Review: Zebralight H502d

Other Types of Lights LED Headlamps
1

REVIEW: ZEBRALIGHT H502d (HEADLIGHT)

DESCRIPTION

Led type : Philips lux rebel ( CT: 5000K, CRI: 85, “daylight”) 170 lumens max

Battery : 1.5V AA battery only (does not support 14500)

Beam type : Flood ( 120 degree )

Switch : Push button

Mode : Low, Medium, High ( additional programable sub level to each of the 3 main levels )

Waterproof: IPX 8 ( 2 meters, 30 minutes )

Weight : 29g ( Headlight only )

NEW FEATURES

- Battery level indicator ( 4 quick clicks when off to trigger, flashes 1-4 times )

- Low battery level indicator ( flash once every 80 secs when battery is low voltage )

- Glow In The Dark, GITD reflector ( Instead of convectional GITD “O” ring on the len )

The package comes with the normal cardboard box that has been used since the release of ZL H501 (H50,H30, H60 come in different packaging). It includes 2 ‘O’ rings headlight rubber holder (black) and strap.

View of the GITD reflector. The purpose of this “reflector” simply provide good visibility of the headlamp in the dark due to the large surface area and play no part in the throw of the beam ( there is no hotspot or spill )

The tail cap has a slight cosmetic change compare to the previous models released. Previous models tail cap are all completely flat and straight throughout. This change in design does not affect the tailstand capability.

The clip design is similar to the ones use on H31/H51. Personally, this design is more favourable as it can be easily remove/install compared to the screw in type.

From left to right, H600w, SC51w, H501W, H502d

SOME THOUGHTS

Some view this as the upgrade version of the H501 ( do not know if this is ZL intention ). Well, as H501 has a 80 degree beam type compared to H502 120 degree, this seem to raise some questions. Personally, I use headlight for close up work and perhaps some slow movement in confine space and the full flood makes almost everything near you visible.

There is also an issue of a green glowing ring in the outer diameter of rhe beam.Well, on my H502d, it is hardly noticeable in real life usage. Unless it is used in white wall hunting,still the effect is not that disturbing.not sure how it is on H502 or H502c. ( H502w yet to release )

One thing to note. The H502d that I have actually flashes once every 8 to 10 seconds when the battery voltage is low (measured mine at 0.9v) instead of the 80 seconds as mentioned by zebralight.Maybe mine is faulty, but i perfer it this way.

I have already dropped mine fom a meter to the concrete floor. Believe the it landed on the bezel. theres some slight blemishes on the bezel but it is still working fine till now.

Overall, This headlight serve its purpose well for up close work. Will not recommand it for jogging purpose as it does not throw that well. The tint of this version is one of my favourite so far. I will say that it another nice product made by ZL from my experiences with the usage of this light so far.

Thank you for viewing.

2

Strange theres no replies yet. Thanks for the review MILO. I have been considering this light for awhile. I like the look of the h501 better though. Do you prefer the beam of the 501 or the 502? I’m afraid the 502 will loose because of the wide angle. I know it’s not a thower, but I like to have a nice far’ish reaching flood when I need it.

3

hi, WastedNihilist. I agree that the H501 form factor is better as it is slimmer. I prefer the tint on H502d.It is much like “daylight” as zebralight describe and having a CRI 85 is a bonus.H501w does not really throw well too, not too sure about h501. If you are looking for AA headlight. ZL H51/w/c will have better thow but as it has hotspot and spill, will not be very ideal for close up view. ZL H51F will diffuse the light making the hotspot and spill effect less oblivious but at the same time the throw will be compromise. will post a beamshot below just for tint comparison on some ZL lights that I have.

From Left to right H30, H502d, H501w, H60w, H600w, SC51w, SC31c

Please take note that the wall is painted in very light green. similar to the colour of beam on H30.

4

Thanks very much for the review! Frontpage’d and Sticky’d.

5

where’s a good place to buy one of these?

6

I purchased the H502 XML and it is my little beast of light!

Kragmutt: http://www.zebralight.com/ Almost all online retailers are within a couple cents to each other. And ordering direct means I got mine in 2 days!

7

MILO, thx for this review, especially the wallshot comparo. I had a H31w for a short while and found it to be too throwy and a bit warm for my tastes. This H502d looks like it'll be a terrific replacement for my H501 which is still one of my all-time favorite headlamps for up close work (other than the cool tint).

Cheers,
Tim

8

Thanks for the review.

I just took delivery of an H502 today and I am really pleased with it. The light fills almost my entire field of vision. I think this plus a regular flashlight is great for walking outdoors at night or for handsfree work. I really really like it.

Just as a note to your review, the light flashes every 80 seconds when the battery is low and the light is off

9

I know of four places:

http://www.torchdirect.com/

http://store.tekpicks.com/products/zebralight-h502

http://goinggear.com/flashlights/headlamps?manufacturer=13

as well as http://www.zebralight.com/Headlamp_c_7.html

10

Dont forget Amazon.com

I heart Amazon Prime

11

Awesome beamshots! Good to see the variable tints side by side. Thanks.