4Sevens Lights...

[Racer]

I recently acquired a Thrunite T10 that is in my pocket every day and I love it. Very tight threads and well spaced levels, including firefly, with mode memory. It is what I wanted the Mini AA to be.

+1

[Ualnosaj]

To their credit the shipping is fast.

New toys have arrived...




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Posted from my phone.

[Ualnosaj]

That's the stuff I mean. C'mon your logo is crooked and not sharp, and scratched off some places. The packing, extras (love the holster actually) but the attention to detail on the light itself...

Ok I have to get back to work first and stop being distracted...


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Posted from my phone.

[Got Lumens?]

i think we can use Nano-oil too for 1 hour of grinding

I am doing a video to show details of using Nano-oil to seat and mesh the threads. Should be up later tonight.

@Jorn, I have tried many pastes, cigarette ashes(worked good but messy), and different oils, they all have worn the threads evenly, and not concentrated on the load bearing side of the Ti threads. Another point to this reasoning is that Four Sevens uses square threads and not standard threads. The different pastes oils and rubs work very well with standard threads, but their caracteristics of how they work are better suited for standard threads, as they tend to cause square threads to be smooth, they have caused threads to be looser in the Four Sevens lights I have tried them on.
GL

[jorn]

The minis got normal, non square threads.

[hazna]

That's the stuff I mean. C'mon your logo is crooked and not sharp, and scratched off some places. The packing, extras (love the holster actually) but the attention to detail on the light itself...

I can see what you mean by the off centre logo. While it doesn't actually affect the light's function, it doesn't reflect well on the quality control of the brand.

I haven't had that issue with my older 4sevens lights, maybe there having some manufacturing issues?

[Ualnosaj]

Actually I'm much happier about these ones. Will post later.


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Posted from my phone.

[Got Lumens?]

The minis got normal, non square threads.

Jorn Thank You for the clarification. Yes. The minis that are annodized have standard threads. The Turbo Ti that I have is square. The Mini123 Ti's that I have, have what looks like to be inbetween or modified normal. I don't have a miniAA Ti to compare. The Preon Ti's I have are square threaded. I will do some pictures, and will post them later. I will try to be more specific and detailed.
GL

[jorn]

My normal "lego type" quarks got square threads. My mini's, and preon's, got normal threads. You would have to work really hard to wear out ti with rubbig. Even with the fast-cut rubbig we use at work. It will only smooth out microscopic imperfections where the threads meet. Threads are still sharp, but smooth where they need to be.

[Got Lumens?]

My normal "lego type" quarks got square threads. My mini's, and preon's, got normal threads. You would have to work really hard to wear out ti with rubbig. Even with the fast-cut rubbig we use at work. It will only smooth out microscopic imperfections where the threads meet. Threads are still sharp, but smooth where they need to be.

Still working on taking some more photos, it is hard without a 'real' camera and a macro lense. The pictures I took with my USB microscope are good, but the focal point only shows at one spot of the theads at a time. I have been using two Inovas with standard threads as a comparison. The annodized Minis and Preons appear as normal threaded. The Ti Minis and Ti Preons appear to be modified and not square or standard. They have a flattened peak and a wider base angle than standard threads. That is why I had said square, but they are not, after carefully re-examining them, just as you have said.

Do you do both mating surfaces push and pull? Do you clean the threads totally after you use the rubbig? I have noticed that the oil on my Ti's gets grungy and metal colored after a weeks use, and needs to be cleaned. I beleive that rubbig is doing a one shot polish, and would like to know if yours get grungy and metal colored, or do they stay clean?
GL

[jorn]

Do you do both mating surfaces push and pull?

Yes.

Do you clean the threads totally after you use the rubbig? I have noticed that the oil on my Ti's gets grungy and metal colored after a weeks use, and needs to be cleaned. I beleive that rubbig is doing a one shot polish, and would like to know if yours get grungy and metal colored, or do they stay clean?

I clean it several times during the"one hour grind", and re apply a tiny amount of fresh rubbing everytime. You dont want excess paste to work it's way up and make a big mess on the driverboard. When done, i cleen it 100%, and lube it. The lube still gets metal colored, but since the contact surface is smoother, it wears less. I clean it 3-4 times a year.

[Ref]

Emitter on Q123 had a black spec of visible debris out of the box.

+1. I ordered a Turbo X from a buddy of nutnfancy's due to the discount...when it arrived (wasn't the correct model..), the emitter had a few pieces of black debris on it. I returned the light and had them send me the one I actually ordered. When it arrived, it was even worse. What started out as black dust on the first torch evolved in to what looks like brown burn marks on the LED? There was not a speck of dirt or dust on the reflectors of either unit, but both had filthy LEDs. I don't trust myself not to screw up the finish of the reflector to try to clean it, if the lens even comes off..

[ryxlyx]

My Turbo X has 2 distinct black dots in the center of the beam on the wall, but I figure in outdoor use they're irrelevant. Sounds like yours a lot worse--

[reppans]

Got my NW AA^2 X Tactical today.... my sample seems just great, centered emitter, zero blemishes. Looks and works great.

[JerryM]

Not really, beyond what I already said. The quality of the light as a whole is fine for the price and you may be happy with it. The threads on the second one I owned were more sloppy, as described in my previous post. I didn't sell them because I thought they were bad lights and one may suit you fine.

I actually sold them because I don't like the UI. Twisting back and forth 5 times to get to high just didn't work for me.

I recently acquired a Thrunite T10 that is in my pocket every day and I love it. Very tight threads and well spaced levels, including firefly, with mode memory. It is what I wanted the Mini AA to be.

Hi AlphaZen,
Have you done any tests as to run times on the T 10? I find the low mode 9 lumens, 39hrs difficult to believe. I have been running some unscientific run time tests on my lights, and the Quark Mini AA on the mid mode, 25 lumens, runs less than 5 hours instead of the 18 hours claimed. I consider that when the light is putting out less than one lumen then it is finished. I estimate that by comparing withthe Thrunite Ti, and Fenix LD01. Not especially accurate, but is some measure of what I think is useful to me.

Other lights greatly miss the mark of the advertised.

Thanks,
Jerry

[Enzo]

I'm glad I found this thread....I was going to order a preon 2 but now I'm not so sure. I think I'll do a little more homework.
Thanks to all for posting your comments.

[reppans]

... Quark Mini AA on the mid mode, 25 lumens, runs less than 5 hours instead of the 18 hours claimed....

Assume that's a typo and should read 8 hrs, not 18. Still 5 on a claimed 8 ain't so great.

[Enzo]

After reading every post maybe 4Sevens should have spent more on quality than branding and a new logo.

[AlphaZen]

Hi AlphaZen,
Have you done any tests as to run times on the T 10? I find the low mode 9 lumens, 39hrs difficult to believe. I have been running some unscientific run time tests on my lights, and the Quark Mini AA on the mid mode, 25 lumens, runs less than 5 hours instead of the 18 hours claimed. I consider that when the light is putting out less than one lumen then it is finished. I estimate that by comparing withthe Thrunite Ti, and Fenix LD01. Not especially accurate, but is some measure of what I think is useful to me.

Other lights greatly miss the mark of the advertised.

Thanks,
Jerry

Hi Jerry. I have not done a runtime test, but I suspect that you are correct in assuming that it would be less than the stated 39 hours. I believe they based their stated numbers off of a 2700 mah battery. I have no testing equipment, but I can do an informal test with an Eneloop and let you know the results.

[shelm]

After reading every post maybe 4Sevens should have spent more on quality than branding and a new logo.

dont hesitate to buy a 4sevens light if you're interested in their products. they are currently on sale which is very rare opportunity (Black Friday like). at the discounted price the quality matches the price. not overpriced. the Quark series is easily the most often named model in the thread:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...r-vote!-PART-2

the Quarks are especially outstanding for:
+ excellent constant brightness regulation and efficiency (only to be topped by ZL)
+ that is, also runtimes
+ lego-ability (is fun!)
+ choice between two UI's (regular vs. tactical),
+ very good switch, pocket clip, light-weight (thin aluminum walls), competitive brightness
+ huge 4sevens community with countless (useless) user reviews (youtube, cpf) -- you become one of the supporters and proud owners, part of the community!
+ quarks recommended by nutsnfancy
+ quark accessories available
+ reported longevity and 10yrs warranty

no matter what we've been criticizing in this thread, the 4sevens quarks are well worth the money (even with greenish tint and sloppy thin threads which wear down fast because they are bare and soft) at this price point.

[AlphaZen]

dont hesitate to buy a 4sevens light if you're interested in their products. they are currently on sale which is very rare opportunity (Black Friday like).

I agree. Where are they on Black Friday like sales?

[reppans]

I agree. Where are they on Black Friday like sales?

Going Gear... I just picked up a Ti Quark Mini AA for $45 shipped! CPF discount code deleted. For CPF members only.

Damn... Two 4/7 lights in a week

[JerryM]

Hi Jerry. I have not done a runtime test, but I suspect that you are correct in assuming that it would be less than the stated 39 hours. I believe they based their stated numbers off of a 2700 mah battery. I have no testing equipment, but I can do an informal test with an Eneloop and let you know the results.

Thanks. I did a test of my Mini Quark CR 123 on medium mode. The literature states that it runs 8 hours for the 40 lumens. It actually ran for 7.5 hours before it got to a level that would not be useful except as a firefly. However, the difference doesn't bother me. I like both it and my mini AA.

I did some tests on several AAA EDC lights today. Most were disappointing. I am going to try to make sense of my notes, and I'll post what I can figure out.
I am not sure what is meant by the figures provided by the manufacturers. Obviously there is a great drop during their times. I do not have any way to determine when the output reaches various points so I just wait until it looks like a significant change, and compare it with other lights like the Fenix E01 and Arc.

Regards,
Jerry

[jorn]

I'm glad I found this thread....I was going to order a preon 2 but now I'm not so sure. I think I'll do a little more homework.
Thanks to all for posting your comments.

4sevens is not the best brand out there, but i don't think you are going to find a better 2aaa "penlight" on the marked. Just love the hi cri preon's, if youre quick, you can still get one of the last hi cri's.

[Ualnosaj]

Well, as the OP I thought it might be time to wrap this up.

I've now got a couple of their lights and here is the basic concluding points in no particular order:

1. Too much detail on packaging, not enough on product (see engraving example).
2. 4Sevens Ti lights have horribly squeaky threads, they are NOT square type. Think nails on chalkboard. <-- catalyst for this thread.
3. High CRI is nice. 4Sevens makes entry into there "affordable".
4. I like High CRI (now).
5. Liking the Preon 1 High CRI. Several days clipped in pocket it's very unobtrusive, smooth. Engraving is still bad.
6. If I could swap the High CRI from the Preon 1 into the Fenix LD01 SS or even alum body, I would.
7. If the Quark 123 didn't have square threads, I'd be hard pressed to sell it over a Romisen or other "budget light" (barring low lumens).
8. Preon 2 Ti tail button needs work to get "unsticky" compared to the standard alum Preon 2.
9. Don't like the included lanyard as it uses a metal spring clip. I'm partial to using rope lanyards without scratchy metal bits.
10. 4Sevens > xxxxxFire, but not by too much. It's harsh, I know. They've got everything else right (modes, warm LED, included battery, etc) now they just need to elevate the build quality and attention to detail... more so the latter point.

[Got Lumens?]

Hi,
Just finished a video describing how to seat and mesh titanium threaded flashlights.
Started a new thread, as Ualnosaj wants this one to stay on topic and finish.
GL

[Ualnosaj]

At a request, I removed the o-ring from the Quark AA Ti and Mini 123 Ti. There is a lot of lateral play with the o-ring removed (not quite so much in the normal Quark 123). In contrast, there is minimal play with the o-ring removed in several Fenix and Jetbeam I have on hand.

[Ualnosaj]

After living with these lights for some time, I have to stand by my comment about the Quark's lack of attention to detail. Note, this is based on ownership and use of:

Mini 123 Ti Cool
AA Ti Cool
123 High CRI
Black Preon 2 High CRI
Satin Ti Preon 1 High CRI
Satin Ti Preon 2 Cool
Polished Ti Preon 1 Cool
Black Preon 1 High CRI
Black/Ti Preon 2 Cool

I have taken a liking to the Preon series being the sleek small baseball bat that they are. The Satin Ti Preon 1 High CRI has a perma place in the front pocket now. It's small enough that I do forget it's there. I'm sure though if the Fenix LD10 SS was high CRI, it would oust the Preon but the latter would still have an advantage of having a perma clip.

My house EDC for a while was the RRT-0 high CRI but after using the Preon 2 high CRI form factor, I don't know what to say. The Preon's might not have the throw but the super wide angle spill is excellent for home.

We'll, that's the end of my 2 cents there.




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Posted from my phone.

[CarpentryHero]

I like the Quarks for what they are, a medium quality light (far better quality than what my local brick&mortar stores carry)
That have a beautiful beam, great tint choices, I like Lego, and well thought out modes.
I own 7 of there lights and they all work fine.


I appreciate the good info in this thread, now I know how to smooth out my Preon1 Ti threads