True, the price and quality are in a different league. But this and the SC52 are the two ‘very small but very bright’ options right now, so it’s inevitable that they’ll be compared as they fill a similar niche in that respect.
The main differences other than general build are in UI, heatsinking/longevity, and runtime. Of course this will have longer runtime despite less efficient circuitry, but it’s heatsinking is nowehere near as good as the zebra and that may adversely affect the long term performance of the light (though it also may not).
Crucially, the UIs are completely different. The zebra is a side clicky with easy and fast access to the three programmed ‘primary’ modes and with many more ‘secondary’ options, especially at the low end of the output spectrum. That is where it really excels in my opinion. In comparison the three mode twisty scroll through of the DQG will seem very slow, awkward and inconvenient, even though it works ok when considered alone.
That is an interesting point. They are indeed both very small and very bright. Yet quite different.
In a way, the sc52 is a bigger performance accomplishment b/c it is so bright on NiMH instead of higher current li-ions. On the other hand, the DQG is most compact relative to the size of the cell it uses.
DQG is much simpler in design. You could even say “crude” in comparison to ZL, but that all comes down to the price. Conversely, QC will be much better with ZL as a brand, that also comes with their much higher price. This sort of relationship is always inescapable with all goods and services… It is why there are ‘budget’ and ‘premium’ markets.
For what each light is, they are both good buys. But… again… you can’t realistically compare a VW GTI to a Porsche 911.
[Full disclosure: I don’t have an sc52, but I have an sc80]
Going to send Ric a PM as well, but mine just turned into a single mode on low. Tried two other batteries, something kind of smells weird inside the head also.
That’s something that sounds kind of funny coming from a user whose username is “PewPew” :)… Sorry, I couldn’t really resist :(…
Seriously though, when you say “kind of smells weird”, do you mean like a burnt smell or something like that? Maybe something got shorted, which might account for the low mode?
Yeah, it’s a burnt electronic smell. Almost like when I get to killing old speakers or abusing subs, just much less potent being on a smaller scale I guess.
What’s the estimated low run time on this thing? Might as well make the best of the situation, ~18 lumes off an 18650 should last quite some time and be a perfectly usable amount of light for most things when the sun isn’t out.
Perhaps I’ll try taking it apart to see about changing drivers and stuff if a new one can’t be sent out. Also, not using it does seem like a good idea, don’t need it catching fire or something crazy.
The battery you use really does make a difference. I can get mine to work with a few types but it only works perfectly using shorter batteries. I find my protected pano 3100 is fine, green battery not double wrapped.
FYI, I had PM’ed RIC, about the voltage and battery specs, and he confirmed that 2x16340 does/wll NOT work for these lights. He said it would damage these lights. He didn’t provide a specific voltage range.
I know that most have assumed this, but again, FYI…
Yeah its a pre-order! Got a number but singpost cant track it, nore can the swedish mail! Never lost a light in the mail! Have to send Ric a hollar i guess…
