SF A2 or E2E?

[GarageBoy]

If I were to get one of these compact incans, which should I go with? The A2 has that amazing incan beam and the Y/G LEDs I like..

OTOH: the E2E is soo versatile and so classic looking.
I've always loved the way the L4 looked too, but now I have an L2. I could always LED tower it, or KX2 it. Plus, LF bulbs seem promising

 

[greenLED]

What are you going to be using the light for?

Personally, I think the A2 is more versatile than the e2e. However, it's larger.

 

[kelmo]

I have both. I would get the E2e. The MN02 LA is an unsung hero. 2+ hours of steady output before it starts to sag. And it is alot smaller than the A2.

kelmo

 

[DieselTech]

Well, in true CPF fashion, the first response is quite simple. Buy both! :thumbsup:

I've got both, and they're both classic lights. The E2E is pocketable, where for me the A2 is a bit too long and has to be carried in a jacket pocket or on a belt.

According to the SF website, the E2 has a slightly longer runtime. However, when the A2 can no longer run the incan bulb, it will still run the LEDs. To my eyes, it seems like the E2 has a bit more throw (not enough to really make a difference), but the A2 beam is noticeably whiter. From what I've read here, some of the A2s have a somewhat 'ringy' beam due the the LEDs poking through the reflector. Mine doesn't seem to noticeably suffer from this, but the E2 seems to have a more defined 'round' beam. I've only noticed the difference when white- wall hunting, though.

My advice? Take the money that a new A2 would cost from SF ($189.00, I believe) and head down to CPFMP. You can probably pick up a NIB A2 from Sportsman's Warehouse and a used E2 for the price of a new A2 from SF. :huh:

 

[GarageBoy]

It's not gonna be an EDC, its gonna be when I need a small incan: aka to reach out, yet still pocketable

 

[DaFABRICATA]

A2 all the way!!!
Get a Fivemaega Strion Kit for it and it is even better! Much brighter than stock and bulbs are about $6.00 each instead of $25+ from SF for replacement bulbs.

I just got my second A2 in the mail today!! It has the green LEDs. Now I just need someone to reply to my WTB Thread: http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=174534

The Regulated Incan. is great! And the LEDs for low seem fine to me.

I have an E2e and rarely use it. I've had it for easily 9-10 months and have maybe used it for 1-2 hours tops. I've had me A2 for about 3 weeks now and have easily used it for 4+ hours! I have a lot of lights to choose from, but am very glad that I finally decided to give the A2 a try. In fact I had 3 E-series incandent heads and just sold 2 to help fund the purchase of the most recent A2. It will replace the E2e in my Grab-n-go bag.

I personally (from experiance) would buy the A2 first and keep looking in the Marketplace B/S/T section here on CPF for the E2e. Sometimes you can buy it one peice at a time....Body/head/tailcap and end up saving some money AND ending up with 2 Kick-*** lights!!!

If you have a Sportsmans Warehouse by you, they may still have
some A2's on sale for about $125.00

 

[greenLED]

It's not gonna be an EDC, its gonna be when I need a small incan: aka to reach out, yet still pocketable

If that's the case, I'd go with an A2.

 

[78CJ5]

I own both as well and both are great lights. I would go for the A2. It will always be one of my favorites.

 

[cernobila]

("If you have a Sportsmans Warehouse by you, they may still have
some A2's on sale for about $125.00") quote

Is there Sportsmans Warehouse in NYC?

 

[jugg2]

I don't have an A2, but I love my E2E. You mentioned LF bulbs, they make a great light even better! At the moment it is probably my favorite, and most used light.

 

[eshishlo]

I just got an A2 and around the house at night all i use is the LED. The incan beam is very nice since it doesn't dim. I can use batteries in the A2 that i thought were getting low in my 6P.

Get the A2. Sometimes you can get one for cheap (i got mine for $75)

 

[SCblur]

The pros and cons as I see them:

A2 PROS:
- regulated incan (unheard of)
- two output levels
- two distinct beam patterns and colors (rare)
- reliable LEDs that will continue to provide light after incan shuts off/burns out
- reliable twisty switch
- aftermarket bulb via a striton socket or the soon to come LF lamps

A2 CONS:
- larger than the E2e
- no rechargeable solutions
- incan runtime won't last quite as long as the E2e (although, we're only talking 10 minutes-ish)


E2e PROS:
- small and compact by comparison
- KISS philosophy is personified in this light, it's kind of refreshing
- multiple aftermarket bulb and rechargeable battery solutions
- related to above, many different lumen output/runtime combos are possible
- the direct-drive incan gives some advanced warning of depleted batteries (if you want to call direct-drive a PRO)

E2e CONS:
- only one source of light; If the bulb burns out, your S.O.L.
- only one output level; it's often useful to have a low
- output is not regulated
- clicky is not quite as reliable as a twisty, although I'm splitting hairs here



Those are the big ones that come to mind. If you're not going to be carrying it with you all the time, I'd definitely go with the A2, as the biggest advantage the E2 has over the A2 IMO is its smaller size for EDC. If that's not a factor, the A2 wins hands down for me. That being said, I have and love both lights, and find uses for them both. Hope this helps.

 

[Penguin]

GarageBoy, member since 2004, 2500+ posts and you don't have an A2 or E2e?!? Your CPF membership will be on probation until you've gotten both! But seriously, if you need a light with a bit more throw, the A2 trumps the E2e. My A2 throws quite a bit better than all of my E2e's. If you'd like a TurnKey product, A2 would win again, the E2e's stock MN03 begins dimming as soon as you turn the thing on, AND as soon as your A2 runs out of juice, you'll still have the LED's to get you to safety. If aftermaket support is important to you, I think the E2e offers a LOT more in this category. You can't really go wrong with either, but I'd vote A2!

 

[Katdaddy]

Oh that's a toughy! I have both and I love each for different reasons. I am still amazed each time I fire up my E2E at how much light comes out of the front of that tiny little thing. My A2 is my favorite camping light, although it is not stock. I have an all white 2 stage Aviatrix and the Strion kit on mine. Very nice! For versatility the A2 would be the choice. Flip a coin, buy one now and buy the other later. You won't regret it.

 

[greenLED]

A2 CONS:
- no rechargeable solutions

Just to clarify, people have been using R123's in their A2's for a while now. Not all brands fit, and the runtime is shorter, but it can be done. No long-term damage to the LED's has been reported either.

 

[DaFABRICATA]

Just buy em both!

IF, I could ONLY have 1....it would be the A2

 

[js]

The A2 has better throw, and is still quite pocketable. I EDC it every single day.

However, that said, the E2e is a classic light--almost a perfectly designed light. I love mine. So . . . I guess I'm saying in true CPF fashion: buy both!

But buy the A2 first, I would say. If you'd like to know more about the A2, here is my thread on the SF A2.

 

[Sgt. LED]

A2!
Regulated incan, backup led's.
A fantastic light.

 

[HunkaBurninLove]

I have both and enjoy each of them for different reasons. SCblur gives a good summary but if I had to give one for each:

E2E: nice and small and puts out a good amount of light
A2: love the versatility, can run the LEDs when the batteries run down.

Keep an eye out on the B/S/T forums.

 

[Ty_Bower]

I'd get the E2e.

Then I'd get a 17670 cell and a Lumens Factory EO-E1R lamp. Bore out the body of the E2e if it needs it to make the 17670 fit. Enjoy the relatively flat and long discharge, and rechargeability of this light.

Carry a fauxton in your pocket if you need a small LED light.