Surefire A2 vs SL TT 2L

[Eli]

I'm Sure the A2 is better but the question is, is it 6 times better, cuse it's 6 times the cost.

As with all things there are diminising returns when you get into the very high end of stuff. A ferrari is about 3x more expensive the a corvette but not even twice as fast. Largley because it cost a lot more to get that last bit of performance out of a car or a flashlight, and your paying some for just the name Surefire or Ferrari.

If you where racing for a $100,000 purse the ferrari would be a bargin.

So how much better is the Surefire? What kind of situation would it take for you to think that I'm sure glad i didn't have the StreamLight.

The main differances i see (never having used either) is that the surefire is regulated and is brighter but the StreamLight has a longer battery life (in both modes), and i'd guess the surefire looks better made but i dono if it would actully be any more durable.

Your thoughts?

Eli

 

[nikon]

You need a third choice, one that says...Maybe, It all depends

 

[Eli]

Yeah should have put that in there, But what does it depend on?

 

[RayT]

The A2 also features a ramp-up on the current and/or voltage to the bulb and avoids the thermal shock that is very hard on bulbs. (When does a bulb fail most, when on, or when turned on.)

You also have to consider the fit and finish of the light along with the lifetime warranty that Surefire offers. (Don't know if StreamLight offers the same, although I should know.)

I have an TL2 and the A2. The A2 has a much better beam in my opinion. Is the beam 6x better. No.

And you have to consider the <font color="red">"kewl"</font> factor. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/broke.gif

 

[IlluminatingBikr]

Well I would say if it's going to become your EDC or somethin you use on a regular basis, get the A2. If you just want to check out a hybrid light, so with the ST TT 2L.

 

[jayflash]

The TT's have plastic in them and the switch doesn't appear real robust, but that's just a guess. I like my TT-1 but would buy the A2 if cost was no object.

 

[jtivat]

Every time I hit the switch on the A2 I am reminded why it is worth the cost. I hate the switch on the TT2L not just because it is small and hard to hit but b/c you never know what output you are getting next.

 

[brightnorm]

It all depends on why you want the light and the nature of its use. For me, form and function trump price, in either direction. My EDC TL-2 (NOT TT2L) is much cheaper than a Surefire but performs better for my purposes. I also EDC an L4 and a PR-T917/E2E, both with E2S (McGizmo) 2-stage tail switches. They are brighter than the TT2L, burn just as long and are much smaller and lighter in addition to having instantly switchable, regulated High & low beams.

I don't EDC the A2 because of its size but when I need a constant burning bright light that illuminates with better contrast and color rendition then I grab my A2. I hope to eventually see an E2E sized regulated incandescent-only light along with a full brightness regulated (but shorter-burning)PM6.

Brightnorm

 

[sotto]

My TT2L languishes on the shelf because it doesn't have red LEDs.

 

[Double_A]

The switch. For the majority of people the switching arrangement doesn't make a bit of difference. I think the TT-2L is a great light. It is the light I recommend to people who want a small moderately powerful dual mode light with batteries that will work after being stored for a long time w/o leaking. But it can't hold a candle to the A2.

GregR

 

[Squid]

It's all relative, imo. I own both lights, and yes, the A2 is worth 6 times the cost of the TT 2L.

Is my $3500 Rolex Datejust worth 56 times the cost of my Casio G-Shock? Yes, it is. Again, it's all relative.

 

[DanM]

Free water at McDonalds or pay for a soda? Most of us would get the soda. Its all relative.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

When the TT2L (or 1L or 3AA) are given a Kroll switch in a modded tailcap (or just scewed on in place of cap on 3AA) makes the TTs into much nicer lights.

I carry a 2L so modded as EDC. I leave it in LED mode except when I need more light. Batteries last very well used like that.

There is no way I'll ever be able to tell you if the A2 is worth 6 times as much or not. Can't afford one!

But I like my TT2L a LOT!

 

[capnal]

[ QUOTE ]
PlayboyJoeShmoe said:

But I like my TT2L a LOT!

[/ QUOTE ]

I just got in my SL TT-2L. I love it already. I have had the 1L for about 6 months now, and I really like it, too. I was handling the A2 this weekend and for sure the cool factor was there, however, I really can not justify the cost, AT LEAST FOR ME. I just don't have a job or regular hobby that will demand a light of that caliber. With that being said, I think the 2L will have to be my "pretend" A2. HA HA HA! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crackup.gif