Help choosing a 4Sevens Quark

[SgtCuts]

Ok guys here is my dillemma I am looking for a new 4Sevens quark after I sold my other one a while back to a buddy who borrowed it then had trouble returning it. It was a Quark 123x2 Tactical which is one of the lights I am looking at again but the other light I am looking at too is the Quark 123x3 Turbo my questions are this...

1) Is there really a noticable difference in throw between these two IIRC my previous 123x2 tactical R5 threw pretty well but will the turbo throw enough better to make it worth the extra?

2) Will the beam pattern still look smooth in the hotspot with the smooth reflector?

 

[Ti²C]

The turbo throws much more than the 123/2...it's not a dedicated thrower yet but the versatility of the 123/2 for close up work is IMO lost with the turbo, unless you find a diffuser that fits on its large head !

 

[think2x]

My Quark Turbo has a nice smooth hotspot and no rings. I almost forget I have it because it's mounted on my Mossberg 500 Persuader.

 

[tre]

Yes, the turbo throw is a good bit more. I think the turbo and regular quarks can lego now so you could buy a 123x2 Turbo and buy a spare quark 123x2 tactical head later if you find the throw to be too much for close up work. You can then use the regular head for up close and the turbo head when you want throw.

 

[black_ice_pc]

I actually had this exact same dilemma! I started out with a regular Quark 123^2, which has the same beam profile, just different UI. When I got it though, I was underwhelmed with the "punch" of the light. It just wasn't enough throw for me. So I then proceeded to debate for a week or two if I would hate the bigger turbo head etc. Eventually I got it, and it's WAY more of what I was looking for. That larger, SMO reflector makes all the difference. I can now ID a human figure at a measured 145yds on google earth.

In summary, yes it's a substantial difference, and the beam is still nice and smooth, no artifacts at all, except for a very slight dark circle in the center if the hot spot. The dark patch isn't very noticeable though, and pretty much disappears outside. Definitely not a deal breaker IMO. I'd highly recommend the Turbo over a Tactical. Do note however that the Turbo head definitely is chunkier! The Regular I had wasn't noticeable at all in my pocket, the Turbo is.

Edit: I should clarify that I didn't just buy the Turbo head, I bought a whole Turbo 123^2 and sold the Regular to a buddy.

 

[Chevy-SS]

I have both lights (and many more).

My EDC is still the Quark 123*2 Tactical XP-G R5. I also have one with the S2 emitter, but it's too green IMO. The Quark 123*2 Tactical is a terrific light and has one of the best overall beam patterns IMHO.

RE: the 'Turbo'. Well, it's a nice light if you really need that extra throw. But the hotspot is significantly smaller.

I MUCH prefer the beam pattern of the Quark 123*3 Tactical. And I would try to get the R5 emitter. Or hopefully 4Sevens will start making this light with a XM-L, so that might be worth waiting for. EDIT: I just checked 4Sevens web site and it looks like all of the Quark 123*3 Tacticals are only offered in R5 now. Good!!!!!


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[skyfire]

i like the 123x2T more. ease to pocket carry, throw was quite impressive considering its a xp-g in a small reflector.
i have a turbo AA, and the beam is nice and smooth. on a white wall, you might notice the center of the hotspot is less bright then the outter area of the hotspot.
i like both lights, but the smaller head and floodier beam, i prefer more.
one thing about the turbo i worry about is the larger lens, with very little bezel to protect it.

i say, try and find a Q123x2T Titanium... i recently saw one on the MP for $75... it was really hard for me to resist it, but there are a few power tools i need to pick up this week.

 

[think2x]

I say, try and find a Q123x2T Titanium... i recently saw one on the MP for $75... it was really hard for me to resist it, but there are a few power tools i need to pick up this week.

It's still for sale, They had both a tactical and a regular UI for sale. I debated on getting the regular UI one but it sold before I could talk myself into it.:shrug: