Can the Wk20 Quash a Quark?
I did a quick Google before begining this and found that somebody from XTAR (maybe the same gentleman that contaced me?) tried to promote this little guy here about a month ago. I hope I can provide a little more information/hands-on experience, however inexperienced technically I may be. This light (and a Wk25) were provided me for purposes of evaluation.
The bottom line: 4.2 out of 5 Foys because this is a fantastic CR123 flashlight but this form-factor is not my favorite.
Because this light compares in size and battery use to the Quark Mini123, I naturally wondered how the R4 Xtar would do next to a proven T6 pocket rocket like 4Sevens' MiNiX 123. (thier spelling, not mine) On paper, it may not be a fair match but at work under real-world conditions I can say without hesitation that I prefer the Wk20 over the MiniX 123. Even though its smooth reflector produces a slightly more ringy beam pattern, I've found I like the stronger throw. The better throw does not come at the expense of a very useful flood of light, that always surrounds you when walking in the dark with this little powerhouse. Yes, the Quark is an XM-L and yes it has four "hidden" modes in addition to the high-medium-low primary modes. You could also argue that the super low 1.2 lumens on the Quark is a nice high-end feature, and it is. But, I don't care about flashy modes and unlike the Quark, this light's first mode is high. So when I want a lot of light right now, I get it with a single twist and the bonus?
The XTAR Wk20 is $20 cheaper.
What I like:
- 265 lumens (if that is to believed)
- a UI that makes sense
- pretty good lumens for the dollar
- nice gift box
What I do not like:
- would an R5 have been better?
- needs a lower low
- may chip easily
XTAR Wk20 3-Mode CR123 Flashlight Available from szwholesale.com for $29.99. http://www.szwholesale.com/xtar-wk20-cree-3mode-265lm-flashlight-p-3837.html
Specs from xtarlight.com http://www.xtarlight.com/en/05-chanpin/p-001-1.asp?styleid=100
- Cree XP-G R4 emitter
- 265 lumens maximum output
- uses 1 x CR123 battery
- IPX-7 rated (immersion for 30 minutes @ 1 meter)
- head twist on/off: high 100%; low 29%; strobe
- 21.5 x 16.5 x 63.5mm
The site says the "set" includes the flashlight, laynard, package, manual and accessories. What I got was a nice box with the flashlight, keychain and one extra o-ring. They did send a CR123 battery but I don't think reseller's ship this light with a battery.
The light arrived thus:
I will admit being a little self indulgent; I like nice packages. I know it's bad for the environment and increases costs unnecessarily but there are so few feel-good rewards in life, a sturdy box is a satisfying way to get a new flashlight.
aesthetics:
The Wk20 is pleasant enough to look at I suppose. The rows of bars probably make as much sense as the knurling found on most lights in this category; aggressive knurling on a light this small would look stupid. I think the overall appearance is one of quality and I like that the keychain connects in the center of the base, rather than to the side.
build quality/reliability:
I've never owned an XTAR fbefore so my reliability comments are limited to my experience during the past week using this great little flashlight. No failures or even a hiccup with its function; the light comes on, goes off when you want it to and the threads feel pretty good. The WK20 seems fairly tough with the possible exception of the anodization.
It may have been just an unlucky landing but while photographing this light, it rolled off the counter onto our laminate floor resulting in this tiny chip. Not a big deal and certainly not a deal breaker but I have dropped heavier lights from this same three foot height without incident. I also notice a new chip on the end after being on my wife's keychain a few days.
In all other respects, quality and workmanship seem top drawer. The o-rings came bone dry so, I had to break out the NexTorch silicone grease.
ergonomics:
As I mentioned, I don't care for this form factor. The only thing I want on my keychain are keys. All I can say with even a little enthusiasm is this may be the perfect mouth-hold light for those times when you might not have a third hand the hold a flashlight.
performance:
What really matters of course is what, and how much, comes out the business end. I'm here to tell you, the Wk20 is a serious flashlight. It may be because my experience with R4 emitters is limited, (as in; I've never had one) but damn this thing is bright. It has a smooth reflector so there are some insignificant rings but the hot spot is rather large ala XM-L and the spill is generous and bright. That's what this light is - bright. Is it 265 lumens? Unfortunately your humble scribe cannot yet measure that oh-so-important number. What I can do is make use of the world famous Uglywall test facility on the back lot of Foybezels, Inc.
The almost dead cactus plant is 55 feet away and all shots were 1/4 second shutter speed @ f2.8.
First up is the 4Sevens Quark MiniX 123 in all its XM-L/T6 glory.
Now the XTAR Wk20 sporting an XP-G/R4.
Yes, the foreground is better lit with the Quark but to my eyes, this R4 powered Xtar easily keeps up with the more expensive Quark XM-L hotrod. There's more than enough spill to see where you're going and the actual center beam is brighter. When you're under the hood of a V12 Jag, trying to find the damn engine number where the owner's manual swears it should be, this bright, directed beam is exactly what Dr. Jaguar ordered.
XTAR's site says it should run 270 minutes but that is probably on low. Even if it were half that on high, that's about twice as long as the Quark and remember; XTAR is claiming 265 lumens - 4Sevens says the MiniX is 210 OTF. By any measure, the Wk20 has sterling performance.
All IPX rated lights must pass the grueling waterFoy test that includes sharing a shower with Foy folowed by a series of "depth-sink" dynamic underwater maneuvers. The Wk20 is IPX-7 rated so, unless you go diving, there won't be a problem.
cost/value:
This light is $34 at qualitychinagoods.com and $29.99 on szwholesale.com. $30 is about right for a nice XP-G CR123 light I guess but what you're really getting here is (rated) 265 lumens in a flashlight as well made as anything in its price class. In fact, this is probably not a budget light but compared to some of its competition, it is budget.
My wife saw this light, played with it for a minute and promptly clicked it on her keychain with a smile and said, "thanks." I couldn't have said it better myself.