Jetbeam vs Nitecore vs Quark Poll

[joepa150]

I am still trying to decide on a first LED EDC flashlight. I want something that is very high quality and around the $50-60 price mark. I prefer AA and something that can use Eneloop/NiMH or 14500.

I love the look of the Nitecores. I don't want something that I need to twist such as the EZAA so I am leaning towards the D10 SP (can't find any old ramping ones).

The Quark AA R5 is on my list but 4Sevens failed to mark it as out of stock/backordered and still shows buy it now

Are the Jetbeams the same overall build quality as Nitecore and Quark?
Are Jetbeams usually brighter and have a better throw?

 

[gbelleh]

Re: Jetbeam vs Nitcore vs Quark Poll

These are all good EDC choices. If you want throw, the Jetbeam Jet I Pro v3 is a very nice EDC light. In my experience Jetbeam quality is excellent. The 3 modes with IBS makes it a really versatile light.

 

[Zeruel]

Re: Jetbeam vs Nitcore vs Quark Poll

Hmm... brand vs brand huh.
Ooooook, I'm putting on my helmet and kevlar suit. :tinfoil:

joepa150, you've been trying to decide for the past 3 threads you've put up, can't you decide even by now?

 

[joepa150]

Re: Jetbeam vs Nitcore vs Quark Poll

Hmm... brand vs brand huh.
Ooooook, I'm putting on my helmet and kevlar suit. :tinfoil:

joepa150, you've been trying to decide for the past 3 threads you've put up, can't you decide even by now?

Yes I know. Sorry this will all be over soon. I am just a very indecisive person. You could only imagine what its like for a car salesman when I am car shopping. They think I am ready to buy right away

The other problem is that whenever I decide on a light, I go to order it and they are out of stock when the webistes are clearly not showing this. They show that they have it and then in the cart it shows backordered. First this happened with the Nitecore D10 R2 and then with the Quark AA R5.

I just found out that I can use a discount code for the Jetbeams and this puts them in my price range. That is why I never gave them much thought in the past.

 

[wacbzz]

Re: Jetbeam vs Nitcore vs Quark Poll

Yes I know. Sorry this will all be over soon. I am just a very indecisive person. You could only imagine what its like for a car salesman when I am car shopping. They think I am ready to buy right away

The other problem is that whenever I decide on a light, I go to order it and they are out of stock when the webistes are clearly not showing this. They show that they have it and then in the cart it shows backordered. First this happened with the Nitecore D10 R2 and then with the Quark AA R5.

I just found out that I can use a discount code for the Jetbeams and this puts them in my price range. That is why I never gave them much thought in the past.

Well, take it from me, as an F&I/business manager, there is nothing worse than someone that hems and haws over something that is really pretty easy to make a decision about. Clearly you're not an A type personality.

The people have spoken in your poll, AND you've have the "sold out" experience with the other two lights. And even though there are only 11 votes, there is a very clear winner. I think it's pretty obvious which light you should go with (and btw, it is the light that I carry daily with me to the dealership). With Flavio's code, you can't possibly go wrong with the Jetbeam.

 

[berry580]

Re: Jetbeam vs Nitcore vs Quark Poll

the poll reveals the clear winner

 

[Zeruel]

Re: Jetbeam vs Nitcore vs Quark Poll

The other problem is that whenever I decide on a light, I go to order it and they are out of stock when the webistes are clearly not showing this. They show that they have it and then in the cart it shows backordered. First this happened with the Nitecore D10 R2 and then with the Quark AA R5.

That tells you something about the lights, doesn't it?

I just found out that I can use a discount code for the Jetbeams and this puts them in my price range. That is why I never gave them much thought in the past.

For what it's worth, Jet I Pro V3 is the best thrower from all the lights you've mentioned, hence a favorite in the poll. It even throws slightly better than Quark 123. Here...

Left to right: Quark 123, D10 (XR-E), D10 (XP-E), Quark AA and Jet I pro V3.

Now go get it!

You'll probably get them all eventually anyway....

 

[Warp]

You can't argue with those poll results.


I didn't vote as I am not yet familiar enough with all of those lights.....but damn man, look at the poll!


And the other two were out of stock. So...there you go.

 

[brianch]

I'd personally go for the JET I Pro. Its feature set, quality, and versatility make it the best EDC light IMO. My second choice would be the NiteCore but the only D10's I'd buy are those custom colored ones oo:. I'm not a big fan or Quarks. I don't find them worth the value to me. A plus for the JETBeam is how sexy it is in terms of design

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

JetBeam, there is no contest.

 

[jblackwood]

All this talk of the poll this, the poll that, even a mention of "the size of that poll." It's not the size, guys, it's how the lumens are formed! Flood, throw? Hybrid? Efficiency?

Hehe, ok, I was just looking for an excuse to make a bad joke. :twothumbs

 

[joepa150]

How OP or SMO? I believe OP smooths out the rings but sacrifices some throw. Does it make it floodier?

Which one of these is generally preferred? This will be my EDC light.

Also is the Jetbeam too big and too throwy for EDC?

 

[brianch]

The size is personal preference. There are guys that EDC large lights and find it normal. I think the 10cm mark is my capacity for length in terms of EDC. The JET I Pro is a good size for EDC. If you wanted to go smaller you would have to switch battery types. Maybe go for a single 123a or a AAA. For an EDC I would personally go for the OP reflector, but if that isn't in stock the SMO is fine. Its not that big of a deal for me.

I would definitely pick up some 14500's for the light. This light shines when running on lithiums. The advantage of AA sized lights as an EDC is how common the battery is globally. There aren't many urban places in this planet that doesn't sell AA batteries. You can run them on 14500's daily and you still have the option to fall back on AA's when in an emergency situation where your 14500 is drained.

 

[NutSAK]

The Quark would be the best choice for me, with the clean, floody beam, compact body and good UI (tactical UI).

 

[joepa150]

OhOh. The Quark just took over. I wonder why all of a sudden? 4Sevens did you have anything to do with this

 

[ZMZ67]

While I lack experience with Jetbeam I would go with the Quark.Personally I prefer the neutral tints but it looks like you are after brightness.I really like my Nitecore EX10s but not the new UI for the SP models,wish they had stayed with the original UI.The Quark is a great all around light for EDC and there is a reason it is sold out!

 

[rtryland]

I vote: Buy 3... Then decide which one to EDC and put the other two in a Go or Bug Out Bag:-D

Jetbeam, Nitecore AND Quark!

Just my two cents!

R

 

[bandersnatch]

Quark customization options make it the winner for me--want to turn your AA light into an 18650-capable light? That's $25. Want a spare head? That's $39. Want to swap tail caps? That's $9.

Also, I'm not sure what comes with the Jet-I, but my RRT-2 didn't come with a holster, lanyard, or hand grip... but the Quarks do.

And furthermore, if you sacrifice a bit and get technology from six months ago, you can save 15% and get a free prism kit (a low-end headlamp solution) by buying the Quark AA R2 (less than $50 on 4sevens.com).

 

[joepa150]

The size is personal preference. There are guys that EDC large lights and find it normal. I think the 10cm mark is my capacity for length in terms of EDC. The JET I Pro is a good size for EDC. If you wanted to go smaller you would have to switch battery types. Maybe go for a single 123a or a AAA. For an EDC I would personally go for the OP reflector, but if that isn't in stock the SMO is fine. Its not that big of a deal for me.

I would definitely pick up some 14500's for the light. This light shines when running on lithiums. The advantage of AA sized lights as an EDC is how common the battery is globally. There aren't many urban places in this planet that doesn't sell AA batteries. You can run them on 14500's daily and you still have the option to fall back on AA's when in an emergency situation where your 14500 is drained.

Would Eneloops produce more light than the Akaline but not as much as the 14500?

Do you think this is a good starter package of Eneloop.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IV0RD6/?tag=cpf0b6-20

Any 14500 packages around that price point that are good?

 

[BentHeadTX]

I love my D10 for EDC but...

As you noted, they don't have the ramping models anymore I heard a rumor that Nitecore will bring back the ramping D10 with the improved piston the SP version uses. Throw in an R5 for less rings, more flood and more lumens and it might be what you are looking for. Alas, it is just a rumor but I hope it pans out as I would love a D10 R5 with improved piston and thicker walls VS my first generation D10 Q5.

As far as perceived quality goes...Jetbeam, Nitecore and Quark in that order.