Armytek Wizard Pro v3 XHP50 VS Zebralight H600fc MK IV XHP50.2 - What would you buy?

@Maukka, do the 3V Armytek headlamps have a buck driver or a linear one?

I had both the H600Fc Mk IV (and III) and the Wizard Pro WW and I prefer the Wizard. However my Mk IV was from the first batch witch suffered from a lot of issues including visibly fluctuating PID. The tint of the Wizard pro WW is also better, the ZL XHP50.2 tint was lime green, the CRI not spectacular, the 219C outperformed it. I keep blinding myself with the factory ZL UI, this does not happen with the wizard ui but it’s less quick as a downside. The Mk IV has no 0.01lm moon which is a huge downside for me. The Wizard has a wider (better) beam profile and more power. The quality of the ZL is way better, top notch the Mk III.

Most of the MK IV´s have sub 0.1lm moon
The switch position on ZL is in my eyes not the best especially if you are used lights with the other position on the side

ZL mainly uses CRI 80 LEDs which have not the max output like low CRI ones but its definately worth it

The difference between 0.01lm and 0.08 is rather harsh when your eyes are adjusted to the dark. I don’t understand why they raised the lowest low, really stupid decision since they were the only producer offering really low moonlights.

so lets assume you got a map and want it to read with night adapted eyes, thats usually 30-40cm away from the headlight
0.08lm wont interfere with night adapted eyes when reflected from your map, looking into the full moon is a lot brighter

0.08lm is only too bright if you look directly in your light or literally put the light on top of your map to light a very small area, which is not the case with a headlight

The reasion is an efficient Boost driver design
it needs a certain amount of feedback signal for current regulation, if you go very low with the current you need a bigger shunt, which generates more heat on high levels
or you risk not stable regulation having visible noise flicker in the firefly like seen on AMCs at PWM Levels below 3

The 4th-generation c and d models are all 90 CRI. 4th-generation w models are 80.

When I wake up and grab a ZL the 0.01lm mode doesn’t interfere with my adapted ayes and lights up the whole room to a level I won’t fall over things. The 0.08lm already interferes and starts “waking me up” and is generally speaking “bright” to the eyes.
In the Mk III you had the freedom of choice between 0.01lm and 0.08lm, in the Mk IV not any more and I don’t like that.

For stock lights, there’s no question I’d prefer the H600Fc Mk IV over the Wizard Pro. The light output is significantly higher quality (high CRI with neutral duv), the driver is more efficient with better temperature regulation, and it’s a more compact light to boot. I personally prefer Armytek’s UI and like having a tail magnet, but light quality is more important to me.

My experience with Armytek is quite sub-par so far.

On Jan 16th, I have paid 162,75$ Cad to buy two headlamps from armytek.ca (wizard and wizard pro).
On jan 25th, they finally shipped my order (9 days to get this out of their warehouse!!)
On Jan 29th, I had to pay 20,80$ in duty fees to finally get these 2 headlamps (thanks DHhell). Armytek promised to refund me the duty fees since I have ordered from a Canadian website and company to deliver to a Canadian address.
On Jan 30th, I have received the package but the lights are the wrong model. When I told them about it they ask me to pay to ship everything back to china!! Promising again to refund me later.
On Jan 31st, I told them to first refund the duties since it is starting to look like a scam.
Today, Feb 5th, they still havent refund the duty fees. They never apologized, they always start their email reply by: Thanks for your email. I feel like I am dealing with a robot.

If you wonder what I got: Predator Pro and Baracuda Pro.

Just get both and let us know your impressions.

I don’t own any armytek so I cannot comment on them.

I do own several Zebras and love them. Highly recommended.

With the issues people have had with Armytek as a company (expensive/VERY slow shipping, problems with returns/warranties, lack of communication) plus them changing the optics in some models to a version that wastes something like 25% of the lights output… I would trust Zebralight much more.

Are there any beamshot videos of the H600Fc Mk IV I am debating between the 4000K and the 5000K.

As a owner of 2 wizard pro (3000k CRI90 XM-L2 & XHP50) and two tiara pro (2000k & 2700K E21A), i would say get the wizard :nerd_face:

How did you get a 2700k E21A? Virence.com only sell 2000k and 3000k. The 90CRI variants of the Wizard Pros are not by Armytek right?

The 4000k E21A clemence has now is much brighter and more efficient than the 2000k E21A. D240 vs D160. The driver of the Tiara is also much more efficient than the boost driver in the Wizard Pro.

Probably mixed emitters.

Hi BurningPlayd0h
Thanks for posting the link to my channel.
Unfortunately I am stopped for almost three years and he will not find helpful videos for your question.
I have not yet bought any new model MK IV, maybe soon I will do some videos with the new Zebralight models

@Ilumenati
I bought many Armytek Wizard (basic version) and Elf C2 - they are very valid and so far none has failed !

I bought the Wizard pro XHP50 and returned it after 24 hours - it disappointed me.
My advice is to look at H600Fc or Fd :wink:

Thank you for the advice Stefano,

I had looked at several of your videos previously to help me narrow down my choices. I think your videos have been helpful for many other people as well.

Why?

Yes mixed

@puglife
Sorry for the delay in replying.
Reason: Brightness much lower than the announced one.
Two years later I bought a new Wizard Pro today, this time I hope to have more luck, returning the lights is expensive …