Zebralight SC700d 21700 XHP70.2 90+CRI

[xevious]

Yeah it's not a matter of the clip almost fitting. Simply clipping it on, it rattles just shaking the light. It sits at an angle and pops off with the slightest effort when clipping it on something. You can see the aluminum on each side of the clip should be equal; mine has one about twice the thickness of the other.

Again, anything other than a nice fit like ChibiM's photo above is nonsense, especially for $119. I find it hard to believe that just one or even a few lights got the defect and not a whole batch, but I have no idea how these are manufactured so I'll take their word on the replacement. Throw in a good tint emitter for my troubles

They show In Stock right now. I'm gonna be so upset if I miss this batch for my replacement. Figure 2-3 days for my return to arrive and another 2 days for them to get around to it.

So did Zebralight acknowledge this issue? I wonder if the volume is high enough that it would be cheaper for them to simply make a different clip for these SC700 light having the narrow clip channel, rather than churn out a whole new batch of bodies.

 

[Tachead]

You can see that the clip channel is not machined properly. The head side is not milled enough. Look at the one without the defect and you will see that the clip channel is centered. Whoever was setting up the CNC lathe on that run did not set it right and cut the channel too narrow and off center. The real question is how many did they make that way before they noticed and why were the bad ones not re-cut or culled before anodizing.

Come on ZL, get yo shat together!

 

[likethevegetable]

Who knows, maybe they are going to release (or are waiting on their suppliers for) a new clip that fits yours and you actually received a minor upgrade in the light? Wishful thinking... Regardless, poor business practice if that was the case.

 

[Derek Dean]

I just can't believe I got another defect...a major one. I think I'm finally done with Zebralight after this, whether or not I get a replacement for this one. As so many posts have proven over the past 7+ years, it's just like rolling the dice every time.

I'm honestly surprised by your response to this particular problem. I agree that it's an issue that needs to be resolved, but wow, to discount all the wonderful progress ZL has made over the years is beyond my comprehension.

We've constantly asked for particular features, and ZL has responded, giving us one of the most excellent and intuitive UI's available on the market today, in a light that is incredibly efficient, small, and backed by not only an excellent warranty, but by one of the few companies that will fix virtually any out of warranty light for $15.

Every product line is going to have issues, it's part of modern manufacturing, but ZL has a good reputation for making things right when issues do crop up.

You'all should chill out and enjoy the many wonderful lights you have from this outstanding company.

 

[Tachead]

I'm honestly surprised by your response to this particular problem. I agree that it's an issue that needs to be resolved, but wow, to discount all the wonderful progress ZL has made over the years is beyond my comprehension.

We've constantly asked for particular features, and ZL has responded, giving us one of the most excellent and intuitive UI's available on the market today, in a light that is incredibly efficient, small, and backed by not only an excellent warranty, but by one of the few companies that will fix virtually any out of warranty light for $15.

Every product line is going to have issues, it's part of modern manufacturing, but ZL has a good reputation for making things right when issues do crop up.

You'all should chill out and enjoy the many wonderful lights you have from this outstanding company.

The issue is that ZL has had an abnormally high amount of issues over the last year or so. Some should have never happened either(ie: the PID ringing on last year's lights). They are definitely dropping the ball as of late imo and things need to change or they will be loosing many long time customers(not just Mark). All the great features in the world don't mean squat if QC goes out the window.

 

[markr6]

So did Zebralight acknowledge this issue? I wonder if the volume is high enough that it would be cheaper for them to simply make a different clip for these SC700 light having the narrow clip channel, rather than churn out a whole new batch of bodies.

Yes they apologized for the defect and asked that I send it back for a replacement.

 

[burntoshine]

Zebralight makes incredible lights. They're easily my favorite brand. My herd has been time-tested to varying degrees. I don't need to describe all the reasons we appreciate these lights. When a ZL is made to specifications, it rocks lots. It's like when your dad lets you down. You love your dad. He does great things. You know his potential. When he severely effs up, you stand by him, but you're just like, "c'mon pops, wtf??". Yeah, that's an odd analogy, but whatevs..

We're not that incredibly unchill, in my opinion. We are frustrated. They need to make a point to drastically improve their quality control. I would be okay with them raising their prices $5 or $10 per light if it means a lot less defects getting out. I mean, I just spent $7.99 more out of my pocket to ship my light back (first class, delivery confirmation, $120 insurance). And then I ordered another light and a third battery. I'm clearly insane. Or I know how awesome this light will be when it's made correctly. Probably a little from column A, and a little from column B.

Derek, you make many good points. But the fact remains, they need BETTER QUALITY CONTROL. Do everything else that you're doing, ZL. You guys & gals are so on point with everything else you do. Just, -@ ** >---==#" ; ... QUALITY CONTROL. Please.

EDIT: 2nd light has shipped

I wasn't planning on this, but I might end up keeping both lights if they check out alright.

 

[xevious]

Yes they apologized for the defect and asked that I send it back for a replacement.

Well that's at least a good sign, and I would hope that this will be a carefully handled case -- you're a repeat customer. They should be able to do the following:

• Zebralight gives a sincere apology for the glaring issue [CHECK].
• They prepare an RMA so you can return the flashlight at their expense.
• After their evaluation, they give you an explanation of what happened (so it's not some mystery cause to worry about for a future purchase).
• Next, they expeditiously procure a replacement and double-check it for any flaws or functional issues.
• Mail you the replacement via expedited services.

And if I were Zebralight, I'd also give you a special customer discount coupon code (maybe 25% off) that you can use once up through 12/31/2019.

I hear Derek Dean about the track record, and that Zebralight should not be eviscerated for having a few issues... except that this is a radical departure from established precedent. The rate of reported issues is rather surprising, and it unsettles potential future buys from people who learn about them.

I have been contemplating my 2nd Zebralight purchase, and my decision has narrowed down to two brand contenders. After learning about these recent issues, I was so close to pulling the trigger on a Thrunite TH30. But, my need isn't immediate so I decided I can wait a little and see how the customer service is handled in this case.

 

[burntoshine]

By the way, Mark, I think my (1st) light and your (2nd) light were shipped at the same time, so probably from the same "batch". The clip on my light fit perfectly. I just now thought of this.

 

[holygeez03]

I didn't realize the SC700 doesn't have the ring/lanyard attachment point... that is an oversight in my opinion... I put a tritium FOB on my SC600IV Plus and it is AWESOME... I can always find the light when I need it.

 

[Tachead]

I think they got rid of the lanyard attachment point on them because that has been one of the biggest complaints about the SC600 series for many years. Judging by posts and reviews over the years I would say that far more people don't want the attachment point then do. Plus, the hole in the clip is always there if you want to attach a lanyard.

 

[WalkIntoTheLight]

I like the split-ring attachment. It's perfect for lanyard use if you don't want to use the clip. Sure, you could put a lanyard on the clip, but that would only make sense with a screw-on clip so it could not pull off.

IMO, they went with the worst solution for the SC700d: no split ring, and a snap-on pocket clip.

 

[radellaf]

I think they got rid of the lanyard attachment point on them because that has been one of the biggest complaints about the SC600 series

I'd be one of those. Hated that sharp little thing. Don't use lanyards, don't use clips, like a nice smooth light. The groove, OTOH, is fine, so they should provide a solid lanyard attachment thing, better than the clip, that could go in that groove. I'd think there'd be something that could be done with knots?

Checked the groove on mine just in case and it is machined right. No extra lube, no solder blobs, all 4 quadrants even. Honestly, I'm very happy to have no issues with a pre-ordered light. I've read ZL threads since the SC51 days and was thinking "I know better than to get the 1st batch...," but, no, was too excited about the XHP70 and 21700 in the same tiny light. Glad I got "lucky". Just ordered the SC64c. If they clear the back order soon enough maybe they'll beat the Chinese-New-Year-Delayed SST20 Emisar D4 (3000K vs ZL's 4000K) to my mailbox. Toomanyflashlights.

 

[justanotherguy]

checked my clip groove.. minor diameter .950"
groove width .155" ... clip width .152"

.003" clearance, not that I've tried to pop it on...

 

[likethevegetable]

I like the lanyard bump on the SC600s - acts an roll-stopper and I'll throw on a lanyard when I use it for my bike light (extra peace of mind)

 

[WalkIntoTheLight]

I like the lanyard bump on the SC600s - acts an roll-stopper and I'll throw on a lanyard when I use it for my bike light (extra peace of mind)

Yeah, I do the same thing. $10 flashlight holder for a $100 light just doesn't seem secure enough.

 

[JStraus]

https://imgur.com/a/WQZMyJW

A constrictor knot with a thinner (2.5 mm or less) cord will hold well in the groove. To make it very secure put a ranger band over it.

And here's an easy way to tie it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76RQyVKfOow

 

[wardroid]

I've never bought another zl after my sc600 starting having issues after 6 months of seldom use (highest setting on for 5 seconds before dimming, and also randomlt shutting off and on). I was curious about this particular model until I read this thread. Thanks to forums.

 

[burntoshine]

I've never bought another zl after my sc600 starting having issues after 6 months of seldom use (highest setting on for 5 seconds before dimming, and also randomlt shutting off and on). I was curious about this particular model until I read this thread. Thanks to forums.

Have you tried contacting Zebralight about the problem? Shoot them an email and see what they say. I thought I read that they will repair lights out of warranty for $15.

I don't blame you for being scared away by their defects. They keep shooting themselves in the foot with their lack of quality control. I'm a huge ZL fan, but you have to tell it like it is; they need a big change to their QC process.

I'm really sick of hearing people say that they have to "work out the bugs". It doesn't matter how innovative you are. Defects are defects. It's either made to specifications, or it's not. Stop making excuses for horrible quality control!

It adds insult to injury when you get a defect and then send your light back only to wait even longer. I'm sitting here waiting while others place and receive orders. My defective light was delivered to them on Wednesday. I have no clue when to expect the replacement. I never got an apology or anything other than seemingly robotic responses from them. I will say that I have been impressed with their response time when communicating with them about my problems. But an apology would have been a nice and and easy first step; but nope.

This is my first "return for a replacement" with Zebralight. I guessed correct in that the return process would not be quick, and so I place an order for a second light earlier this week. That light should be here in a matter of hours, if the post office does their job, although it was supposed to be here yesterday; go figure. I will report back with the condition of my 2nd light. As well as the condition of my replacement, whenever they decide to send me one...

 

[JStraus]

Well FWIW, I have owned 11 Zebralights over the last ten years or so and have never had any issues with any of them. Like many consumer product forums, the bad gets reported much more often by the very nature of forums. I'm keeping up with what definitely sounds like QC issues that should be addressed by ZL because some people have definitely had some bad luck runs with their orders. But I'm a fanboy and their return, warranty, and out of warranty policies are solid. I think their customer service has come a long way and that counts to me in the grander scheme of things. Their resale value remains pretty unbelievable.

So, to remain on topic: I'm really enjoying my SC700d that I just got. And I don't know if it's been mentioned here but the lowest mode on this light is even a bit lower than by SC5c MKII, making it a fantastic nightstand light. But not quite as low as my old SC52w. Man, I never should have sold that light...