Hello, I'm new to the forum. I'd like to say hello by reviewing a new light I've received.
Quark 123^2 Tactical R5 Edition:
This is a good light. Not only does it possess good quality, it also meets my requirements. And, unfortunately that is rare.
I was looking for a light for personal security purpose. It can be used for simple things as reading something or looking for something I dropped on a floor near me. It may be used to walk around inside large building while electricity is out. There are many lights out there that I can do that with. I may also need the light to examine if there is a threat or illuminate a target while aiming a firearm. There are many lights suited for that too. And, since this would be my every day carry light, it has to come in a small package.
The problem is that flashlights that meet all three of the above requirements are rare.
Many flashlights I've examined did not have sufficient quality in some needed features, but more irritating case was that there were a number of good flashlights that have all the features but the manufacturer ruined it by adding gimmick features that is a hazard to me.
For my security purpose, the light MUST give me IMMEDIATE, UNOBSTRUCTED, and CONTINUOUS access to momentary activation mode in 200+ lumen range long throw beam. It seemed like a simple requirement, but so many companies failed at it. The light has to stay in momentary mode unless I want to change it. But, some companies added a feature that changes light mode when the user presses the tail switch in a certain manner. That means the light may change mode without my intent to change it when I was just trying to get a short burst of light in momentary mode multiple times or some other pattern that just so happens to match with the pattern for mode change.
Some messed it up by adding a tail stand tail cap. Why someone who advertised their light as "tactical" thought it was so important to add the feature that obstructs comfortable use of light in hand held mode with the switch being pressed by finger or even flatter palm, which is how "tactical" flashlight is used, is beyond me.
With the Quark, I was able to identify a telephone pole 100m away with some Tyndall effect limiting visibility. Slightly less throw than EagleTac P100C2 which is also a very good light, but wider center beam also wider spill. I would have liked more throw, but still good. I don't have much to comment on things like slightly visible ring inside beams, etc. I don't have much of a fine taste on that kind of things. I see something or I don't.
I really like how compact it is. It's about 1cm shorter than a P100C2. It may not seem like a lot of difference, but the Quark fits in the pouch I carry with me while the EagleTac does not by that margin.
The tail switch resistance is somewhat high which makes me put a lot of effort into pressing the switch with "Rogers/Surefire" grip.
The Quark comes with a lanyard and a rubber loop which can be attached to the light. The lanyard is too long to be looped around wrist. I guess it's to hang the light from a neck or something, which is not exactly a "lanyard." The rubber loop is a nice addition, but the use would be limited unless the light is for a house use. It makes the light bulky.
Overall it was a good purchase.
Quark 123^2 Tactical R5 Edition:
This is a good light. Not only does it possess good quality, it also meets my requirements. And, unfortunately that is rare.
I was looking for a light for personal security purpose. It can be used for simple things as reading something or looking for something I dropped on a floor near me. It may be used to walk around inside large building while electricity is out. There are many lights out there that I can do that with. I may also need the light to examine if there is a threat or illuminate a target while aiming a firearm. There are many lights suited for that too. And, since this would be my every day carry light, it has to come in a small package.
The problem is that flashlights that meet all three of the above requirements are rare.
Many flashlights I've examined did not have sufficient quality in some needed features, but more irritating case was that there were a number of good flashlights that have all the features but the manufacturer ruined it by adding gimmick features that is a hazard to me.
For my security purpose, the light MUST give me IMMEDIATE, UNOBSTRUCTED, and CONTINUOUS access to momentary activation mode in 200+ lumen range long throw beam. It seemed like a simple requirement, but so many companies failed at it. The light has to stay in momentary mode unless I want to change it. But, some companies added a feature that changes light mode when the user presses the tail switch in a certain manner. That means the light may change mode without my intent to change it when I was just trying to get a short burst of light in momentary mode multiple times or some other pattern that just so happens to match with the pattern for mode change.
Some messed it up by adding a tail stand tail cap. Why someone who advertised their light as "tactical" thought it was so important to add the feature that obstructs comfortable use of light in hand held mode with the switch being pressed by finger or even flatter palm, which is how "tactical" flashlight is used, is beyond me.
With the Quark, I was able to identify a telephone pole 100m away with some Tyndall effect limiting visibility. Slightly less throw than EagleTac P100C2 which is also a very good light, but wider center beam also wider spill. I would have liked more throw, but still good. I don't have much to comment on things like slightly visible ring inside beams, etc. I don't have much of a fine taste on that kind of things. I see something or I don't.
I really like how compact it is. It's about 1cm shorter than a P100C2. It may not seem like a lot of difference, but the Quark fits in the pouch I carry with me while the EagleTac does not by that margin.
The tail switch resistance is somewhat high which makes me put a lot of effort into pressing the switch with "Rogers/Surefire" grip.
The Quark comes with a lanyard and a rubber loop which can be attached to the light. The lanyard is too long to be looped around wrist. I guess it's to hang the light from a neck or something, which is not exactly a "lanyard." The rubber loop is a nice addition, but the use would be limited unless the light is for a house use. It makes the light bulky.
Overall it was a good purchase.
The Quark 123*2 XP-G R5 Tactical is my favorite EDC. The Quark is in my pocket all the time. I have also been buying them as presents, and have given away four of them so far. I always give 10 batteries as well (buy the batteries in bulk).
