Quark 123(2) R5

[BFG1997]

There is a lot of talk on here about these lights. This is my first post, and I just purchased a Fenix PD30 R4 thinking it was the perfect EDC light. I was wrong. It is not very bright, has a horrible smooth reflector with lots of beam artifacts, rings, and even a hot spot doughnut. So I have been interested in the Quark 123 tactical r5 or maybe the same Fenix in an R2. I like the sounds of the user interface, the size is virtually the same as the Fenix (although not as tactical looking, and no anti-roll features aside from the clip?)

Here are my questions and thoughts- Is the light bright enough to use in a self defense situation? Is the small crenelated bezel of the Fenix advantageous over the lack of one in the Quark? I will usually be using the low and mid level outputs, but want the ability to blind a perp if the need be.

Any thoughts on this? Will the quark have same rings, and doughnut?

 

[CarpentryHero]

Almost all quarks have a smooth transition beams from the hotspot allthe way out to the spill. (except the Maelstrom G5)
Over all brightness the Quark123 x2 should be a little brighter now that I think about it. The reg r5 quark has 230 lumens OTF were as the Fenix PD30 is 245 lumens but that's bulb lumens. So it's dolling out 200 maybe.

The PD30's ringy beam may out throw the quark, but might not hurt the peeps eyes as bad.

 

[CarpentryHero]

To night adjusted eyes, anything over 120 lumens otf is going to put the ball back in your court, from what I've experienced.

 

[black_ice_pc]

The Quark 123^2 R5 will definitely be effective in night situations. However, the Quark Turbo has a definite tighter beam and pushes the LED a little harder. That'd be more effective in a self-defense situation. I had both the standard and the Turbo, and I returned the standard because I preferred the Turbo's roughly double throw.

 

[CampingMaster]

It is not very bright, has a horrible smooth reflector with lots of beam artifacts, rings, and even a hot spot doughnut.
Will the quark have same rings, and doughnut?

Look at post # 114 on this thread :

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...=280951&page=4

UltimateCampingMaster

 

[BFG1997]

Thank you for the link, I am very familiar with your earlier post, and that is what makes me think the Quark 123 will be significantly brighter, and more pleasant to use (with smoother transitions and no rings due to the reflector).

As for the dark adjusted eyes, that is my concern. If you are in a city, there are headlights, street lights, store lights, so their eyes may not be adjusted to complete darkness. It just doesn't seem bright enough to me, to impede a perpetrator lol. I know if I had the desire to attack someone, and they shined a Fenix PD30 R4 at me, I don't think it would slow me down much. But I will wait and have someone else shine it at me to make the final call.

Black ice pc- do you carry the turbo everyday? I think the size of the PD 30 and the Quark 123 is perfect for me for everyday carry. I don't notice it at all and it's extremely convenient to have.

Do you guys think the lack of any form of crenelated bezel is an issue? Does anyone ever ACTUALLy use flashlights for hand to hand combat, or is it a piece of mind thing?

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[jupello]

Do you guys think the lack of any form of crenelated bezel is an issue? Does anyone ever ACTUALLy use flashlights for hand to hand combat, or is it a piece of mind thing?

I'd forget the crenelation's for self defense use since I cannot think any way they could offer any practical help in such situation.
Size & brightness of the light might prove to be more practical.

 

[JCDLE]

My Quark 123^2 tactical has a very smooth beam, no doughnut, and is definitely bright enough to blind someone. I am always very careful where I aim it when it's on high, it's that bright. The low, medium, and moon settings are also very useful (medium is pretty bright as well). The lack of a crenelated bezel doesn't bother me at all. It's a great light, and it's the one I keep on my nightstand next to my Glock in case I ever have to blind a perp.

 

[mossyoak]

but want the ability to blind a perp if the need be.

Really? good luck...

 

[CarpentryHero]

Thank you for the link, I am very familiar with your earlier post, and that is what makes me think the Quark 123 will be significantly brighter, and more pleasant to use (with smoother transitions and no rings due to the reflector).

As for the dark adjusted eyes, that is my concern. If you are in a city, there are headlights, street lights, store lights, so their eyes may not be adjusted to complete darkness. It just doesn't seem bright enough to me, to impede a perpetrator lol. I know if I had the desire to attack someone, and they shined a Fenix PD30 R4 at me, I don't think it would slow me down much. But I will wait and have someone else shine it at me to make the final call.

Black ice pc- do you carry the turbo everyday? I think the size of the PD 30 and the Quark 123 is perfect for me for everyday carry. I don't notice it at all and it's extremely convenient to have.

Do you guys think the lack of any form of crenelated bezel is an issue? Does anyone ever ACTUALLy use flashlights for hand to hand combat, or is it a piece of mind thing?

Thanks for your thoughts!

Street lights and headlights don't compare to daylight. There eyes will have adjusted lots.
I know because out walking my dogs I've taken different flashlights out and I find anything over 100 lumens is overkill at night.
The bulk of my route I don't need a flashlight between the streetlights and traffic. Some headlights put out 500 lumens, eyes will never adjust to that
As far as crenelated bezel on a light that small, if your swinging it to skull crack, neither the Pd30 or Quark123x2 are heavy enough. The PD30 might take a little more skin with it, but they are small enough to add to your punch.
Lights are not weapons in my books, my friends on the police force say that it takes the fight out of people most the time.
There using a Pelican7060LED which is rated at 170 lumens (OTF)

 

[CarpentryHero]

When boarding up houses (broken into or drugbusted homes) I carry my Surefire 6P Defender with an Sst50 on one hip and my hammer on the other.
Its my FlashBang approach to personel safety
Hopefully I never need to hurt anyone Ever, but I do plan on living to retirement age

 

[zurg]

Intimidation,a little,"Im spotted,that lights bright!Is he packing?I can't see"
For a second.
Also marks your position as a target.Light isn't a weapon, tool to illuminate the target, for the weapon.

Last Fenix I bought in '08 was disappointing.
5 Quarks I've bought since haven't been.

 

[BFG1997]

Thanks again for the thoughts and tips. I have always actually wondered what the crenelations are for, I know its for striking, but does it make the strike any more effective. I don't need a flashlight with weight, as I'm already a big enough guy. I don't plan of having to use it for defense, but if I am out in the old port some night really late I will probably have a pocket knife, but I do not want to think of getting into a knife fight after drinking, late at night. Not a good combo. So a flashlight allowing you to get away, or atleast have an advantage in hand to hand combat is an intriguing concept to me. I suppose just holding the light in my fist will help throw a harder punch cause your hand wont compress as much.

For the most part the light will be used on low and medium (I haven't seen the moonlight yet, and can't speak for its usefulness, although everyone seem to love it!). Once in a while the brighter settings will be handy for vehicle maintenance. I think I'll try the quark!

 

[somename]

If your looking for a small but bright light with a nice beam, don't forget EagleTac. I have the T20C2MKII and have heard great things about the smaller, but still as bright P20C2MKII
http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/product.aspx?pid=152-153-6868

It is 300 lumen out the front lumens and if it is anything like the other Eagletac I have, it should have better throw than the Quark 123^2 non-turbo. I has a bezel you can remove if you don't want it.

Also, the Eagletac lights have a nice UI. Set the light to low and if you need Medium you can (one handed) make the switch by clicking off and then right back on with out waiting. With the head loosened it will go right to medium. Tighten if you want high (300 lumen).

The only draw backs with the Eagletac over the Quarks I see is the Quarks have a more sturdy pocket clip, the Quarks can be programmed to strobe for quick access and they have the moonlight option.

I have both the Quark 123^2 and Quark 123 Turbo in Warm White and the non-turbo is great for all purpose, but the Turbo has a nice tight hot spot for more throw.

Either way you'll love these lights.

 

[CarpentryHero]

Moonlight mode is handy for camping and finding your way around in the dark without waking the wife
Quarks a great choice. I own the QuarkAA2 and QuarkAA and like em both.


I do own a Fenix PD30 with R4 it is a backup because of sphere type beam

 

[tandem]

Do you guys think the lack of any form of crenelated bezel is an issue? Does anyone ever ACTUALLy use flashlights for hand to hand combat, or is it a piece of mind thing?

Apparently the bezel featured in this post was last used in the great Klingon battle at Dwart-tar-zon-pla against the invading forces of the Romulan Empire.

Homeland Security has banned all Klingon and Romulan weapons from public transport - be forewarned.

Do you guys think the lack of any form of crenelated bezel is an issue?

No. Trapping small bugs under your bezel will be easier in fact. The damn crenelations allow them to escape.

 

[recDNA]

If your looking for a small but bright light with a nice beam, don't forget EagleTac. I have the T20C2MKII and have heard great things about the smaller, but still as bright P20C2MKII
http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/product.aspx?pid=152-153-6868

It is 300 lumen out the front lumens and if it is anything like the other Eagletac I have, it should have better throw than the Quark 123^2 non-turbo. I has a bezel you can remove if you don't want it.

Also, the Eagletac lights have a nice UI. Set the light to low and if you need Medium you can (one handed) make the switch by clicking off and then right back on with out waiting. With the head loosened it will go right to medium. Tighten if you want high (300 lumen).

The only draw backs with the Eagletac over the Quarks I see is the Quarks have a more sturdy pocket clip, the Quarks can be programmed to strobe for quick access and they have the moonlight option.

I have both the Quark 123^2 and Quark 123 Turbo in Warm White and the non-turbo is great for all purpose, but the Turbo has a nice tight hot spot for more throw.

Either way you'll love these lights.

I prefer the Quark 123 X 2 for pocket carry but my Eagletac P20C2 is much brighter.