OK, I admit it - I'm a tactical light junkie. I have several, all of which I've converted to LED bulbs. The LEDs put out at least the same amount of light as the incandescents, but use way less power and last virtually forever. Also, if mounted to use as a weapon light, they are nearly indestructible.
Recently, on the recommendation of an article in the on-line U.S. Concealed Carry Association newsletter, I purchased a 4-Sevens Quark 123-2 tactical light. It promised a lot of light modes, a maximum output of 230 lumens, very compact size, and 1.5 hours of runtime at maximum output. Hard to believe, but the article raved about it.
First, let's look at size. Here's the Quark put side by side with a SureFire 9 volt. Both use Lithium CR123A batteries; the Surefire uses 3, the Quark 2. You can see that the Quark is indeed very compact, suitable for clipping in a shirt pocket or in a hip or side pocket.
Next, let's compare output. The Surefire is rated, I believe, at around 80 lumens. The Quark puts out an amazing 230 lumens. I had to see it to believe it. This photo is probably not really illustrative, because to the camera, white is white, and it's hard to discern intensity. All the same, you can see that the Quark's peripheral output overlaps and way outshines that of the Surefire. The Quark is set on maximum output.
The Quark can be set for any two of the following outputs:
Moonlight (0.2 lumens) - 30 days runtime
Low (4 lumens) - 5 days runtime
Medium (22 lumens) - 20 hours runtime
High (85 lumens) - 4.5 hours runtime
Strobe (230 lumens pulsing rapidly) - 3 hours runtime
Maximum (230 lumens) - 1.5 hours runtime
Beacon (SOS Morse code signal - 85 lumens) - 23 hours runtime
The two modes selected can be alternated by twisting the front cap either tight or relieved somewhat. I selected max and strobe for mine. Momentary activation is by pressing the tailcap switch lightly; constant on is by pressing the tailcap switch all the way down until it clicks; do it again to turn it off.
The light comes with a package which includes instructions, a lanyard, pocket clip, and belt carrying pouch. Batteries included.
My only complaint, and not a huge one, is that the procedure for selecting your two preferred modes is a bit complex - read the instructions carefully in order to accomplish it. The flashlight is definitely quality made, with square-profile threads for the caps. The light output should be able to easily momentarily blind anyone who gets it in the face, and the strobe mode would be really disorienting.
LED technology has really advanced in the last several years; thought I'd show you what is apparently state-of-the-art in LED tactical flashlights. You can get further information on this one at:
4Sevens - 4Sevens.Com.
This outfit has been very responsive with e-mail updates on order status, and apologetic about a recent manufacturing backlog. They have been swamped with orders since the USCCA article came out. The Quark 123-2 is priced at $69 plus shipping, which I think is quite reasonable and competitive. It has a 120-month repair or replace guarantee from the date of purchase, under normal use and service.
John
Recently, on the recommendation of an article in the on-line U.S. Concealed Carry Association newsletter, I purchased a 4-Sevens Quark 123-2 tactical light. It promised a lot of light modes, a maximum output of 230 lumens, very compact size, and 1.5 hours of runtime at maximum output. Hard to believe, but the article raved about it.
First, let's look at size. Here's the Quark put side by side with a SureFire 9 volt. Both use Lithium CR123A batteries; the Surefire uses 3, the Quark 2. You can see that the Quark is indeed very compact, suitable for clipping in a shirt pocket or in a hip or side pocket.
Next, let's compare output. The Surefire is rated, I believe, at around 80 lumens. The Quark puts out an amazing 230 lumens. I had to see it to believe it. This photo is probably not really illustrative, because to the camera, white is white, and it's hard to discern intensity. All the same, you can see that the Quark's peripheral output overlaps and way outshines that of the Surefire. The Quark is set on maximum output.
The Quark can be set for any two of the following outputs:
Moonlight (0.2 lumens) - 30 days runtime
Low (4 lumens) - 5 days runtime
Medium (22 lumens) - 20 hours runtime
High (85 lumens) - 4.5 hours runtime
Strobe (230 lumens pulsing rapidly) - 3 hours runtime
Maximum (230 lumens) - 1.5 hours runtime
Beacon (SOS Morse code signal - 85 lumens) - 23 hours runtime
The two modes selected can be alternated by twisting the front cap either tight or relieved somewhat. I selected max and strobe for mine. Momentary activation is by pressing the tailcap switch lightly; constant on is by pressing the tailcap switch all the way down until it clicks; do it again to turn it off.
The light comes with a package which includes instructions, a lanyard, pocket clip, and belt carrying pouch. Batteries included.
My only complaint, and not a huge one, is that the procedure for selecting your two preferred modes is a bit complex - read the instructions carefully in order to accomplish it. The flashlight is definitely quality made, with square-profile threads for the caps. The light output should be able to easily momentarily blind anyone who gets it in the face, and the strobe mode would be really disorienting.
LED technology has really advanced in the last several years; thought I'd show you what is apparently state-of-the-art in LED tactical flashlights. You can get further information on this one at:
4Sevens - 4Sevens.Com.
This outfit has been very responsive with e-mail updates on order status, and apologetic about a recent manufacturing backlog. They have been swamped with orders since the USCCA article came out. The Quark 123-2 is priced at $69 plus shipping, which I think is quite reasonable and competitive. It has a 120-month repair or replace guarantee from the date of purchase, under normal use and service.
John
