First Impressions:
The 4Sevens Quark Series has came out with a new and
improved version of their lights, always keeping up with the latest
technology. In this case, the Cree XLamp XM-L LED. These new versions
are designated as the Quark X series. There are also two version
available, the Normal and the Tactical. I reviewed this 123*2 Normal
version, and the
2AA Tactical version. The difference in the two
versions are the switch and the user interface, explained below. The two
reviews will be very similar, so you will notice some portions of the
reviews will be the same, while also mentioning aspects of things such
as size ,weight and handling that make the two lights different.
Size/Weight:
The Quark X 123*2 is a great size, nice and small but
large enough to fit in your hand nicely and be easy to use. I found it
was even light weight enough to hold in my mouth if I needed two hands
for a task.
Grip/Handling:
The knurling is like most the other Quark
lights of the past, fairly smooth but still provides some grip. I
noticed myself getting most the grip from the pocket clip, which by the
way is removable and even reversible. You can mount it on the tail or
head end. This is a nice feature that makes the light a great fit
whether you like carrying your light head up or tail up in your pocket.
One thing I did notice was that when picking up the light in
the dark, it was alittle hard to tell just by feel which way it was
orientated in my hand, since the head and the tail end are the same
diameter and feel very similar. That is the case with alot of lights
that dont have a larger diameter turbo head though.
Build
Quality:
Like all the 4Sevens products, I see no issues with
build quality. The machining is very well done, no sharp edges, the
black anodizing is smooth and even. The LEDs were nicely centered in the
reflectors and I noticed no dust under the lens. The pocket clip is very
stiff and feels very sturdy.
Output &
Runtime:
With the use of the new Cree XLamp XM-L LED the new X Series has an
improved output without sacrificing runtime. Both my test units had a
warm tinted hot spot that fades smoothly into a cool tinted flood. The
differences in tint are only noticeable when white wall hunting though.
In normal use I liked the warmer tinted center, it added some color
retention.
One of my favorite things about the X Series is the Moonlight
output. There are way too many lights out there that have their lowest
output setting way too bright for fully night adapted eyes. All the
other output levels are also very nicely spaced and usable.
User Interface:
The user interface for the Normal and Tactical versions of
the Quark X series are totally different, and at first I had a hard time
deciding which I liked the best. I ended up liking the Normal version
better.
I will try to explain the differences the best I can, but
basically the Normal version is best for those that like easy access to
all the lights output levels. The Tactical version is best for those
that want a light to operate much simpler, have easy access to just two
output levels and dont need the access to all the output levels easily.
But would still like to be able to customize which two light levels the
light is using by default.
I liked the fact that the Normal version would always turn on
in Moonlight mode. I found this a better solution than the light
remembering the last output level I used because I dont always remember
what level I last used. Plus this way the light does not blind you if
you turn it on with might adapted eyes. If you need a higher output it
is quick and easy to lightly press the switch a couple times jumping up
in output levels. Or just twist the head tight to jump straight to the
max output level.
The Tactical version is much simpler in use, but a bit more
tricky to setup which output levels you want it to use.
Basically you have two output levels that you will have easy access to.
One with the head loosened and one with the head tightened.
To set the output level you have to tighten and loosen the
head at least 4 times quickly, stopping with the head in the state you
want to program, tight or loose. After three seconds the light will
blink indicating it is ready to be programmed. Now turn the light on and
off with the tail switch until you have the desired output level
selected. The Tactical version has a forward clickie, so you will have
to fully press with switch turning the light on and off with a full
click. Each time you turn the light on and off it will cycle to the next
output level.
Moonlight > Low > Medium > High > Max > SOS > Strobe > Beacon
After a few seconds the light will blink indicating that the output
level has now been set and memorized.
Normal Version:
Reverse Clickie Switch (no momentary on)
Able to Tail Stand
When Bezel/Head is Loosened light will always turn on in the
Moonlight output level
Lightly press the switch (no need to make it click) to cycle through the
output levels
Moonlight > Low > Medium > High > SOS > Beacon
When Bezel/Head is Tightened light will always turn on in the Max
output level
Lightly press the switch to cycle back and forth from Max and Strobe
Tactical Version:
Forward Clickie Switch (has momentary on)
Not able to Tail Stand
When Bezel/Head is Loosened light will turn on in the output
level set by the user
When Bezel/Head is Tightened light will turn on in the output
level set by the user
Pressing the switch lightly will operate the light in momentary mode,
fully clicking it will turn the light on and off.
Pros:
Good output and beam pattern
Sturdy Removable/Reversible Pocket Clip
Able to tail stand
Evenly spaced output levels
Very low Moonlight level
Good build quality
Cons:
Switch is sensitive, may accidentally change levels if using the light
with thumb rested on switch
Not able to use an 18650 cell (though this would have meant that using
2x123 cell would have rattled)
Conclusion:
The Quark X series of lights is another great
addition to the always improving line of 4Sevens lights. They do a great
job of listening to what the customer wants and offer different versions
to meet a persons specific needs.
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