3-7-2010

4Sevens Quark 123² Turbo

Loaned by 4Sevens.com for review.

The Turbo series by 4Sevens is a more throw-oriented version of the tactical quarks. Besides a tighter beam coutesy of a smooth reflector, they feature a "more traditional flashlight shape".

The packaging is the same as that of the Quark flashlights; a rubberized box with a plastic insert, which feels just a bit nicer than most competitor's packaging.

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Build Quality

The Turbo line maintains the Quark series' high quality fit and finish and adds in a slightly beefier design. The threading is all square cut, smooth, and clean and well lubricated, which makes the head-twist interface easy to operate. However, there seems to have been some inconsistency in at least one batch with regard to the tailcap threads. My sample was DOA due to a lack of contact between the body and tailcap. I contacted 4Sevens, and the light was working with a replacement body and tailcap in five days. I am not overly concerned about this DOA since 4Sevens provided quick service and says he is working to fix it.

The anodizing is consistent, but I have not tested its durability.

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Design

One little thing I would like to comment on is that the tailcap is just a little wider than the body. This serves little practical purpose, although it does make it a bit easier to operate; the reason I noticed it is that it is a nice, unique, touch, and shows that 4Sevens is not just a manufacturer, but a designer.

4Sevens opted not to support 18650s. The initial reaction may be that this is a loss, but 2xCR123A flashlights really do feel slimmer. As a matter of fact, the whole light felt smaller overall than I expected. I don't know if I would call it EDC friendly, but it certainly looks small in my hand. Additionally, the slimmer body makes the included CR123A batteries fit without any rattle, which I suspect affords them much greater protection in the event of a hard hit to the body.

This flashlight also includes 4Sevens' signature gripping device, a rubber attachment that loops around the flashlight's head and tailcap, and around the palm. It did a good job of holding the flashlight to my hand when my activities prompted it to do otherwise, but the single cell version it much better: it is easier to attach, harder to accidentally slip off, and holds the flashlight in the perfect position to activate it, while this version is maybe a centimeter off.

This flashlight also features the reversible clip design found in most 4Sevens flashlights. In the end this really is the most elegant solution I have seen to the clip problem, although removing the clip altogether can be a bit difficult.

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Interface

All Turbo Quarks use the same interface as the Tactical Quark line: the forward clicky switch turns the light on and off, and tighening the head yields mode A, while loosening it yields mode B. Both modes can be set by changing modes quickly four times, then turning the light on and off to cycle between moonlight, low, medium, high, max, SOS, strobe, and beacon; leaving the light on for ten seconds locks it in. This interface is a personal favorite of mine, since you cannot accidentally switch modes, and you can be sure that the light will come on at the brightness you want it at.

As I have mentioned before, no good flashlight has a bad switch. All 4Sevens flashlights I have used have had excellent switches, with solid physical and audio feedback. There is no delay between pressing the switch and the light coming on. In keeping with the tactical theme, the Turbo 123²'s switch locks in a bit further back than other Quarks. This means that in a tactical situation the flashlight is less likely to lock on when the user does not intend it to. The switch also protrudes further than normal Quarks, making is easier to locate and activate.

I was impressed with this interface in the Tactical versions of the Quarks; I am even more impressed in the Turbo series because of the improved switch and smoother twisting action. However, it does have its disadvantages: you cannot switch modes with one hand, and it is inconvenient to frequently access more than two modes.

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Output

The Quark Turbo 123² differs from its slimmer brother in that it has an enlarged head and a smooth reflector, both of which mean more throw.

The beam is rather unique; the hotspot has a bit of a brighter rim around its edge, giving an impression not of a donut hole, but of an extremely distinct spot. The corona is very wide, but not especially bright.

Lux at 1m
4Sevens Quark Turbo 1232	8120
4Sevens Quark 1232	4260

That's nearly double the Quark 123²'s 4260 lux at 1m, but not remarkable compared to other flashlights of the same size.

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Verdict

The 4Sevens Quark Turbo 123² is a tougher, more focused version of the regular Quark. Nearly every aspect is improved, while the size is barely increased. After using this flashlight for a week I am impressed with its no-nonsense functionality and top notch fit and finish. However, consider whether the interface suits you before buying it.