Help me EDC: ZebraLight SC31w vs. Quark MiNiX 123

LEDBE
Tiggercat

Tiggercat

Enlightened
Joined
Aug 26, 2011
Messages
222
Location
Atlanta, GA
I'm perplexed, and could use some help choosing an EDC. (Like I'll end up with only one.:shakehead) I'm looking for the best balance between, "Wow, that's small" and "Wow, that's bright".

A low low is important, as is a powerful high, and a relatively simple UI. I already have a Quark MiNi 123, but it's about to be traded, and I'm not sure whether to go with the MiNiX or give the SC31w a shot. I like the MiNi 123, but the head wobbles just enough to make me open to competitors. Light must tailstand, and be a balance between flood and throw, although we're talking throw to the other side of the room, not exploring caves. AAA is not enough, AA is possible, but I'm leaning toward CR123. I already have a Xeno E03 XM-L and love it, but it's too big for this role. Also would like to stay under $60.

Would anyone like to help me spend my money?
 
Eagletac PN20a. Tailstands. Throws great across a (big) room. Compares well with many single AAs.

Anything bigger than AAA I wouldn't carry in the pocket.

Nap.
 
Hey man, FWIW from a fellow Atlantan...

Just got the discounted Zebralight SC50+ from their website and it's nothing short of amazing. Based on it, I would give the SC31 a huge nod if you really feel you need more than the 122 lumens the SC50+ AA puts out. (about 200 on a 14500 for the SC50+) Great UI, great low low.. really liking it based on the price range you stated.

I would recommend it, in fact, over the SC31, but 122 lumens is more than enough for most of what I need and the extra lumens may make the difference for you. Either way, the Zeb seems to be a great light so far.

D
 
since you live in the ATL, make a trip over to goinggear. you can get your hands on it, and decide if you like it.

hell, last i heard, Marshall EDCs a SC30, so he might even pull it out of his pocket for your to check out.

ive owned a sc50, H31, and quark mini 123. i like the zebralights more. but to be fair, im simply not a fan of multi-mode twisties.
 
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skyfire said:
since you live in the ATL, make a trip over to goinggear. you can get your hands on it, and decide if you like it.
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I've been there, and tried the SC51. I thought it was just a touch too big, but I didn't try the 31 at the time. I'm on the list for them to call when the next ZL shipment comes in, but I'm looking EDC before then.
 
My appreciation of Zebralights has gone up a great deal since a little SC30W survived my real world torture test HERE. You are looking at 2 good lights, but I prefer the ZL for the interface, beam, tail standing and near bullet proof construction. Don't think you could go wrong with either one...I just prefer the ZL.
 
I prefer EDCing my ZL SC51. I tried to EDC my Mini123, but it only took a few days for the lanyard hook to break off. I still like the light, but it sits of my desk, and I don't trust Quark lights as keychain lights anymore. By contrast the clip on the SC51 is strong and hasn't budged a mm through all my abuse.
 
I love my Zebralights, but find them a bit too big for front pocket EDC as well. My new EDC is the Eagletac D25A mini. It's bright, simple UI, small and well made. You could check out the D25C mini for even more, "wow that is small and wow that is bright!"
 
The low on the SC30 is very low. I can look directly at the emitter and not see spots afterwards. In total darkness it's a bit on the dim side even. It's tiny, like leave the clip on it to find it tiny. Runtimes seem to be excellent, it'll accept primaries as well as RCRs. Proven to be a tough little light too. I picked up one (used) recently for 40 bucks to try out a ZL. I will be getting a few more ZLs in the future, great light.
 
thaugen said:
I love my Zebralights, but find them a bit too big for front pocket EDC as well. My new EDC is the Eagletac D25A mini. It's bright, simple UI, small and well made. You could check out the D25C mini for even more, "wow that is small and wow that is bright!"
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That looks like one to consider, although I prefer the low low on the ZL. Might have to try the Eagletac next time around.
 
I have an SC31 and give it very high marks. It is very small and can easily be carried with comfort in your front pocket. It has a sturdy clip that is removable, although it really doesn't get in the way. It has a very bright high and a very dim low. It tailstands and has the ZL UI that I like much more than an tail clicky. I highly recommend the SC31.
 
Tiggercat said:
Just pulled the trigger on the SC31W.:paypal:

Thanks everyone! (Freakin' enablers.)
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Congratulations! I'm sure you'll really like it. While it is more expensive, the SC series is one of the best lines of EDC lights out there right now IMO. The low low is very nice (the Mini's don't have a true low-low), and the UI is superb. It sounds more complicated than it really is. It shouldn't take long to get used to it, and once you do, you'll wonder why other companies don't use the same UI.
 
I know the purchase has been made but for the sake of future readers I have both the SC51 and Mini 123. Both are great lights. Love the power from the 1 xAA (SC51) but have accidentially activated the switch whilst in my pocket and nearly ended up a fire ball. Love the power and modes of the Mini 123 but using two hands to do an effective operation is a little painful. Which one wins....... don't really know they are both great lights and it al depends on your requirements. Looking forward to the SC80 which takes both AA and a 123.
 
Just remember to unscrew the tailcap of any ZL light you are carrying in your pocket to avoid "unintended activation" (also known as "hot pocket") - I speak with the voice of experience (SC60 almost too hot to touch).
 
Gregozedobe said:
Just remember to unscrew the tailcap of any ZL light you are carrying in your pocket to avoid "unintended activation" (also known as "hot pocket") - I speak with the voice of experience (SC60 almost too hot to touch).
Click to expand...
I've carried an SC60w in my left front pocket since February. I don't lock it out, I leave it on Low. I've had it change modes very, very rarely.
If you use rechargeable, why not leave it on low? A short click would turn it off.

G27
 
Another option is the H31w, which is the same as the SC31w but in headlamp configuration. It is slightly shorter than the SC31w and gives you more possibilities for using it hands-free versus the SC31w
 
Glock27 said:
I've carried an SC60w in my left front pocket since February. I don't lock it out, I leave it on Low. I've had it change modes very, very rarely.
If you use rechargeable, why not leave it on low? A short click would turn it off.

G27
Click to expand...

That's a great work around! I've had very little problem with my SC's turning on my pocket, maybe 4 times in the last year, honestly, but this is a great suggestion!
 
"have accidentially activated the switch whilst in my pocket and nearly ended up a fire ball.

:lolsign: That might be just a bit of an exaggeration.
 
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