Nervous about Zebralight

[Zendude]

Hey folks,

I just pulled the trigger on the H501. Do you think they have fixed their waterproofing problems. I could still cancel and get the H50b. I wanted the one handed operation and higher output but not at the expense reliability in wet conditions. What do you think?

Thanks.

 

[Viper715]

I had one fail on me but it wasn't the waterproofing it was the circuit. It was replaced by the dealer within a week and I haven't had a problem. I have ran it in a cup of water for an hour. I showered with it and then it's been with me every day through rain and mud and have yet to have a problem. But if I do I know it will be taken care of. If you have to have a light that is the most waterproof and has the least number of things to go wrong the H50b is probably better and the brigthnes is not that different.

 

[wapkil]

If you have to have a light that is the most waterproof and has the least number of things to go wrong the H50b is probably better and the brigthnes is not that different.

I agree. The H501 is less waterproof by design. For me the main difference was in the neutral tint availability for the H501. I think the measured brightness difference is not that high, if the water resistance is important and the cool tint is acceptable, I would go with the H50b.

Zendude - in what conditions do you plan to use the Zebra? If it's only an occasional rain I wouldn't worry about the H501, if it's something more serious I would go with the H50b.

 

[Yucca Patrol]

You are unlikely to have a problem and most people are saying that there have been slight changes to decrease the chance that the switch could leak water.

I'd say get it, use it, and enjoy it. You are unlikely to have a problem and they'll fix it if you do.

 

[Zeruel]

I'm not sure how common this problem is, but mine doesn't. I tested by rigorously switching the modes in this basin of water.

 

[Zendude]

I agree. The H501 is less waterproof by design. For me the main difference was in the neutral tint availability for the H501. I think the measured brightness difference is not that high, if the water resistance is important and the cool tint is acceptable, I would go with the H50b.

Zendude - in what conditions do you plan to use the Zebra? If it's only an occasional rain I wouldn't worry about the H501, if it's something more serious I would go with the H50b.

Thanks for the input guys. Yeah, it needs to withstand rain at the very least. When I'm on standby and a storm hits I can't be worrying about stuff getting wet (gotta keep those TVs going). I have also had bad luck dropping stuff in a vault full of water from time to time.

 

[davidt1]

Dipped my H501 in water for 2 hours. No problem here. I would not hesitate to take it out in the rain. A light is either waterproof or not waterproof, not somewhat waterproof.

 

[jojobos]

I once made a mistake of washing the H60 with a dish soap.
Not recommended.

 

[Zendude]

Re: Nervous about Zebralight(not anymore)

Hey folks, just an update. I received my 501 today and promptly submerged it in the sink for roughly 20 min. Seems to be holding up fine. No evidence of water penetration. I feel confident now that it can handle any amount of rain(or clumsiness). Too bad I just came off standby. It does have quite a tint shift from low to high. No big deal.

Oh, did it always strobe? Must have overlooked that.