Quark of Fenix?

M

maury

Joined
Sep 24, 2000
Messages
606
OK, my search for my EDC flash light has narrowed down. When I started looking around I was kind of amazed at all the bells and whistles that have been built into the current crop. Since I wasn’t intending to attach t to a weapon, go diving with it or use it blind or maim an attacker, it seemed my choices were limited.

My requirements are fairly simple: single AA battery because of size and availability of AA's; rugged construction since it was going to be my travel light and I often travel in places where it might end up being my only source of light, which ment it also had to be efficient as far as getting a good long run time out of a battery. It should have a nice smooth (non crenellated) bezel so’s I wont get hassled at airports. Finally, inexpensive enough so I won’t cry too much it we part company unexpectedly.

So, my choices are done to Fenix or Quark. Single AA models. Quark AA R-5 because the ‘Moonlight’ feature appeals or the Mini R-5 to save $20 bucks (on account of I am a cheap SOB); Fenix LD-10 or LD-15 for pretty much the same reasons.

OK: Anybody care to weigh in on which might be the better choice?

As always, advice is most appreciated & Thanks!
 
Quarks came about because their creator, 4Sevens, who was/is one of the premier Fenix dealers liked what they offered, but saw potential for improvements. Both are great because of the value, plus they're always on the bleeding edge of LED technology, unlike most flashlights that cost 3x as much. You can't go wrong with either, but IMO the Quarks are superior. The buttons feel better (like they'll last longer), and the threads are square-cut (like on Surefires) which make them smoother and more durable with no chance of accidental cross-threading.

Either way, I would highly recommend getting NiMH rechargeables if you don't have any already. Alkalines absolutely suck in high-drain devices like these flashlights. Lithiums work great too, but are expensive if you use the light a lot. My preferred way to go about this is to use NiMHs for daily use, and keep a few lithiums around for emergencies. You've made a wise choice in getting a AA flashlight. Obviously a since AA light won't be as powerful as a 2AA or CR123A or CR2 light, but the batteries are far, far easier to find in a bad situation. Besides finding them in any store, you've probably got several just lying around in other devices (TV remotes, kids toys) that you can cannibalize if need be. A single AA light should be bright enough for just about anything you'd encounter in daily life anyway. I ride my bike at night with and older Fenix and can see just fine. It's no car headlamp, or a racing light for 24 hour rides, but it's brighter than any light I've ever seen another cyclist using at 3am.
 
You might want to also check out the Jetbeam BA10, it fits your requirements and comes in at $38.90. The BA series are simple 2 mode lights (tighten/loosen head to change modes). High mode is 160lm for 1h15. The low mode is 12lm for 30 hours. It's not as dim/long running as some other lights in the single AA category, but I find it just right for my needs. I recently picked up a BA20 (the 2xAA model) and I love it. I've been into Nitecore and Fenix for a few years now, but Jetbeam really hit the sweet-spot with the BA series. They have great features/materials/quality at a price point I can live with.
 
I'm pretty happy with the 2nd hand LD10 I picked up on the exchange a few months back.
 
I have a 4sevens Miniquark that runs on a 123. I also have a Maratac AAA.

The Maratac AAA fit my needs so well, was so nicely priced and so well built, that I bought a second one. There is a Maratac AA. I'd look at that if I were you. Google Maratac and you'll find the dealer.

My other suggestion is that you invest in some lithium batteries, instead of alkaline. I've lost half a dozen aluminum flashlights over the years because the alkaline batteries leaked. That doesn't seem to be a problem with lithium batteries. I found I could buy a 4-pack of Lithium AAA for about $6.50. With the LED lights lasting as long as they do, and the flashlights costing a bunch more than the old maglights, I'd rather pay for the Lithium batteries than risk losing the light to a leaking alkaline.
 
knarfeng said:
My other suggestion is that you invest in some lithium batteries, instead of alkaline. I've lost half a dozen aluminum flashlights over the years because the alkaline batteries leaked. That doesn't seem to be a problem with lithium batteries. I found I could buy a 4-pack of Lithium AAA for about $6.50. With the LED lights lasting as long as they do, and the flashlights costing a bunch more than the old maglights, I'd rather pay for the Lithium batteries than risk losing the light to a leaking alkaline.
Click to expand...

good stuff, i never thought about that
 
I like the newer NiMH batteries like Planterz suggested. Eneloops are great and they have extremely low self discharge rates. As for the lights, I own both brands and would be satisfied with either one. I've been buying more 4sevens lights recently but only because I wanted to give them a try.
 
Well, the vote is in: I just ordered a Quark Mini. Just didn’t see the advantage of the more expensive models and the features on this one should be everything I need. Will post a follow up.

As far as batteries, I am a professional photographer and have a couple of dozen NiMh that I use regularly in equipment. When traveling to some odd places (where electricity is unreliable….. or non-existent!) I am more comfortable carrying alkaline cells.

The only problem I have ever had alkalines leaking has been with odd brands or with outright fake labels. Fakes are a particular problem with Duracells, espically those sold in discount stores (Like, be suspicious of 10 AA’s for .99!). When I stock up for a trip I go the extra dollar or so; it is cheap insurance for all that expensive stuff they will be powering.
 
I don't ever buy the cheapies. I've had name brand alkalines bought from reliable sources leak on occasion over the last 30 or so years. YMMV.

4sevens makes a nice flashlight. Good choice on that.
 
4Sevens lights are built pretty well, but the UI irks me. Too many twists and button presses, IMO. I'm a big fan of the 1-button interface of HDS, Nitecore SmartPD (licensed from McGizmo), and (IIRC) Liteflux.
 
I like both. I have used a few 4Sevens and they seemed to be built well. Good choice. Dont forget to post Pics.
 
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