ZebraLight SC52 + ZL 14500 = 59.50$

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20

It's been my experience that most problems surface immediately, where electronics are concerned. With regular intensive use, even more problems, (if there are any,) come up within the 2-3 week period.

Only very rarely do problems surface months after you buy.

So long as you test your light thoroughly, and intensely, during the week or so after receiving it, and so long as you buy from a good authorized retailer, assuming you don't abuse the light, the retailer will exchange it, or take it back. The chances of getting two duds in a row, or a light that develops a problem after a while are low.

You also need to do basic maintenance, which means use some compressed air to blow out the dust from the insides, every few months. Clean the threads, change the o-ring, apply fresh lubricant. Considering you've made due with a maglite for 10 years, it's safe to say you really know how to take care of your stuff.

So should you be scared? No.


Now about the price. That's a different issue. I went through three other cheaper AA lights, trying to save. Balder HD1, Crelant V11A, and Thrunite Archer 1A.

Two of them had issues out of the box. Missing o-ring on the archer. Shitty interface on the HD1. The crelant was fine, but did not work all that well on regular AA batteries.

So by trying to be frugal, I ultimately ended up spending more, only to be unhappy with the results.

The SC52 was, and is, the most expensive AA light I ever bought. It was bought basically as a result of frustration, at not being able to find what I want, and saying f*ck it. Now I'm very glad I spent the money on it.

There is a downside to this story. After trying it, I've now been forced to buy the SC600II as well.

21

There’s a reason people talk about Zebralights so much. Nearly every product they make is best in its class. Like, when selfbuilt reviewed the SC52, he had to compare it against 2xAA lights to give it a fair comparison because the other 1xAA lights just weren’t competitive.

It took me a long time to work up the nerve to buy a $64 flashlight (ZL H51), but after I received it I didn’t regret it at all. It’s the most useful torch I’ve ever seen, and I use it several times per day despite having gotten many newer lights since then. If I could keep only one light, it’d be my H51. My only regret is getting the ‘w’ version instead of the original cool white. The 4200K tint is too yellow for me.

As for the SC52, it may well be the best traditional 1xAA light on the market… but I find that angled lights (H51) are more useful because I don’t have to hold the light in my hand.

22

wolf413chris, if price is the main issue, you might also want to consider the L3 Illumination L10 light. It’s 1xAA and the 4-mode version does ~0.09lm, ~3lm, ~30lm, and ~120lm. It comes with a cool white XP-G2 emitter (higher output) or a Nichia 219 4500K 92CRI emitter (awesome color rendition) and costs $20 or $25.

It’s not the most efficient light (runtimes are way shorter than a Zebralight) but it’s still a nice option for 1xAA with decent modes at a lower price.

23

I might join you if for some reason my O’pen order from Hke falls through. These 2 were my two finalist for a smallish flashlight.

24

so tempted… but i think i’ll wait for my DQG 18650 to come in first…

25

And now they have the Zebralight H51w too! 69.70$ - 15% = 59.25

26

Yup, a really tough choice. In the end, I decided you could sort of sub in something for the Zebra. It would have less run time and not as wide as a range in light, but same utility or usuage. It just hard to find something else that would look as right in a shirt pocket like the O’pen.

27

Hmmm… now a head lamp is something I don’t have… I don’t really need it but so tempting.

28

For camping trips, or blackouts, it's really nice to have one.

Not having to use your hands to direct the light, or having it under your arm, or in your teeth, etc, it's kind of a pain in the butt.

My one major criticism of the SC52 is that the clip is is not reversible. Otherwise given it's size, it would be no trouble at all to just clip it to the bill of a hat.

One other observation about headlamps...

You really don't want a super bright one. If you're not the only person around, you're going to annoy people fast when you face them, and keep hitting them with your light.

29

On the one hand, thank you for taking the time to write this informative and educational post. On the other hand stop tempting me!!! :bigsmile:

30

If I could only keep one light, it’d be my ZL H51. It’s by far the most useful light in my collection, and all the others are just toys.

Sure, the SC52 is brighter and dimmer and more efficient, but I have to hold it somehow in order to use it. With the H51 I can just clip it somewhere or wear it as a necklace or headlamp or on the back of my hand or on the car’s sun visor or on my bike handlebars or stick it to a metal surface via magnet or … whatever. I almost never need to actually devote a hand to holding and aiming the light. With its spot+spill and wide output range, it’s useful both up close and at a distance (unlike flood-only headlamps), and it generally just puts light where I need it with no fuss.

For maximum utility, I recommend a couple trivial mods. One, get a small neodymium magnet for sticking it to metal surfaces via the clip. This provides full 180+360 degree aiming. Two, get a shoelace, a piece of double-sided velcro, and a cable lock (holds drawstring bags closed). This can provide a more versatile replacement for its included headband, so it can be worn as a necklace or attach to pretty much anything less than a foot in diameter. It’s also smaller/lighter than the normal headband so it’s easier to EDC and doesn’t interfere with the clip.

I should probably post a thread about Zebralight headlamp mods/tricks.

Edit: I posted that thread: Zebralight headlamp tips / tricks / mods

31

Wow you guys are relentless, lol. Now, I’m almost hoping that the o’pen was recalled and doesn’t ship. In any case I think the coupon is good for another 3 weeks or so in case I decide to get both.

Isn’t the H52 coming out soon though? Now to mention the SC52w.

32

Nope. It’s not even mentioned on their product spreadsheet, and I think I read somewhere that they have no plans to make one any time soon.

33

My poor little SC52 has been dropped a few times at work, once by me and the first time by a work college (man I was annoyed at first, it was still minty) but as mentioned, it ain’t the prettiest light to begin with!!! A few scars will might add “character” lol…but regardless, every time I turn it on at work people are amazed by its brightness and always comment.

34

You’re right. I think I confused a possible HF52 with the H502w.

35

It’s not actually that great a deal, considering you can get it for $64 from ZL. I hate this “List Price $100.32” nonsense. Good to see they are getting more zebralights in stock, but $100? Please.

36

FWIW, I think IlluminationSupply has a better deal on Zebralights right now and they’re a very reputable vendor. Check their deal thread.

37

If I lived in the US, I’d be a poorer man because of dealers like IS, but, alas, shipping costs, tax and extortionate “administration” fees make importing from the US to the UK expensive.

38

For those of us in the UK, Flashaholics are selling Zebralights for not much more. That extra £10 is potentially peace of mind should it develop a fault (no idea how Wallbuys deal with faulty products).

39

I don't mind the import duties, they'd be the same for WB and USA, but the FREE global tracking with Registered Airmail is the main deal maker to me. Sure, 5$ saved plus a FREE battery are welcome too.

OH btw, ZL Co. USA is out of stock :bigsmile:

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Our Spanish/Latin friends are taking the bait, party on! :party: