AardvarkSagus
Flashlight Enthusiast
4Sevens Q MiNi AA
The Q MiNi AA has once again pushed the limit of exactly how small can a light be and yet still fully encompass the common AA cell powering it. This powerhouse of Lilliputian proportions is the reason I have decided to give up on mentioning the phrase "barely bigger than the cell powering it". Every time I do, something smaller rolls across my desk.
4Sevens Q MiNi AA
Meat and Potatoes
The Q MiNi series utilizes the current (as of this writing) top of the line XP-G LED from industry leader Cree to accentuate the discrepancy between its minuscule size and amazing output. This simple little light cranks out an astounding 90 lumens on high that completely dazzles anyone uninitiated into quality flashlights. Even those experienced with high power LEDs will express surprise that so small a package can produce such results.
4Sevens Q MiNi AA
The larger die size of the XP-G combined with the smaller reflector of this mite sized casing has a (to me) beneficial side effect of creating a wider beam that is well suited for the close up tasks that tend to constitute the majority of EDC needs. That beam is also very well smoothed out by the textured reflector resulting in a nearly artifact free beam with a good spot to spill transition.
4Sevens Q MiNi AA
Aesthetically these lights aren't going to win any beauty contests but that is because their design simply follows the same utilitarian approach as the rest of the light. The MiNi series comes with ample knurling over the majority of the light providing superior grip for both retention and operation of the light. The only non-functional aesthetic design appears to be the engraved 47 logo on the tail of the light that was ironically carved out by photons prior to the anodization process.
4Sevens Q MiNi AA
The simple twist based user interface for the light is an excellent blend of simplicity and options. The basic Low-Med-High levels are well spaced, providing adequate choices of illumination. While lying hidden and out of the way, the 4 signaling modes are still relatively easy to access. The light does unfortunately utilize PWM to regulate its brightness however the very high rate (2.6 khz I believe I read) makes this a non-issue during use.
I have even had the opportunity to test out the Limited edition Titanium variations of these excellent lights. As expected, the technological differences are completely nonexistent since both flavors use identical electronics and tooling. The elitism of the Titanium version comes almost entirely from the highly polished beauty and higher strength of the unique metal. There is a slight drawback that these premium editions seem to have stiffer threading that appears to be an unfortunate staple of Titanium construction.
Constructive Criticism
In all honesty, considering the many lights I have thus far seen and used, this series has been one of the hardest when it comes to filling out this portion of my review. These lights are just so unpretentious that it really makes them a joy to use. They don't try to be anything they are not, they are just small and useful.
The one sticking point I can spot for these really is not a case of "bad as-is" but rather a case of "might this be better?" With the current UI, in the event that you don't want to use the light on the lowest setting you are required to switch it back off and back on in rapid succession before arriving at your desired output. While with only three modes, this isn't much of a problem, I am still struck with the thought of "what if?" In a more ideal scenario I see a modification of the Nitecore EZ user interface. The same three levels cycled by merely tightening the bezel slightly further to increase the output would be excellent. Again, I don't pretend to speak for everyone, this is an opinion based blog.
4Sevens Q MiNi AA
Conclusions
The Q MiNi series is one of the most versatile, inconspicuous EDC style flashlights that I have ever seen. It combines the newest technology with extremely compact size to produce a truly utilitarian work of art. With the option to purchase a premium Titanium variety in all its jeweled splendor, this light gets even better.
4Sevens Q MiNi Series
Provided for the duration of the review by 4Sevens.com
Also Available - 4Sevens Q MiNi 123
The Q MiNi AA has once again pushed the limit of exactly how small can a light be and yet still fully encompass the common AA cell powering it. This powerhouse of Lilliputian proportions is the reason I have decided to give up on mentioning the phrase "barely bigger than the cell powering it". Every time I do, something smaller rolls across my desk.
4Sevens Q MiNi AA
Meat and Potatoes
The Q MiNi series utilizes the current (as of this writing) top of the line XP-G LED from industry leader Cree to accentuate the discrepancy between its minuscule size and amazing output. This simple little light cranks out an astounding 90 lumens on high that completely dazzles anyone uninitiated into quality flashlights. Even those experienced with high power LEDs will express surprise that so small a package can produce such results.
4Sevens Q MiNi AA
The larger die size of the XP-G combined with the smaller reflector of this mite sized casing has a (to me) beneficial side effect of creating a wider beam that is well suited for the close up tasks that tend to constitute the majority of EDC needs. That beam is also very well smoothed out by the textured reflector resulting in a nearly artifact free beam with a good spot to spill transition.
4Sevens Q MiNi AA
Aesthetically these lights aren't going to win any beauty contests but that is because their design simply follows the same utilitarian approach as the rest of the light. The MiNi series comes with ample knurling over the majority of the light providing superior grip for both retention and operation of the light. The only non-functional aesthetic design appears to be the engraved 47 logo on the tail of the light that was ironically carved out by photons prior to the anodization process.
4Sevens Q MiNi AA
The simple twist based user interface for the light is an excellent blend of simplicity and options. The basic Low-Med-High levels are well spaced, providing adequate choices of illumination. While lying hidden and out of the way, the 4 signaling modes are still relatively easy to access. The light does unfortunately utilize PWM to regulate its brightness however the very high rate (2.6 khz I believe I read) makes this a non-issue during use.
I have even had the opportunity to test out the Limited edition Titanium variations of these excellent lights. As expected, the technological differences are completely nonexistent since both flavors use identical electronics and tooling. The elitism of the Titanium version comes almost entirely from the highly polished beauty and higher strength of the unique metal. There is a slight drawback that these premium editions seem to have stiffer threading that appears to be an unfortunate staple of Titanium construction.
Constructive Criticism
In all honesty, considering the many lights I have thus far seen and used, this series has been one of the hardest when it comes to filling out this portion of my review. These lights are just so unpretentious that it really makes them a joy to use. They don't try to be anything they are not, they are just small and useful.
The one sticking point I can spot for these really is not a case of "bad as-is" but rather a case of "might this be better?" With the current UI, in the event that you don't want to use the light on the lowest setting you are required to switch it back off and back on in rapid succession before arriving at your desired output. While with only three modes, this isn't much of a problem, I am still struck with the thought of "what if?" In a more ideal scenario I see a modification of the Nitecore EZ user interface. The same three levels cycled by merely tightening the bezel slightly further to increase the output would be excellent. Again, I don't pretend to speak for everyone, this is an opinion based blog.
4Sevens Q MiNi AA
Conclusions
The Q MiNi series is one of the most versatile, inconspicuous EDC style flashlights that I have ever seen. It combines the newest technology with extremely compact size to produce a truly utilitarian work of art. With the option to purchase a premium Titanium variety in all its jeweled splendor, this light gets even better.
4Sevens Q MiNi Series
Provided for the duration of the review by 4Sevens.com
Also Available - 4Sevens Q MiNi 123
