I have more than a few ZL’s. They are great lights. Some of my favorites are ZL. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the only light I grab. Depending on the situation or where I’m going to use it, sometimes its another light that finds it’s way into my pocket, jacket, or bag. I have never had a problem with any of them. Seems no matter how well or thought out a light is there is always some that fly by the QC guy. Independent of brand and price there hasn’t been a light yet that has a perfect record.
I likepotting in lights that I don’t plan on taking apart. I have potted a many of lights for people that needed a rugged bike light. Some years back I needed a weapon mounted light. I tried the two go to in all the “tactical” publications. Not of one of them could stand any kind of prolonged abuse. A few thousand rounds made them useless. I had ordered a cheap $7.99 horribly tinted weapon light off ebay. Took it apart, potted the hell out of it and mounted it on a pistol. 1000 rounds of 45acp, same on a AR-15, same on a AR-10 in .308. Still works. The high dollar ones couldn’t make it past the pistol stage. Was I just lucky? Possibly but, I’ll never know. It just keeps on working.
I say this to point out that although ZL’s are potted and they are well made, just like the big two I bought, doesn’t mean they don’t fail just like anything else. Would a Emisar stand up to that abuse? I don’t know, I doubt it but, I’m just not really sure. Honestly, I wouldn’t even try it. One thing can be almost guaranteed, any light will tolerate one shot, anything more is just a bonus.
I like ZL’s UI. Something about having a 3 very well spaced and regulated modes. I am not in the ramping UI fanboy group. I find it just okay to use. It’s not something that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside while I am playing with my flashlight in candle mode or lightning mode or disco mode or whatever else is crammed in there. Just not my thing. Lights, knives, and guns are tools to me. That is it, just tools to perform a specific purpose. I don’t care how they look, if they get scratches, marks, ding or dents. If it works as it is suppose to that is fine.
ZL’s or any other light should be judged as a tool first in my opinion. Nobody keeps a broken TV laying around because it use to have a good picture. It was just a tool that don’t work anymore. If you collect lights based on looks, UI, and max output. Playing with them around the house and just enjoying them, then what the heck, buy whatever makes you happy. If you aren’t happy doing it, chances are you won’t do it for long.
X brand vs Y brand is ridiculous and serves no greater good. Thats why many other gun, knife and flashlight forums are utter misery to visit. If you think flashlight guys are brand fanboys, visit a gun forum and say one bad thing about Glocks or 1911’s. They will lynch you in your sleep. Even if what you say is true, they will come unglued and lose their minds.
Take care my friends. Lets not have hard or bad feelings over brands and petty differences. Live long and may a potted SK68 with Andruil and 14500 extension tubes in 7000K 40cri light your way.