Zebralight - any new flashlight rumours?

[smw1138]

Hi,

I received my H502 recently and I'm delighted with it. I particularly like the 260Lm High and the Ultra low programmable moonlight modes.

Question is: is a more "throwy" flashlight- style equivalent on the cards? Certainly the SC51 and SC80 are out there but they don't go quite as bright and they lack the ultra low modes that I really like.

 

[papageorgio]

I got this email last night ...

Subject: Multiple AA Cell Lights

The S5310 will be released after the S6330. The Q50 will be released later, but I don't know when. BTW, the S6330 will be released within 30 days.

Sincerely,

Lillian Xu ZebraLight, Inc. 8320 Sterling Street

 

[TweakMDS]

I don't have much of an interest (or need) for the larger multi cell lights, but I hope they'll release the H302 and T3/T5 soon, they're quite high on my pre-order list ;)

Q50 might make it into my camera bag though. I have a lot of paired 4xAA sets of eneloops, so wouldn't bee too much of a problem to run those down repeatedly as I have to condition them occasionally for use in my flashes too.

I have a sneaking suspicion that ZL might be holding some new development back in favor of the newer emitters. They've been really slow in updating from the XP-G R4, so maybe they're holding the T5/T3 for release with XP-G2. I'd figure they can put their circuits in pretty much any form, so I don't really know what the hold up would be otherwise.

 

[Cataract]

I'll start a rumor: they will probably update existing models with the newer driver (the one they put in the H502/H302) and as Tweak says, emitters as well. These will all get a new number (+1 or +10 probably) and be offered in all the same diversity as is current. This also means their lights will probably all be a tad smaller.

I think with all the different models they have going and will soon be releasing they are covering pretty much all needs and I really don't see why they should break their necks re-re-reinventing what works for them. Well, maybe one or two models, but I don't see why they should keep adding at the same break-neck speed. Just getting completely rid of PWM, multiple programmable modes on all lines and a more efficient driver is more than necessary to get a lot of business from guys like CPFers. Oh, forgot to mention more yummy lumens.

 

[AnAppleSnail]

I'll start a rumor: they will probably update existing models with the newer driver (the one they put in the H502/H302) and as Tweak says, emitters as well. These will all get a new number (+1 or +10 probably) and be offered in all the same diversity as is current. This also means their lights will probably all be a tad smaller.

I think with all the different models they have going and will soon be releasing they are covering pretty much all needs and I really don't see why they should break their necks re-re-reinventing what works for them. Well, maybe one or two models, but I don't see why they should keep adding at the same break-neck speed. Just getting completely rid of PWM, multiple programmable modes on all lines and a more efficient driver is more than necessary to get a lot of business from guys like CPFers. Oh, forgot to mention more yummy lumens.

I wouldn't mind seeing an optic-based ZL. I used to have a Petzl Tikka XP or something with a flat, 5mm tall fresnel-type lens over the LED. This gave a very useful beam with decent spill, and although it wasn't the most efficient optic, it was remarkably flat.

 

[stp]

I wouldn't mind seeing an optic-based ZL. I used to have a Petzl Tikka XP or something with a flat, 5mm tall fresnel-type lens over the LED. This gave a very useful beam with decent spill, and although it wasn't the most efficient optic, it was remarkably flat.

Yep. I have H51...it's ideal for me as edc, close range camping/travel light. But I need also something with good throw for camping and travelling. I wish they would make from Q50 brighter and throwy companion for H51/H502. You could share the same batteries between both as a bonus. Of course spot to flood ledlenser style would be even better (at last for me).

 

[moozooh]

I figured I wouldn't need another flashlight now that I have H502d and SC600-U2 covering my needs, but if there's one thing I would definitely make an exception for, it's if ZebraLight made an AA (or an SC80-style AA+CR123) tailclicky thrower based on a neutral XP-G2 or XP-E2 with a rapid or variable strobe. Knowing ZL, such a thing could exceed 250 lm and throw upwards of 200 meters easily, and if so, it would replace SC600 as my EDC (which I'll instead use for biking and other non-EDC needs where I don't need throw or warmer tint).

I've actually been wondering why they never really attempted to explore the market of compact throwers. Brands like Fenix and JetBeam have an established foothold there, but most of them aren't especially strong contenders*, and none of them can come close to (let alone match) ZL's trademark efficiency and functional UI. Also, since tailclicky lights don't exactly need to be thin to ensure a better overhand grip, SC80's form factor would suit them perfectly and they would have a real winner on their hands. It wasn't very popular in the "minimalist max efficiency EDC" niche ZL has been exploring with the vast majority of their lights, but it could work much better in a more relaxed "compact tactical EDC" form where a slightly larger size is an asset, not a disadvantage, and the ability to use 14500s or even 17500s in such a light would just be the icing on the cake.

* — Among those, I can think of Nitecore Explorer EA2, Fenix LD22 S2, E21 and E25, JetBeam PA20 and BA20, Quark AA²... That's it, I believe. Apart from the LD22S2, E25, and the EA2, all of those feel like some ancient technology that could be trumped by the combination of an efficient driver and new generation Cree LEDs.

 

[justanotherguy]

I got this email last night ...

Subject: Multiple AA Cell Lights

The S5310 will be released after the S6330. The Q50 will be released later, but I don't know when. BTW, the S6330 will be released within 30 days.

Sincerely,

Lillian Xu ZebraLight, Inc. 8320 Sterling Street

I got an email from her as well, in response to my inquiry about a couple extra SC60 tailcaps.... "out of production, sorry"
When queried about H600 tailcaps (they are the same!!!!) I got a price and availability response....

sigh

 

[carl]

...the S6330 will be released within 30 days.

Here we go getting our hopes up again....

 

[shelm]

i guess that some ZL fans would even pre-order models without having seen any photo!! ;)

They'd say "the T5 is available for pre-order. pictures available when light is in stock" and we would pre-order the T5 already anyway. lol

 

[sbbsga]

Just saw SC52 listed to be launched in October too. 14500 compatible. :naughty:

 

[shelm]

i want one!

 

[moozooh]

XM-L, unfortunately. XP-G2 would likely be even brighter at those output levels, but at this point it's too late, heh. Not quite the light I wanted, but 14500 aficionados will surely be entertained with an AA-sized light blasting everything with SC600 level of light output.

 

[smw1138]

Just saw SC52 listed to be launched in October too. 14500 compatible. :naughty:

Well, I guess that's answered my question! I just need to decide how many to buy.

 

[Cataract]

I wouldn't mind seeing an optic-based ZL. I used to have a Petzl Tikka XP or something with a flat, 5mm tall fresnel-type lens over the LED. This gave a very useful beam with decent spill, and although it wasn't the most efficient optic, it was remarkably flat.

I'm not saying they won't come up with anything new, but their product range is pretty complete. Optics is probably a good idea, we'll see if they pick that up and what comes out of it.

Just saw SC52 listed to be launched in October too. 14500 compatible. :naughty:

Proof I was right, but with extra battery compatibility? even better than my imagination! Already scanning my wallet for an SC52w or c.

 

[Brasso]

The T5 definitely has my interest. Been waiting for that one for a while.

Wouldn't mind seeing them incorporate a momentary function into the light the way HDS does. Allow mode changing from the "on" position and have a memory with momentary for the T3/5 since they are rear "clicky's".

 

[low]

The T5 definitely has my interest. Been waiting for that one for a while.

Wouldn't mind seeing them incorporate a momentary function into the light the way HDS does. Allow mode changing from the "on" position and have a memory with momentary for the T3/5 since they are rear "clicky's".

Rear clicky? I wish. It says electronic tail clicky. Sounds like the same switch in a different location.

 

[Brasso]

Yes, it will be electronic. The HDS is electronic too, and it can do both momentary and on/off, depending on how long you hold it. Probably the best feature of that light.

 

[low]

Yes, it will be electronic. The HDS is electronic too, and it can do both momentary and on/off, depending on how long you hold it. Probably the best feature of that light.

Well I'll be dawg. Perhaps Zebra will follow that path.

 

[dealgrabber2002]

XM-L, unfortunately. XP-G2 would likely be even brighter at those output levels, but at this point it's too late, heh. Not quite the light I wanted, but 14500 aficionados will surely be entertained with an AA-sized light blasting everything with SC600 level of light output.

I got an email from customer stating that they will upgrade their lights to XP-G2 within a few months.