Quark Mini AA: "Finger Sized Searchlight" by Nutnfancy

You can run your tiny Quark Mini AA on a #14500 rechargeable lithium-ion power cell. Unlike some other models, the Mini AA runs in direct drive of this power cell and as such achieves amazing brightness levels (around 260 lumens from one AA power cell!). However this is not an approved 4Sevens power source for this light (as it can overheat the emitter head) and it will void the warranty. Don't expect to see this spec on the 4Sevens website; it's an unapproved upgrade. In testing the Mini AA with a "AW" brand 14500 cell I find the light undergoes an amazing transformation: expect around 260 lumens (maybe more, then stabilizes at a somewhat dimmer output) to come crankin' out of the tiny light. Yesore heat will be generated but as long as you limit the time you use the Max brightness levels, the light handles it just fine (especially in subzero temperatures as shown here). PWM hum is noted in Low and Medium output levels but reaches inaudible levels on High mode. This Mini AA version has the still excellent XP-G LED emitter, as previously reviewed. Burn times were not measured but I think will be comparable to other power cells. Also keep in mind, the little AA light passed my harsh drop tests with flying colors, is totally waterproof, and only weighs 1.4 ounces! With the rechargeable, IC-protected 14500 cell however, it is a cheap, lightweight way to transform the outstanding MIni AA into a finger-sized wilderness searchlight. //////////////////////// Nutnfancy Likability Scale: 10 of 10