Quark Turbo Flashlights: "Weapon Light Standard" by Nutnfancy

You can get totally ripped off when you go a buy a dedicated "weapon light." Some guys might be able to justify a $200-500 expense on ONE gun light but I cannot. Buyer beware: pricing on such lights is ludicrous and an outgrowth of marketing hype and strategy ("hey we're expensive because we're cool!"). Enter the 4Sevens "Quark Turbo" flashlights (and their successors) which pretty much divide this competition asunder. That's because these are extremely capable, lightweight, compact, tough, and relatively affordable lighting products that will impress you with their performance. The Quark 123 Turbo is my favorite (in weapon light POU): it weighs a svelt 3.6 oz and cranks out up to 230 lumens from it's programmable UI. The AA Turbo is not far behind at 205 Lumens but is a bit longer due to AA power cell use and weighs in at about 5.5 oz with rechargeables. The 123 Turbo accepts the AW IC-protected 1600 mah 17650 rechargeable cell but a more powerful 2600mah18650 won't fit (upgrade to a Quark 18650 body, purchased separately; battery types and technologies will also change). Both feature the programmable Quark "Tacitical" interface which allows two mode choices: tight bezel position and loose bezel positions (primary and secondary modes). The modes include: 0.2 lumen Moonlight (very useful), 4 lumen Low, 22 lumen Medium, 85 lumen high, and 230 lumen (205 lumen AA) Max, SOS, Strobe, and Beacon modes. This UI does lack ultimate versatility but offers mode memorization and greater simplicity. A downside to the regulation circuit is the presence of "pre-flash" after initial turn on and transition to low modes. I predict this will be fixed eventually. The beams "throw" well for the lights' size and power cells: max weapon use range will be about 100 yards/meters in my testing. Beam spread at that range does occur. The XP-G R5 LED is 46% brighter and 64% more efficient than the Cree XR-E predecessor although is has more divergence that is reigned in somewhat by the mostly smooth and deep reflector. Some tinting is noted in the "cool white" LED versions but it's transparent in use and the higher brightness levels provided by these bins are preferred for the discussed POUs. Burn times are good and again dominant any incandescent offerings (obsolete). Waterproofness was thoroughly tested and no weaknesses were revealed. With the flared emitter head, some users will prefer the ergos on the Quark Turbos which mimick traditional flashlight appearance. Cooling fins help the XP-G R5 run more efficiently and add a nice visual touch to the lights. The pocket clip is excellent. As I've discussed before, lighting technology will continue to march onward but these Quark Turbo offerings achieve usable 80-100 yd performance in the demanding weapon light POU. They also see resistant to weapon shock (initial testing only). I recommend simple installment on the gun's rail with an aluminum scope ring (with plastic shims) tightened down. Actuation with the clicky switch is simple and effective and they are no wires to break and get fouled (flush tailcap options shown as well). Additionally they will serve well in the EDC, backpacking search light, walk around, and survival light applications. As of June 2010, these lights (and especially the Quark 123 Turbo) have set some benchmarks in size, weight, versatility, and performance that the overly-hyped and priced alternatives struggle to match. /////////// Nutnfancy Likeability Scales, Quark 1232 Turbo: 8.5 out of 10, Quark AA2 Turbo: 8 out of 10////////////// Music: TNPr "El Dudio" at youtube.com/user/eldudio