Big life choices at hand...

[Kmarr]

well not really

I was on the brink of ordering an ITP a3 eos, but I read John's review of the a1....now I am torn between the A1 A2 AND A3

I need some help deciding.  Ordering multiple sounds like an awesome option but the family is getting irritated with my reckless spending
I was hoping for some solid opinions from owners of these, aspiring owners, admirers, average joes, and anyone looking to throw their 2 cents in. Much appreciated

Pics would be cool as well!

[NutSAK]

I suppose the most important consideration between the three is...  What is your preferred cell?

[WH867]

I have an A1.    Good light for the $$

[jzmtl]

Orrrrrrrrrr, you could just go to the mailbox yourself so nobody knows what you are receiving. 

[Black Rose]

I have 3 iTP A3 EOS Upgrade (3-mode) lights (purple, blue, natural).  I wish the mode order was L-M-H instead of M-L-H, but it's not a deal breaker.
PWM is quite noticeable on low and medium.

I always have an A3 EOS on me (attached to my Alox Classic SD SAK).

Also have an iTP A2 EOS.  PWM is not noticeable at all.

The A1 seems too stubby for me and my arthritic hands.

[Teofilo]

The A1 seems too stubby for me and my arthritic hands.

Same here.
But if you prefer power lights, get the A1.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I've got an A3 and it's a very impressive little package

[Kmarr]

Thanks for the responses!

I suppose the most important consideration between the three is...  What is your preferred cell?

Nutsak, My flashlight collection is very limited as of right now so that question is waaay above my paygrade
besides size, duration, and power is there any other factors?

I was almost set on the a3 but I saw the a1 and thought it was a cool stump-machine. It reminded me of the a2 I looked at earlier and for a little more in the size department I get double duration. hmm

I'm glad some people here have the a1, as I thought it would be an oddity cuz of the sawn-off look people might shy away from.  I'm sleepy so if none of this makes any sense I'll correct it after I get some SHUT EYE!

[John]

CR123 batteries are very cheap in the US + the A1 starts L.M.H and you get that extra power when needed,I find the stubby A1 not a problem and I can operate it one handed no probs,if your not bothered about the power then the A2 would be a next good choice it also starts L.M.H and you may prefer the stretched look   but as they're all around the same price my vote goes with the A1  

[Kmarr]

yay a vote for the A1!  Seeing as its YOUR BLASTED REVIEW that got me into this debacle, you best find me a way out!
 jay kay el oh el!

Will the a1 fit in that so far useless tiny pocket on the right side of my jeans? The a3 is about the size of my laser pointer and it fits in with no problems so I was planning on finally seeing a use for that darn pocket.

[John]

Will the a1 fit in that so far useless tiny pocket on the right side of my jeans? The a3 is about the size of my laser pointer and it fits in with no problems so I was planning on finally seeing a use for that darn pocket.

That pocket if it's the little hip coin pocket you talking about? it seems is made for the A1 that's where mine resides during the day 

[NutSAK]

Thanks for the responses!

I suppose the most important consideration between the three is...  What is your preferred cell?

Nutsak, My flashlight collection is very limited as of right now so that question is waaay above my paygrade
besides size, duration, and power is there any other factors?

Well, in my opinion, a AAA light should be used more as a backup.  This is because a AAA cell only holds about 1/3 as much energy as a AA cell.  1/3 as much energy, and the difference in size between a AA light and a AAA light is not a big deal, IMO.

If you buy an AA light, you will probably want to invest in NiMH cells for it, and a charger.  Or, you could buy expensive lithium AA batteries for it.  AA alkalines really are not worth much in a bright single-cell flashlight. 

So, to avoid those issues, your best bet would probably be to opt for the CR123 light and order your cells from an online distributor.  CR123 cells are expensive in brick-and-mortar stores.

[Kmarr]

John said earlier that CR123's are cheap in the US. I have no idea if this is true.....but I sure hope it is!  so you're throwing your vote for the A1 as well?

[John]

John said earlier that CR123's are cheap in the US. I have no idea if this is true.....but I sure hope it is!  so you're throwing your vote for the A1 as well?

I'll start you off with $1.00 a piece,sale item  
http://www.batteryjunction.com/tpen-tcr123a-.html



[edit] I see they're back ordered tho  


Still at $1.00 
http://www.batteryjunction.com/cr123batteries.html

[NutSAK]

so you're throwing your vote for the A1 as well?

Yep.  You'll just have to be sure to stock up on CR123 from online retailers such as John has linked to above.

BTW, while $1 apiece may seem like a high price to pay, you get a lot of performance for that price vs. alkaline batteries.  It's also cheap relative to what you'll see in the local store, as I previously mentioned.

[Kmarr]

I hope shipping isn't through the roof!

[NutSAK]

I usually can get CR123 for $1.50 or so (each) including shipping.

[Kmarr]

Any thoughts on rechargables?

[NutSAK]

Any thoughts on rechargables?

Sure, I have lots of thoughts on rechargeable cells.  That's all I use.  

My opinion is that, if you're going to go the rechargeable route, you buy a AA-powered light.  This would give you the option of using LSD NiMH cells (Eneloop) or using 14500 Li-Ion rechargeable cells.  14500 Li-Ion cells have better capacity than the RCR123 (16340) Li-Ion cells available for CR123 lights.  My preferred EDC is a AA light powered with 14500 Li-Ion, along with Eneloops as backup.

However, when you consider rechargeable cells, you need to also consider expense.  All rechargeable setups require an investment up front, with savings over the long term.  Buying quality NiMH LSD batteries (Eneloop) and a charger makes good sense, because NiMH can be used in many products other than flashlights, and will last for many years if maintained properly.  The Li-Ion cells you buy for flashlights have virtually no use other than for flashlights, and have a limited life span of 3-4 years.  They are also a more expensive investment.  The only real benefit they offer is more output due to higher voltage (3.7V vs. 1.2V in NiMH).  Therefore, you need to be pretty serious about flashlights before making the investment in Li-Ion, IMO.

[Kmarr]

The A1 will actually be the first item I will own that requires CR123 batteries.  I like the idea of rechargables cuz if the with regular batteries, you either have to run it out completely or replace it when you think its getting low to prevent a burn out when you actually need it. Since I don't own any other things that take CR123, the Li-Ion option doesn't sound like a bad one due to higher power(which is why I chose the a1 over a3 in the first place).  How does the NiMH lifespan compare?

[NutSAK]

How does the NiMH lifespan compare?

Do you mean lifespan (lifetime) of the cells, or runtime per charge?  NiMH don't have a "lifetime" like Li-Ions per se.  A quality NiMH LSD such as an Eneloop will last many years--the lifetime will depend on use.    NiMH will last about 500-1000 charges, depending on how well you maintain them.  A Li-Ion battery will begin to lose overall capacity immediately after it is manufactured and will continue to lose overall capacity whether you use it or not.  For this reason, you don't really want to buy "spare" Li-Ion cells that won't see much use.  If you buy Li-Ion, you need to use them as much as you can to get your money's worth.

NiMH:

• discharging completely on occasion will improve life of the cell
• "topping off" frequently can reduce life of the cell
• will last ~500-1000 charges
• no predetermined lifespan
• robust and relatively safe to use

Li-Ion:

• discharging completely will greatly reduce life of the cell
• "topping off" frequently is recommended to avoid complete discharge
• will lose ~20% capacity per year regardless of # of times charged or used (discharged)
• requires more care and can be dangerous if not cared for properly

Keep in mind that the very reason I recommended you buy the A1 was the understanding that you would use primary (non-rechargeable) cells.  I would not have recommended it if I thought you would use seconday (rechargeable) cells.
 

[Kmarr]

How does the NiMH lifespan compare?

Do you mean lifespan (lifetime) of the batteries, or runtime per charge?  NiMH don't have a "lifestime" like Li-Ions per se.  A quality NiMH LSD such as an Eneloop will last almost indefinitely--the lifetime will depend on use.    NiMH will last about 500-1000 charges, depending on how well you maintain them.  A Li-Ion battery will begin to lose overall capacity immediately after it is manufactured and will continue to lose overall capacity whether you use it or not.  For this reason, you don't really want to buy "spare" Li-Ion cells that won't see much use.  If you buy Li-Ion, you need to use them as much as you can to get your money's worth.

NiMH:

• discharging completely on occasion will improve life of the cell
• "topping off" frequently can reduce life of the cell
• will last ~500-1000 charges
• no predetermined lifespan
• robust and relatively safe to use

Li-Ion:

• discharging completely will greatly reduce life of the cell
• "topping off" frequently is recommended to avoid complete discharge
• will lose ~20% capacity per year regardless of # of times charged
• requires more care and can be dangerous if not cared for properly

This answers my question fully and completely.  I'll have to do some research on pricing and the best place to buy etc. I'll keep you updated on what I end up doing

[NutSAK]

I've edited a bit since you quoted.  You may want to read my post again--I clarified a few minor details.