I checked out those other lights and I think I know why you didn't go with the Quark turbo --- It has to have one of the most complex UIs out there. I can't believe anyone likes that. Changing settings involves many steps with different parts. I could never remember. Other than that I like those quarks a lot. A similar light (price and qualities) with a simpler UI would be just what I need
It's actually really simple, with the head tight you loosen and tighten the head four times pause for a couple seconds wait for the light to blink and the light is now in program mode cycle trough all the output modes by clicking the switch, when you find one you like you just stop and leave it turned on for 10 seconds it will blink and then it always remembers that output when the head is tight. Simple right?
You also have a mode you can program when the head is loose, this time starting with the head loose you tighten then loosen the head 4 times and on the last twist leave the head loose pause wait for the blink now your in program mode again now cycle through the modes, find the output you like leave the light on 10 seconds it will flash and it will remember that output mode.
So to go over it one more time you have a light with a total of 8 output's to choose from (5 constant output and 3 blinky modes), you choose your two favorite outputs and put one in the head loose position and the other when the head is tight. With the light turned on twist the head back and forth 4 times, pause wait for the blink then click the switch to cycle through all the modes choose one, then leave the light on for ten seconds wait for a blink and the output is now saved.
Have you ever had a light with two brightness levels, a lower mode when the head is loose and high when the head is tight? That is about as simple as it gets besides a single mode light, the Quarks are really no different except you can choose the brightness setting one the head loose and head tight position by simply twisting the head 4 times, wait for the blink then choose your brightness level by clicking the switch, wait ten seconds wait for another blink and your set.
I understand sometimes a programmable light can sound confusing when you read the instructions online but when you get the light in your hand it's all to simple , Zebralight is a good example, very easy but can seem confusing if you just read about it online . Now on the other hand their are some light's that ARE as confusing as it reads online and require some patience and practice like HDS but honestly most are very easy and require just a few minutes to master even for those without a lot of flashlight experience.
I hope that helps because I remember when I first got into programmable light's which seemed kind of complex and then I got a couple and thought wow I was worried for nothing. That's also why you have your fellow CPF members, if you ever get stumped never sweat it out we are always here. We do a great job of working through things especially say if a new light comes out and I'm not certain about something, I know without a doubt I can ask others to help me look into it and we quickly come up with some kind of resolution.
CPF is way better than an instruction manual or trying to call a manufacture for help.