Quark R2 really throws further?

[RTTR]

I've read here on CPF that the older R2 version of the Quark will throw further than the new R5. How big of a difference is that? Are there any disadvantages to it though, I do understand the R5 is brighter but will the R2 give up some spill for distance?

kevin

 

[richardcpf]

The R5 makes a bigger and less intense spot, but it is overall brighter. The Quark is not made for throw, so the difference is not that much anyways.

 

[RTTR]

What is the maximum effective throw on the Quarks, leaning towards the 123 and 123/2 models

 

[carrot]

People generally make the mistake here of referring to LEDs by their bin codes when in fact the important matter is that the LEDs they are comparing are completely different.
The older Quarks, which are R2 bin, use the Cree XP-E LED. The new Quarks, which are (currently) R5 bin, use the Cree XP-G LED.

The reason for the different beam types is not the bin code but rather the type of LED (XP-E vs XP-G).

Naturally the XP-E will have better throw because it has a smaller die with the same size reflector as compared to the XP-G with the larger die and same size reflector.

If you really want throw you should be buying a light with a larger reflector, such as the Quark Turbo (since you seem to be interested in the Quarks), rather than worrying about small differences between the XP-E and XP-G.