Jetbeam BC10 or 4Sevens Quark Mini 123? Help Decide.

[mckeand13]

I’ve been looking for a two small lights to keep in my cars for emergencies. I’ve used 3D maglites in the past but I’m sick of the size, oozing batteries, and poor performance.

The criteria I used to narrow it down to a couple of choices were:
- Single CR123 based
- Small
- Inexpensive
- Reliable
- Pocket clip will be removed and not used

From those criteria, I came up with two lights:
- Jetbeam BC10
- 4Sevens Quark Mini 123

Jetbeam BC10
Pros: Tailcap switch (I like this), simple (low, high), price ($
Cons: Long length

4Sevens Quark Mini 123
Pros: Short length
Cons: Twisty, price

Right now price is leading me towards the Jetbeam. I just missed a 15% off with 4Sevens, maybe they will offer it again.

BC10’s (2 x $33.15 ($39–15%) with free shipping = $66.30
Quark (2 x $39.00) with free shipping + $5 insurance = $83.00

4Sevens customer service has been awesome when I have emailed them in the past with questions. That counts for quite a bit in my book.

Can anyone compare the durability and quality between the two?

Now I’m looking for anyone’s thoughts on a comparison of the two. I have no experience with either, but they both seem to get some decent reviews. At this point I think either would be a very good choice, but I wanted to see if anyone had suggestions that would lead me to one or the other.

 

[mckeand13]

Admin, could you ad a poll or delete the post so I can? I forgot.

Thanks.

 

[JohnnyLunar]

I am very happy with my BC10. Here is what I like: Simple UI (NO DISCO!), forward clicky (gotta have my momentary!), beam profile (very large hotspot with lots of flood), nice white tint, and it's extremely economical ($35). What I don't like: The switch is a little "squishy", but I've been spoiled by Surefire clickies, and (due to it's great floody beam) it has limited outdoor usefulness, as the throw is pretty non-existant. The only other thing I notice about it is that it doesn't feel quite as thick and solid as other aluminum lights. It's very light weight, but just feels a little bit, I don't know...flimsy? All in all, it's a great budget light.

 

[skyfire]

no experience with the BC10. it seems ok for the price.
you consider the twisty of the mini123 a con. and its a 3 mode twisty with thread play.

ive thrown my zebralight H31w in my car recently. its very compact. and doubles as a headlamp, in case i need to do quick roadside maintenance.
much more useful i think. and zebralight is having a clearance on the older XP-E models of the H31w

 

[asot]

It would be better to compare the BC10 with another Quark - probably the 123 Tactical

I had the BC10 for a week - decent flashlight, but not somethink special (but keeping in mind the price range, it was OK)
I have the Quark Tactical 123 (with a AA tube alternatively) as an EDC for a few months and I'm very happy / satisfied - in my mind, I would only add as a possibility (to compare) the Nitecore EX11.2

 

[mckeand13]

It would be better to compare the BC10 with another Quark - probably the 123 Tactical

I had the BC10 for a week - decent flashlight, but not somethink special (but keeping in mind the price range, it was OK)
I have the Quark Tactical 123 (with a AA tube alternatively) as an EDC for a few months and I'm very happy / satisfied - in my mind, I would only add as a possibility (to compare) the Nitecore EX11.2

Yes, I understand the comparison is an apples and oranges type. I'm looking for a small light, and the BC10 doesn't have a twisty "version" to look at. It's only in the running because of its price.

The Nitecore EX11.2 looks like a really nice light but = too much $$$$ for the intended purpose.

 

[mckeand13]

Just wanted to post a follow up.

I finally decided to go with the BC10. Ordered them from Bugoutgear who shipped them very quickly. Great work.

The lights leave a lot to be desired. The issues I have with the light:

- There is no way the output is what they state it is. They just aren't that bright. My Fenix PD31 at 34 lumens more (according to both specs) absolutely blows the doors off the BC10. It's not even close. Granted I wasn't looking for sheer output, but Jetbeam lies.

- The threads for the head are absolute garbage. They were all gritty and really hard to turn right out of the package. The threads felt like they were galling every turn I made. I spent about 15minutes cleaning the threads and cleaning the o-rings. Put it back together and it was better but still not very nice feeling. It quickly got really nasty feeling again and the grease turned back into an aluminum paste. I'm guessing they are using a very soft aluminum.

- The tailcap switch feels like something out of a childs toy at best. It rocks back and forth, and the actual switch button is much smaller than the rubber boot. It's a really weird, really cheap feel when you switch it on or off.

I bought on cheap price and got what I paid for. Based on this experience I will not buy their lights anymore and I would recommend that others think twice before doing so. The BC10 feels like a $5 Home Depot LED light but accepts a CR123 battery.

I'll be calling Bugoutgear tomorrow to see if/how I can return them.

Perhaps a Quark or Fenix PD20 is a better quality light for my desired use. Even though it probably doesn't matter for an car light, I just can't handle the crappy quality and the fact that I spent money on it.

That's my review. I'd be interested in hearing if others have the same or better results.

 

[JCup]

McK, I agree you have some basis for your criticism, although your are very harsh. I just got mine yesterday, and was favorably impressed. I think JohnnyLunar's comments are more like it, although I say it DOES throw, just has a rather wide beam. I live on a creek, with open grass and few trees between my back fence and the creek bank 50 yards away. I can easily spot critters (identified a possum tonight) at that distance. Read the Selfbuilt review, I don't think JETBeam is exaggerating the number. If they were, Selfbuilt's test would show this.

My sample is not too far off the output of a Surefire 9P with a Malkoff M60 in ceiling bounce. It has a wide beam, but even on the low setting it is pretty impressive. For the price, the performance is impressive with a single CR123. The only other 1xCR123 I own is the NiteCore EZ123, and the BC-10 brighter than it at 50 yards and in ceiling bounce. In passing, the BC-10 appears to have the same head and LED module as the BA-20, and it's at bit brighter in my comparison, although it could be the reflector alignment.

Lumens per $ or lb, this is an impressive performer. Comes with a decent clip and lanyard, lightweight, and really bright. Mine will live in the door pocket of my car, and I think it will make a good backup for the next decade.

I've had several JETBeams, all have been reliable. They have what seem to be good warranty terms. I say it is a good value with reasonable quality and impressive performance for its size. Bugoutgear will accept a return if you disagree, so your can move up. I don't have the Fenix, but I am sure it is a good choice as well.

regards,
J

 

[offthetrail]

I also bought a few BC10's. I am pretty impressed with the lights. For $35 it is a great little performer, and I will be buying several more. It is the brightest single CR123 that I have ever used. I think your expectations might be a little bit off if you were expecting $100+ light quality for $35. My thread quality and tailcap switch feel fine. For something that you only wanted to leave in the car for emergencies, you are very critical of the light. I was quite surprised and impressed at the quality and brightness for the price.

 

[jbdan]

I've got a BC10. I like it more than any of the other 123 lights I own so far and they include SWM m10r, neutron 1c, quark aa. For the price I have found nothing that compares so far. The clicky is the perfect pressure. It's a very lightweight light. Tailstands nicely. Clip works well although not that aesthetically pleasing. HA is tough. The tint is white there is NO green. I think the throw is great albeit wide.

While the neutron1C is brighter in an enclosed room, I have yet to find a brighter 1 x 123 light outdooors. I believe every bit of 270lms and the runtimes are swell.

 

[ryguy24000]

You may be able to get a better price on that Quark.
http://www.firearmsprostore.com/quarkmini123-1.aspx
use code nutnfancy

 

[Lightman2]

I purchased a Quark Mini 123 S2 simply becuase it was the smallest 123 light around. Offering 189 lumens for 1.2 hrs and also had sos, strobe and two options of beacon which in an emergency may well be a life saver. Beacons allow the light to operate whilst saving on battery life. Frankly for such a small light with all the modes I think it is pretty impressive and small enough t hold in your mouth if you need to, and I have. Couple that with a 10 yr warranty and pretty good customer service from 47's and I am overall happy.

 

[aimxplode]

I have to agree with what the majority say about the BA/BC line of lights. I received my BA20 last week and I couldn't be happier. It lights up my entire backyard with a nice pure white beam. The floodiness(sp?) probably has to do with the XPG-R5 emitter that it's using.

Also, light-reviews had tested the lumen rating to be at around 219 lumens, which is very still very bright for a 2AA or 1 cr123a.

 

[swtws6]

I love my BC10. Is it a 100 dollar light? no. ut Mine seems to have a very good fit and finish to it, no problems with my threads whatsoever, very smooth. And to me this thing rocks on high, it makes me smile everytime i twist it from low to high and see how bright it is, and nice wshite tint. I do agree the clicky switch leave something to be desired, but its totaly functional. I actually like this size light for somethign I'm going to actually use more than not, fits nicely in the palm. smaller is freat for a back up or edc that might sit in the bottom of your pocket more than it gets used, but if your using it, I wpersonally wouldnt want a itty bitty short light. I own smaller ligths, but liek i said they wer bought more for "what if" or backups to carry somewhere to compliment a main light, which for me is my bc10. Its the perfect inbetween light. (before stepping up to a solarforce p60 2x cr123 type light whic is fatter and longer, but brighter)