Would anyone else like to see an A2 with LED primary?

[electromage]

I keep wanting to buy an A2, then realizing that it's main beam is a xenon. It would be nice if SureFire made something in that price range with dim 3mm or 5mm LEDs, and a bright white LED.

I like the size and function of the A2, but I'd like to see better runtime on high.

Does anyone else feel the same?

 

[greenLED]

With the advent of the Rebel, it's a matter of time for someone to make a LED drop-in for the A2. Case in point, have you seen koala's latest project? He's collaborating with somebody else (yclo?) and building a Rebel-based LED module for the e2x; check his recent threads for details.

 

[electromage]

With the advent of the Rebel, it's a matter of time for someone to make a LED drop-in for the A2. Case in point, have you seen koala's latest project? He's collaborating with somebody else (yclo?) and building a Rebel-based LED module for the e2x; check his recent threads for details.

No, I haven't, I'll have to look in to it. I've been waiting patiently for the KX2 to come along so I can upgrade my E2e, but I'd be fine with a drop-in Rebel, as long as it's more reliable than some other LED drop-ins. I was running a DX drop-in in my 6PD, but I got really tired of having to smack my SureFire to get it to come on.

 

[Dr.K]

I have only owned an A2 for 2 days, but I am always interested in any upgrade.
I would only be interested in a rebel led. The reason is quality of light. The A2 incan is a high "quality" white beam. Only the rebel has even close to a "white" color, vs all my other leds.

I would MUCH rather be interested in the E2_ dual output upgrade with a low and high only, with a switch like the A2. Preferably with the rebel.

When this becomes readily available, I will then purchase an E2.

 

[TigerhawkT3]

You should check out this thread, where we discuss this very same idea.

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

I sure hope I'll never get to see such a grotesque sight!!

That's like asking: "Would you like to see an hybrid version of the classic Shelby Cobra?" YUCK!

 

[JNewell]

This is where someone (I will do it) has to insert the obligation that what makes the A2 an A2 is the regulated incan...there are other 2-stage LED lights...but as always, YMMV...

 

[Everett]

I've thought about this one too, and it seems really cool. Then you realize that if you have a big bright LED in the center, you could just run it at low power instead of killing reflector area with the 5mm diodes.

 

[ACMarina]

I'm with Everett - the closest I could see would be the U2..

I can see a dropin for the E series, but that's about it - The A2 doesn't need it, IMO..

 

[mx125]

This is where someone (I will do it) has to insert the obligation that what makes the A2 an A2 is the regulated incan...there are other 2-stage LED lights...but as always, YMMV...

I'll second that. Not only is the A2 one of a kind in it's regulated incan usefullness . . . . never to dim or yellow one tiny bit . . . but as I see it, a lot of the current leds seem to have rintimes on "high" of a little over an hour (broadly speaking). That's what the A2 gives me and in a more usefull beam. Most lights give an endless light on low output . . but IMO no 2 cell lights are putting out their "serious" light for 4-5-10 hours. Over an hour with backup on low is enough for me. Cheap primaries are like ammo. I'm happy to burn through a few sets a month.

 

[seery]

Who'd like to see the new E2L Cree with an Incan primary?

 

[yellow]

I dont see the point...
from my sense, my modded 6P (flupic, Cree, 18650) is better than any of this inserts and those 5mm leds are for nothing - when the driver is able to give a LOW.

Also, when I dont own an A2 and never will, because price here and because I'm totally sold on high power leds for lights in that size class, there is just ONE thing that seems to bother You all:
thats using an incan together with white leds that make the incan look brownish

"easy" fix: use sunny white leds!
They seem like incans, so that "color mismatch" problem is solved.
Should make the A2 the "perfect" light for "incan main beam" ppl

 

[kakster]

Buy an L1.

 

[kosPap]

I've thought about this one too, and it seems really cool. Then you realize that if you have a big bright LED in the center, you could just run it at low power instead of killing reflector area with the 5mm diodes.

indeed but what about a Rebel combine with an Aviatrix with colored leds?

 

[JNewell]

Who'd like to see the new E2L Cree with an Incan primary?

Pretty cool idea...if the incan is regulated...

 

[scottaw]

I'll take a new surefire model, give me a multi mode, high efficiency led main beam, and one red led for allmy red light needs. and make it one cell.

+1 on leaving the current A2 alone, it's a specialty light and the people who use it, need it to be what it is. BUT.....if we make the 2 stage Aviatrix a factory option, well then i'll get behind that.

 

[WildChild]

I keep wanting to buy an A2, then realizing that it's main beam is a xenon. It would be nice if SureFire made something in that price range with dim 3mm or 5mm LEDs, and a bright white LED.

I like the size and function of the A2, but I'd like to see better runtime on high.

Does anyone else feel the same?

Buy an L1! There's no point in putting high powered LED + 5mm ones... Just dim the main one to get low beam. The value of the A2 is that you get good color rendition with the incan, and low beam with long runtime with the LED.

 

[Daniel_sk]

Buy an L1! There's no point in putting high powered LED + 5mm ones... Just dim the main one to get low beam. The value of the A2 is that you get good color rendition with the incan, and low beam with long runtime with the LED.

+1 Exactly. I don't think I would like to buy an A2 with LED main beam, or at least not with today's LEDs (bad color rendition, not good for outdoors). Besides, the runtime on A2 isn't that bad - 1 hour at ~80 lumens regulated.

 

[FlashInThePan]

I've thought about this one too, and it seems really cool. Then you realize that if you have a big bright LED in the center, you could just run it at low power instead of killing reflector area with the 5mm diodes.

At first glance, this seems like the case. But as you start to use the A2 more and more, you'll find that its true beauty - even more than the regulated incan - is that it has two very different beam profiles. The low-level is essentially a "flood," thanks to the 5mm LEDs. This makes it a great close-quarters light for walking around, and ensures that you don't blind yourself with a bright hotspot when working at close distances. Then, if you need to reach and touch someone, the incan is focused for better throw.

In contrast, most 2-stage LEDs that have a high and low utilize the same beam pattern (just with a different intensity on each). To me, this distinction makes all the difference in the world - and makes the A2 just plain perfect. =)

FYI, Don (McGizmo, a custom light builder here on CPF) is building an LED light that will do this. It's called the LunaSol, and it uses different LEDs to provide a "floody" low and a more concentrated "high".

- FITP

 

[Illum]

I sure hope I'll never get to see such a grotesque sight!!

That's like asking: "Would you like to see an hybrid version of the classic Shelby Cobra?" YUCK!

pfft...

I think the idea of using a cree based main LED in the center surrounded by 5mm LEDs are currently under development....look under gizmo's LunaSol.

Personally the A2's designed as an xenon incandescent...if what you want is an LED primary then don't buy an A2:thumbsdow, theres already tons on LED primary lights out there that are good valued and cheaper than buying an a2 then attampt to go through remodificating its design.