Surefire A2

[JerryM]

My son may be interested in a A2. While I would not spend the money for one for myself, I would get him one for his birthday in June if he wants one. I am always wondering what to get for my kids. (They are in their 40s and in general buy what they want.)

I would like to know how it compares in the LED mode with some other lights, such as the TL-2LED or the L4 or the TT lights in the LED mode. I have a TL-2LED and TT-2L so it would be useful to compare those if possible. I also have a KL1 and I feel sure it is much brighter than that.

I think it has two levels of LED so maybe the low level is about what the TT-1L would be or maybe the KL1.

In the incand mode it appears to be as bright as the E2, but I have trouble enterpreting the Lux vs lumens values. So I am looking for information from owners and from a standpoint of your personal assessments.

Thanks,
Jerry

 

[Quickbeam]

Jerry - The A2 LED output is about the same as the TT-2L LEDs. Just a touch dimmer. The incand output is about the same as an E2e for general comparison purposes.

Here's my take on it: http://flashlightreviews2.home.att.net/reviews/surefire_a2.htm

 

[JerryM]

Quickbeam,

Thanks. The incand would be brighter than the TT-2L, and that might be an advantage. However, I haven't needed more, but I can imagine that many would want something brighter.

I need to check your review again. I had thought that there were two levels of LED, but I may have it confused with one or the other SF LED lights.

Jerry

 

[Quickbeam]

Jerry,

Actually, the TT-2L is a little brighter in output than the A2 Incandescent bulb. At least initially. However the A2 Incand. bulb is regulated and dims very little, remaining very white in output throughout the life of the batteries where your tt-2L will dim significantly.

 

[JerryM]

Thanks, again. I guess I am not so sure why anyone wants to pay the price for one, but I suppose it has to do more with the quality.

Jerry

 

[DanM]

The TT 2L is a nice light the A2 is an outstanding light. Here is what I like about the A2 over the TT 2L.

Very white beam for an Incandescent, and like quickbeam said stays that way until batteries are about gone.

Switch can be set so only the Led comes on, or Led then push a little harder and you get the incandescent, or have the Led always on and push a little for the incandescent beam.
(The TT makes you cycle thought each beam to get to the other one).

I find the incandescent beam on the A2 to throw better than the E2E and the TT 2L, it seems to have a tighter hot spot.

The A2 is smaller than the TT 2L with a better fit and finish.

Price you are on your own, as you could get three or four TT for one A2.

 

[JerryM]

My major objection to the TT series lights is the switch set up. I am having two tailcaps converted to use the MM clickie. I don't know how the clickie will last, but they are cheap, and can be easily replaced.
I hope that mostly solves my problem as I like the lights.

I have no doubt that the A2 is the superior light, but it is very expensive by my own standards.

Jerry

Thanks for the observations.

Jerry

 

[haley1]

I have an A2 and I think it's great. The LED light isn't that impresive, but is very usefull for most tasks. The incandesant is almost as usefull as a P60 lamp light. It would make a wonderfull gift for someone that would never buy something like this for themselves.

 

[chamenos]

i just compared the reflector from a P60 and that of my A2, and they appear to be almost identical, save for the three holes for the LEDs to poke through. that explains why the beam of the A2 is so similar to the P60.

 

[zipperhead]

THe A2 is bright and versitile of course. But whe you finally pick one up you realize how samll it is and how solid it feels and then you understand why it does cost what it does.

 

[haley1]

I like my A2, the LEDs are a little blue. But I still seem to use them most. And the incandesant IMO is very acceptable, even if the beam is not perfect. A very usefull light for most tasks. The price is a bit steep, but the light is of such quality it will last most lives and passed on to grandchildren. Pride of ownership, coolness, ect. I still want a U2, but I could buy a lot of lamps for $300. Hmmmm.