Wiggle
Flashlight Enthusiast
Lately I've been carrying my Preon 2 Titanium as an EDC but I'm re-evaluating my other regular EDC (A Quark AA Tactical R5). It needs to go into 4Sevens for a small repair after 2+ years of faithful service. Here's what I like and don't like so much about it:
Like:
Interface - The tactical interface is very simple, predictable and flexible when needed
Output on 14500
Beam pattern - Clean and pretty throwey for an XP-G in that size of a reflector
Momentary On
Good clip (I now use the deep clip which isn't quite as strong but sits in pocket better)
14500 for regular topping off, AA compatibility
Good size in hand, about the shortest I'd want to handle (I find most CR123 lights too short to be held well)
General good feel, handling and quality - Takes abuse well
Dislike
Only 2 modes available fast - Generally not a problem but there have been a couple of occasions the modes I had programmed were not ideal
No low-battery warning with Li-ion, it's lights out with protected cells
Little thick for a 14mm cell light, only an issue in pocket, in hand it's great.
What can change and what can't
Cells - Must be a single cell light
Cell type - I'd prefer to stick with 14500/AA. But if an amazing and not much bigger 18650 light is available I'd consider it
Output - Has to be equal or more, possibly a little floodier but still want to keep a decent amount of throw.
Momentary on - I can give this up if everything else is perfect but I'd prefer to keep it.
Emitter - XP-G/XM-L, a cooler neutral (5000k) or so would be nice.
No tailcap mode switching - It's gotta be a ring or separate button
Low battery indication would be great, don't know if I can find this to work on 14500 and AA though.
Assuming an AA/14500 light, I'd like the AA output to be above 150 lumens.
No PWM.
Graceful low battery behavior - No sudden lights out. Steady output and then a drop is totally fine but I'd want a moonlight that can last at least an hour or more after high output.
Material can be HAIII Aluminum or Titanium.
I don't care about infinite brightness, in fact I'd prefer discrete stops so I know exact runtimes.
Lowest low should be not much higher than the Quarks moonlight mode (0.2 lumen).
I don't like the idea of a light with parasitic draw but it's not a deal breaker
Cost under $200 USD.
Like:
Interface - The tactical interface is very simple, predictable and flexible when needed
Output on 14500
Beam pattern - Clean and pretty throwey for an XP-G in that size of a reflector
Momentary On
Good clip (I now use the deep clip which isn't quite as strong but sits in pocket better)
14500 for regular topping off, AA compatibility
Good size in hand, about the shortest I'd want to handle (I find most CR123 lights too short to be held well)
General good feel, handling and quality - Takes abuse well
Dislike
Only 2 modes available fast - Generally not a problem but there have been a couple of occasions the modes I had programmed were not ideal
No low-battery warning with Li-ion, it's lights out with protected cells
Little thick for a 14mm cell light, only an issue in pocket, in hand it's great.
What can change and what can't
Cells - Must be a single cell light
Cell type - I'd prefer to stick with 14500/AA. But if an amazing and not much bigger 18650 light is available I'd consider it
Output - Has to be equal or more, possibly a little floodier but still want to keep a decent amount of throw.
Momentary on - I can give this up if everything else is perfect but I'd prefer to keep it.
Emitter - XP-G/XM-L, a cooler neutral (5000k) or so would be nice.
No tailcap mode switching - It's gotta be a ring or separate button
Low battery indication would be great, don't know if I can find this to work on 14500 and AA though.
Assuming an AA/14500 light, I'd like the AA output to be above 150 lumens.
No PWM.
Graceful low battery behavior - No sudden lights out. Steady output and then a drop is totally fine but I'd want a moonlight that can last at least an hour or more after high output.
Material can be HAIII Aluminum or Titanium.
I don't care about infinite brightness, in fact I'd prefer discrete stops so I know exact runtimes.
Lowest low should be not much higher than the Quarks moonlight mode (0.2 lumen).
I don't like the idea of a light with parasitic draw but it's not a deal breaker
Cost under $200 USD.
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