Did I Kill My Zebralight

[skorpyd]

In the dark this morning and in a moment of inattention I put the 18650 battery in my beloved Zebralight headlamp backwards. I've had it about 3 years and don't remember the exact model.

I pressed the switch several times and nothing. So I took the battery out and discovered the issue. Put battery in correctly and nothing. Then I put in a different battery and when reaching the end of threads the light comes on what appears to be high or medium, but the switch no longer operates, so I have to screw in and out the tailcap in order to turn it on and off to that one setting.

So is my favorite light now compromised forever. Did I also damage that battery.

On a side note I noticed some of the Olight 18650 batteries I've been using seem to be a tight fit in the zebralight and some fit fine, but the tight ones are hard to get out. Is this common.

 

[ForrestChump]

Clean, relube, swap cells.

But yes. I would guess its fried even thought they do state reverse battery protection. ( Not sure on this model )

I had one smoke up after I did the same thing. Quit a couple weeks later.

 

[inetdog]

Clean, relube, swap cells.

But yes. I would guess its fried even thought they do state reverse battery protection. ( Not sure on this model )

I had one smoke up after I did the same thing. Quit a couple weeks later.

But is the reverse battery protection electrical or just mechanical and therefore defeatable?

 

[ForrestChump]

But is the reverse battery protection electrical or just mechanical and therefore defeatable?

I had the electric and I imagine yours does as well. IMO mechanical would be much more reliable in terms of inserting a cell backwards.

 

[skorpyd]

Thanks for the input.

I guess I will have the fun of looking for a great new headlamp. Anything new I should look at?

 

[TEEJ]

Thanks for the input.

I guess I will have the fun of looking for a great new headlamp. Anything new I should look at?

The Armytek Wizard is about my fav lately....works great.

 

[Joys_R_us]

A dead flashlight is always an opportunity to stretch to new horizons. But why not stick with the same brand snd buy a SC600 II Zebra ?

 

[skorpyd]

The Armytek Wizard is about my fav lately....works great.

That was one I was considering. I have seen some brief reviews and they were positive. I used my zebralight as a work light about 80% of the time using it. Would the Armytek be good for that.

 

[skorpyd]

A dead flashlight is always an opportunity to stretch to new horizons. But why not stick with the same brand snd buy a SC600 II Zebra ?

Also another Zebralight is first consideration, as I used the other one almost daily.

 

[ForrestChump]

Thanks for the input.

I guess I will have the fun of looking for a great new headlamp. Anything new I should look at?

PETZL - Hands Down.

 

[Derek Dean]

I certainly don't want to dissuade you from getting a new light, but I thought I'd point out that it's quite easy and relatively inexpensive to have your light repaired. It does, however, take approx. 6 weeks.

All you have to do is contact Zebralight, explain the issue and request an RMA for repair. Then you send the light, along with a check for $15, to the ZL headquarters in Texas. Be sure and use delivery confirmation when you ship it, because ZL won't send you an e-mail acknowledging receipt, you'll simply receive your repaired light back in about 6 weeks (they ship it to the factory in China for the actual repair).

Heck, even if you decide to get another light, it's probably worth your time and the small price to go ahead and get the old light repaired for use as a backup.

 

[skorpyd]

PETZL - Hands Down.

OK FC, With all due respect that's not one I considered.

It almost seems like your'e yankin the chain on a newbie a bit. Which PETZL models do you use and for what applications and let's see some pics of your collection.

 

[skorpyd]

I certainly don't want to dissuade you from getting a new light, but I thought I'd point out that it's quite easy and relatively inexpensive to have your light repaired. It does, however, take approx. 6 weeks.

All you have to do is contact Zebralight, explain the issue and request an RMA for repair. Then you send the light, along with a check for $15, to the ZL headquarters in Texas. Be sure and use delivery confirmation when you ship it, because ZL won't send you an e-mail acknowledging receipt, you'll simply receive your repaired light back in about 6 weeks (they ship it to the factory in China for the actual repair).

Heck, even if you decide to get another light, it's probably worth your time and the small price to go ahead and get the old light repaired for use as a backup.

That sounds like a great idea. I still may look for a quality replacement but for the money it seems like a no brainer. Thanks for the info.

 

[ForrestChump]

OK FC, With all due respect that's not one I considered.

It almost seems like your'e yankin the chain on a newbie a bit. Which PETZL models do you use and for what applications and let's see some pics of your collection.

?


I use a Petzl Tikka. 42 years in the headlamp business. Also, if you are in the US they have fantastic warranty support with a 2 week turnaround time - most of that is for shipping.

 

[ForrestChump]

If I was going to hike the Appalachian trail, and I had to choose between a $100 imported headlamp or a $30 headlamp from Petzl ( also imported ), I wouldn't even think twice. I'd grab the Petzl and go.

 

[oKtosiTe]

But really, the only points in favor of Petzl I can think of are price and an alright interface.
Build quality on all models I've seen can only be described as plasticky, submersion is not possible, output is pretty pathetic by modern standards, beam pattern and tint are mediocre at best.
Then again, none of the Petzl models come even close to providing enough light for me to go out on the trail (500 lumens is an absolute minimum), so I'm inclined to write them off by default. Perhaps they're exactly the ticket for the next person.

 

[skorpyd]

Sounds like you are serious about the Petzl Forrest, I wasn't sure. I have had similar headlamps that for me didn't seem to be bright enough.

For $30 that Tikka does look pretty good for most applications. I'm thinking I would be wanting a bit more fire power though.

I don't think however I can justify $500 for a Petzl Ultra Rush. Wow, what a variation.

 

[C.M.S]

Zebralight SC600 II L2 ?? Have you considered that one ?
Im new to lighting for the most part and I just purchased one a week ago and it's very nice , the 80degree of flood is just what I need as I use it for automotive work .

 

[ForrestChump]

But really, the only points in favor of Petzl I can think of are price and an alright interface.
Build quality on all models I've seen can only be described as plasticky, submersion is not possible, output is pretty pathetic by modern standards, beam pattern and tint are mediocre at best.
Then again, none of the Petzl models come even close to providing enough light for me to go out on the trail (500 lumens is an absolute minimum), so I'm inclined to write them off by default. Perhaps they're exactly the ticket for the next person.

http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/SPECIALIZED-headlamps/ULTRA-RUSH?l=INT#.VKSl9WTF-cI

Durability / Waterproofing / Reliability / Experience wise / ZL isn't even in the same galaxy, it's just a matter of how much you want to spend.

Google check me. Cavers use Petzl, CPF uses Zebras.

 

[ForrestChump]

Just wanted to mention, if Petzl ever turns out a crappy product, you'll here it from me first. Same thing with my HDS or SF.

Even though it may appear I might be brand loyal, Im not. Im design loyal.