So since we've already done a review of the Quark Mini AA the only other light left in the Mini line is the Quark Mini 123! Now a lot of people prefer one battery type over the other but in this case battery type isn't the only difference between the two lights! The version I have tested and will be reviewing is the cool white but both Mini's are available with a neutral-warm emitter. Just an FYI both the Mini's are now available in Titanium also and I will be posting my thoughts and pictures as soon as the test units arrive =)

First we will go over size and form factor. In comparison to other single cell cr123a lights this thing is WAY shorter and skinnier! When you are trying to decide between which Quark Mini to buy there a few notable differences. The AA is a little taller but also a lot skinnier. This means that it would be a little more comfortable on a keychain, floating in a pocket, or in that small watch/lighter pocket that normally stays empty in most jeans.

The next thing on the list is performance. The Mini 123 uses a cree XP-G emitter just like the mini AA but is a good deal brighter than the AA since it puts out 189 lumens to the AA's 90 lumens. If you are planning on running lithium-ions the 123 may be the better option since it has a wider head to help dissipate heat. Both lights will exceed their lumens outputs if you do choose to run a li-ion. If you do you should hold the light in your hand to help wick away the heat. This light has 3 main modes which are low, medium, and high. They can be accessed in that order by tightening and loosening the head. Changing through all 3 modes twice in a row will access the hidden modes strobe, SOS, beacon Hi, beacon lo. Here are the Out the front specs from the 4sevens site...

Overall this if I was asked to choose between the Mini AA and the Mini 123 I don't think I could. This light would make a great keychain light or even an EDC light for the minimalist. The thing is it may be small but the output, build quality, and modes are up to par with many larger two cell lights! For $39 the mini line also make great gifts for friends and family and you are guranteed these wont just end up in a drawer like any other cheap light. For more information or to purchase one of these beauties check out the link http://www.4sevens...5&products_id=2045

Low: 3 OTF lumens, 150 hours
Medium: 40 OTF lumens, 8 hours
High: 189 OTF lumens, 1.2 hours
Special (hidden) modes:
Strobe 2.4 hours
SOS 7.2 hours
Beacon (Hi) 12 hours
Beacon (Lo) 60 hours

12G 3" 00 buck, .45ACP HP, Quark Mini 123, Quark Mini AA, Preon I, Ra Clicky


Mini AA, Mini 123


Quark RGB, Preon II Red, Preon II Black, Preon I gold-yellow, Preon I Blue, Mini AA, Mini 123

Hey everybody! I just wanted to update this thread since I had received a couple Titanium Mini's for testing so here's the scoop! The Mini line is already very tempting not only because of their "Mini" size but because of their mighty output! Then 4sevens goes and crafts these cool little guys out of TITANIUM!!! Now for those of you that aren't up to date on the latest metals and technologies I will give you a quick overview of "Why Titanium?". First off Ti is shinnyyy so of course that appeals to your blingy side (Dont lie, you know you have one ;) ) Next Ti is a non-corrosive material which pretty much just means it wont rust and you could even take it swimming in the ocean without harming the light. Now the best feature if Ti is its strength and durability! If I remember correctly Ti is actually 3 times as strong as stainless steel but also weighs less! If you are looking for a keychain light this is your stuff. And of course they come with a keychain attachment like the regular aluminum minis but I would suggest finding a little more durable one. The last thing I would like to say about Ti is that it does not dissipate heat as well as aluminum so if you buy the 123 or plan on running a 14500 in your AA you will want to hold it in your hand when it is on high to keep from harming the LED. Now the fun part, pictures!!!
















All lights in "low" mode

The shots where you're holding the things between your fingers really show how small those lights are.

So, titanium lights in the past have been horrifically expensive - look at JetBeam for example, hundreds of dollars, but these are, what, twenty or thirty dollars more than the regular versions? Crazy!

If the RGB had been available in a Ti option, I probably would have gone for that

Yes sir! They are only $20 more than the aluminum version and are also available in neutral warm! I would like to have an RGB in Ti but what I would really like to see is a neutral warm titanium Quark TURBO! After SHOT show is over and 4sevens has a break I might have to check in with the crew and see if they are planning any other lights in Ti =)

Quark Mini 123 Titanium
http://www.4sevens...5&products_id=2176

Quark Mini AA Titanium
http://www.4sevens...5&products_id=2178

Okay, you bunch of nerds convinced me to get the Quark 123 and 123².

HOLY HELL!!!

These things make the Surefire G2 LED lights I bought a couple weeks ago look like freakin' TOYS! ...and they cost less, too.

I'm sold. These things are awesome!

Thanks. I needed another expensive hobby like buying high end flashlights that use expensive batteries like I need a bullet hole in my head.

Oh well, having 200+ Lumens in my hand is freaking awesome! This may well allow me to retire my old Streamlight Scorpion.

All I can say is that these things are worth every penny.

I have my Quark 123 on my keyring at the moment, not being able to find my Preon, and I'm tempted now to pick up the Mini 123. Or even that new Mini CR2...

But yes, silly amounts of light

Posted by metawaffle I have my Quark 123 on my keyring at the moment, not being able to find my Preon, and I'm tempted now to pick up the Mini 123. Or even that new Mini CR2... But yes, silly amounts of light

Buy the warm Quarks. I wish I could.

Posted by AnAppleSnail Buy the warm Quarks. I wish I could.

My Quark123 and Quark RGB are both warms.

Well, neutral, really. I see there's a preorder round right now for warms of a whole bunch of models, though - including Preons! Hmmmm...

I preordered a warm AA^2. Plan to keep it in my camera bag mostly. I'll be curious to see how it is compared to my Fenix LD20.

Those mini 123s look nice but I'm done with 123 lights to be honest. I have oodles of NiMH AAs and some NiMH AAAs as well thanks to all my photo gear. I actually keep a Fenix LD01 (single AAA) on my keychain and with an Eneloop in it.

The Quark RGB models are interesting for light painting too but I also have expended the rebate card that I've been blowing on photo gear recently. That'll certainly reside on the "wouldn't it be nice" list for now but it isn't too necessary since I've got speedlights & gels already that work well for a lot of things.

I ordered a mini 123 and have been playing with it for the last couple days......absolutely amazing little light. I can't believe the output from something so small couple people here at work have a Surefire G2 and a Streamlight stinger DS and it is higher output than both of them. I have a DS too and really like it, great throw maybe slightly better than my new TK30 but only 160 lumen. But it's so funny to put it up against something so tiny and have it look nearly the same up close.