4sevens mini123 vs mini CR2

[Mowgli25]

What is the difference between the two? I noticed a little bit of size difference but thats about it. Is one better than the other?

 

[Chicken Drumstick]

A CR2 battery is physically smaller, so the flashlight will be more compact. Probably better as a keychain light whereas the CR123A powered one is more pocket sized.

Run times are likely different due to the lower mAH rating of the CR2, I think they are the same voltage though. But I don't know what lumen ratings 4sevens quote for each.

 

[Chicken Drumstick]

Just checked and the MINI 123 and the Mini CR2 are both rated at the same 180 OTF lumens.

The biggest difference is the 123 has a 1.2 hour run time @ 180 lumen and the CR2 only 40 mins.

The Mini CR2 is also 0.3 of inch shorter and slightly narrower (maybe less throw if a smaller reflector). Weight wise is quite similar though.

Personally if you don't mind the extra size I'd go for the 123.

 

[batman]

I just picked up the cr2 last week. I think for pocket carry or keychain use, the cr2 is the best choice. It doesn't sound like much difference, but .8 inches is a lot bigger than .75 in diameter for a light. .8 in. Diameter is just too bulgy for either use. Length is less important...but definitely go with the cr2 unless your a real flashaholic and don't mind walking around with a bulge on your person. and let's keep the comments clean.

 

[EZO]

Back when I was shopping for one of the Quark Minis (for keychain carry) I was faced with the same difficult choice between the CR2 and the CR123. I opted for the mini CR2 and I love it.

I think selfbuilt put it well in his excellent review back on 5/28/2010 when he concluded, "For keychain carry, I think you will find that CR2-based lights fall into quite the sweet spot in terms of performance for size. Sure, CR123A-based lights will last longer – but it’s hard to beat the size of the Mini CR2."

For all practical purposes in everyday use I find the shorter runtime compared to a 123 based light to be a non issue. Most of the time there is usually no need to run it for long periods on full brightness. With CR2 batteries such as the Titanium Innovations available from Battery Junction for a buck apiece or less, the cost of running this light is not a concern either.

Not only is a very small 180 lumen light on a keychain pretty useful when the need arises, it sure is fun for impressing non-flashaholic friends, especially here in rural Vermont where we don't have a lot of streetlights in many areas.

The Quark MiNiX 123 XML has been beckoning to me though, and one of those may end up on the ol' keyring rotation before too long.

If you're gonna' go for a bigger "miniature" flashlight, there ought to be a compelling reason like the XML emitter.

 

[jayflash]

A year ago I got the 123 sized MiNi because I don't, yet, use CR2 cells and it didn't seem the difference in size was enough to matter. It's interesting to know others prefer the small size and that it's worth having less RT and another cell size. Have your lights been operating reliably? My titanium 123 has been intermittent and returned once already. It's an otherwise nice light, but mine is unreliable.

If problems have been resolved, I'd be tempted to have an even smaller, bright, light. Can the CR2 use LiIon rechargeable cells?

 

[EZO]

A year ago I got the 123 sized MiNi because I don't, yet, use CR2 cells and it didn't seem the difference in size was enough to matter. It's interesting to know others prefer the small size and that it's worth having less RT and another cell size. Have your lights been operating reliably? My titanium 123 has been intermittent and returned once already. It's an otherwise nice light, but mine is unreliable.

If problems have been resolved, I'd be tempted to have an even smaller, bright, light. Can the CR2 use LiIon rechargeable cells?

My Mini CR2 has been very reliable. For awhile I had the infamous mode skipping problem until I figured out that it was just a matter of not trying to switch modes too quickly and being deliberate in doing so.

The question of RCR2s in the Mini CR2 can probably be best addressed with another quote from selfbuilt's review....."This is also one instance where I would recommend the use of primary cells over rechargeables. Given the extremely high output of the Mini line on Max on 3.7V Li-ion cells (i.e. direct drive?), I do not recommend you run any light of this family on Max on rechargeables. Also, if you do plan to use RCR2, please note that these cells typically lack cut-off voltage protection circuits, so you will have to carefully monitor voltage/output to prevent over-dischage."

 

[MY]

I have had this same dellima for years, and having carried a dozen small cr2 and 123 lights for past 10 years, I finally decided to give the Preon Revo SS a try and and am now convinced that the AAA format and size is the best for EDC pocket carry. The AAA and cr2 have about the same capacity but slimness beats width for me. Size does matter in this regard.

Regards

 

[EZO]

Size does matter, but it's a question of application. I love the AAA form factor too and these days use an ITP A3 EOS on my keyring attached with a McGizmo Nano clip as part of my keyring flashlight rotation (Shoulda' bought that Revo when I had the chance.) It's nice and slim in the pocket but sometimes when the keys are in the ignition of my truck the light hangs down far enough to hit my knee when driving. The Mini CR2 is fatter of course, but it doesn't hang down below the key's length. The Mini CR2 also blows pretty much any non 10440 powered AAA light out of the water when it comes to output.

 

[jsalmika]

Length is less important...

In my case it's not possible to operate the Quark Mini CR2 with one hand but there's no problem with the just slightly longer Nitecore EZCR2. So size matters sometimes but smaller is not automatically better considering EDC gadgets.

 

[EZO]

In my case it's not possible to operate the Quark Mini CR2 with one hand but there's no problem with the just slightly longer Nitecore EZCR2. So size matters sometimes but smaller is not automatically better considering EDC gadgets.

When I first got my mini CR2 it was hard to operate with one hand too but after applying a little Nyogel it became smooth as butter. One handed operation is no problem now.

In any event, whatever size works best for you is the best size and we certainly have more than enough choice these days. Too much, perhaps.

 

[batman]

EZO, i didn't realize you were from Vermont. I'm new to the green mountain state, living in Brattleboro now. I'm enjoying the nice Oklahoma'ish winter, since I'm originally from Oklahoma (nothing but rattle-snakes and Republicans there). Last winter here must have been like being banished to Siberia from what I've heard! anyhoo,..
I too am still happy with the Mini Cr2 and don't need the larger Cr123 version personally. I've had 1 X 123 lights b4, just not super impressed with the form factor as an edc.
I also retired my 4sevens preon 1 and 2 when the cr2 arrived. I'll use them if needed but alkaline batteries have been leaking on me like crazy lately..everything from my minimag to the alarm clock. Since lithium batteries don't pee when they get old/die, (and ruin your nice equipment) I'm running primary lithiums from now on. And, 4sevens will ship Cr2s basically anywhere with free shipping,..so i'm happy.

 

[Dan FO]

I have both the 123 Mini and CR2 Mini (both in titanium). I carry the CR2. ;)

 

[thedeske]

I used a Fenix LD01 on the keys for a year. Never any problems. My Mini 123 was just big enough to keep it off the keys, but the CR2 seemed perfect. I managed to keep it short with a Fenix claw (I like to quick remove for various reasons)

The CR2 lasted about 4 months before it failed. Other than dropping the keys on my desk a few inches each day, there was never much abuse. I gifted 2 to friends & 1 of those failed. The 123 was gifted to a neighbor. It failed as well, but the repair has been fine since.

Guess I was unlucky with 3 of 4 going down. It was great having 180Lm on the keys in such a small pkg.
The LD01 was gifted long ago, so searching for the next solution.