206 lumens isn't much of a barn burner for $39. I would trust Crelant's rated 450 lumens to be in the ballpark from prior BLF Crelant reviews. Plus the 4Sevens Quark AA2 is 2 AA's, while the Crelant is 1 AA or14500 light. For the AA2 at 6.2 inches, I would go with a 18650 light instead. The AA2 has a whole bunch of advanced features (selectable modes including moonlight), and maybe it throws good, but for sheer output, it can't compare.
Ahh, interesting... I was looking at the XP-G R5 version, not XML -- the XP-G R5 is different all-around (size, reflector, etc.). The XML version is rated at 280 lumens, but SELFBUILT measured it at 420 running 2 NiMH Eneloops in it -- not bad, but still at 5.8 inches, it's up there in length. I would prefer the V31A - for some reason the dimensions of width is equal between the V11A (AA) and V31A (CR123A).
I wouldn't write off the V11A so quickly, before anyone thoroughly reviews it. Mark at MD-LightSource only carries quality lights, he's an active Police Officer, and carries the full line of Crelants. If you saw his posting, the weekend he got in his first shipment of the Crelant new designed lights, he basically was sold out. I'm not sure why the reviews aren't showing up yet though if so many were sold day 1 .
Looking at the pictures alone, this looks like an excellent built light. Crelant is a good brand name that carries well built flashlights. Also, this seller is known to carry exceptional products.
I’ve read good mentions of the Crelant brand here and there but not a ton. Not sure why.
I guess might be partly due to their limbo in that middle market between the real budget stuff ($20ish) and the higher end stuff ($50+)?? Some of the lights in that price range are entry level models of higher-end brands (ex: jetbeam B series). These high end brand budget models have a name recognition advantage in that respect.
I have a v31a that should be here this week…its the cr123 version of this series…I’ll fill everyone in on the build quality…the v9cs I have is an awesome light