The SureFire AZ2 Thread
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yowzer
Enlightened
Somebody in another thread mentioned it is compatible with the LX2 too. I'm playing with an AZ2 with a clip (A2L the way it should have been), and a combatlight with a TIR focused beam. Good times.
Has SF ever discontinued a non vapor ware light as fast as they did the strobe version of the AZ2?
Has SF ever discontinued a non vapor ware light as fast as they did the strobe version of the AZ2?
Phredd
Enlightened
I guess that was me. I put the AZ2-S on an LX2 body. I haven't taken a picture that combination yet, but there's a picture of the other half (an LX2 on an AZ2 body) in this thread if anyone wants the throw of an LX2 with the combat grip of an AZ2.
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/sh...2-with-Combat-Grip-NEW-in-box-159-...-CHEAP!-...
yowzer
Enlightened
In which I sing the praises of the AZ2
This is one of my favorite mid-size lights. Here's some of the reasons why.
I have a big soft spot for floody area lighting, and the AZ2 delivers this in spades; it rivals the Zebralight H501 and H50 for a nice wall of light without using a diffuser or frosted lens setup. Unlike the ZLs, it also has decent throw, at least on high mode, making it a very versatile light. I also have a strong preference for neutral and warm tints. the AZ2 is a cool white light, but it's warmer than most CWs, and only looks cool when going head to head against a NW tint. The 5mm LEDs have no purple or blue tint like that breed normally does
; outside of some warm 5mms used by a few custom makers here, they're the best tint I've ever seen in that style. Makes the light much nicer to use than a white A2L or stock white A2 on low. The K2's got a nice warmer side of cool tint too. There have been enough reports from other people with this light about the tints that it doesn't look like a case of me winning the tint lottery. It looks more like a deliberate decision by Surefire. Now if only they'd pick premium tints for their other LEDs too (I've been lucky with the tints of my XR-E SFs, but I've seen some that are sickly greenish, and all the P4 lights I've seen have been way too blue.)
I have to admit to nostalgic fondness for the K2. I'm not sure why it didn't seem to catch on with flashlight manufacturers when it was current a few years back; I've had a couple of lights with them and never had a bad tint, and think it makes for a nicer beam than the XR-E in a non-throw oriented light.
Too big for an EDC, but it carries well in a jacket pocket, waiting for when I want a bigger light than the small ones I usually carry in my pants pocket. Very comfortable to hold, and I love the genius simplicity of the two stage tailcap. Great for momentary use, or constant on low with occasional flashes of high.
There is a downside; I wish that the runtime was a bit better, though the output levels are fine for my uses -- makes a good light for night time walks; the 35 lumen low is more than enough for lighting up the sidewalk or trail, and high works great for annoying the neighborhood dogs who bark as I walk by. I'd like to see more knurling or texturing on the tailcap to make it easier to twist one-handed. Then there's the usual SF complaint about not supporting rechargeable batteries. And, finally, I wish it came in a green or grey HA finish instead of black. Nothing I can't live with, though.
This is one of my favorite mid-size lights. Here's some of the reasons why.
I have a big soft spot for floody area lighting, and the AZ2 delivers this in spades; it rivals the Zebralight H501 and H50 for a nice wall of light without using a diffuser or frosted lens setup. Unlike the ZLs, it also has decent throw, at least on high mode, making it a very versatile light. I also have a strong preference for neutral and warm tints. the AZ2 is a cool white light, but it's warmer than most CWs, and only looks cool when going head to head against a NW tint. The 5mm LEDs have no purple or blue tint like that breed normally does
; outside of some warm 5mms used by a few custom makers here, they're the best tint I've ever seen in that style. Makes the light much nicer to use than a white A2L or stock white A2 on low. The K2's got a nice warmer side of cool tint too. There have been enough reports from other people with this light about the tints that it doesn't look like a case of me winning the tint lottery. It looks more like a deliberate decision by Surefire. Now if only they'd pick premium tints for their other LEDs too (I've been lucky with the tints of my XR-E SFs, but I've seen some that are sickly greenish, and all the P4 lights I've seen have been way too blue.)I have to admit to nostalgic fondness for the K2. I'm not sure why it didn't seem to catch on with flashlight manufacturers when it was current a few years back; I've had a couple of lights with them and never had a bad tint, and think it makes for a nicer beam than the XR-E in a non-throw oriented light.
Too big for an EDC, but it carries well in a jacket pocket, waiting for when I want a bigger light than the small ones I usually carry in my pants pocket. Very comfortable to hold, and I love the genius simplicity of the two stage tailcap. Great for momentary use, or constant on low with occasional flashes of high.
There is a downside; I wish that the runtime was a bit better, though the output levels are fine for my uses -- makes a good light for night time walks; the 35 lumen low is more than enough for lighting up the sidewalk or trail, and high works great for annoying the neighborhood dogs who bark as I walk by. I'd like to see more knurling or texturing on the tailcap to make it easier to twist one-handed. Then there's the usual SF complaint about not supporting rechargeable batteries. And, finally, I wish it came in a green or grey HA finish instead of black. Nothing I can't live with, though.
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Re: In which I sing the praises of the AZ2
IMO, the AZ2 and AZ2-S are the most versatile lights from Surefire. The combination of the two-stage tailcap and flood/spot beam make it suitable for almost anything, short of a weaponlight. It's a perfect "walking" light. Twist the tailcap to constant-on low and off you go. The nice broad low lights up the path nicely. If you need more output or throw, just press the tailcap or turn it further. 150 lumens isn't as much as other lights, even from Surefire, but at 5 or 10 feet straight to the face, it'll still make someone turn away. And the strobe is good for attracting attention in case you need it (along with some yelling of course). This light is one of my favorite "users".
IMO, the AZ2 and AZ2-S are the most versatile lights from Surefire. The combination of the two-stage tailcap and flood/spot beam make it suitable for almost anything, short of a weaponlight. It's a perfect "walking" light. Twist the tailcap to constant-on low and off you go. The nice broad low lights up the path nicely. If you need more output or throw, just press the tailcap or turn it further. 150 lumens isn't as much as other lights, even from Surefire, but at 5 or 10 feet straight to the face, it'll still make someone turn away. And the strobe is good for attracting attention in case you need it (along with some yelling of course). This light is one of my favorite "users".
Re: In which I sing the praises of the AZ2
I wish SF would have bumped down the flood lumens and offered more runtime. 10 hours for the 35 lumen flood means replacing the batteries at least 3x a month if you use the light 1 hour each night.
Does anyone know if the 10 hours is conservative?
I wish SF would have bumped down the flood lumens and offered more runtime. 10 hours for the 35 lumen flood means replacing the batteries at least 3x a month if you use the light 1 hour each night.
Does anyone know if the 10 hours is conservative?
yowzer
Enlightened
Re: In which I sing the praises of the AZ2
I think the output levels are good for what the light is intended for -- it's a combat light, meant for use by LE/security/etc. folks with a pistol in the other hand doing room sweeps and pinpointing dangerous suspects and the like. If it was marketed as more of an EDC light, I'd want a lower low in addition to what it has now (Looking forward to this new 4-way tailcap button UI that's supposed to be in upcoming SF lights) for when you just want some light to avoid tripping over things and don't need to light up an entire room.
Still, 10 hours of 35 lumens, even from 4 5mm LEDs, seems short these days for a light with a 2xCR123 power source. I'm still on my first set of batteries, though. In practice it's not that bad.
I think the output levels are good for what the light is intended for -- it's a combat light, meant for use by LE/security/etc. folks with a pistol in the other hand doing room sweeps and pinpointing dangerous suspects and the like. If it was marketed as more of an EDC light, I'd want a lower low in addition to what it has now (Looking forward to this new 4-way tailcap button UI that's supposed to be in upcoming SF lights) for when you just want some light to avoid tripping over things and don't need to light up an entire room.
Still, 10 hours of 35 lumens, even from 4 5mm LEDs, seems short these days for a light with a 2xCR123 power source. I'm still on my first set of batteries, though. In practice it's not that bad.
gottawearshades
Enlightened
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2007
- Messages
- 991
Re: In which I sing the praises of the AZ2
I also find the AZ2 very useful.
I was wondering: Does anybody know if the flood LEDs are regulated? Or are they direct-drive, like the A2?
I also find the AZ2 very useful.
I was wondering: Does anybody know if the flood LEDs are regulated? Or are they direct-drive, like the A2?
Re: In which I sing the praises of the AZ2
I've been away since 2009. I was drooling over the AZ2 from Surefire's catalog, eagerly waiting for it to show up. A short 1.5 years later and it's discontinued?!? I wonder why. I was fortunate to pick one up recently and I must say, this is an awesome light! I wish it could accept 1 x 17670 battery, but unfortunately, the tube's inner diameter only fits the CR123a perfectly.
Has anyone run this with 2 x RCR123a?
I've been away since 2009. I was drooling over the AZ2 from Surefire's catalog, eagerly waiting for it to show up. A short 1.5 years later and it's discontinued?!? I wonder why. I was fortunate to pick one up recently and I must say, this is an awesome light! I wish it could accept 1 x 17670 battery, but unfortunately, the tube's inner diameter only fits the CR123a perfectly.
Has anyone run this with 2 x RCR123a?
SuperTrouper
Enlightened
Re: In which I sing the praises of the AZ2
I've run the AZ2 with 2x RCR123's without any apparent issue. Obviously there's going to be a hit in runtime though....
I've run the AZ2 with 2x RCR123's without any apparent issue. Obviously there's going to be a hit in runtime though....
WarriorOfLight
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: In which I sing the praises of the AZ2
http://www.surefire.com/AZ2-S
http://www.surefire.com/AZ2
The AZ2 is not discontinued. The AZ2-S (with additionakl strobe) has been discontinued. I have a regular AZ2 and I do not miss strobe at all...
http://www.surefire.com/AZ2-S
http://www.surefire.com/AZ2
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Tana
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: In which I sing the praises of the AZ2
Sorry to bring this old thread up but I'm about to buy AZ2-S version and I presume the strobe is in the electronic alone, the body and tailcap should be the same as with AZ2... anyone could confirm this ???
Also, I see that people were running the head on 2xRCR123 rechargeables but did anyone try to attach the head on other E series that accepts 17670 and confirm if it can run from one Li-Ion (like LX2 does... basically, to my understanding is that LX2 head can run on both 1xLi-Ion and 2xLi-Ion w/o issues). I have run KX2C on single Li-Ion w/o any issues for long time. Really wonder if AZ2-S head would perform the same...
Sorry to bring this old thread up but I'm about to buy AZ2-S version and I presume the strobe is in the electronic alone, the body and tailcap should be the same as with AZ2... anyone could confirm this ???
Also, I see that people were running the head on 2xRCR123 rechargeables but did anyone try to attach the head on other E series that accepts 17670 and confirm if it can run from one Li-Ion (like LX2 does... basically, to my understanding is that LX2 head can run on both 1xLi-Ion and 2xLi-Ion w/o issues). I have run KX2C on single Li-Ion w/o any issues for long time. Really wonder if AZ2-S head would perform the same...
FPSRelic
Enlightened
Re: In which I sing the praises of the AZ2
I've noticed that regular AZ2 (non strobe version) has made it onto Surefire's discontinued list. Funny, as I could've sworn that it was on their products list a few weeks ago. Anyone know when it made the discontinued list for sure?
I've noticed that regular AZ2 (non strobe version) has made it onto Surefire's discontinued list. Funny, as I could've sworn that it was on their products list a few weeks ago. Anyone know when it made the discontinued list for sure?
fresh eddie fresh
Enlightened
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2010
- Messages
- 984
Re: In which I sing the praises of the AZ2
If I take an AZ2-S head and put it on a different body it still will strobe if you click three times, so my guess is that the body and tailcap are the same as the AZ2.
The AZ2 has been discontinued for quite some time now. Oddly, the prices have not dropped as low as the strobe version has. You can get a strobe one pretty cheap these days! (I bought a second one when they were going for $140, but they are about fifteen dollars cheaper now.) The tailcap is a great lego piece.
If I take an AZ2-S head and put it on a different body it still will strobe if you click three times, so my guess is that the body and tailcap are the same as the AZ2.
The AZ2 has been discontinued for quite some time now. Oddly, the prices have not dropped as low as the strobe version has. You can get a strobe one pretty cheap these days! (I bought a second one when they were going for $140, but they are about fifteen dollars cheaper now.) The tailcap is a great lego piece.
Re: In which I sing the praises of the AZ2
I recently picked up an AZ2 ... been wanting one for ages. The high beam (K2 TFFC) has a donut until about 12-14" away from the wall. I'm thinking that is OK because you would not be using the high beam that close typically, but I did want to ask ... is this typical of the AZ2?
I recently picked up an AZ2 ... been wanting one for ages. The high beam (K2 TFFC) has a donut until about 12-14" away from the wall. I'm thinking that is OK because you would not be using the high beam that close typically, but I did want to ask ... is this typical of the AZ2?
880arm
Flashlight Enthusiast
fresh eddie fresh
Enlightened
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2010
- Messages
- 984
Re: In which I sing the praises of the AZ2
I still use one of my AZ2-S lights every time I go running at night. I will use the floods if it looks like something on the path, and it lights up the whole area... and on high, it shoots out a pencil thin beam pretty far. A little shy of an LX2/E2DL but still throws really well!
...I never use the strobe.
I still use one of my AZ2-S lights every time I go running at night. I will use the floods if it looks like something on the path, and it lights up the whole area... and on high, it shoots out a pencil thin beam pretty far. A little shy of an LX2/E2DL but still throws really well!
...I never use the strobe.
Re: In which I sing the praises of the AZ2
The AZ2 is really cool, being floody with the throw option. However, for it's size and cost ($125) another few dollars and you could buy an LX2 which smaller, brighter, more efficient etc. The only thing that the AZ2 does better is flood a room with enough light to sneak through.
The AZ2 is really cool, being floody with the throw option. However, for it's size and cost ($125) another few dollars and you could buy an LX2 which smaller, brighter, more efficient etc. The only thing that the AZ2 does better is flood a room with enough light to sneak through.
WilsonCQB1911
Enlightened
Re: In which I sing the praises of the AZ2
Is it still worth owning or is it outdated now?
Is it still worth owning or is it outdated now?
