I’m still sporting an SC62d, it only has 300 lumens output so I can’t offer any firsthand info.
If 1000+ lumens is a level you would access regularly, and for extended periods, then the larger one might work better for you.
Recently got a sweet used SC32 from a BLF member and wanted to offer a couple observations:
*The “cool” tint of modern lights is nothing like we used to suffer with. All of the CRI tables and comparisons are great info and can help someone make an educated buying decision, but I also don’t like some of the extra yellow at 4000k and I’m not using any light for inspecting Rembrants. As long as I can tell the difference between some twisted pairs or it doesn’t make it look like I’m in a funhouse then I’m fine with tints above 5000k. It also has a lot to do with the environment you’ll be using it in mainly.
*The silver, more rounded clip has good retention and slips over your pocket seam easier than the new black clips with 3 holes.
The new clip offers better retention but more resistance when putting it away and pulling it out, if you use it a lot there may be wear issues on your pants.
Well I guess it seems I have enough flooders right now Marauder x7/MF-01. I guess I need some throw. EDC has been covered with buying the SC5w MK II already. My current 18650 EDC is a Jaxman E2L triple TIR @ 900 lumens. It can maintain 900 lumens with no stepdown. Looking to fill that gap. I was hoping the Wuben T046R would be the replacement but now I’m not so sure. I’ve recently learned that T046R can only output 1300 lumens for 1 minute and then step down to 600 lumens. Seems kinda lame.
I love Zebralight and have been using them since their first AA headlamp, however, since this is BLF I have to mention a light I got recently that seems like a light I’ll never get rid of.
Jetbeam Jet-IIM TAC. I got it for $25 or so from one of our BLF deal posts and couldn’t be happier.
I have an old Fenix TK20 that’s starting to show its age and I haven’t been able to open it to swap the emitter so I wanted a backup for when I destroy it trying.
The Jetbeam has a nice finish, captured clip, great throw, has HI and a programmable 2nd level that is accessed by twisting the head, rugged build, and 1/3 the cost.
Just had to throw that out there. Not trying to derail your buying choice!
Regarding the lights you’re thinking about: I don’t think any of them are dedicated throwers but the big boys can reach pretty far just by the brute force of high output.
both lights are nice, the SC600w isn’t much bigger than the SC5W
The tint of the SC5W is warmer, and has tint shift through the beam. The SC600W has the same tint in every part of the beam and it’s also a little cooler but still neutral.
Zebras are fun. Here are some of my more recent ones:
SC64w - Nice tint, long runtime, very small and fits into the pocket nicely. My EDC for the last month.
SC600w IV Plus - great feel in hand. Nice grip. Excellent 2300 lumen output. Maintains high brightness much better than a D4. A little wide for EDC pocket carry. Wider spot than the III HI and much brighter spill.
SC6000w III HI - decent throw…. throws better than my other Zebras. However, unless you actually need extra throw I don’t think I’d recommend this one. For up-close use which is mostly what I use my EDC for, the intense hotspot is distracting. The beam pattern from other 2 lights is much better for up close.
If you’re looking for a light for general up-close EDC use get the 64w or 6000w IV Plus. If you want some throw get the 600 HI. If your primary goal is long-range viewing, get an Emisar D1, Emisar D1S or customize a zoomie for throw.