Need a Backup for Surefire A2. L2? L1?

I have an A2 on the way and I should be stroking it and
calling it "My Preciousssss" in just a few days.

Meanwhile, I am already looking for a backup for it. Not
that I think it will be unreliable, but for times when I have
hammered the lamp assembly and don't have a spare on me.

Or, in the traumatic event the A2 has been lost/stolen.

So, what to replace it with? I still want at least two light
levels and at least a smattering of confidence that it will
produce light when I push the button / twist the head.

But, I don't want another A2 - instead, something that
compliments it.

L1? L2? I think the head on the U2 may be a little large,
don't know, haven't seen one in person.

Or, something non-Surefire? Fenix P1D CE, Amilight, Lumapower?

I think that the L1 and L2 are fine choices. If you're not in a rush, I suggest you wait for the Cree versions. Another choice would be the Streamlight Tasklight 2L -- less expensive than the SureFires.

Fenix L1D-CE, smaller then the A2, relatively bright(60 lumen), and runs on common AA batteries

Or a Surefire E1L Cree that will be out in a few months

You have many choices,

What kind of batteries? Size? Brightness? Multiple Modes?

Welcome to CPF

I used to think the A2 was the ultimate EDC until I got an L2.
Now, I'm thinking the new L1 (not yet released) could be the next ultimate EDC.
So I suggest you get used to your A2 whilst waiting for SureFire to release their new L1.

Al

I'm expecting a hail of rocks for this, but I like to have a plain-jane Minimag LED as a backup. It's loan-out-able without worrying about losing it, it takes common batteries, it's bright enough to reasonably get around, etc.

I like to have at least one light that takes normal alkalines in addition to my go-to CR123 lights, just as a precaution.

Actually, I carry a Minimag for the same reason - to loan out.

I'm actually looking forward to the first dolt that sees my A2 and
asks to borrow my flashlight (only to be handed a shiny red minimag).

I wouldn't want something as big as a L2, L1, etc. for a backup.
How about something smaller that can serve as an EDC itself when a larger light isn't practical?
Lots of options in compact 1x123 lights. Some of the new ones are quite impressive.
I frequently carry a Fenix P1 for this purpose, and guess the Arc AAA-P on my keys is technically a "backup" as well.

I don't consider an L1 too big for backup EDC but I have been eyeing
the P1 and similar as an alternative.

I already carry a Fenix E0 and a faux-ton.

I'm thinking about getting a Fenix L1D as a backup for the backup.

Yes, with 10 posts to my name (at this writing) I am as sick as
the rest of you.

I think in your case a P1D CE or similar unit would be a good backup. You already have a reliable good size flashlight to carry, so a pocket-able light would be more suitable, more convenient and more likely to carry on a daily basis. The technology is here for high output in a small form factor.

Perhaps I don't have the disease as badly, but if I was carrying one 5-6" light, I'd often be questioning the need for another 5-6" light.

Guys that carry .45s don't carry another .45 for backup. Too big. They carry a small 9, a snubby 38 or a 380. The best backup is one that you have with you, and not sitting on your desk. I'm a newb here, but I'm a gun owner too. In fact, I know many guys who poured over what would be the perfect carry gun, and then wind up carrying a 380 on a daily basis, because they are small and you can throw them in your pocket and barely know they are there.

With a P1D CE your backup light would provide over twice the output for the same runtime.

As backup for your first light (A2), I would choose a light with the same batteries, in your case CR123 cells.

The Fenix P1D-CE is nice, but to wait for the new SF-Cree's could be wothwhile.

Best regards

_____
Tom

I have a lot of the lights talked about in this thread ( L1, L2, A2 and P1D-CE ). As a backup to the A2 I would/do go for the P1D-CE. As a backup small size is key.

The L2 is on the long side not to carry as a primary. While a great light the lack of throw would not serve me well in the "spotting" roles the A2 incan gets.

The L1 is great but the low is really quite low, best suited for reading in the dark. It really needs an F04 for general use as well, on high the throw is pretty good without it, especially for the output.

If my A2 craps out I want to backup its roles. For that you need the output of the P1D-CE, with its low level for longer runs.

I used to EDC the A2 and L2, of late I am taking the A2 and the P1D-CE. The problem is the Fenix is getting more use, really a size - pocketability thing. So I guess my A2 has become the backup

The Fenix has proven very durable as an EDC over the last few months. Now when the L1-Cree come out the Fenix will have a rival, heck the A2 may even have a rival.

Get the Fenix P1D CE

Thanks for all the input, folks.

I will probably get a P1D CE to serve until the SF cree line is out.

I should note that when I say "backup" I don't mean "right now in less
than 5 seconds".

Usually I will carry them in one of the following combos:

A2 and backup in bag.
A2 in pocket and backup in bag.
A2 in holster and backup in pack.

I am plenty comfortable with the thoughts of using
the E0 or a future L1D to get back to my desk/bag/pack
in the event something ugly happens to the A2.

why not-spare A2 bulb in sf battery carrier?

polymath said:

I have an A2 on the way and I should be stroking it...

Click to expand...

Thats kinda creepy!

How about a E2e with a MN02 lamp?

I think the P1D-CE would be a good choice. I recently got one and it's not too shabby, although it's not any brighter than the A2 in my eyes. The Fenix has a good holster that also works for my E1E w/lumens factory lamp assebly.

Ok, I have a Fenix L1D on the way. It will serve as backup
until the Surefire cree line is out and I will take another look
at the situation then.

Wise choice would be another SF. The cree'd L1 coming soon is ideal to partner your existing A2.