Going to buy my first Real flashlight.

[MWAG68]

I'm Planning on buying my first real flashlight as soon as I get my tax return. I'm looking for some help in deciding between the two models I chosen. The flashlight I pick will be for my everyday carry. I'm torn between the Fenix LD10 and the Olight I15 Infinitum. If you have had the oportunity to have handled both of them I'd really like to see which of the two you favor and why. Thanks...

 

[carrot]

I'd get a Quark AA.

:shrug: just sayin.

I'm certain someone else will come along and explain why.

 

[pwatcher]

I have several Fenix lights, and a few Olights, but not the specific two that you've narrowed it down to.

Without confusing you with other possibilities, and respecting your choice of finalists, let me say that you will not go wrong with either! :thumbsup:

Choose the one that looks the best to you, and that you think will feel the best in your hand from looking at the pictures of both.

Then after you've gotten it and played with it a few days, post your impressions back on this thread!

:welcome:

 

[carrot]

I would like to also add, that,
It doesn't matter which you get first, because if you hang out with us long enough, you will get the rest.

 

[MWAG68]

I'd get a Quark AA.

:shrug: just sayin.

I'm certain someone else will come along and explain why.

I'm all ears. I'd like my first purchase to be 100% satisfactory Thats why I came to the experts here. By the way my wife thinks I've lost it because I plan on spending a good chunk of change on a "flashlight". She doesn't get it like most other people. That's fine and dandy, I cant wait to compare and contrast with people who run their mouths knowing I'll be holding one powerful little torch .

 

[carrot]

Well, I don't really want to sound biased (but I am)...

The ergonomics of the Quarks are better, the pocket clips are better (except on the Q123) and stronger, the machined threads are nicer, the LED is guaranteed to be centered in the reflector, and the clicky feels more robust. Also, the knurling is actually in places where it does help grip.

I'm also pretty sure that the Fenix lights STILL don't support lithium-ion rechargeables properly, which you may want to consider using if you want the brightest you can get out of your light. (14500 for the AA model)

The warranty is also top notch, coming from 4sevens whose business is built on excellent customer service.

I'd hate for you to just go out and buy a light on my opinion alone, but I think if you search around a bit you'll find there are others who have come to the same conclusions.

 

[umc]

I agree with what Carrot says.

I own some Fenix lights and they're nice lights but when looking to replace one of them (P2D) with something similar I went the Quark route instead because of the reasons mentioned above.

I need to deposit the tax refund check and then I'll be picking up a few more Quarks from 4Sevens as well.

I'm a CR123 guy so I can't help ya on an AA light but Quark does have them. Give them a look:

http://www.4sevens.com/index.php?cPath=297

 

[glockboy]

When you getting for yourself a Quark, getting the Preon 2 for your wife too,

By the way my wife thinks I've lost it because I plan on spending a good chunk of change on a "flashlight". She doesn't get it like most other people. .

 

[325addict]

I've had a Fenix LD01 (1X AAA flashlight) for some time now, and all I can say, it's excellent! For an EDC, it is essential (to me) that it is as slim as possible. No CR123A-lights as an EDC for me, too chunky.
The LD01 has excellent threads too, and the beam is excellent!
It has "just" three modes, medium on start-up, second is low, third is high.
It works excellent on 1X AAA, either alkaline or Lithium primary (1.5V!!)
Do not use rechargeable Li-ion!
Use a NiMH 1.2V battery instead, this is the way I use it. It works flawlessly.
This light is that slim, is will fit any pocket. Length is less an issue than diameter of the light, is what I have noticed. I've tried many, many lights as EDC, the only true EDC (read: ALWAYS on me) I have, is this LD01...
Other lights travel on a regular basis in my jackets, (ranging from E1E to C3 Centurion or WE Sniper MC-E) but... the LD01 is really always in my pants-pocket

 

[Egsise]

Well, I don't really want to sound biased (but I am)...

The ergonomics of the Quarks are better, the pocket clips are better (except on the Q123) and stronger, the machined threads are nicer, the LED is guaranteed to be centered in the reflector, and the clicky feels more robust. Also, the knurling is actually in places where it does help grip.

I'm also pretty sure that the Fenix lights STILL don't support lithium-ion rechargeables properly, which you may want to consider using if you want the brightest you can get out of your light. (14500 for the AA model)

The warranty is also top notch, coming from 4sevens whose business is built on excellent customer service.

I'd hate for you to just go out and buy a light on my opinion alone, but I think if you search around a bit you'll find there are others who have come to the same conclusions.

I have a Fenix LD10 and 4Sevens Quark AA neutral white limited edition.

LD10
+anti-roll design, I just love it
+better anodizing of these two
+better clicky of these two, it just feels better
+better build quality of these two

-no low low
-no 14500 Li-ion support
-only 30 months warranty

4Sevens Quark AAw
+low low mode that lasts 300+ hours
+double the lumens with 14500 Li-ion
+10y warranty
(+neutral white led)

-the clip is actually not reversible because the threads are poorly machined
-overall build quality and finish

I use these both daily, the only reasons why i have kept the quark is the low low and because it's neutral white limited edition.

4Sevens is quite new as flashlight manufacturer, offering the most newest leds etc, so I understand that there are some quality issues because of this.
Issues that I mentioned have propably been corrected by now.

 

[mrartillery]

I would like to also add, that,
It doesn't matter which you get first, because if you hang out with us long enough, you will get the rest.

Most definitely!

 

[MWAG68]

After looking around a bit on the forum search, I've actually illiminated the olight. I'm leaning towards the Quark AA, Quark AA2 or the Fenix LD20. I like the idea of something small for my every day carry but for a few bucks more I can get alot more light with the latter two. For those of you who have your LTCF or in your state you may call it CCW I'd really like your take on the lights I've selected.

 

[carrot]

For CCW I'd definitely pick a Quark Tactical, thanks to the momentary/forward clicky and simple UI.

 

[Egsise]

I like the idea of something small for my every day carry but for a few bucks more I can get alot more light with the latter two

1xAA compared to 2xAA is really not that big difference in brightness, circuit efficiency is improved but jump from 100 lumens to 200 is really not that big.

 

[timbo114]

I have the Olight I15 Infinitum & a Quark AA R2 tactical.
Both are fantastic lights.
Each has its own goodies list.
For CCW or EDC, I'd suggest the Quark AA R2 T.

 

[Monocrom]

After looking around a bit on the forum search, I've actually illiminated the olight. I'm leaning towards the Quark AA, Quark AA2 or the Fenix LD20. I like the idea of something small for my every day carry but for a few bucks more I can get alot more light with the latter two. For those of you who have your LTCF or in your state you may call it CCW I'd really like your take on the lights I've selected.

For mundane chores or a general EDC light, all of the options already mentioned would be good choices. But for use with a handgun, simple is best. One output (bright as Hell) along with a bulletproof reliable momentary switch. My old Firearms instructor carries a Surefire G2 with his Glock pistol on a daily basis. I bought him an extra G2 to say thanks for the great job he did.

Doesn't have to be a Surefire or even that specific model. But a light that has been around long enough to establish a reputation for reliability, from a quality Maker, and with a momentary-only switch would be ideal. As good as the Quarks are, and I love my Quark Mini CR123 version, they just haven't been around long enough to earn a reputation; one way or the other.

 

[skyfire]

get the quark AA, then get the body for the AA2. the parts are interchangeable. the AA2 and AA head, and tailcap are exactly the same, only difference is the body.

also i recommend the tactical interface. i have a fenix, and a quark tactical, and prefer the tactical's simpler interface. but also, i use max 90% of the time, and have no need for strobes/blinking modes.

also the li-ion 14500 compatible is a big deal for me, cause it will give it much more output.
li-ion = 4.2v while AA alkalines, or nimh rechargeables are about 1.5v.

if your interested in single AA configured lights, also check out the nitecore line-up. they have the D10, defender infinity, and ezAA which all take a single AA battery.

 

[hyperloop]

I'd chime in here and ask if you intend to use mainly primary cells or rechargeables (NiMH) or rechargeable lithium ions (14500s). The Jetbeam Jet I Pro v3.0 handles all 3 types very well, is pretty durable and has the ability for you to program each of the 3 modes to the output level you want. The strobes, SOS, beacons etc are hidden and you need never see them if you don't want to.

The other lights are great lights too but i havent owned any so i cannot really comment on them but i do own a Jet I Pro v2.0 and really like it. My only gripe (if it can even be called a gripe) is that there isnt a memory mode so it always starts of in Mode 1.

I used to be an AA/14500 light guy but have shifted to RCR123s for the smaller size but still have a few 1xAA lights lying around.

 

[MWAG68]

I have a final two. I will be ordering one of these hopefully on the 19th.. It's either the Quark AA Tactical or the Quark AA2 R5 Tactical. My only concern with the AA2 R5 would be comfort of carry in the front pocket of my jeans. I really don't want to add anything else to my belt. I'm already loaded up with a cell phone an extra magazine holder plus my firearm.

Have any of you had and issues carrying the AA R5 in the front pocket?

 

[MWAG68]

I'd chime in here and ask if you intend to use mainly primary cells or rechargeables (NiMH) or rechargeable lithium ions (14500s).

I'll be looking into that whole issue once I get the light. I'll probably pick up whatever will give me maximum performance.