surefire T1a or 4seven mini 123

[rolexconfuse]

The 4seven is much brighter and cheaper, surefire is more expensive and dimmer but the build is solid. What benefits if any are there, that surefire has over the 4seven mini 123?

 

[jp2515]

I'd go with the Quark in this case. There seems to be complaint with the bluish tint (aka tint lottery) with the T1A, do a search and you'll find threads bout it. One thing the T1A does well is the infinite brightness settings and its solid.

 

[nbp]

You've got to be kidding me. The fact that you are considering a T1A means that the cost is not really prohibitive, so why would you settle for the Quark?

The Titan I was able to use for a few days had the best UI I've ever used, hands down, on earth, in the universe, whatever. It was an awesomely awesome light, with a fantastic beam and the lowest low you can imagine; it was more like a 'glow'. Add in the high manufacturing quality and great customer service, and I'd say if you can afford it, go for the T1A. If you for some odd reason you decide you don't like it, you will have ZERO problem selling it and replacing it with a lesser light.

IMHO.

 

[bullettproof]

The TITAN is solid !!!

The UI is Awesome did I say Awesome:twothumbs

 

[Kilovolt]

I have both lights and IMO there's no contest: T1A is much less powerful but its beam is perfect for EDC and the level adjustment is unique. :cool:

In case you get a tint that is too blue like in my case, an excellent solution is painting the lens yellow. You can really adjust the tint to your liking and the loss in output is minimal. :grin2:

 

[rolexconfuse]

You've got to be kidding me. The fact that you are considering a T1A means that the cost is not really prohibitive, so why would you settle for the Quark?

The Titan I was able to use for a few days had the best UI I've ever used, hands down, on earth, in the universe, whatever. It was an awesomely awesome light, with a fantastic beam and the lowest low you can imagine; it was more like a 'glow'. Add in the high manufacturing quality and great customer service, and I'd say if you can afford it, go for the T1A. If you for some odd reason you decide you don't like it, you will have ZERO problem selling it and replacing it with a lesser light.

IMHO.

I played with the Surefire T1a in the store and it was very nice, small, portable and light. I've only seen the 4seven in online but the brightness level of the 4seven seems very impressive.

 

[JCD]

The 4seven is much brighter and cheaper, surefire is more expensive and dimmer but the build is solid. What benefits if any are there, that surefire has over the 4seven mini 123?

Ferrari or Yugo? Tough choices indeed.

 

[scout24]

I find the Titans (either version) far easier to operate with one hand than the Mini123. UI is far better, too, IMHO. You want brighter or dimmer? Just twist. No on/off/on/off twisting. My Ti titan is in my pocket as we speak... :)

 

[bullettproof]

When you have a really small light that cant get rid of heat you loose lots of lumen really really fast. The XPG creates a good amount of heat in a very short time I would go as far to say it looses 60 lumens after 3-4 minutes of use.

 

[strinq]

Let's just list down the pros and cons:

Quark pros:
1. Crazily cheaper
2. Brighter
3. Smaller
4. Extra modes. Some ppl would say its not necessary, but its not easy to accidently activate it and in normal use it does not get in the way, so to me its a pro. Its there if u need it.
5. Much longer runtime

Quark cons:
1. Some with green tint (might or might not be a con)
2. Probably not as durable/rugged

Surefire pros:
1. Probably more durable/rugged
2. Lower low

Surefire cons:
1. Crazily more expensive
2. Dimmer
3. Some with bluish tint (might or might not be a con)
4. Larger (might or might not be a con, for most it will be)
5. Much shorter runtime.


Personal opinion:
Is the surefire worth 6X more than the Quark mini? To me, only in a life or death situation. If not, to me, the Mini wins hands down.

 

[don.gwapo]

Price point:

Mini me = x6 vs
Titan = x1.

And mini me is brighter than the titan. So my vote goes to mini me. :whistle:.

 

[AnAppleSnail]

Try the UI for both. Hopefully you have some friends with each, or a place with a good return policy. Really, if you're willing to buy a T1A, buy both and try both. Either return the other or sell it here, or have a decent backup. It's worth spending 17% more to get what you want, if you can't find someone to let you EDC each light before buying.

 

[the.Mtn.Man]

I guess you have to decide if the Surefire is really worth an extra $200 to you.

 

[carrot]

Nothing against the Quark MiNi (I EDC one right next to my other 13x more expensive EDC) but the interface on the Titan is better. By a lot. The machining and anodizing is also superior.

That said, I have heard complaints that the Titan is not very water resistant and has a very blue tint.

What the MiNi has going for it over the Titan is that it's cheap and brighter. That's about it.

 

[amigafan2003]

Ferrari or Yugo? Tough choices indeed.

That's a little harsh. A DX light = Yugo.

4Sevens = Euro Ford?

 

[paulr]

Whether the price is relevant depends on your approach to flashlight buying. If you want to buy just one flashlight in your life and are trying to choose which one, then getting the cheaper one can save you a lot of money. If you have $150 to spend on flashlights this year, then whether you spend it all on one light or split it across several cheaper lights, you've spent the same amount either way, and it's financially a wash.

Most CPF'ers who would think of buying a Titan are into flashlights as a hobby, and already own quite a few. So they're buying the light for enjoyment rather than to fill a practical need. So if both lights fit within your available funds, then decide based on which one you think you'll enjoy more.

 

[glockboy]

I vote for the Mini.

 

[kengps]

Buy em both. Whats another $35 bucks if you're paying for a Surefire? But be warned, when you see the difference between 70 lumens and 255 you'll be sad.

 

[scout24]

rolexconfuse, where are you located? If you are conus, I may be willing to send you my T1A for a few days to give it a look- see. Really nothing like having it in hand...

 

[GarageBoy]

The UI is the only reason for the Titan, plus, it feels cool in the hand. For making light, the Mini