Hi,
I’d like to have a Zebralight of the new XHP35 generation.
Now I can’t decide between Sc600 mklll and SC63 models. That’s NOT because I’m torn apart between this and that, but because I can’t see relevant differences! What differs is 10$ and a few grams. Nothing else to see for me!
What did I miss?? Is there anything else to consider?
Please help me decide!
Thanks
Wolf
Reflector size, throw, and the SC600 has a bit more heat absorption, meaning the PID doesn’t kick in as quickly. I would go for with the SC600, just because the size difference is nelegible.
On the other hand, if you normally carry your light in your pocket as your EDC, the extra thickness and weight of the SC600 becomes noticeable. The SC63 is a much better size for pocket EDC.
The SC63 also has a screw-on clip, which may be more secure than the SC600’s clip on clip. And because of the smooth body, the clip slips fairly easily onto your pants or belt.
I see! The head of the Sc600 is 5.5mm thicker - so I assume it has a bigger reflector and so has more throw then the SC63.
Correct?
Correct. But that said, the throw difference is probably minimal. I don’t have an SC600 Mk III (though I have held one in my hand). I do have an SC63w which I measured at 9300 lux.
If you want more throw you should order the SC600 Mk III HI. It uses one of the domeless High Intensity (HI) XHP35 emitters and should have substantially more throw than any other Zebra.
If it’s for EDC, then the SC63 is probably better. Output, runtime, is similar, but with EDC every bit of size reduction helps. If it’s for an outdoor walking light, then perhaps the bit more throw from the SC600mk3 might come in useful.
I wouldn’t be too concerned about heat dissipation. If you’re tailstanding them indoors, both with have thermal PID kick in pretty soon (to lower output). For outdoors, held in the hand, they’ll both last a bit longer on max. If used in winter, or as a bike light, I doubt PID would ever kick in (but your runtime will be limited if it’s always at max).
I like to run my Zebralights on H2 for the high mode, two steps down from the H1 max output. That way they still give plenty of light, but runtimes are much better and heat isn’t an issue. I reserve H1 for when I need a quick blast at max.
Throw alone is not my concern, I just didn’t know that there IS actually a difference in throw between the two models.
For pocketable throwers a I just received the X6/X5 combo :-))
I just have a SC52 so far, mainly on 14500, and I use it as EDC the same way you do. So H1 is only for short bursts. These bursts would look a little different with a XHP35 I hope 
Yeah I personally don’t see the appeal of the SC600 mk3 because the throw will only be marginally more than the SC63 in a larger package. I guess the larger mass will cause the PID to step down slower but I’m not sure by how much.
Basically the XHP35 is just a larger, floody emitter. I think the SC600 mk3 HI makes a lot more sense for its increased throw. So for me, I’ll buy the SC63w and the SC600w mk3 HI but will skip the “normal” SC600 mk3
I just had this struggle. Which one, which one. I ended up ordering the SC63. BTW - Zebralight is having a sale on the 63/600 mk3 lights to make room for the 64/600 mk4 lights coming out soon!
The SC63 is the only viable one for pants pockets.
Cool! I’ve been waiting for the SC64 release for awhile. I want the updated UI. And hopefully, they’ve improved the pogo pin design. I wish they’d go back to 2 springs, even if it’s a little longer.