My AT has a bit more concentration in the center and its not even. At least not like the H602w. I think its less spill because its a TIR lens under it, but i'm not certain on that.Just to keep ZL's terminology straight: the ZL mule models(ie:H604) are called "Flood", the "F" models are called "Floody", and the normal H models are called "Spot/Spill".
I have an Armytek too but, its beam is a bit different then the ZL floody models. It has a tighter beam(likely due to the more recessed optic) that is more even with no hotspot. The ZL Floody models have a broader beam(wider) with more of a highly diffused hotspot that blends into the spill. They tend to throw a bit further then the AT's and offer a wider more useful spill imo.
Personally, I find the ZL Flood models have the least useful beam profile overall of the four(3xZL/1xAT) and are only really suited to up close tasks like reading, dishes, in tent chores etc(although they excel at these tasks).
The Spot/Spill models are ok but, I find they are not good for up close tasks due to the tight hotspot and narrower overall beam profile and give a bit of a bouncing ball effect when walking, running, hiking.
I have tried the diffuser tape trick but, find it annoying and not very practical to switch back and forth out in the field. I prefer to just pick the right light for the task(most of the time this is Floody for me).
What I find works great now for most uses is a combination of a ZL Floody and a throwy flashlight in case I need to see something real far away(fairly rare as the H600F's have a fair amount of throw on H1). Then for reading or general in the tent tasks, I like the Flood models best(although the Floody models still work pretty well for these tasks). I just ordered a H502c L2 as I find the 18650 models have more capacity/output then needed and are too bulky for these up close tasks.
Everyone uses their lights for different things though and this is highly subjective of course. I just figured I would post my experience with these headlamps in case it is helpful:thumbsup:.
As you say, to each their own. Like you, i use a combination when i am out in the dark yard working. I'll stick the H600w on my head for throw and keep my H602w around my neck for flood. The H602w flood helps to see where you are walking and anything nearby. The H600w helps you see where you need to go or if you need to check anything, all hands free. For getting firewood or anything else where the main hands free is required on the actual work and not the transit , the H602w is hung around my neck and used to do the task and a handheld if used for the "throw" requirement. At my cabin, usually an extreme throw light is required as none of the Zebras can reach those distances to the water.
When i had to go into container to check equipment, the H602w excelled in lighting the whole container. It was like having a lightbulb in your pocket. I've been trying to see if the AA lights are sufficient for my EDC purposes based on the size. The AA versions are good for reading and close up stuff, but i prefer the 18650 lights for any serious tasks. I guess i'm now spoiled with the higher output (or longer runtimes).
Good to know that the AT and the H600F have different profiles. May check out one if a sale comes up as you suggest. I'm always up for trying something new. Learn something new every day.
Back to the cracking issue I thought i remember it not being final that it was just one batch of lights that had the cracking issue. I figure I'd wait. However, being that Zebralight is better on servicing their lights than other manufacturers, i guess its not that big of a gamble.
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