Small EDC recommendation? Out of the game for awhile.

[entoptics]

Greetings all. Long time since I've been around, so I've really got no clue what is available as a good compact EDC these days...

My Zebralight SC51 finally has kicked the bucket, with the switch failing to function most of the time. My SC52 is still going strong, but it's old as the hills also, and now I have no SC51 as a bed stand backup...

Sooo...on the hunt for a new EDC of similar format to the SC52...

Requirements...

1) Same size as SC52, so ≤ 25mm (D) x ≤ 80 mm (L).

2) ≥ 500 lumens max output for at least a couple of minutes before step down kicks in.

3) ≤ 1 lumen moonlight mode

4) 50-100 lumen intermediate mode.

4) Button operation, though I wouldn't be opposed to a head twist to engage turbo or moonlight or the like, but button for on/off.

5) Direct access from off to moonlight and max (or at least "very high")

6) Pocket clip.

7) Solid durability. Drops from chest height and into puddles will almost certainly happen. I'm not going to war with it though...

8) UI with at least 3 modes, moonlight (≤ 1 lumen), moderate (50-150 lumens), max (≥ 500 lumens)

9) Able to tail stand

Very Strong preferences...

1) Swappable batteries. I don't mind a proprietary rechargeable, as long as I can have a spare or two. Ideally, would be the same as the Zebralight, with 14500 and AA interchangeability, but I'd settle for CR123 if that's all there is nowadays.

2) Emitter down carry option with clip.

3) USB rechargeable

4) Middle of the road flood/throw. Will mostly be used at relatively close range like hunting screws under the desk, navigating the house without waking up the Mrs, and searching for something in the garage, but I do like to have something that can at least light up critter eyes at 100 yards. In a nutshell, an SC52 type beam profile. If it's got a lot more power than 500 lumens, I'd be fine with more flood though.

5) I do love the SC52's ability to have lots of illumination levels available without programming.

Budget

≤ $75 ...but, if it's an absolute beast of a light with every feature I want, and 10+ year durability...I might go as high as $120.

That said, I'm interested in what's out there, so feel free to post really high dollar stuff if it fits the above requirements.

Thanks in advance.

 

[aginthelaw]

will zebralight repair it? They fixed 4 of mine at $15 each, Old and outdated models. They're selling the new A6 right angle light with a battery for $49. Slightly larger than your specs. But it's still a zebra. Olight has a baton turbo, mini thrower, 18350 size, $60, charger included. Lifetime warranty.

You can go to parametrek.com and put in the specs and see what pops

 

[carrot]

You might really like the Skilhunt H150 v3 with Nichia 519a. It's very skinny. The button is softer to click than the ZL, so when I carry mine I usually unscrew the tailcap a bit until closer to when I think I will need it. Has a little magnetic puck for USB recharging and can take standard 14500s or NiMH (only recharges 14500s though).

 

[jacobd]

The Emisar D3AA is a great light that ticks all of those boxes, with the exception of USB C charging, but you could always use a USB rechargeable battery.

If that isn't to your taste, the Skilhunt M150 is fantastic.

 

[Hooked on Fenix]

Acebeam Pokelit AA
Klarus XT1A

 

[entoptics]

Thanks all for the suggestions.

Traveling a lot, so haven't had a chance to really dig in, but the Skillhunt and Emisar both look very promising.

I saw a review on the Skillhunt that suggested the lumen values are about half what the manufacturer quotes, which if true would rule it out. Any experience or reviews that confirm/deny that would be appreciated.

I'm a little daunted by the Emisar's interface, but I bet I'd get comfortable with it pretty quickly, and the customization options are pretty cool.

Honestly, I woulda probably already pulled the trigger on an Olight Warrior Nano, or a Baton 4, but the proprietary batteries have stopped me. I almost never need extra fuel, but when I do, it's a life saver to have it easily available.

will zebralight repair it? They fixed 4 of mine at $15 each, Old and outdated models…

I contacted zebralight, and their reply was…

Sorry, we don't have any parts/components left for the SC51 lights.

Thanks again, and please keep the suggestions (and experience with said suggestions) coming.

 

[jz6342]

Thrunite Saber? Two modes, intuitive UI, uses both rechargeable 14500 or AA. Small and pocketable.

 

[Brokenarrow]

The M150 is a great little torch but after carrying it for 8 months I have decided it just is not bright enough for anything other than indoors or very close outdoor use. Replaced it with the Zl SC65 modified by Bob and I am hooked!

 

[Lips]

The M150 is a great little torch but after carrying it for 8 months I have decided it just is not bright enough for anything other than indoors or very close outdoor use. Replaced it with the Zl SC65 modified by Bob and I am hooked!

Curious what he modified it with? I have a SC64 HI that the switch turned to mush that needs upgrading...

 

[Monocrom]

Acebeam Pokelit AA
Klarus XT1A

I own both.
Yes on the Acebeam.
No on the Klarus.

 

[Flashlightmaster2021]

thrunite t1, workus hd-15, maybe cheap head lamp like kun h1

 

[Brokenarrow]

Curious what he modified it with? I have a SC64 HI that the switch turned to mush that needs upgrading...

XHP 35 5000K , Absolutely love it!

 

[fwafwow]

XHP 35 5000K , Absolutely love it!

Sorry for the rookie question - where can I get one?

 

[Brokenarrow]

Sorry for the rookie question - where can I get one?

Bob McBob on Reddit

 

[Buff]

Countycomm sells a Maratac Tri Flood mini i was using a lot until i got my Baton 4.
Think i paid $49.
I still plan on using it after the Olights wear off lol

Uses 14500 battery. Nothing fancy more a working mans light. I like that.
Note: it's $29. Most likely what i paid because i own 3. Also i'm still learning and just realized its claimed to be a 4000 neutral light so i compared it to my S1R baton and it is definitely as bright at all levels but a much warmer light. I like that.
Also they almost always have the batteries for them especially since it doesn't come with a battery.