Streamlight TT2L

[BT1324]

Hi,
Does anybody know what the actual runtime for the Streamlight TT 2L is? I want to get one for xmas, but im skeptical about the runtime since the price for cr123a's is still expensive even though its a buck for one. Thx

 

[JohnK]

BT, I haven't done a run time, but I'm still running on the same batteries that I've used for months, including a vacation to Hilton Head, and a lot of beach time there.

Suffice to say, it'll double and more the incandescent run time of the Scorpion, 9P, etc.

Figure in the perhaps 25 hour run on the LEDs, which I use more, and you can't go wrong. The batteries last so long, I keep thinking I must have replaced the batts, and didn't remember it.

 

[paulr]

I think it's spec'd at about 2 hours on brightguy.com.

 

[JohnK]

2.5 hours

 

[Harrkev]

[ QUOTE ]
BT1324 said:
<<SNIP>> since the price for cr123a's is still expensive even though its a buck for one. Thx

[/ QUOTE ]

I would disagree with you.

I am assuming that you would mail-order a 123 for around $1.00 to $1.50 each. I am also assuming that you just buy AA batteries from your local department store (usually around $0.50 each)

I would think that a 123 would have more power than a pair of AA batteries. So, in the long run, using 123 batteries would be more economical.

 

[JerryM]

I see several posts regarding the TT2L, but not the TT1L.

Does anyone here have the TT1L? It would seem to be a good EDC light if it puts out enough light in each mode to be useful. I have one of each on order, but I do not know when they will arrive, though they have been shipped.
BOTACH has a good sale, $17.95 and $24.95, and I do not know if it will last much longer. At least to me those prices look good.

Comments?

Thanks,
Jerry

 

[john_bud]

I bought a bunch of the 1L for xmas gifts for the crew at work (and one for the wife). She likes it so much I ordered more for her friends and mom.

It has good amount of light in both modes. LED mode is more than bright enough for walking at night in the dark and the xenon mode is bright enough for emergency auto work and checking out the area around her car when leaving work late at night.

I got them at Botach, too.

John B

 

[JerryM]

John,
Thanks for the reply.
How does the 1L compare in brightness with the 2AA Mag light? I find the MM 2AA satisfactory as to the amount of light output If the 1L puts out that much it will suit my purpose.

Jerry

 

[Double_A]

[ QUOTE ]
BT1324 said:
Hi,
Does anybody know what the actual runtime for the Streamlight TT 2L is? I want to get one for xmas, but im skeptical about the runtime since the price for cr123a's is still expensive even though its a buck for one. Thx

[/ QUOTE ]


Where i live if you go to the drug store a four pack of Duracell C cells is $4.85 that is OVER a dollar a piece. (I buy bulk pack at Costco 12 for $10 or $.83 each)

Due to different chemistries of lithium and standard alkaline cells (with lithium having a much higher energy density) the cost is about the same.

But more importantly to me is the form factor. With 2 lithiums equal to three maybe even four C cells I can have a flashlight of equal brightness and runtime in much smaller more compact size, costing the same $$ to run.

Add to that the better storage life (10yr) and environmental extremes lithium operate in make lithiums a hands down winner.

The only disadvantage for me is they are nowhere near as universally available as standard AA, C, D cells.

Now if you had posed this question five or six years ago when I was paying $3.60 for ONE lithium 123 I'd say you have a valid concern.


GregR

 

[JohnK]

Jerry, Quickbeams site gives these figures for incandescent:

Mini-Mag - 32 throw, 6 relative lumens (total light output)
TT 1L - 19 throw, 16 relative lumens
TT 2L - 26 throw, 35 relative lumens

so: clear as mud, right ?

The Mini-Mag, like most mags, has a very tight beam, but the TTs (both 1L, and 2L), have much more output (Lumens). They simply have broader beams, which, depending upon what you want to do, can be good, or, not so good. I find the TT's broad beams to be very useful. I find laser like pencil beams such as the Mags give not as useful.

You'll like the 1L. Cute as a bugs ear too.

 

[paulr]

[ QUOTE ]

But more importantly to me is the form factor. With 2 lithiums equal to three maybe even four C cells I can have a flashlight of equal brightness and runtime in much smaller more compact size, costing the same $$ to run.

[/ QUOTE ]

Double A, it's not quite like that. A 123 in energy content is about equivalent to an AA cell, not a C cell. A C cell has several times as much juice as a 123.

 

[JerryM]

Again, thanks, John.
It seems to me they would make good presents, and that is what I have in mind for a cople. I think I'll order a couple more for that purpose.

Jerry

 

[tkl]

The 2L is an excellent light and amazing value. I wouldn't worry about batteries, if you can afford the 2L you can afford surefire cells for $1.25

 

[Double_A]

paulr-

Yes your right it isn't quite like that. While the typical C cell has an amp hour rating of 8300 milliamp hours, a AA cell 2800, and a lithium 123 about 1300. It is more complicated than that. The manganeze-alkaline cell produce that output at 1.5 nominal volts whereas the lithium-manganeze output is at 3 volts. You also have to take into the application in which you are going to use these cells and the typical discharge curves. The lithium chemistry has a much flatter discharge curve and will hold it's voltage constant for a much longer time than the alkaline-manganeze. Which for a flashlight application means the light output will be brighter and more constant for a longer period of time. As an example I just completed a study for my employer and spoke to both Surefire and Maglight on the performance of their lights.
Maglight quoted me that their 4-D cell maglight will drop to HALF of it's initial brightness within 20-30 minutes using good quality fresh batteries. Surefire people told me they stand by their claim of 60-65 minutes for their E2e. Now for our purposes at work we need bright lights and decided the half initial brightness point was were we should replace batteries. At a cost of 50 cent per D cell ($2/four) and $1.25 per 123 cell ($3/two) Although it appears to be cheaper to operate the Maglight of convential cells we would be replacing them twice as often!
Now having said that an average consumer would probibly suck the batteries dry and not replace at the half brightness point. But then again are we average consumers or Flashaholics?

GregR

 

[BC0311]

JerryM, those prices are better than what I've been paying. I've been very happy with the Streamlight Twin Task 2L, 3AA, and 3C.

Just about everyone who handles one of these at my place asks me to order one for them. The 2L seems to be the favorite and half the drivers in my extended family have them in their glove boxes now.

I've had mine in the glove box for 7 months and haven't changed the batteries yet, I checked it the other day after the cold front came in and it lights up like the day I got it.

To me, the great benefits of the CR123A Lithium batteries are their shelf life, weight/volt ratio, size, and how they seem to shrug off heat and cold extremes.

They are available from The Battery Station
to CPF members for $1.00 each.

I paid $29.99 plus shipping for my 2L. So, you got a better price. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
BC

 

[BT1324]

hey,
Thx for the info guys, but do you guys know if streamlights statement that the 2L runs for 2.5 hours is true? Or would it closer to 1.5 hours? thx alot again. Merry xmas to all!

 

[BT1324]

Oh, and i think i figured out the formula to quickbeams light output chart to make it actual lumens. I think its-
(x*1/2)3
So for example, arc aaa showed up to be 2.05, * 1/2=1.025, and * 3, it'll be 3.075 lumens, and that seems correct.

Another example, the Inova X5T. It was 8.95, so *1/2=4.475, and multiplied by 3= 13.425 lumens, and it was previously stated that it was 13 lumens.

 

[Double_A]

BT1324

How do we know it runs for 2.5 hrs? Well that is Streamlights claim.

However there are several people around here who really put flashlights through the wringer, checking light output, throw, runtime etc. and have there own websites, you may have to do some searching here. (Although be careful as the samples are small and can vary greatly)

From my experience only Surefire and ARC figures can be consistantly relied upon. They have done the expensive intergrating sphere testing testing using independent labs. They rate their lights in lumens (volume of light) instead of candlepower (brightness). Candlepower rating being much easier for marketing departments to manipulate.

GregR

GregR

 

[Dukester]

[ QUOTE ]
Double_A said:
BT1324

How do we know it runs for 2.5 hrs? Well that is Streamlights claim.

However there are several people around here who really put flashlights through the wringer, checking light output, throw, runtime etc. and have there own websites, you may have to do some searching here. (Although be careful as the samples are small and can vary greatly)

From my experience only Surefire and ARC figures can be consistantly relied upon. They have done the expensive intergrating sphere testing testing using independent labs. They rate their lights in lumens (volume of light) instead of candlepower (brightness). Candlepower rating being much easier for marketing departments to manipulate.

GregR

GregR

[/ QUOTE ]

Now, I am no lawyer by no means nor do I have the slightest inkling of law on the federal level e.g. FTC and other departments. I do agree with you about CP, Streamlight might be pushing the envelope a bit regards to manipulating product knowledge but... Let us give credit where credit is due. Streamlight like SureFire and on a much smaller scale ARC are in my opinion reputable companies. Don't you think for one minute that each of these said companies for the most part dot their "i's" and cross their "T's" before they go promoting a product that might be done under a "False Advertisement"? There is no perfect Flashlight company out there even "SureFire" has issues! All the companies probably have their own collection of trips and traps when it comes to marketing!

Just a mere speculation /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[JerryM]

BC0311,
Thanks for the additional information. I just ordered 2 more 2L and 1 more 1L + some other stuff like 20 123 batteries for $25. They have some great deals on batteries, and I needed some AA and C batteries.
I don't know about their lithium batteries, but I have found Sanyo to be excellent rechargeable batteries.

I think the TTLs will make good gifts, and while the prices are so low I thought I would stock up on some.

Now if I can just force myself to give them away. I am determined NOT to have a drawer full of flashlights, but if I put one in each drawer /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Jerry