I know... there's a million of these threads... and I've tried to read through all of them! I'm kinda new here, got my SF L4 a week or so ago and I love it. Now I kind of want something that has a tighter beam for more throw, and a low mode for close-up. While I was thinking about which flashlight to get I ordered a Fenix P3D-CE for kicks...
While I was waiting for the P3D to come I was looking at the Lumapower M1 and the WE D2, both CREE LED's, both with a low mode. Then I got my P3D and noticed how annoying the low mode was... since it has the same beam pattern (tightly focused) as the other modes (obviously since the reflector is unchanged between modes). Another thing I noticed about the P3D is the build quality... which was a major let-down when compared to my L4. The threads feel kind of rough, the body is getting chipped already from very minor dings, and the lens doesn't seem all that strong. Also, I *hate* the switch. Not only is it a reverse clicky, but the button is so recessed that I strain my thumb sometimes to turn it on. The only advantage is being able to stand it up on the tail... which I have no use for. Thus... I feel that non SF lights wouldn't meet my now high expectations.
This is when I started researching the A2. I mainly want an EDC that allows me to read close-up in the dark but still able to throw a decent distance and perhaps give me a little more security at night (living in a big city is scary sometimes - I considered a SF E2D with a bulb upgrade from Lumens Factory but I still wanted that low mode). I was unsure about the main bulb being an incandescent since LED's basically last forever, but I've always liked the color rendering with an incandescent. When I compared the alleged 160 lumen turbo mode on the P3D to my L4... it didn't seem much brighter at all, just a tighter hotspot. Then I tested it with my buddy's SF 6P, which is only rated at 60 lumens... and the P3D didn't outshine it much at all. I've read that the lumen output of the A2's incandescent is actually closer to 80 lumens instead... which sounds nice. I would definitely consider getting the Aviatrix ring if I do get the A2.
However, I'm still a bit unsure since I don't like having to change incandescent bulbs when they die. Also, will there be a new Aviator from SF any time soon? And is it possible to upgrade the main incandescent bulb in the A2 like you can with the E-series from Lumens Factory?
Well if I haven't put you to sleep by now, thanks for reading!! Any suggestions will be appreciated!
While I was waiting for the P3D to come I was looking at the Lumapower M1 and the WE D2, both CREE LED's, both with a low mode. Then I got my P3D and noticed how annoying the low mode was... since it has the same beam pattern (tightly focused) as the other modes (obviously since the reflector is unchanged between modes). Another thing I noticed about the P3D is the build quality... which was a major let-down when compared to my L4. The threads feel kind of rough, the body is getting chipped already from very minor dings, and the lens doesn't seem all that strong. Also, I *hate* the switch. Not only is it a reverse clicky, but the button is so recessed that I strain my thumb sometimes to turn it on. The only advantage is being able to stand it up on the tail... which I have no use for. Thus... I feel that non SF lights wouldn't meet my now high expectations.
This is when I started researching the A2. I mainly want an EDC that allows me to read close-up in the dark but still able to throw a decent distance and perhaps give me a little more security at night (living in a big city is scary sometimes - I considered a SF E2D with a bulb upgrade from Lumens Factory but I still wanted that low mode). I was unsure about the main bulb being an incandescent since LED's basically last forever, but I've always liked the color rendering with an incandescent. When I compared the alleged 160 lumen turbo mode on the P3D to my L4... it didn't seem much brighter at all, just a tighter hotspot. Then I tested it with my buddy's SF 6P, which is only rated at 60 lumens... and the P3D didn't outshine it much at all. I've read that the lumen output of the A2's incandescent is actually closer to 80 lumens instead... which sounds nice. I would definitely consider getting the Aviatrix ring if I do get the A2.
However, I'm still a bit unsure since I don't like having to change incandescent bulbs when they die. Also, will there be a new Aviator from SF any time soon? And is it possible to upgrade the main incandescent bulb in the A2 like you can with the E-series from Lumens Factory?
Well if I haven't put you to sleep by now, thanks for reading!! Any suggestions will be appreciated!
