Description:
CREE XP-E R2 LED
5 Regulated Output Levels
Strobe, SOS, and Beacon Modes
A full description of the entire line of Quark lights can be found here: www.4sevens.com/quark
Another great review with runtimes can be found here: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=233985
First Impressions:
The Quarks lights come in a very nicely designed and professional packaging. The machining of the lights is very well done, with a flawless black anodizing. They seem well constructed with a nice shape to them. I was also immediately impressed with the beam quality, there are no rings or artifacts. But other than that, nothing really stood out about them.
Size/Weight:
The size and weight of the Quark series of lights is on par with other lights using the same battery configurations. The Quark AA is a bit larger than say the Nitecore D10, but that is due to the Quark having a more traditional clickie switch.
Grip/Handling:
All of the Quark series lights felt pretty good in my hand, they fit well and have enough knurling and shape to them to easily keep a good grip on them. I especially like the smaller diameter of the middle section of the body, particularly on the Quark AA. The clip however does stick out a bit more than I like. It also provides something to grip onto, but it just felt a bit large in my hand with the smaller lights in the series. I also personally like the clip to be mounted more toward the end of the light, so that it sits lower in your pocket. The clip is proportional and well placed on the AA^2 and 123^2 though. I also like the fact that the clip does not use screws to attach it, which always seem to strip out over time.
Build Quality:
Build quality seems very good on these lights. The machining is very well don’t, the threads are quite tight and smooth, although a bit hard to turn. Applying some more lubrication to the threads and o-ring should help. They are also square threads, which make them a bit stronger, and may be why they are a bit tighter. But I would rather have tight than weak. The reflector has a nice texture to it, which makes the beam quality very smooth, but still has a nice spot to it.
Features:
The Quarks come with a couple nice accessories, such as a pouch, lanyard, extra o-rings, and a finger loop that you can place on the light. The loop then slips over one of your fingers, so that you do not have to have a constant grip on the light. Pretty neat addition, not seen that with any other light before. The AA^2 has a similar attachment made to slip over the palm of your hand.
Controls:
The (non-tactical) Quark series are controlled by a reverse clickie switch that is recessed so the light can tail stand. With the head of the light loosened, you have access to 4 output levels, along with strobe and SOS. You click the switch to turn the light on in its lowest output, half pressing the switch (not making it click) will cycle the light up to the next output level, and so on, until you cycle through the SOS and Beacon. The light then begins the cycle back at the lowest output level again.
Tightening the head of the light puts the light into more of a tactical mode. In this mode you have access to only the max output level, and strobe.
Loosened Bezel: Moonlight -> Low -> Medium -> High -> SOS -> Beacon
Tightened Bezel: Max -> Strobe
Output:
I like the beam pattern these lights have. The textured reflector does a nice job of eliminating any rings or artifacts in the beam. There is a nice defined hot spot, but it also has a bit of a faded edge due to the reflectors texture. The lights also have a warm tint to them, which I prefer, it has better color retention. Those that like a stark white led may not like the tint as much.
Quark AA ~ Output: Maximum – 90 lumens; Moonlight – 0.2 lumens
Quark AA^2 ~ Output: Maximum – 170 lumens; Moonlight – 0.2 lumens
Quark 123 ~ Output: Maximum – 170 lumens; Moonlight – 0.2 lumens
Quark 123^2 ~ Output: Maximum – 190 lumens; Moonlight – 0.2 lumens
Runtime:
Quark AA ~ Runtime: Maximum – 1.2 hours; Moonlight – 10 days
Quark AA^2 ~ Runtime: Maximum – 1.3 hours; Moonlight – 30 days
Quark 123 ~ Runtime: Maximum – 0.8 hours; Moonlight – 15 days
Quark 123^2 ~ Runtime: Maximum – 1.8 hours; Moonlight – 30 days
Heat Issues:
During my uses I have not seen any heat issues. They don’t seem to get any warmer in my hand than any other similar light. As with all lights, its better not to just leave it sit on a table on all day. Holding it in your hand draws some of the heat out of the light and helps it cool. But it shouldn’t be an issue.
Pros:
Very nice smooth beam with respectable output levels.
The lowest output level is quite low at 0.2 lumens, so its nice for night adapted eyes.
Quality machining with strong threads.
Multiple output levels that are fully regulated.
Includes some nice accessories.
Clip attached around body, does not use screws.
Cons:
I would personally like the clip mounted more toward the tail on the single cell lights.
I am personally not a fan of strobes and flashing modes. Therefore I do not like having to cycle through those modes when I am changing brightness levels.
The clickie switch can be a bit hard to press. it has a firm click, and is recessed flat with the tail. But this means there is little chance of accidentally turning the light on in your pocket or bag.
Conclusion:
The 4Sevens Quark series of lights has a nice set of features and accessories considering its on par with prices of other lights in this class. They are well made and well thought out. The things I didnt like about them (strobe and beacon modes, reverse clickie, clip placement) come down to personal preference really.
