Upgrading Quark to XP-L HI?

Hello

I have a old quark 2AA xml nw. Want to upgrade it to XP-L HI. Good idea? Worth the upgrade?

I don't see why not, except you may a focusing issue. If i had one, I'd risk it. You might like XP-L HI V3 neutral white.

quarks have heavily textured reflectors so if you're expecting awesome throw you'll be disappointed

Lux and lumens wouldn't be a big increase, but it would be an improvement on your older Quark.

BLUE LED said:

Lux and lumens wouldn't be a big increase, but it would be an improvement on your older Quark.

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Worth $40 - $50?

Depending on your intended usage, and if it can be done physically and electrically... you may want to consider a neutral XP-G2 (potentially de-domed) for a tighter beam profile.

I have a Quark Neutral Tactical that I still use when I want a momentary switch, and I'm always pleasantly surprised at the intensity of the beam since it has the XP-G.

Unless you really like the size/form-factor/UI of the Quark and can't find a valid replacement... it would only be worth $40 - $50 in my opinion if you can end up with a significantly more useful beam (output and throw) and a premium temp/tint/CRI.

Anyone have a Thrunite Archer 2AA V2 XP-L for trade?

dealgrabber2002 said:

Worth $40 - $50?

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That's a matter of personal preference. I would consider $40 - $50 too much.

You can buy cheaper XP-L HI V2 1A on a copper board from International Outdoor. I think it's around $9 shipped? That will save you a few $

I don't know the specifics of the Quark's internals but it wont be a simple emitter swap. The footprint of the two are different so you would need to install it on a new board at the very least.

Still, I'm not saying it is impossible or even hard, may be a breeze to swap..

The OP's Quark is currently an XM-L emitter... and I thought the XP-L was supposed to be the same footprint... no?

XP-L is an "XP" so same footprint as XP-G2

then you'd also need a different plastic centering device for XPL HI

not worth it to mod

Thx overclocker

I do not agree with the overall direction of the comments above.
I own 3 quarks 123^2, the first was one of the first batch with XP-E CW bought years ago, one is the XP-G HICRI limited edition, and the last one, which came in the mailbox yesterday, is a Turbo 123^2.
They are not perfect, they show the sings of time and use, but I keep using them, among many other lights.
The first one has been opened and modded, with a XP-E2 3000K, about 2 years ago. I guess that the difference in output between the XP-E and XP-E2 is not so relevant (given the decreased efficiency of a 3000K binning), but the quality of the light for my taste has improved a lot.
The HICRI edition has been opened and I'm waiting for a XP-G2 HICRI that will have enough efficiency difference to make me want to swap the emitter to improve the output.

The Turbo with XP-G has been opened 1 hour ago. I will take the advantage of the big reflector to try some XP-L Hi, or go back to XP-G2 or XP-E2.

So, if you ask me, it's very worth.
But it depends: changing the led won't make a difference in UI, level or runtime.
If you find that you use happily this light, yes, the led swap will bring you relevant difference.
I am not a fan of XM-L leds, too wide beam, I'll move to XP-G2 if I wanted to gain more throw, but keeping a big output and spill; XP-E2 if all you want is a closer beam. XP-L Hi will be even more oriented to throw.