The zebralights are supposed to cut off at 2.7v, so I don't think using unprotected batteries would be an issue.
I'll definitely be careful trying out different batteries, not to damage anything inside.
i would definitely run my sc600 mk2 with unprotecteds 
no wasted energy from the PCB
Sounds like the unprotected NCRB’s in either button or flat is the best ammo for this torch
yep or simply rip out the PCB and metal strip
Do you have an pictures or instructions on doing this? I think people that get the MKII and have protected batteries will want to do this.
-Jamie M.
x2
I wouldn’t do that tbh, you pay more for the PCM in the first place so it seems a bit of a waste to rip it off. You will also probably be left with sharp solder tabs on the top and bottom of the cell…
As a last resort then I could see why you might want to do it but I would recommend just ordering a couple of unprotected cells from fasttech instead and using the protected ones in other lights.
I don't understand. Why would anyone "destroy" a good protected cell instead of buying an unprotected one?
Hi,
I agree with the above, but I just wanted to mention that one several batteries I had before, the wrappings got torn (these were 10440s in a different light), and I eventually ended up just removing the “logo” wrapping layer, and when I did, the strip going down the side, connecting the + to the PCB on the - end wasn’t soldered at all, but only that outer wrapping was holding the strip to the + side and the PCB. I don’t know how common that is, but wanted to mention it, because with that “design”, there’s no solder tabs involved. Basically it was just remove the outer wrapping and the metal strip fell off. There was also a much thicker wrapping UNDERNEATH all of that, which left me with a “blue” unprotected battery. YMMV.
Jim
I’ve removed the protection on a few cells, simply because I had to in order to fit them in my light. Had I known they would not fit, I would have ordered unprotected.
On one other occasion, the only known good source was protected 26650, which I didn’t need. I ordered them and removed the protection so it would fit the light.
If you have the option to order unprotected when you need it, go for that. It’s easier, cheaper, and safer (the removal process includes a risk of shorting out the cell).
I have contemplated posting a How-To on protection PCB removal (I have the images already), but didn’t bother as I figured there just wasn’t anyone that wanted to do this.
why spend more buying an unprotected when you could simply “liberate” the cell
protection PCB wastes a lot of energy, just compare the graphs from HKJ so for all my single cell lights i use unprotected. and for zebras it’s even better coz they have built in overdischarge protection
We now have Pangea Design's Pickpocket in stock! This titanium bottle opener can be used as a clip or keychain accessory. It also comes in a hex design for 1/4" wrenches or driver bits.
How’s the MKII’s comin?
-Jamie M.
We've emailed ZebraLight asking for an update and are waiting. The only reason we put up the pre-order is because we heard reports that other dealers were receiving their stock and estimated ours would be shipping/arriving this week. Keep in mind everyone is free to cancel their pre-order for a full refund.
No rush from me Looks like it’s amazing from those that have received theirs already! Hopefully ZL comes through soon for ya!
Not my pics:
-Jamie M.
Hi,
I’ll just leave my money where it is now, on the pre-order with you all…
Geez it's UGLY. I've fallen in love with what I thought were ugly lights before though. Definitely looks like a maximum flood light.
Are there reviews of it yet? I can't find any...
Hi,
Which light are you talking about? The SC52 or the SC600, or both?
If it is one or both, I can relate… When I started (not that long ago), I kept hearing about Zebralight lights, but (1) they were expensive and (2) I thought that they looked kind of weird.
Then, eventually, I got an SC52 (from IS) and when I tried it, I went “WHOA!”. It was so darn bright(!), plus, it was A LOT smaller than a lot of the pictures that I’d seen.
So, now, even though I still think the SC52 looks somewhat odd, I love it because of (1) it’s brightness, (2) it’s size, and (3) the UI.
So, if you are talking about the Zebralight SC52, at least, I have to say that you won’t “get it” just reading about it, and looking at pictures… you really have to get it in your hand and see for yourself.
IMO…
Jim
I'm talking about the SC600 MarkII. I think even the original 600 looks a bit nicer... and frankly I would have gone for deeper reflector in design, but oh well.
I know EXACTLY what you mean about the SC52. I was on the lookout for a good AA/14500 for a while, and tried several. The SC52 always looked a bit odd to me, and I couldn't stomach the price. Until one day I decided I already spent more on AA lights I don't like, so might as well try it.
I got it, and I... I LOVED IT! The size, seeing it for the first time, was a bit of a shock to me. The UI took a bit to get used to, but feels well thought out. On an eneloop it's brighter than any other AA light I have ever seen. On 14500 it's a match to any other 14500 light. And it won't overheat, and steps down when battery is running low!
The SC52 definitely won me over big time... unlike most lights that I would scrap if I wanted to design/upgrade one, on the sc52 only three improvements I would really love to see, and none of them are even a big deal.
So basically, as a result of me getting the SC52, zerbralight is now solidly on my radar, and the SC600II is a must have... ugly or not. Even if I end up hating it (doubtful) I'll consider it a win to try it out, and resell for a few bucks less.
I feel exactly the same, it may not be pretty, but at only 20mm longer than the SC52 and 900 lumens, that’s pretty insane. Flood is more useful to me than throw, so I’m happy with the reflector and the way it outputs its lumens.