looking for something like the Quark AA, but programmable - suggestions?

[coachclass]

Hi,
I like the Quark AA-2, except for one thing. I wish I could program in the first output level, rather than having to cycle through the output levels. The tactical could kind of do that (via programming), but it takes so much effort to change the output level because you have to reprogram.

I don't actually need the max output most of the time. I'm happy with the medium or high output levels. I wish the Quark AA Standard could always start at medium for the loose sequence, and then tapping the clicky would sequence through the other modes in the loose sequence. Instead, it always starts at moonlight for the loose and max for the tight.

I know it's picky. Can someone recommend another flashlight like the Quark AA Standard, but allows you to program in a default first mode for each of the tight/loose, and allow cycling through the modes when you tap the clicky? It's almost like a combination of the UI of the tactical and the standard version of the Quark AA.

Some of the must-haves that I like about the Quark:
- uses two standard AA
- low lumen moonlight mode
- quality and price

For those unfamiliar with the Quark AA (Standard) UI:

Loosened Bezel: Moonlight -> Low -> Medium -> High -> SOS -> Beacon
Tightened Bezel: Max -> Strobe

Tapping the clicky gets you through the sequence in each tight/loose mode. But, after 3 seconds off, it always starts at the first mode in the sequence (when loose, it always starts in moonlight).

Ideally, I would want loose to start in moonlight, and tight to start in medium. And tapping the clicky would cycle through different modes. And fully clicking would be on/off.

 

[Chevy-SS]

Based on your comments, I would migrate to another light. My recommendation would be the EagleTac P20A2 XP-G R5 MkII with the OP reflector. This is a great light and has a nice UI. Tight head comes on 'High'. Loose head comes on 'Med' (yeah, not quite "moonlight", but pretty close). If you initiate a rapid second press of forward-clickie then it will strobe, but strobe can be completely disabled. Then, when light is on (either mode), if you give quick loosen/tighten of head, it will go into very low mode, and then cycle through other modes. I love the EagleTac UI. NOTE: this UI is on the "MkII" models.....

I have the EagleTac P20A2, plus the CR123 version, and many of the 4Sevens lights too. Here's a pic of some of my smallish lights:


-

 

[flatline]

Loose head comes on 'Med' (yeah, not quite "moonlight", but pretty close).

😱

If you think Medium is "pretty close" to moonlight mode, then it's time for a bad analogy.

Let's say High is analogous to a .44 magnum.
Then Medium might be 9mm.
Low might be .22.
Moon-mode would be a B-B gun.

--flatline

 

[coachclass]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I think 15lumens on the EagleTac is still too bright for a moonlight mode. For me, the Quark's buying points are actually the regulated low power levels(.6 lumens and 4 lumens). I like that for $60, you get a light that's so versatile. I wish there was a light out there with the same features, just with the different UI that I would like - being able to program the modes and also cycle via momentary clicky push.

In fact, now that I think about it...why is the standard Quark work the way it does? You could make it programmable like the Tactical. If standard users insist on the low mode to start at moonlight and cycle up, they could program moonlight into the loose function. If however, you'd rather the loose function be medium, you could program it for medium, but still half-clicky to cycle up.

 

[B0wz3r]

Check out the Jetbeam BK135a. Here's a link from Bugout gear (a highly respected vendor here, with outstanding customer service):

http://www.bugoutgearusa.com/bk135a.html

It uses the IBS interface, which has three modes, each of which is independently programmable to be anything you want. You can program it so that one mode is the minimum output, which is something very close to moonlight mode level, and the next to be max or strobe, or anything you want. Although it doesn't come with a pocket clip, there are places where you can get clips that can be fit to them with a minimum of modding.

And it's smaller than a Quark AA too.

 

[Outdoorsman5]

The Thrunite Neutron 2AA has a similar UI to the Quark with the "regular" UI except that the light will remember what output setting you were in with the head loose. So head tight is max, and head loose could be left at - firefly, or low, or medium, or high, or SOS. Watch this video on goingear's website - ClickHere

 

[Outdoorsman5]

Check out the Jetbeam BK135a. Here's a link from Bugout gear (a highly respected vendor here, with outstanding customer service):

http://www.bugoutgearusa.com/bk135a.html

It uses the IBS interface, which has three modes, each of which is independently programmable to be anything you want. You can program it so that one mode is the minimum output, which is something very close to moonlight mode level, and the next to be max or strobe, or anything you want. Although it doesn't come with a pocket clip, there are places where you can get clips that can be fit to them with a minimum of modding.

And it's smaller than a Quark AA too.

Cool light, but it has been discontinued.

 

[Chevy-SS]

😱

If you think Medium is "pretty close" to moonlight mode, then it's time for a bad analogy.

Let's say High is analogous to a .44 magnum.
Then Medium might be 9mm.
Low might be .22.
Moon-mode would be a B-B gun.

--flatline

Ummmm, your example using guns is indeed a 'bad analogy'. I've been a shooter for many years, and for starters, a BB gun is not even a firearm.

Anyway, look at what the OP actually said in his initial post,
"....I don't actually need the max output most of the time. I'm happy with the medium or high output levels. I wish the Quark AA Standard could always start at medium for the loose sequence, and then tapping the clicky would sequence through the other modes in the loose sequence....."

Well, the EagleTac can indeed start in medium, and then easily go to low with one (NOT two or three moves, just ONE) quick tighten/loosen of head.

But the OP says 15 lumens is too bright, so that kills the EagleTac.

Peace