1st post - Input on single AA tactical / multipurpose light

[Warrior108]

Ok, this is my 1st post and I've been reading lots of posts, reviews (esp thanks to SelfBuilt!) watching YouTube vids, etc for about two weeks now My search begain when I wanted to replace my 2 SureFire G2s with an AA light to get away from the 123's. This is maddening and I thought HK firearms were addictive. :-)

I first decided on a few AAx2 lights based on output numbers but then did more research and decided I was looking for a pocketable tactical (tail switch) for EDC and that a single AA would suit that better. Yesterday I thought I was leaning towards the SC51w. Today I realized I misread something about the SC51 and there is no tail switch, rather just the side switch.

Although it doesn't have a momentary on/off switch I think I settled on the following just because of the config options.
Quark X Neutral White AA2 Tactical
Quark AA body

Questions on this setup (more battery than light related):
What Li rechargable batteries should I run in the X with a single AA tube to get the most output?
What type of estimated max output would this result in?


Alternatively, I was also looking at these if anyone wants to talk me out of a Quark for now:
SC51nw
Jetbeam PA10


Bottomline features and preferences:
Single AA size option for pocket carry
Tail switch for thumb on/off use
Output enough for blinding with CCW
Not a deal breaker but fast strobe might be nice to have option
Medium and lower output for longer run time and reasonable/appropriate output levels


Thanks for any thoughts/comments

 

[kreisler]

Quark X Neutral White AA2 Tactical
Quark AA body
SC51nw
Jetbeam PA10

quite a few run the identical Quark setup with Lithium rechargeables (1x 14500). there are already CPF-discussion threads on the PA10, check them out, incl. some comparison! The SC51 sounds excellent too. you sure about the tactical momentary activation? i dont think so. it's an electronic switch!!

you surely did your homework on researching the best light setups.
the flashaholic has both some Zebralight and some Quark, and if money is an issue, then it's a matter of taste. i'd prefer the Quark setup.

And once the Zebralight is a mature product, i'd ..etc.. :nana:

 

[eyeeatingfish]

Checkk out the Lumapower Trust
It take regular or lithium ion battereies. It had a clip, a tail switch, and will always come on in high if the head is tightened. If you loosen the head then you get three modes.
I have one. It is not the smallest so not the best for EDC but is still pretty small considering. For a tactical purpose you probably dont want something super small as it would be harder to hold.


http://www.batteryjunction.com/lumapower-trust-1.html

 

[pinetree89]

I've been carrying around my 4Sevens Quark AA Tactical (XP-G R5) for about a month now. I run it on a 14500, if I use it up during the course of the day (rare) then I revert to primaries. The 14500 at around 4v is easier on the switch too due to the higher voltage bringing the drive current down, which is easier on these mechanical switches.

IMO the single AA Quark Tactical form factor is the perfect size for me. The single CR123 Quarks are too small for a tactical light IMO, not to mention the clip is non replaceable. The 2AA format Quark's while great, are a bit too big for my tastes for EDC, but make excellent utility lights. The 2 123 format Quarks are just a little bigger than the 1AA format and are an acceptable EDC size to me as well.

Overall I've been very pleased with my 1AA Tactical. I usually keep my programmed on High, and Low. High is usually more than enough light for most situations for me (vs. Max) and I like the runtime advantage it gives me. Low is a nice low for night reading etc.

 

[Websniper]

You are looking for something very similar to myself. Let me tell you what I plan on doing for myself and maybe it will present some options.

I just received a Quark AA2 neutral. I myself plan on getting a Quark AA body for it and combining it with a Quark Turbo flat tail cap. This gives me the same switch as the tactical model, but keeps the ability to tail stand.

Also, for me, the standard UI is perfect for my needs. I like having max and an strobe instantly available with the head tightened, and the other most used mode (moonlight, for me) available with just a half twist of the head. I like the instant availability the standard UI has instead of limiting myself to two modes. 4Sevens makes the Lego parts to readily available, it makes it simple to piece together a combo to suit your needs.

 

[Jrubin]

Boy I love both my quark and sc51w, but even though it does not have the tail switch I still EDC my sc51w. For some reason If I carry something else I miss having the zebralight. So usually I will put a second light in another pocket. Currently riding in my left is a SWM V10r. Right is a SC51w, and a thrunite ti on my keys.

 

[Warrior108]

quite a few run the identical Quark setup with Lithium rechargeables (1x 14500). there are already CPF-discussion threads on the PA10, check them out, incl. some comparison! The SC51 sounds excellent too. you sure about the tactical momentary activation? i dont think so. it's an electronic switch!!

Yeah, that comparison was one that I covered during research.

Neither the SC51 or the Quark have a momentary on/off but I like them both enough that I'd sacrifice that feature - which would tend to be a key function of a tactical light.


Thanks

 

[cbthedookie]

The Quark tactical has momentary on; the standard Quark does not.

Websniper, I'm not sure on the Turbo tailcap, but the tactical tailcap on a standard model behaves a bit oddly, as you really don't have a momentary on - if you do a partial push and release within 3 seconds. it changes modes. So, you go momentary turbo, then momentary strobe, and back. If you wait 3 seconds this isn't an issue.

 

[Warrior108]

The Quark tactical has momentary on; the standard Quark does not.

Thanks for pointing that out!! I must have been drunk with flashlight information overload doing the research on a ton of different lights.:green: