wait wait wait....i don't get all this talk about the A2 and its "inadequate" LED light output. Not too long ago, when Luxeon LEDs were not available yet, EVERYBODY seemed satisfied by 1, 2, 3, or 4 5mm LEDs. During that time, only a few who could afford the 7+ LED flashlights were the LED kings.
If i recall correctly, mostly everyone agreed that the Princeton Tec Attitude (3 LED) flashlight was the best LED bang for the buck. As a matter of fact, the Attitude was my FIRST LED flashlight. I was VERY happy with it up until i got my first Luxeon based light, the Lambda Illuminator. 3 LEDs was more than enoegh to satisfy. But hold on...it seems like everyone is satisfied with the Arc AAA, which is only 1 nichia LED. I have both. The Attitude BLOWS it away in terms of brightness and longevity. But the small size of the Arc AAA leaves my PT sitting collecting dust.
So, my point was that 3 LEDs seemed to be adequate...heck, even 1 LED seemed to suffice for a lot of us flashaholics. Based on this observation, why am i hearing that the A2 LEDs are whimpy? First, nobody owns one yet, and second, why do we put down SF's 3 LEDs and yet praise Arc's 1 LED?
Having said that, i will get the arguement, that most of you are happy, and can get by just as well, with 2 flashlights that cost substantially less. Okay, well let me try to break it down like this.
Assuming you have or want those 2 flashlights to be of superior quality, then two lights that come to mind are the Surefire E2e HA and the Arc AAA. The E2e costs about 70 dollars, and the Arc AAA costs about 30 dollars. That's about 100 dollars for both lights. Substatially less expensive than the A2's 140-160 dollar price tag? Sure...especially for people like me. 40 dollars goes a long way.
But check this out. This combination only has 1 LED, 2 less than the "whimpy" 3 LEDs that the Surefire A2 has. Another thing that's missing is the digital regulation. I now understand that the regulation not only applies for the LEDs, but also works for the xenon bulb. What this means is, you get ~60 lumens for the entire 60 minutes. The E2 can't do that. It can probably sustain 60 lumens for the the first few minutes on fresh batteries.
Having said that, the 40-60 dollars you pay for goes toward integrating 2 flashlights into one, and adding digital regulation. Not to mention Surefire quality, LOTC, pyrex window, HA coating....THE WORKS.
Now, judging weather or not 3 LEDs is inadequate is purely objective and your opinion. As for me, yes, after having an ARC LS, regular LEDs are no longer my EDC. But, if i can replace my E2 with a light that is better and more efficient with its xenon bulb, AND has integrated LEDS...shoot....I guess i'll be EDCing 3 flashlights very soon. A Xenon light, an LED light, AND my ARC LS.
Life is good! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
