Streamlight PT-1L vs. 4Sevens Quark MiNiX 123

B

Bishop2Queen's6

Joined
Jun 8, 2011
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I'm having trouble picking a new EDC pocket flashlight since my Coast P2 failed me.

Both are under $50
Both take 1 CR123A battery

The Streamlight only has 3 modes (High, Strobe, Low).
HIGH - 110 lumens/1.75 Hours
LOW - 12 lumens/14 Hours
STROBE - 3 Hours

The 4Sevens Quark MiNiX 123 has Seven Output Modes:
Low: 1.2 lumens, 100 hours
Medium: 45 lumens, 6.5 hours
High: 210 lumens, 1 hours
Strobe 2 hours
SOS 4 hours
Beacon (Hi) 10 hours
Beacon (Lo) 50 hours

I'm leaning more toward the streamlight because of the less features, but I like the 4Sevens b/c of its high lumen output in such a small package.

I'm also thinking if I needed 200+ lumens, I would be carrying a bigger flashlight anyways that would have a longer burn time at that output. I would only use the high mode in my EDC in a real emergency anyways so I wouldn't need that long of a burn time.

What would you pick, or recommend otherwise?
 
I don't have any experience with either of those flashlights, but I do have a 4Sevens Mini AA2, and I love it.
IMO, having a flashlight that takes AA's, which will be wherever I go, is a huge bonus. Plus, I'm a big fan of Eneloops.
I like the penlight form factor but that is just my preference.
 
I have a PT1L that I've been completely pleased with, but I haven't used any 4Stevens products.

The Streamlight PT series is my new "go-to" light line up. The 1AA is just about the perfect "fist-load" size.
 
The four flashing modes in the MiniX are hidden. You have to go through the three output modes twice quickly to access them, so they are not there unless you want them to be.
 
I've got the 4Sevens and couldn't be happier with it. I use the high beam more often than I thought I would too. Some times a pocket spotlight really helps.
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Beckerhead #42
 
I have the 4Sevens MiniX 123 and like it a lot. I appreciate having the very low "moonbeam" setting. It's just the thing for poking around a dark car trunk or tent when you're looking for something but don't want to totally blow out your night vision or blind anyone else.

The construction of the MiniX is good although the "tighten to turn on" interface is a bit touchy - if I tighten too quickly it tends to flash then go right to "off." I feel like that's a problem that wasn't present brand new. If it gets worse I'll send it back and see what Quark says.

I don't have experience with the Streamlight so I can't really comment on how they compare.
 
storl said:
The four flashing modes in the MiniX are hidden. You have to go through the three output modes twice quickly to access them, so they are not there unless you want them to be.
Click to expand...

Wow. I did not know that. With the streamlight, I can go to strobe with just a quick double click so it can be used in an emergency-disorient, blind and run situation. Plus its a good fist-size flashlight like stated above. A lot more comfortable to hold than the MiniX.

I'll prolly be getting the streamlight then.
 
I didn't realize what the Protac 1L was. If you want something that size and form factor, you have a ton of options. Streamlight is not very good about keeping up with technology, so you could get something a lot brighter in the same size if you don't mind straying away from them. It might be a bit more than $50 though.
 
I EDC the MiniX 123, using a correct size Fenix belt holster. Awesome setup. Its so tiny, which is great for EDC, and gives you the option of extended runtime or huge lumens if you need it. Mine feeds on a rechargeable RCR123, which is not recommended by 4Sevens (I assume because it can overheat the emitter on extended runtime on high), but many of us CPFers do it. And I love having access to the strobe. This light is about as good as it gets for EDC, if one factors in size. JMO.
 
One more for the 4sevens. I attached one of those retractable key chain deals to it. I just clip it to my belt and its always available when I need it and retracts back when I dont. I never even notice its there its so small and light. Plus a 10 year warranty. Quark all the way.
 
I have a Streamlight PT 2L and a Quark Turbo. I am very happy with both lights. The 4Sevens is brighter, but I actually like the simpler user interface of the Streamlight better than the 4Sevens. The button interface of the Streamlight allows mode changes with one hand while the 4Sevens twist interface often requires two hands.
 
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