ImGeo
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2009
- Messages
- 117
For the longest time (actually, since 4Sevens started making flashlights), I've expected/hoped that their build quality would be on par with Fenix. However, after about 10 purchases, and half as many refunds, I still feel that their build is definitely not on par.
4Sevens really does innovate in terms of technology, offering what we want (neutral/warm tints), etc. There's no doubt about that.
However, a Quark AA^2 R2 had pretty bad anodizing (chipped or thinned parts). I also tried to switch heads with a Quark AA and AA^2, to realize that it didn't work because the tailcap was too long that it couldn't physically make contact with the un-anodized part of the tailcap. And of all the Quarks I've tried (about 5 or more), the rings were always too tight that they'd often be pushed out of the threads, and get squished/cut as I tightened.
The first Mini AA I bought was greenish tint. Can't blame them. So I got another one, and that was fantastic! I'd say the BEST built light I've ever bought. Solid, smooth--just perfect. Not a single thing I could complain about. So recently I bought another Mini AA (aluminum too), and it had significant play in the thread--like, at least 1mm, and that's a lot (about 1 full twist's worth). Though I really wanted neutral white, that Mini AA is going straight back to 4Sevens. So is the Quark AA^2 NW. This AA^2 has overly tight threads and O-ring, plus a gritty thread (of course, could be cleaned), poor electrical contact as seen by the flickering/turn-off when I twisted to a certain part (about a quarter turn from tight, on the head) or pushed it at an angle.
And for the UI, I kinda don't like how long it takes to reset. It claims 3 seconds, but I've tested and measured up to 5 seconds, and even if it was precisely 3 seconds, it's kinda too long. However, this is part of the specs, so there's not too much I can complain about.
As for Fenix? I've had a few in the past--and although things like their LED centering, beam pattern aren't perfect, the build has always been top notch. Their anodizing is very solid, thick, and nice--and seems somewhat better than 4Sevens, though I can't say for sure. However, other things like anodizing near the edges is always very high quality. All threads are smooth, clean, and feel great. And all in all, it just works as predicted. No flickering, thread play, poor fit, etc.
I really appreciate 4Sevens as a dealer, and as an innovator. I absolutely love my Mini AA, and just ordered a Quark AA^2 Tactial NW (for the NW--but if Fenix offered the LD20 in NW, I'd probably pick Fenix as of now). I do expect to have to do some cleaning/relubing, but for NW, it's worth it. By no means do I intend on bashing 4Sevens, but rather hope to express my experience so far, and hear what others have to say.
4Sevens really does innovate in terms of technology, offering what we want (neutral/warm tints), etc. There's no doubt about that.
However, a Quark AA^2 R2 had pretty bad anodizing (chipped or thinned parts). I also tried to switch heads with a Quark AA and AA^2, to realize that it didn't work because the tailcap was too long that it couldn't physically make contact with the un-anodized part of the tailcap. And of all the Quarks I've tried (about 5 or more), the rings were always too tight that they'd often be pushed out of the threads, and get squished/cut as I tightened.
The first Mini AA I bought was greenish tint. Can't blame them. So I got another one, and that was fantastic! I'd say the BEST built light I've ever bought. Solid, smooth--just perfect. Not a single thing I could complain about. So recently I bought another Mini AA (aluminum too), and it had significant play in the thread--like, at least 1mm, and that's a lot (about 1 full twist's worth). Though I really wanted neutral white, that Mini AA is going straight back to 4Sevens. So is the Quark AA^2 NW. This AA^2 has overly tight threads and O-ring, plus a gritty thread (of course, could be cleaned), poor electrical contact as seen by the flickering/turn-off when I twisted to a certain part (about a quarter turn from tight, on the head) or pushed it at an angle.
And for the UI, I kinda don't like how long it takes to reset. It claims 3 seconds, but I've tested and measured up to 5 seconds, and even if it was precisely 3 seconds, it's kinda too long. However, this is part of the specs, so there's not too much I can complain about.
As for Fenix? I've had a few in the past--and although things like their LED centering, beam pattern aren't perfect, the build has always been top notch. Their anodizing is very solid, thick, and nice--and seems somewhat better than 4Sevens, though I can't say for sure. However, other things like anodizing near the edges is always very high quality. All threads are smooth, clean, and feel great. And all in all, it just works as predicted. No flickering, thread play, poor fit, etc.
I really appreciate 4Sevens as a dealer, and as an innovator. I absolutely love my Mini AA, and just ordered a Quark AA^2 Tactial NW (for the NW--but if Fenix offered the LD20 in NW, I'd probably pick Fenix as of now). I do expect to have to do some cleaning/relubing, but for NW, it's worth it. By no means do I intend on bashing 4Sevens, but rather hope to express my experience so far, and hear what others have to say.
