4Sevens Quark Round-up Review: Q123, QAA, Q123-2, QAA-2 - RUNTIMES, COMPARISONS, etc

[JaguarDave-in-Oz]

I have quarks in R2 and R5 and I'm assuming this question isn't in regards to the Turbo models so I'll leave comment on them out.

I use my torches mostly outdoors and for distance seeing my R2 quarks are quite a way ahead of the R5 ones. The situation is not helped by the sad green tint on my R5's (the tint difference between my R2 and R5 quarks is very noticeable when I've used them in comparison situations).

For close up work the R5 is much better as it has a wider hotspot and smoother transition from hotspot to spill whereas the r2 version has a much more defined, concentrated and smaller hotspot.

 

[brightnorm]

I bought a Quark "Turbo" and was impressed with it's more focused R5 beam. In the end, for EDC I decided to stick with the Quark 123x2 R2 (alternating with the Fenix PD30 which tends to have a slightly warmer color). In terms of general use I preferred the "old" Fenix PD3 Q5 for its greater beam spread, but the throw of the Quark and the PD30 have seduced me away from that light.

Brightnorm

 

[JaguarDave-in-Oz]

I bought a Quark "Turbo" and was impressed with it's more focused R5 beam.

indeed the spot on the Turbo's is more focussed and on my Turbo's the spill area is quite a bit smaller and brighter than the R5 "regulars" too. For anything other than close quarters work I find the Turbo to be a much more useful torch than the R5 regular. Just a bit harder to hide in the pocket though.

 

[Deal4]

Sorry for the "noob" comment but I sure wish they still had the XP-E instead of switching all of the Quark line to the XP-G! Wish I hadn't been so slow on the draw! Anyone know if it is even possible to get an older XP-E anywhere? I have been looking for sometime for a Quark AA2 XP-E and no joy so far!🙁

 

[Toohotruk]

Keep an eye on the Marketplace...


Oh, and :welcome:

 

[nutcracker]

*thread up again*

Hi,

I'd like to buy a Quark flashlight as EDC that fits into my trousers pocket.
I think that a clip is not necessary then.

I'm still not sure about what size is the best.

Does a quark 123-2 with 11cm length still fit into the pocket without making sitting uncomfortable? (it has 3x more runtime on max than the single 123 version 😱)

Or should I take the single 123 version to be on the safe saide.

I also did look at the Preon Revos, but I don't like twisties that much.
Quark Mini is no option for me too.

 

[carrot]

I think that the 2x123 is a fine size for EDC. It is small enough to pocket and big enough to be comfortable in your hands.

 

[Toohotruk]

Ans its bright as hell when you need it! 😱oo:

 

[emzimmerman]

Nutcracker - never carried a 123 or 123x2 Quark, but have a AAx2 and carried a Surefire E2 for years. Never use a pocketclip either. Here's my thoughts -

- Better have something to prop up the light in the pocket. My E2 always fell over sideways in the bottom of my pocket. Looked terrible on the outside and difficult to dig out from a user standpoint. I guess if you wear tighter pants than I it might be a problem, but...

- AAx2 will fall over, but it's long enough to just lean, not wedge itself into the bottom of the pocket. In my current situation, a cell phone sideways at the bottom of the pocket will provide enough support to keep it vertical most of the time. And again, when it's not, it will typically just lean over. Sitting with an AAx2 in my pocket is more comfortable than the 123x2.

- single cell versions might work for you as well, but in my thoughts (again, never tried one) they will just end up being at the bottom of the pocket with whatever else you have in there.

Good luck!

Eric

 

[nutcracker]

So, you'd suggest me to take a clip-version?
Or to take a AA-2?

I want a 123-version, no AA.

I tried to put my jackknife into my pocket. It is 10.5cm if folded. And it comes horizontal very easy.

Why do you think a AA-2 is more comfortable than a 123-2? I think it is longer. Ok, but thinner I guess.

 

[carrot]

The 123-2 has a pocket clip.

 

[nutcracker]

Ok.

Now I'm only worried that a 123-2 is too big to be comfortably in my pocket all day long.

When thinking about a Preon Revo I have no doubt that it is comfortable, because it is small. But then I would mount it with a keychain ring to my belt loop.

I'm totally convinced that the 123-2 will be nice EDC with clicky and enough light output for finding my way home in the darkness.

Only size does matter 😉

PS:I prefer neutral white

 

[carrot]

I EDC mine with no troubles.

 

[nutcracker]

Thank you all.
Just ordered:
2 x AW's R17670 (2x123 size) 1600mah
1 x Neutral-white Quark 123² Tactical Green Packaging

 

[selfbuilt]

Post reserved in case additional cache data found.

 

[selfbuilt]

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by 4sevens on 04-20-2010 10:58 AM GMT

Also, if I may add - end of regulation specs will vary greatly. Not only are there forward voltage variations (affecting efficiency) but all electronic components have a specified range so just because you have one clinical result doesn't mean it's representative of or even falls within a sample set.

ALSO, the battery type and brand used makes a big difference. Not only the capacity is important, the impedance (internal resistance) will affect how long the circuit can sustain regulation.

One more thing since brightnorm is complaining about p3d vs quark 123-2. P3D's circuit drives it at 750-800ma. The Quark 123-2 drives it at 950ma. If you're going to compare, compare apples to apples.

My two cents 😛

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by brightnorm on 04-21-2010 06:54 AM GMT

Thanks for the clarification. Do not equate my critical questioning with real "complaining". The fact that I own more than a half-dozen Quarks shows how I feel about these products.

Brightnorm

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by Mikellen on 04-25-2010 02:53 PM GMT

Hello all,

I'm having a hard time deciding between the AA2 and the 2 CR123A versions. My decision will be based on runtime.

I don't understand these runtimes. 4Sevens states the following:

AA2

High mode 85 lumens, 5 hrs.

Med mode 22 lumens, 24 hrs.

2 Cr123A

High mode 85 lumens, 4.5 hrs.

Med mode 22 lumens, 20 hrs.

How can the 2 Cr123A version Quark get less runtime than the 2 AA version?

Now on light-reviews the runtime for the AA2 is somewhat similar but the

2 CR123A runtime for the high mode is 10.55 hrs. and on medium mode its 50.14 hrs. That's quite a bit of difference from 4Sevens statistics.

Selfbuilt's runtime was 7.52 hrs. on high mode for the 2 Cr123A Quark.

So does anyone know which runtime figures are accurate for the 2 CR123A Quark?

Thanks.

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by selfbuilt on 04-25-2010 04:19 PM GMT

Selfbuilt's runtime was 7.52 hrs. on high mode for the 2 Cr123A Quark.

My runtime may be on the lower side. My original 123-2 was defective on RCR, and the replacement sample had better runtime on RCR and CR123A (on Turbo). I never re-tested the Hi mode on 2xCR123A, but it's possible you might see an extra hour or two. My runtime may be on the lower side. My original 123-2 was defective on RCR, and the replacement sample had better runtime on RCR and CR123A (on Turbo). I never re-tested the Hi mode on 2xCR123A, but it's possible you might see an extra hour or two.

Note that Med-Hi runtimes on CR123A are highly dependent on the brand of CR123A used.

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by Mikellen on 04-25-2010 04:54 PM GMT

My runtime may be on the lower side. My original 123-2 was defective on RCR, and the replacement sample had better runtime on RCR and CR123A (on Turbo). I never re-tested the Hi mode on 2xCR123A, but it's possible you might see an extra hour or two.

Note that Med-Hi runtimes on CR123A are highly dependent on the brand of CR123A used.

"I never re-tested the Hi mode on 2xCR123A, but it's possible you might see an extra hour or two." "I never re-tested the Hi mode on 2xCR123A, but it's possible you might see an extra hour or two."

Well then that would be closer to light reviews runtime measurement.

So is it just an error on 4Sevens part where they state 4.5 hrs for the runtime on high? If so then medium mode seems to be in error also; 20 hrs. (4Sevens) 50.14 (light reviews). :thinking:

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by selfbuilt on 04-25-2010 06:36 PM GMT

So is it just an error on 4Sevens part where they state 4.5 hrs for the runtime on high?

4sevens is highly conservative in their runtime estimates. Think of them more as minimum specs.

Also, keep in mind that runtimes can be highly variable between individual samples, especially at lower output.

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by Lobo on 04-26-2010 11:52 AM GMT

Can anybody tell me how the new Quarks with the XP-G emitter are compared to the old ones with the XP-E in regards to throw? I was going to buy aQuark(mainly cause it seemed to have some decent throw in tiny size) when I saw that they changed the emitter. And XP-G are not good at all for throw?

And I can't find any reviews or lux reading for the new Quark versions either, so would appreciate if anybody could chime in.

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by NoFair on 04-27-2010 03:22 AM GMT

Can anybody tell me how the new Quarks with the XP-G emitter are compared to the old ones with the XP-E in regards to throw? I was going to buy a Quark(mainly cause it seemed to have some decent throw in tiny size) when I saw that they changed the emitter. And XP-G are not good at all for throw?

And I can't find any reviews or lux reading for the new Quark versions either, so would appreciate if anybody could chime in.

With mine the xp-e had better throw than the xp-g. The xp-g is brighter though so it still throws well. With mine the xp-e had better throw than the xp-g. The xp-g is brighter though so it still throws well.

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by Lobo on 04-27-2010 09:27 PM GMT

Thanks for the info. I suspected that. Managed to get some comparable lux readings in another thread between theQuark R5 and R2, and seems like the throw differs a whole lot.

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by Toohotruk on 04-27-2010 10:49 PM GMT

Yep, if you want throw, go for the R2...they tend to have a better tint as well.


Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by JaguarDave-in-Oz on 04-27-2010 11:29 PM GMT

I have quarks in R2 and R5 and I'm assuming this question isn't in regards to the Turbo models so I'll leave comment on them out.

I use my torches mostly outdoors and for distance seeing my R2 quarks are quite a way ahead of the R5 ones. The situation is not helped by the sad green tint on my R5's (the tint difference between my R2 and R5 quarks is very noticeable when I've used them in comparison situations).

For close up work the R5 is much better as it has a wider hotspot and smoother transition from hotspot to spill whereas the r2 version has a much more defined, concentrated and smaller hotspot.

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by brightnorm on 04-28-2010 02:15 AM GMT

I bought aQuark "Turbo" and was impressed with it's more focused R5 beam. In the end, for EDC I decided to stick with the Quark 123x2 R2 (alternating with the Fenix PD30 which tends to have a slightly warmer color). In terms of general use I preferred the "old" Fenix PD3 Q5 for its greater beam spread, but the throw of the Quark and the PD30 have seduced me away from that light.

Brightnorm

 

[selfbuilt]

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by JaguarDave-in-Oz on 04-28-2010 02:26 AM GMT

I bought a Quark "Turbo" and was impressed with it's more focused R5 beam.

indeed the spot on the Turbo's is more focussed and on my Turbo's the spill area is quite a bit smaller and brighter than the R5 "regulars" too. For anything other than close quarters work I find the Turbo to be a much more useful torch than the R5 regular. Just a bit harder to hide in the pocket though. indeed the spot on the Turbo's is more focussed and on my Turbo's the spill area is quite a bit smaller and brighter than the R5 "regulars" too. For anything other than close quarters work I find the Turbo to be a much more useful torch than the R5 regular. Just a bit harder to hide in the pocket though.

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by Deal4 on 09-23-2010 09:19 AM GMT

Sorry for the "noob" comment but I sure wish they still had the XP-E instead of switching all of theQuark line to the XP-G! Wish I hadn't been so slow on the draw! Anyone know if it is even possible to get an older XP-E anywhere? I have been looking for sometime for a Quark AA2 XP-E and no joy so far! 🙁


Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by Toohotruk on 09-23-2010 07:19 PM GMT

Keep an eye on the Marketplace...

Oh, and :welcome:

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by nutcracker on 10-23-2010 01:27 PM GMT

*thread up again*

Hi,

I'd like to buy a Quark flashlight as EDC that fits into my trousers pocket.

I think that a clip is not necessary then.

I'm still not sure about what size is the best.

Does a quark 123-2 with 11cm length still fit into the pocket without making sitting uncomfortable? (it has 3x more runtime on max than the single 123 version 😱)

Or should I take the single 123 version to be on the safe saide.

I also did look at the Preon Revos, but I don't like twisties that much.
Quark Mini is no option for me too.

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by carrot on 10-23-2010 01:33 PM GMT

I think that the 2x123 is a fine size for EDC. It is small enough to pocket and big enough to be comfortable in your hands.

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by Toohotruk on 10-23-2010 04:31 PM GMT

Ans its bright as hell when you need it! 😱oo:

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by emzimmerman on 10-24-2010 11:13 PM GMT

Nutcracker - never carried a 123 or 123x2Quark, but have a AAx2 and carried a Surefire E2 for years. Never use a pocketclip either. Here's my thoughts -

- Better have something to prop up the light in the pocket. My E2 always fell over sideways in the bottom of my pocket. Looked terrible on the outside and difficult to dig out from a user standpoint. I guess if you wear tighter pants than I it might be a problem, but...

- AAx2 will fall over, but it's long enough to just lean, not wedge itself into the bottom of the pocket. In my current situation, a cell phone sideways at the bottom of the pocket will provide enough support to keep it vertical most of the time. And again, when it's not, it will typically just lean over. Sitting with an AAx2 in my pocket is more comfortable than the 123x2.

- single cell versions might work for you as well, but in my thoughts (again, never tried one) they will just end up being at the bottom of the pocket with whatever else you have in there.

Good luck!

Eric

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by nutcracker on 10-25-2010 04:32 AM GMT

So, you'd suggest me to take a clip-version?

Or to take a AA-2?

I want a 123-version, no AA.

I tried to put my jackknife into my pocket. It is 10.5cm if folded. And it comes horizontal very easy.

Why do you think a AA-2 is more comfortable than a 123-2? I think it is longer. Ok, but thinner I guess.

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by carrot on 10-25-2010 11:44 AM GMT

The 123-2 has a pocket clip.

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by nutcracker on 10-25-2010 12:15 PM GMT

Ok.

Now I'm only worried that a 123-2 is too big to be comfortably in my pocket all day long.

When thinking about a Preon Revo I have no doubt that it is comfortable, because it is small. But then I would mount it with a keychain ring to my belt loop.

I'm totally convinced that the 123-2 will be nice EDC with clicky and enough light output for finding my way home in the darkness.

Only size does matter 😉

PS:I prefer neutral white

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by carrot on 10-25-2010 10:37 PM GMT

I EDC mine with no troubles.


Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by nutcracker on 10-26-2010 04:44 AM GMT

Thank you all.

Just ordered:

2 x AW's R17670 (2x123 size) 1600mah

1 x Neutral-white Quark 123² Tactical Green Packaging

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by cloudforce on 11-13-2010 01:31 PM GMT

Hello guys,

i´m in the progress of buying a torch and i´m a little bit undecided wether i should buy a quark mini aa @14500 or if a should go with the big mama quark tactical@18650.

if i should go with the tactical, which head should i use for high output and long duration? 3-9V or 0.9-4.2V?

is that combination been tested before?

kind regards

Daniel

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by Igor Porto on 11-14-2010 11:02 AM GMT

My Quarks arrived yesterday and I liked them a lot. My favorites are theQ123-2 and Turbo 123-2. The MiNi is awesome and really small and bright. The Q123 is OK but it has a different reflector than the Q123-2 and it's way floodier which I have to get adapted to.

I ordered a 18650 tube but didn't like it. It has a lot of connections, the finish is not as good as the flashlights, it's too long and when I tested in the Turbo I could only activate the second mode even with the head fully tightened. Maybe it's defective or I did something wrong?

I'm using AW 17670 in the Turbo and it's great. But it's a tight fit, I had to remove the label to insert it.

I have a couple of issues which I'll comment in an appropriate thread.

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by selfbuilt on 11-14-2010 11:42 AM GMT

I ordered a 18650 tube but didn't like it. It has a lot of connections, the finish is not as good as the flashlights, it's too long and when I tested in the Turbo I could only activate the second mode even with the head fully tightened. Maybe it's defective or I did something wrong?

I think the issue may be that there have been changes in how the lights have been manufactured over time. The I think the issue may be that there have been changes in how the lights have been manufactured over time. The review samples reported here are from the first batch. There came sometime be issues with extension tubes from one generation not working on others (true of all manufacturers, not just 4Sevens).

if i should go with the tactical, which head should i use for high output and long duration? 3-9V or 0.9-4.2V?

Typically, I would go with whatever matches the battery configuration you want to use. Just remeber that 2xRCR/14500 won't work on the 0.9-4.2V head, and 1xNiMH/alkaline won't work on the 3-9V head (the later wouldn't activate, and the first would go Typically, I would go with whatever matches the battery configuration you want to use. Just remeber that 2xRCR/14500 won't work on the 0.9-4.2V head, and 1xNiMH/alkaline won't work on the 3-9V head (the later wouldn't activate, and the first would go .

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by DHart on 11-14-2010 12:32 PM GMT

Hello guys,

i´m in the progress of buying a torch and i´m a little bit undecided wether i should buy a quark mini aa @14500 or if a should go with the big mama quark tactical@18650.

if i should go with the tactical, which head should i use for high output and long duration? 3-9V or 0.9-4.2V?

is that combination been tested before?

kind regards

Daniel

Daniel, while the minis are small and handy, they are a far cry from the regular Quarks in functionality and versatility. I would pass on the mini and go directly to a Daniel, while the minis are small and handy, they are a far cry from the regular Quarks in functionality and versatility. I would pass on the mini and go directly to a Quark AA with an extra body (123). Run them with li-ion. Also add a 123x2. You will then have both head voltage ranges and the three best bodies (in my view). Make the AA a regular neutral and make the 123x2 a tactical neutral. Pick up AW 16340s, 14500s, and 17670s to run them. Mix and match heads and bodies as desired!

The two heads and three bodies will give you an amazing set of wonderful options to choose from depending on the circumstances at hand. And you will have both tailcap types as well! In situations where power is difficult to get, the AA body will RULE. For small and handy, the 123 will rule. In situations when runtime is key, the 123x2 will rule. And depending on whether you have access to AA cells of any kind, 123 primary cells, RCR123 cells, 14500 or 17670 li-ion, you are in LIGHT. 🙂

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by DavidH on 11-14-2010 03:05 PM GMT

It will be interesting to see how the newQuark S2 models compare to the R2 and R2 ones.

Re: 4Sevens Quark Round-up Review : Q123 , QAA , Q123 -2, QAA -2 - RUNTIMES , COMPARISONS ,
Written by ProjeKtWEREWOLF on 11-26-2010 04:04 PM GMT

I'm pretty new to all this; my current EDC is a Fenix P1D which Is ok but I really dislike the UI. Basically it needs replacing as my flashlight gets daily use at work (psychiatric nurse) and want something more ergonomic and easier to operate.

I'm seriously putting some money down on a Quark 123(2) but I'm having a real problem figuring out the difference between the TURBO and the TACTICAL. I've already discounted the Regular Quark due to the moonlight mode being too low to use as a dual stage light. The programmability of the other lights appeals.

I hope someone can point out the differences between the models. Thanks.

 

[selfbuilt]

The thread discussions for the last few months have been partially restored from the search engine cache data (thank you tandem!). I was able to capture the rest of the p.6 discussions, but couldn't find any original p.7 cache data. If anyone has any, please let me know.

Please carry on! 🙂

 

[riccardo]

Does anyone if 4Sevens will produce any new batch in neutral or warm tint of the Quark series?
I'd really like to see in them some of the new high CRI xp-g...!

Cool tint for me is too cool, my eyes cry any time I'm watching a cool white led flashlight!
I really hope we will not wait too much!

 

[recDNA]

Cree has announced a neutral xm-l.....just thinkin

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