulb for a reasonable price. I agree, 26 pounds ($42) is way too much for a bulb.

-John
 
I bought it direct from lumens factory, cost $19 and something like $2 to deliver worldwide, also got and EO-E1R, which I had my eye on for a while.

I did see them on lighthound but cant remember price, anyway thanks for the tip
 
Just a little update here, I got my A2 in the mail and opened it up, theres not a scratch on it, opened the tailcap and pulled out what looks to be the original Surefire batteries, tested their voltage and they came out around 2.8V so I thought they must be nearly dead, popped in 2 new cells and fired it up, bam xenon light and red leds, the bulb is fine. The guy selling it just didnt know how the A2 worked, anyway I got a great deal here... Anyone want to see pics?

Also should I email the seller and let him know the bulb is OK with a fresh set of batteries or should I let him keep his dignity
 
By design, the A2 shuts down the (regulated) incandescent output when the batteries fall below a cetain voltage. This is to warn the user of a low-battery state, while still permitting some reserve power to run the (more efficient) LED lamps, thus providing emergency lighting until the batteries can be changed. :)
 
I remember how freaked I was the first time I ran my batteries down and the incan wouldn't work. I did everything except try new batteries. Let him keep his dignity. He sold one of the most awesome flashlights ever, for cheap because he didn't understsand it.
 
I saw that one. I nearly made him an offer. I'm glad you didn't have to buy another bulb.

I got the new grey one with white leds from the seller in hungary for £60 plus £15 post.
Do you mind me asking how much you got yours for in the end?

Mine arrived this morning. Really happy with the high beam, but the white leds show their age. Blue in the hot spot and yellow in the spill. Yuk.
Might have to order one of the replacement LED rings!

Oli.
 
Sounds like you will befit from standing the leds a little, I did that last night now I cat see any artifacts in the beam, perfect.

I didn't even see the one you were looking at, the seller accepted my offer of £80 which included free delivery so not far off the price you paid, I'm very happy with my purchase, looks like its been in a drawer all its life lol.
 
Hi again just a little update.

I got my HO-A2 lamp assembly from Lumens Factory today along with the EO-E1R.

I must say I am very dissapointed with beam, there is no hotspot, its full of artifacts (I know incans have artifacts, thats one thing I like about them, im talking huge black spots) and it looks dimmer than the MA02 bulb Surefire makes.

I thought it must not be seated properly so I took it out and had a look and noticed the bulbs envelope is not adjacent to the holder so when its in the relfector its not centred (its like the leaning tower of piza). I think all the artifacts and missing hotspot is down to the bulb not having the correct alignment.

Anyone else had this issue before and if so what did you do about it, send it back for a replacment??

BTW the E series bulb is fine, not as bright as I was expecting it to look but at least its guilt free lumens
 
DSCF6266.jpg

Surefire MA-02

DSCF6283.jpg

Lumensfactory HO-A2

DSCF6281.jpg

Surefire

DSCF6282.jpg

Lumensfactory

DSCF6270.jpg
 
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