Hi all,
Is there a summary thread for flashlight manufacturers? I envision bullet point lists that summarize the overall characteristics of the lights built by the manufacturer.
This is just an example list. It could probably be refined and maybe turned into some kind of form:
- Primary target audience
- Design philosophy
- Robustness
- Fine detail/finish
- emitter choices
- UI (is it consistent? proprietary? friendly to non-enthusiasts?)
- Support for standard cells
- Repair-friendly construction?
- Driver types/quality
- Warranty
- Service Support
- Engagement with hobbyists
It’d be nice to be able to look up the reputation of flashlight brands quickly when you encounter one you haven’t had any experience with.
Zebralight:
- Target audience is enthusiasts due to high prices, a lack of marketing, and no built-in charging.
- Design philosophy is, “Make it look like a flashlight and as small as possible, nothing flashy” Tail switches? What are those?
- Robustness is a selling point with potted electronics
- There may be some variation in the color of anodization but it is tough, the knurling is top notch and there are no sharp edges
- Oddly despite it’s audience, you can’t request different emitters in a host. A light with a different emitter is a different model
- UI is tedious to program but is dead simple to use once set up. It’s the same for all current models (I think)
- Their lights use standard unprotected cells flat top cells. Check specs for recommended battery length since slightly longish ones may not fit.
- Not really designed to be user serviceable. Press fit parts and potted electronics. Great for durability and compactness, not good for the average person who wants to disassemble. Not impossible though
- Known for having very efficient buck-boost or boost drivers. Many models are capable of sub-lumen output (all?)
- 1 yr warranty against defects
- after-warranty repairs available on request depending on part availability
- Doesn’t seem to make new models based on customer feedback
I’d like to see a similar write-up about Skilhunt as that is a brand I know nothing about.