Overlooked A2 design intention

[Spence]

I recently bought the A2 and immediatly began criticising it...too weak LED's and incan bulb and thought about mods. Then I began evaluating its' original design elements and intention as a pilot's flashlight, for which (I discovered) is marvelous. The flawless, perfect, incandescent, 50 lumen beam has a great throw for a 747 pilot to inspect ailerons 20' above the tarmac. Likewise, a Cessna pilot would have plenty of light to check his landing gear and fuel level. The low, bluish LED's are perfect for preserving night vision while illuminating charts, time tables or maps in the **** pit at night. SureFire did a remarkable job designing it for aviators of all types. Though I'm not a pilot, I'm finding uses for my A2 and appreciating it more all the time, it's a really neat flashlight. I guess Dr. John Matthews (President of SF) is pretty impressed, as well, since it is his EDC.

 

[greenLED]

I recently bought the A2 and immediatly began criticising it...too weak LED's and incan bulb and thought about mods. Then I began evaluating its' original design elements and intention as a pilot's flashlight, for which (I discovered) is marvelous.

You know, that's a really good point to keep in mind. There are some lights that are designed from the ground up with a certain purpose in mind. We tend to pick them up and use them because they're well built, have some convenient feature, or just "because".

However, sooner or later, somebody will say they're completely useless because of A, B, or C. Well... if A, B, or C where never considered in the original design intention how can we expect the light to perform well in those areas?

Take the Gladius for example - people complained about it not having a pocket clip, for example. Well, it was never meant to be carried clipped to a pocket! The SF L4 is another example - some people wish it had more throw. Well, it was not meant to be a light with throw!

 

[65535]

I would say it is hard to actually criticize a light unless it physically wasn't right.

SF lights were all designed with individual intentions in mind for each, I think it is an excellent thing to point out in a review that whether or not a certain person finds the lights trait as good or bad, it does not reflect on the quality of the light, being a situation specific design.

That being said the A2 is one hell of a light, and I would love to own one someday.

 

[TJx]

I too had pretty much the same underwhelming opinion of the A2 at first and I am a professional pilot.
It took a lot of thought before I decided I wanted one, then I found a red LED 4 flat side that had been a display model for I guess 3 plus years back in December. I wasn't too impressed at first with the output of the LED's but then remembered the intent of the light, a low output LED for up close cockpit use to preserve night vision and a bright light for pre-flight . IMHO what we really need the LED part for in the cockpit is finding things we've dropped on a dark floor by our feet, reading 40 year old labels on the circuit breaker panel, that kinda thing. I have an overhead map light that points down into my lap to read charts that doesn't bother night vision.
So I took it on a trip. Still not impressed. I've got 3 overlapping ringy beams with small hotspots, it wasn't even very usable in the cockpit unless your eyes and the light were close to what you trying to see plus the Ican wasn't even very good for pre-flighting a small jet.
But there was something about the light. It is lightweight, very nice size, and if there is or ever was a better looking flashlight than a 4 flat-side A2, I haven't seen it! Plus I knew there were mods for it out there so I wasn't gonna give up yet.
Then came the Sportsman's Warehouse sale, too good of a deal to pass up so I bought another red A2 and left it in unopened for several days since I wasn't sure of why I needed 2 red LED A2's. (maybe trade bait for a blue one I thought).
Once it looked like there was gonna be someone picking the slack and making a drop-in replacement for the Aviatrix I decided to go ahead and open up the new one to compare, thinking I'll eventually mod this one and keep the 4 flat side original. (easier for me to justify modding a duplicate)
I was shocked at the difference in LED's, the new one is so much more floody, bright, no visible rings, more usable in a word.
I'll attempt beamshots tonight of both plus the Kroma to get people's opinion on a new thread.
That is all!

 

[DuckhunterInTN]

I did somewhat of the same thing. I bought two Red Aviators at Sportsman's warehouse during their big sale and one of them had the dim, ringy leds and the other had a much improved beam (very similar to the Kroma). I actually sent the "bad" one back to Surefire for them to look at.

I too had pretty much the same underwhelming opinion of the A2 at first and I am a professional pilot.
It took a lot of thought before I decided I wanted one, then I found a red LED 4 flat side that had been a display model for I guess 3 plus years back in December. I wasn't too impressed at first with the output of the LED's but then remembered the intent of the light, a low output LED for up close cockpit use to preserve night vision and a bright light for pre-flight . IMHO what we really need the LED part for in the cockpit is finding things we've dropped on a dark floor by our feet, reading 40 year old labels on the circuit breaker panel, that kinda thing. I have an overhead map light that points down into my lap to read charts that doesn't bother night vision.
So I took it on a trip. Still not impressed. I've got 3 overlapping ringy beams with small hotspots, it wasn't even very usable in the cockpit unless your eyes and the light were close to what you trying to see plus the Ican wasn't even very good for pre-flighting a small jet.
But there was something about the light. It is lightweight, very nice size, and if there is or ever was a better looking flashlight than a 4 flat-side A2, I haven't seen it! Plus I knew there were mods for it out there so I wasn't gonna give up yet.
Then came the Sportsman's Warehouse sale, too good of a deal to pass up so I bought another red A2 and left it in unopened for several days since I wasn't sure of why I needed 2 red LED A2's. (maybe trade bait for a blue one I thought).
Once it looked like there was gonna be someone picking the slack and making a drop-in replacement for the Aviatrix I decided to go ahead and open up the new one to compare, thinking I'll eventually mod this one and keep the 4 flat side original. (easier for me to justify modding a duplicate)
I was shocked at the difference in LED's, the new one is so much more floody, bright, no visible rings, more usable in a word.
I'll attempt beamshots tonight of both plus the Kroma to get people's opinion on a new thread.
That is all!

 

[rhpdchief]

Ok, this is my first post. I joined about a month ago and have been lurking, searching, and learning ever since. Recent purchases include an e1L cree, an L1 cree, an L4, and an A2. The A2 was the last to get here and it did not seem that impressive on first use.
It has definately grown on me since then. I find myself going to the A2 more and more.
Back in the day I was an attack helicopter pilot and my platoon was designated for nvg operations. I would have killed for an A2 back then. The best we had were mini mags on string lanyards.
The A2 is a perfect light for aviators. It has that wonderful regulated incan with true color rendering. Perhaps even more important though are the variety of color led's that you can get to serve your particular needs. In a military environment where noise and light discipline are often in effect those led's are worth their weight in gold.
My A2 has green led's because thats what I want now. If I were still a military aviator I'd want the Y/G led's. The A2 is a perfect light for pilots, but, whatever your profession, the A2 is just an extremely useful light.

 

[DaFABRICATA]

Now you guys just need to buy the Fivemega Strion socket kit and that A2 will really shine!!

I was a little underwhelmed by the A2 at first , then I got the Fivemega kit and started using it more. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!

 

[Gimpy00Wang]

Cheers to that DaFAB! Ever since I got my FM Strion socket I'm just using it more and more. No longer living in cold storage with the others, it has been promoted to around the house duty.

- Chris

 

[e2x2e]

I really like the A2 mentality. A bright primary lamp, and a dim light for close-up. I think that the red LEDs should be pretty bright, but white should be dim. Red is good for night vision preservation, but on a model with white LEDs, the white should be dim to provide minimal night vision deterioration while providing light that will allow good color rendition to read charts, etc. I'd buy one if the primary lamp was LED and it used AA batteries. For people who don't mind CR123's, I think it is a great light!

 

[WildChild]

I did somewhat of the same thing. I bought two Red Aviators at Sportsman's warehouse during their big sale and one of them had the dim, ringy leds and the other had a much improved beam (very similar to the Kroma). I actually sent the "bad" one back to Surefire for them to look at.

How were the ringy LEDs on the A2 you sent? I bought a red A2 back in December. The LEDs are really dim with a hotspot surrounded by a black ring then a red ring. But when it's completely dark, they DO help to see something without blinding me.

 

[batman]

Question in the making here,..I have owned 3 aviators and loved them all. Now we have some more options for upgrading the A2 such as the new strion socket, the Lumens factory lamp assemblies for the A2 (soon to be released) and the aviatrix rings.
Here's the serious question,..do you guys think an aviatrix ring and strion socket will fit together correctly in the A2? How about the Lumens factory lamp assemblies and the aviatrix ring together? How will all these add-ons fit together mechanically inside the bezel? I would think perfectly but since they are not original parts,....never hurts to think about it before you try using them together.
I also haven't heard a straight answer on whether or not the strion socket lamp benefits from regulation and soft-start.
everyone have a safe and happy week!
-Batman

 

[Well-Lit]

Batman: Yes, they work together just fine. I'm currently running an Aviatrix ring and the Strion socket in my A2.

Best Regards:
Bonb

 

[rhpdchief]

Question in the making here,..I have owned 3 aviators and loved them all. Now we have some more options for upgrading the A2 such as the new strion socket, the Lumens factory lamp assemblies for the A2 (soon to be released) and the aviatrix rings.
Here's the serious question,..do you guys think an aviatrix ring and strion socket will fit together correctly in the A2? How about the Lumens factory lamp assemblies and the aviatrix ring together? How will all these add-ons fit together mechanically inside the bezel? I would think perfectly but since they are not original parts,....never hurts to think about it before you try using them together.
I also haven't heard a straight answer on whether or not the strion socket lamp benefits from regulation and soft-start.
everyone have a safe and happy week!
-Batman

Good question. I been wondering about this too, although I think the aviatrix is history. One might show up in b/s/t someday. Does anyone have an aviatrix they're using with the strion socket?

 

[rhpdchief]

Nevermind...question was answered while I was typing

 

[Lightguy27]

Well I could see how you overlooked it's function, your not an aviator. A lot of people would'nt even realize it like you did that the red low LED's are a pilots best freind and the peircing incan is perfect for PFI. I recently bought mt friend an A2 with red LED's and four boxes of batts. He is the pilot of a Kiowa attack helicopter in Iraq. Im pretty sure PK knows what he's doing .

-Evan

 

[NickelPlate]

I saw an A2 first hand at a Gander Mountain the other day. While I don't think I'll ever buy one, I must admit it was a very nice looking light and seemed like a quality piece. Enjoy your lights!

NP

 

[Katdaddy]

Batman: Yes, they work together just fine. I'm currently running an Aviatrix ring and the Strion socket in my A2.

Best Regards:
Bonb

+1 for this setup. Works great!

 

[Spence]

DeFabricata and others-
Where is everybody getting their Fivemega Strion kits and what all, exactly do you need to order with it? Is it a simple operation to install the kit and what exactly does it replace? Also, how much difference in performance is there?
Thanks for the help and guidance.
Spence
:duh2::shrug:

 

[DaFABRICATA]

You can find them here on CPF. It is a nice base that a 2 pin Streamlight Strion bulb fits into. It is then istalled into the head just like replacing the stock surefire bulb. The strion bulbs are WAY cheaper about $5-8 each as opposed to $25 SF replacement. It is also very much brighter!

I highly recommend this to anyone purchasing an A2!!! Not only will you save money on bulbs but the increase in brightness is something you have to see for yourself!

 

[TJx]

DeFabricata and others-
Where is everybody getting their Fivemega Strion kits and what all, exactly do you need to order with it? Is it a simple operation to install the kit and what exactly does it replace? Also, how much difference in performance is there?
Thanks for the help and guidance.
Spence

It was here but it is now closed???

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=183218

Lumens Factory is supposed to be coming out with a lamp assembly
replacement of some sort soon so I guess we'll have to wait for that.