Preface
In Q1 2018, Prometheus Lights acquired Foursevens and henceforth, all Foursevens products manufactured will be labelled “Foursevens by Prometheus Lights”.
The Mini MKIII and Mini Turbo MKIII are the third iterations of the Mini series. These new iterations are made under the new ownership (Prometheus Lights).
Let’s check out the merits and demerits of these new generation Mini MKIII and Mini Turbo MKIII models.
Note:
- For ease of reading, henceforth the Foursevens Mini MKIII shall be termed “Mini” and the Foursevens Mini Turbo MKIII shall be termed “Mini Turbo“.
- The Flex Charger shown in this review is an optional add-on that can be selected as a package. The Mini and Mini Turbo comes with a rechargeable battery, as standard.
Packaging & First Impressions
This is what the lights will come with as shown below.
- The threads and o-rings were lightly lubricated. Threads were smooth and clean (no gritty feeling at all) – perfect for twisty lights.
- Ample threads for a twisty light, to remove any likelihood of the head unscrewing off from the body and dropping off by accident.
- Clip is not reversible.
- The clip has sufficient tension to ensure that the light will stay clipped to any material to prevent the light from falling out.
- Magnetic tail cap is able to bear the light’s weight when attached horizontally and vertically (upside down) to a flat ferrous metallic surface.
- Full body grooves instead of knurling, provides surprisingly better grip than expected.
- Anodizing of the light is uniform without any missing specs.
- No lanyard and/or holster is provided.
- Bump Protection which prevents the light from skipping to the next Mode (<60ms off time), is a rather useful feature – especially when attaching the light to a flat ferrous surface with that strong magnetic tail cap.
- The provided non-proprietary Foursevens RCR123A battery will work in other flashlights.
- Battery compartment holds a AW 16340 battery with sufficient room for a slightly thicker battery width.
Note:
- Before using the flashlights for the first time, remove the Insulation Film from the battery tubes.
- Only Button Top Batteries can be used, Flat Top batteries will not work in these flashlights.
- 16340/RCR123A batteries that are capable of high discharge rate is recommended (e.g. IMR batteries)
Front:
Back:
Sides:
Top & Bottom:
Box Contents:
Removing Insulating Film:
Quick Overview (Manufacturer Specifications)
- Body Material: Black HAIII Aluminium
- LED: Cree XM-L2 [Mini] / Cree XP-L HI [Mini Turbo]
- LED Specification: 75+CRI 4500K [Mini] / 75+CRI 4500K [Mini Turbo]
- Battery Format: 1 x 16340/RCR123A or 1 x CR123A ONLY
- Output & Runtime (with included Foursevens RCR123A 3.7V/550mAh battery) [Mini]:
- Moonlight (1.5 lumens / 3days 18h)
- Mid (45 lumens / 9h)
- High (350 lumens / 1h)
- Turbo/Burst (900 lumens / 50min) — (500 lumens / 1h with CR123A)
- Strobe (850 lumens)
- Turbo/Burst mode will operate for 30 seconds before ramping down to HIGH mode over the next 30 seconds.
- Output & Runtime (with included Foursevens RCR123A 3.7V/550mAh battery) [Mini Turbo]:
- Moonlight (1.5 lumens / 3days 18h)
- Mid (35 lumens / 9h)
- High (300 lumens / 1h)
- Turbo/Burst (700 lumens / 50min) — (500 lumens / 1h with CR123A)
- Strobe (700 lumens)
- Turbo/Burst mode will operate for 30 seconds before ramping down to HIGH mode over the next 30 seconds.
- Max Beam Distance: 120m [Mini] / 200m [Mini Turbo]
- Waterproofness: IP68 Standard (1m)
- Impact Resistance: 1m
- Dimension: 55.1mm (length) x 20.3mm (head/body diameter) [Mini] / 60.4mm (length) x 20.3mm (body diameter) x 24.3mm (head diameter) [Mini Turbo]
- Weight (including batteries): 45.3g [Mini] / 51.0g [Mini Turbo]
- Battery reverse polarity protection
- Bump Protection
- Accessories Included:
- 1*Foursevens RCR123A 3.7V/550mAh
- 1*Pocket Clip
- 2*O-rings
- MSRP:
- ~$60 [Mini] / ~$70 [Mini with Flex Charger]
- ~$65 [Mini Turbo] / ~$75 [Mini Turbo with Flex Charger]
UI (User Interface)
UI for this light is suitable for both Every Day Carry (EDC) as it is rather straightforward to use after the initial learning curve.
Switching ON and OFF is done by twisting the head of the light. Twist the head clockwise will activate the light. Likewise, twisting the head anti-clockwise will deactivate the light.
Normal Operation
From OFF, full twist clockwise will switch the light ON to Last Brightness Level (all modes except TURBO/BURST are memorized only).
Mode changing can be done via the twisting action as mentioned above.
- After the light is switched ON, a quick twist anti-clockwise (till the light goes off) and clockwise again within ~0.5 seconds will bring the light into the next mode.
- Repeat till the desired mode is achieved.
To activate TURBO/BURST, 2 quick cycles of switching the light (From ON – OFF – ON – OFF – ON) within ~0.25 seconds are required. This might require some practise to get used to but subsequent activation will be much easier.
Note:
- These flashlights have a “hybrid” mode memory. After the Last Brightness Level is activated, the next mode change will cause the lights to revert back to Mode 1 of the current Configuration.
- To activate Strobe, SOS or Beacon modes, the Configuration must be changed to Configuration 6.
Configurations Options
There are a total of 6 Configurations options available and Configuration 3 is the default Configuration that all flashlights will come with, from factory.
The following are the 6 available Configurations to choose from.
- High – (Turbo/Burst)
- Max (100%) – Strobe
- Mid – High – (Turbo/Burst)
- Moonlight – Mid – High – (Burst)
- High – Mid – Moonlight – (Burst)
- Moonlight – Mid – High – Strobe – SOS – Beacon – (Burst)
Note: There is no Turbo/Burst mode for Configuration 2 as the default mode is already at 100%.
Configurations Programming Mode
To change the Configurations, carry out the following from OFF:
- Cycle (OFF – ON) 10 times within ~3 seconds, the light must be in the ON position for the last cycle.
- The light will start to blink repeatedly in sets to show the current Configuration it is in (e.g. 3 blinks in sets will indicate that it is in Configuration 3).
- Cycle the light from ON – OFF – ON to engage the next Configuration option (e.g. if previous is Configuration 3, the light will have 4 blinks in set to show it is in Configuration 4 option).
- Repeat Step 3 till the desired Configuration option is selected.
- Switch OFF (~5 secs) the light to select the current Configuration option.
Alternatively, Jason Hui of Prometheus Lights has another option that takes advantage of the slight “thread play” in the threads, to enter Configurations Programming Mode. Click HERE to see his video.
Form Factor
For flashlights that are intended to use on a daily basis (EDC) and for possibly a long period of time, form factor is extremely important.
These lights fit in a clenched small sized hand easily. Switching between overhand and underhand holding method is easy with their small form factor and (lack thereof) weight. The Mini Turbo with its larger/wider head might not be as comfortable as an EDC-choice when compared to the slimmer and more streamline Mini.
Instead of knurling on the body, there are deep grooves that surprisingly does aid in the twisting the head for activation/deactivation during single-handed operation. The light is “grippy” even with wet hands/gloves.
The Mini and Mini Turbo share the same body/clip and the only main difference is due to the head (Mini is optic-based with XM-L2 LED and Mini Turbo is reflector-based with XP-L HI LED) used. As such, the body is interchangeable between the Mini and Mini Turbo.
Due to the flat tailcap, the flashlights are able to tail-stand perfectly without the slightest wobble.
Charging Process (with Optional Flex Charger)
Using the optional Flex Charger, the included Foursevens RCR123A battery was charging at ~0.74A, which is very close the charger’s 0.75A specification.
Solid RED indicator on the TAIL portion of the Flex Charger depicts charging in progress.
Solid GREEN indicator on the TAIL portion of the Flex Charger depicts charging has completed.
The Flex Charger is capable of charging the following types of batteries:
- Rechargeable Ni-MH
- AA
- AAA
- Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
- 10440
- 14500
- 16340/RCR123A
- 18350
- 16650
- 17670
- 18650
- 20700
- 21700
- 26650
Beam Style/Beamshots
For the Mini, the spill, corona and hotspot is somewhat predictable due to the TIR optic. The LED is partially covered under the TIR (Total Internal Reflection) optic. With the LED used, the beam is still relatively “throwy” for recognising items in the near to closer mid-range distance.
For the Mini Turbo, the spill, corona and hotspot is somewhat predictable due to the relatively shallow Smooth Reflector. With the LED used, the beam is still “throwy” for recognising items in the near to mid-range distance.
The above beam profiles are a rough interpretation of what is seen when white wall hunting.
The Mini’s beam has a fairly distinct hotspot with some slight corona and a fairly narrow (circular) spill, with most of the lumens output focused into the hotspot. It also helps that the LED is perfectly centred in this sample. There are some beam artifacts when white wall hunting but not visible in real world usage.
The Mini Turbo’s beam has a distinct hotspot with some slight corona and a fairly wide usable (circular) spill. It also helps that the LED is perfectly centred in this sample. There is a slight ring in the beam when white wall hunting but not visible in real world usage.
All of the beamshots taken below are done so with the following camera settings:
- [Mini] MOONLIGHT: 2sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, MID: 0.5sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, HIGH: 1/4sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB and TURBO: 1/6sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB.
- [Mini Turbo] MOONLIGHT: 2sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, MID: 0.5sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, HIGH: 1/4sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB and TURBO: 1/5sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB.
Some pictures have been adjusted slightly to depict as close as to what is seen in real life. The distance of the light from the door is 4.6m.
Mini
Control shot:
MOONLIGHT (1.5 lumens):
MID (45 lumens):
HIGH (350 lumens):
TURBO/BURST (900 lumens):
Mini Turbo
Control shot:
MOONLIGHT (1.5 lumens):
MID (35 lumens):
HIGH (300 lumens):
TURBO/BURST (700 lumens):
Mode (Output) Spacing
Mode spacing appears to be progressively brighter to the eye and the modes are well spaced enough to be able to know which mode one is currently in. With that in mind, TLR tend to view mode spacing as battery life indicators (amount of runtime left) rather than the specific output (lumens).
There is no true moonlight level (sub-lumen or 1 lumen) option available as the “MOONLIGHT” mode comes in at 1.5 lumens. However, it is still fairly acceptable for night-adjusted eyes and midnight snack runs (might need to squint slightly at first).
On a side note, it is nice that Foursevens (Prometheus Lights) selected the HIGH output to be in the ~300 lumens ballpark whereby it is mostly the sweet spot for output and heat/battery management for the LEDs used.
Tint & CRI
Foursevens (Prometheus Lights) used LEDs for the Mini and Mini Turbo that has a tint (color temperature) of 4500K and 75+ CRI (Color Rendering Index).
For the Mini, there is slight tint shift in the beam profile. The hotspot is a neutral white tint whilst the corona possess a slight yellowish green tint; and the spill having a slight pinkish-purple tint.
This is not noticeable in real life usage.
For the Mini Turbo, there is slight tint shift in the beam profile. The hotspot is a neutral white tint whilst the corona possess a slight yellowish green tint; and the spill having a yellowish neutral tint.
This is not noticeable in real life usage.
Waterproofness
The light was subjected to warm water submersion, followed by cold water submersion and left under room temperature running water tap whilst running on TURBO/BURST.
No signs of water intrusion in the head or body was seen.
Lockout Capability
Being a twisty-style light, it has no electronic lockout but mechanical lockout is possible as needed.
A quarter turn (anti-clockwise) of the head from OFF will enable mechanical lockout.
Quick Comparison to Previous Generation
| Description | Foursevens Mini MKIII | Foursevens Mini MKII | Foursevens Mini Turbo MKIII | Foursevens Mini Turbo MKII |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED Used | Cree XM-L2 | Cree XM-L2 | Cree XP-L HI | Cree XM-L2 |
| LED Tint / Temperature | Neutral White (NW) - 4500K Color Temperature | Cool White (CW) - 6500K Color Temperature | Neutral White (NW) - 4500K Color Temperature | Cool White (CW) - 6500K Color Temperature |
| Turbo/Burst Output (with High Drain RCR123A Battery) | 900 Lumens | 1020 Lumens | 700 Lumens | 1020 Lumens |
| Turbo/Burst Output (with CR123A Battery) | 500 Lumens | 550 Lumens | 500 Lumens | 550 Lumens |
| Waterproof Rating | IP68 | IPX8 | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Pocket Clip Direction | "1-way" | "2-way" | "1-way" | "2-way" |
| Rechargeable RCR123A Included | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Magnetic Tailcap | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Body Knurling | No, Body Grooves | Yes | No, Body Grooves | Yes |
Scale Comparison (Ruler)
Summary
To sum up, we believe that the most important part of any review is if given the chance to purchase the same lights for our own EDC usage or to gift to our loved ones out from one’s pocket (wallet), would we still do it?
For these light, it is a YES, if the lack of a true MOONLIGHT mode and slight tint shifts are not an issue for your usage.
The straightforward UI with quick Access to TURBO/BURST, “hybrid” memory that reverts to Mode 1 of current Configuration, 6 Configuration options, relatively pleasant 4500K tint/color temperature, Bump Protection, strong magnetic tailcap, full body grooves for good grip and included rechargeable RCR123A battery are all plus points for these 2 flashlights.
Looking back at the Quick Comparison with the Previous Generation section, it is easy to see that Jason had chosen to prioritize better color rendering & color temperature (4500K vs 6500K) over total output, when selecting the LEDs for the Mini and Mini Turbo. This has been the case since Prometheus Lights started and while this might not necessarily cater to those requiring the “brightest” flashlight; it makes up for a better light output quality (beam quality).
A point to note, the difference in output in the 1000 lumens ballpark (~700 to ~1200 lumens) is not visible to most eyes, unless compared directly side-by-side.
For those looking for a slim profile EDC flashlight with fairly decent throw and broader hotspot, the Mini would make for an excellent choice. However, for those that require or prefer a more “throw”-orientated beam profile, the Mini Turbo would be a better choice – at the expense of a slightly larger/wider head.
That said, it would be nice if the clip provided is a dual-direction (“2-way”) clip instead, to enable deep pocket carry for bezel down carry & still allows for attachment of the flashlight to a cap for hands-free usage.
Here are bonus size comparison with some of the other similar-sized flashlights we reviewed previously.
From Left to Right: Foursevens Mini MKIII, Foursevens Mini Turbo MKIII, Olight S1 Mini Baton, Olight S1R II Baton, Oveready Ti BOSS 35, Olight M1T Raider and Okluma Ti DC1.
As with all gears, two is one and one is none.
Stay safe,
The Lite Review
Disclaimer: Light was provided for by Foursevens – Prometheus Lights (manufacturer) for this review. No other compensation was provided.
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Foursevens Mini MKIII
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