Help me choose... D11, D10 SP, SC50, or BK135A?

[Starchaser]

I have searched as many threads as possible to help me decide between these 3 lights, but there are limited comparisons since they are so new and the D11 is not really out yet, although looks to be days away.

I really don't want a twisty. I also wish the SC50 and D10 SP came with XP-G, I would have preferred it. The D11 has the XP-G, but I'm not sure if I would like the ramping UI, and not sure how fast or convenient it will be for low and high. If the D10 SP had the XP-G, I might have just gone with that over the D11. I do like what I saw of the SC50 UI, but it doesn't have the XP-G and it has a little larger diameter, although shorter than the Nitecore... so I'm having a hard time choosing between these lights for those reasons.

I'm looking for a 1AA for EDC and plan to clip it to my front pocket. I'm hoping none of these will be too bulky. I'm looking for a 1AA that is on the smaller side, but I'm not too interested in the Quark mini at this time. Right now I have a Fenix L0D-CE, which is on my key chain.

It looks so far from my research, that my choice is coming down to NiteCore, JETBeam or ZebraLight.

I am especially interested in hearing from owners of these lights, and any thoughts on the D11 coming out, compared to the D10 SP, SC50, and BK135A.

Please help me choose one, with the reasons for your choice.

Thanks in advance for your help. 🙂

 

[RedForest UK]

Re: Help... D11, D10 SP, or SC50?

If you wait a couple of months zebralight will be releasing the SC51, 200lumens OTF for 50mins from one eneloop cell!

 

[Dioni]

Re: Help... D11, D10 SP, or SC50?

Again, I need to say I love my Nitecore D10. IMO it's perfect! However, mine is a GDP version with ramping mode, ie no strobe neither sos modes, which I prefer to a EDC light.

With the D10 you can have as a "press to on" ['cause not exactly a click one] as a tactical light just unscrewing its head a bit.

Therefore, my vote goes to Nitecore D10. 🙂

EDIT:
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 1 :duh2:

Is it a :welcome:??? :thinking:

 

[MR.A]

Re: Help... D11, D10 SP, or SC50?

i own a d10 a d10 sp and d10 sp camo.

All of them are great. My last Nitecore D10 SP CAMO i bought it from Batteryjunction and i'm really happy with their help and fast shipment.

The Camo is one of my favorite even if i have with me the Surefire E2DL 200 lumens.

I use the Nitecore D10 series more than any other flash light i own. (i would also like to say that the PREON 2 warm edition is also inside my toolbox beside the D10)

hope this help.

_____________________
Surefire E2DL 200 lumens

 

[Starchaser]

Re: Help... D11, D10 SP, or SC50?

Thanks RedForest, that could be a real option waiting for the SC51 as long as it won't be more then a couple of months. I'm sure I would be happy with the new XP-G and that sleek ZebraLight UI... as long as it doesn't feel too bulky clipped inside my front pants pocket. I see the Nitecores are a little thinner.

MR.A and Dioni... I can only get either the new D10 SP which has an XP-E, or D11 which has the new XP-G, which I would prefer. However, since they changed the UI on both, I'm not sure which UI I would be happier with... the 3 settings of the D10 SP, or ramping of the D11.

If you could only choose one these two Nitecores (D10 SP or D11), which would you choose and why?

Would love to hear from anyone else on the pluses or minuses between choosing one of the Nitecores above, or the ZebraLight SC50, or new SC51 coming out. Which would you go with and why?

Please help me choose one of the 3. 😕

 

[pae77]

Re: Help... D11, D10 SP, or SC50?

There is a rumor that there is going to be a new Liteflux single AA light coming out soon based on the amazing LF2XT (single AAA) and it should be using an XPG. Personally, I would give that one serious consideration and, if not in too much of a hurry, maybe wait for it.

As far as size, the SC50's are really small for single AA lights and the forthcoming SC51 will also be using XPG emitters.

I think both of these two upcoming lights are going to be very appealing (especially the Lightflux), if you can wait a bit.

 

[Starchaser]

Re: Help me choose... D11 or SC51?

Hmmm, I think some of the later post were lost in CPF's maintenance last night.

Anyways, I think I may just wait for the SC51 and or the D11 to come out.

Uggh, I hate waiting though... so in the mean time, I'm thinking of just getting the new Nitecore EZAA R5 to put on my keychain, or just drop in the bottom of my pants pocket.

Any other ideas would be appreciated. 🙂

 

[B0wz3r]

Re: Help... D11, D10 SP, or SC50?

I'm planning on getting a Jetbeam BK135a from Bugout Gear. I've bought a Pro ST and an RRT-0 from Flavio and gotten fantastic service and support.

It's a 1xAA, 3 modes, with IBS so each mode is individually programmable, and it's got a clickie tail switch (no twisting; I've come to loathe twisty UI's).

Best part is it's very slim (17 x 90 mm) so it should be great for pocket/keychain carry. To my knowledge it's only available in cool white (I strongly prefer neutrals), and there is no clip for it yet, although from what I've seen of it here at CPF there should be one for it. If not I suspect a D10 clip could be made to work for it.

Just gotta save enough pennies... my new RRT-0 set me back a bit!

 

[Starchaser]

Re: Help... D11, D10 or SC50?

Thanks B0wz3r... someone else mentioned the JETBeam BK135A too. I looked for it at bugoutgear.com, but I don't see that they offer any lights at all on their site. Light Junction has it though, but only in camo as a special version for for $10 more than the EZAA. I would prefer something other than camo, is that the only color it comes in?

It has an XP-G R4 emitter vs XP-G R5 and less lumens at 135 vs EZAA R5 at 160. I know the 160 lumens of the EZAA R5 is not OTF... not sure about the BK135a.

The Nitecore EZAA R5 is just a touch thinner at 16.6mm and shorter at 83mm, but is a twisty. I do prefer a clicky like you, and don't care for lots of twisting, hence one of the reasons I didn't consider the Mini Quark AA. I was willing to give up the clicky for the EZAA, because of its slim, compact size and auto light ramping feature, but now I have taken pause in lieu of your suggestion.

What made you choose the BK135a over the ZebraLight SC50, SC51, or new Nitecore D11 coming out?

Anyone else have a preference for either the new Nitecore EZAA R5 or the Jetbeam BK135a?

 

[HorseFilms]

Re: Help... D11, D10 SP, or SC50?

I opted for the SC50w+ and couldn't be happier. I've only had it for a couple days, but it's become my favorite light. It's tiny, well built and really bright (and that's just on NiMH, my 14500 doesn't get here until tomorrow). The UI is crazy easy and well thought out.

Another thing that I love about it... the lack of logos or writing on it. I love that!

 

[Starchaser]

Re: Help me choose... D11, or SC51?

I opted for the SC50w+ and couldn't be happier. I've only had it for a couple days, but it's become my favorite light. It's tiny, well built and really bright (and that's just on NiMH, my 14500 doesn't get here until tomorrow). The UI is crazy easy and well thought out.

Yes, the UI is what has really attracted me to the SC50. However, when it's diameter of 22mm is compared to the D11 at 19mm, JETBeam BK135A at 17mm, and the quite a bit thinner EZAA R5 at 16.6mm, it makes me wonder if it will feel a lot more bulky in my pants pocket than the slimmer lights.

Horsefilms, how do you carry your SC50, and what do you think of its larger diameter compared to the others mentioned? Also, what made you choose the SC50 over other comparable lights like the Nitecore D11?

 

[HorseFilms]

Re: Help... D11, D10 SP, or SC50?

I have it clipped to the tool pocket of my carpenter jeans.

The extra beef was actually a plus for me. It's really not that big. It's barely bigger than the MiNi AA that I also EDC.

As far as why I bought it over the other lights, I'm not a Nitecore fan. I know, that's blasphemy around here, but I really don't like the D20 I have. I couldn't be happier with this light and I'm going to be even happier when my 14500 and charger arrive tomorrow.

 

[Starchaser]

Re: Help... D11, D10 SP, or SC50?

The extra beef was actually a plus for me. It's really not that big. It's barely bigger than the MiNi AA that I also EDC.

How do you like the SC50 compared to your Mini AA?

 

[HorseFilms]

Re: Help... D11, D10 SP, or SC50?

I was surprised to find that I like it far more. I really love the Mini, but the SC50 just has such a great UI, a lower low and a higher high. The clip is also a nice plus.

 

[Starchaser]

Re: Help me choose... D11 or SC51?

Thanks for the info HorseFilms... I'm sold! haha I think I'm going to wait a couple of months for the SC51 with XP-G and 200 lumens OTF to come out.

Looks like the Nitecore D11 maybe getting bumped off the list, unless someone else has any reasons to get it over the SC51.

It's hard to wait though, so in the mean time, now I'm trying to decide on a slimmer 1AA light to replace my LOD-CE on my keychain or to drop in my pocket, that will back up and or compliment my SC51 when I get it.

So I'm looking at either the Nitecore EZAA R5 or maybe the JETBeam BK135A as a smaller, slimmer, compact EDC.

 

[HorseFilms]

Re: Help me choose... D11 or SC51?

Thanks for the info HorseFilms... I'm sold! haha I think I'm going to wait a couple of months for the SC51 with XP-G and 200 lumens OTF to come out.

No problem! I'm kinda curious about that one, too. I might look into the SC60, when they release a warm or neutral version.

 

[B0wz3r]

Re: Help... D11, D10 or SC50?

Thanks B0wz3r... someone else mentioned the JETBeam BK135A too. I looked for it at bugoutgear.com, but I don't see that they offer any lights at all on their site. Light Junction has it though, but only in camo as a special version for for $10 more than the EZAA. I would prefer something other than camo, is that the only color it comes in?

As far as I know, yeah, that's the only finish it's available in. Given that it has an "a" in its name, I suspect there may be other variants of it being released eventually.

Here is the link for it at Bugout Gear: http://www.bugoutgearusa.com/bk135a.html

Flavio gives a CPF discount of 18% on Jetbeams and free USPS priority shipping for any order over $50.

It has an XP-G R4 emitter vs XP-G R5 and less lumens at 135 vs EZAA R5 at 160. I know the 160 lumens of the EZAA R5 is not OTF... not sure about the BK135a.

My experience with Jetbeams is that they do advertise OTF lumens, but I could be wrong. Most light makers these days do, but some still don't... *cough*... *Fenix*... *cough*... :thumbsdow

What made you choose the BK135a over the ZebraLight SC50, SC51, or new Nitecore D11 coming out?

I have to say the new ZL's are very tempting products... but I'm not thrilled with the UI. I know everyone says it's simple and all, but I don't see the need for two each of lo, med, etc. The only real difference is in the two low modes. I prefer to set my JetBeams to low-low, low-medium, and full blast levels. On most lights like this, any difference between high and max doesn't buy you a lot of extra light and you sacrifice a lot of run time for that little bit more.

Also, the beamshots I've seen are also much warmer than what I prefer, although that may just be camera artifacts at work. Still, I don't want to drop another $60 on a light and not be happy with the tint. I'm still smarting over the greenish cast of my Quark XPG NW.

The IBS UI is another big reason I'll be ordering a BK; I don't see the need for the two levels in each mode. The only place it seems like it will make a difference perceptually is on the low end. And since it does memorize the levels, where is the advantage? If you have three modes, why not just have a UI like the JB that lets you pick what each one is going to be at, instead of forcing you to choose from one of two unchangeable levels? You get more flexibility with the JB UI and essentially the same number of modes. And the JB has strobe settings for those who want them, and if you don't, just program the levels for something else.

I also have decided to get the BK because it is slim... I've been rethinking my EDC situation and have decided I'm not going to be carrying a light on my keychain anymore. From now on I'm gonna go with a clip to keep it above keys and other misc. stuff that accumulates in my pockets. (i.e., I have a 2 year old daughter, and I've lost count of how many times one of her pacifiers mysteriously finds its way into one of the pockets on my cargos). The slim profile will be better for that mode of carry I think, and the longer length will make it easier to handle, give it a little more mass for heat sinking, etc.

 

[leon2245]

Re: Help... D11, D10 SP, or SC50?

If you wait a couple of months zebralight will be releasing the SC51, 200lumens OTF for 50mins from one eneloop cell!

You'd have me convinced if were to be setup like their sc30 & sc60. Just based on the name, I fear it's going to have a double-click strobe like the sc50.

Has anyone heard or suspect otherwise?

 

[Starchaser]

Re: Help me choose... SC51, EZAA R5, or BK135a?

Thanks so much B0wz3r for such an in depth post and such a compelling view point comparing the UI's of both the SC50 and the BK135a.

I think you articulated very well a lot of the questions I had been wondering about. It was very insightful and definitely helps my decision making. You have me leaning towards the BK135a now.

I would very much appreciate any thoughts or comparisons you may have regarding the Nitecore EZAA R5 with auto light ramping, and the BK135a. It fits the form factor your looking to move towards for EDC, and is a bit slimmer, and shorter than the BK135a.

After reading your post, I have pretty much narrowed it down to either the EZAA R5, or the BK135a.

 

[jag-engr]

Re: Help... D11, D10 SP, or SC50?

If you wait a couple of months zebralight will be releasing the SC51, 200lumens OTF for 50mins from one eneloop cell!

Will they be offering it in a neutral XP-G emitter? If they would add a lanyard hole and a trit slot, I don't think I'd ever look at another light again!

I opted for the SC50w+ and couldn't be happier. ... It's tiny, well built and really bright (and that's just on NiMH, my 14500 doesn't get here until tomorrow).

I'm running my SC50w+ on L91's, or, more precisely, an L91, since it has yet to deplete the battery in two months!

Another thing that I love about it... the lack of logos or writing on it. I love that!

I hadn't even thought about it, but the lack of writing really does add to the light. It makes it look clean and classy.

As far as why I bought it over the other lights, I'm not a Nitecore fan. I know, that's blasphemy around here, but I really don't like the D20 I have.

The D20 was the worst Nitecore light, IMO.

I really love the Mini, but the SC50 just has such a great UI, a lower low and a higher high. The clip is also a nice plus.

In theory, the MiNi AA makes a much better EDC, but I find myself carrying the ZL SC50w+ over the MiNi so often that I've decided to sell my Ti QM-AAw becuase it's not getting used enough.