A new FourSevens Quark is on the way!

If you want a useful, everyday item that can have all manner of technical (and artistic) innovations, you don’t need to look much further than the humble flashlight. Sure, your local hardware store will have some basic lights there, but if you want something more robust, long lasting, and, well, cool, you need to cast a wider net. One of my favorite brands is FourSevens, and they’ve just launched a new FourSevens Quark over on Kickstarter.

Now, why do I like FourSevens? I’ve had one of their Minis (powered by a CR123 cell) for a few years now, and I simply like how compact the light is, along with how powerful of an output it can be (should you flip the interface to the high output). Not everyone likes a twisty, and I certainly have had situations where a tail-button click interface would certainly be handy. That’s where the FourSevens Quark comes into play.

In this case, there are actually two versions being made. The first relies on 2 AA, and the other, shorter one relies on a Li-Ion 16650 cell. Both of these are rechargeable, and these lights actually ship with the cells so it’s not like one of those bad “batteries not included” scenarios. Rechargeables are great, and certainly help your budget (and the environment). OF course, should you be worried about being stranded without a light, the 2xAA model would be your best bet, since those batteries can be found just about anywhere (me, I just carry a spare with me in a battery locker thing).

If you don’t have a charger for those, there are backing tiers that have them, or you could add one on in the backer surveys. Earlybird pricing is sitting at $50 for the QK2A or $64 for the QK16L. Pricing will pop up from that somewhat if you want additional batteries, a charger, etc, etc. If you’ve not tried out a light from FourSevens, I think you’ll be mightily pleased. Of course, this is a big test, as it’s the most notable release from the brand since Prometheus took over, so the pressure to deliver is definitely on.

Oh, and if you’re worrying about a tech site covering “just” another flashlight, you’re doing yourself – and the light – a disservice. Just check out the spec list down below, and then head over to the campaign page and see what all this light can actually do, and why the LED selection was a critical component of the design.

The Kickstarter campaign for the FourSevens Quark is currently going, and will close out on August 21 at 2 AM Central time. Funding level is currently currently at 100% (and that’s just within hours of launching). Given that, plus the Prometheus/FourSevens track record, I’ve a feeling that these lights will definitely deliver. Speaking of, delivery is anticipated for October 2019, just in time for those earlier sunsets. campaign page x darksucks.com

Tech Specs from FourSevens

• Quark MKIII QK16L
  • Dimensions:  
                             Length: 4.5 inches
                             Diameter: 0.88 inches
                             Weight (with batteries): 3.2 oz 
  •  LED Emitter: Nichia 319A (5000K / 80+ CRI)
  •  Voltage range: 2.8V-8.4V
  •  Driver Type: Constant Current
  •  Beam Distance: 170m
  •  Brightness Levels: 
                             Low (Moonlight): 1 lumens, 270 hrs
                             Medium: 100 lumens, 9.5 hrs
                             High 400 lumens 1.75 hrs
                             Max/Burst 700 lumens, 1.5 hrs 
  •  Special Modes: Strobe (20Hz), Beacon, SOS
  •  Reflector: Textured
  •  Switch: Forward Clicky (momentary) 
  •  Body Material: Type-III hard-anodized 6061-T6 aluminum
  •  Lens Material: Optical-grade glass lens with anti-reflective coating on both sides
  •  Water Resistance: IP68
  •  Included Accessories: 16650 Li-Ion rechargeable battery, spare o-rings, Tailstand Cap
  •  Where it’s Made: China
• Quark MKIII QK2A (link to PDF instruction manual)
  •  Dimensions:  
                             Length: 5.8 inches
                             Diameter: 0.88 inches
                             Weight (with batteries): 4.2 oz 
  •  LED Emitter: Nichia 319A (5000K / 80+ CRI)
  •  Voltage range: 0.9V-3.0V
  •  Driver Type: Constant Current
  •  Beam Distance: 145m
  •  Brightness Levels: 
                             Low (Moonlight): 1.5 lumens, 210 hrs
                             Medium: 80 lumens, 8 hrs
                             High 300 lumens 1.5 hrs
                             Max/Burst 500 lumens, 1.25 hrs 
  •  Special Modes: Strobe (20Hz), Beacon, SOS
  •  Reflector: Textured
  •   Switch: Forward Clicky (momentary) 
  •  Body Material: Type-III hard-anodized 6061-T6 aluminum
  •  Lens Material: Optical-grade glass lens with anti-reflective coating on both sides
  •  Water Resistance: IP68
  •  Included Accessories: 2xAA NiMh rechargeable batteries, spare o-rings, Tailstand Cap
  •  Where it’s Made: China