The Official Zebralight Thread .

[ilikeguns40]

There is nothing better and intuitive in UI than HDS Rotary.

While I will agree with this, however we are comparing a $400 light to a $90 light. UI on Zebra may not be as good and some hate it, but the output, runtimes, weight, and clip while maintaining the same size blows the HDS out of the water.

Once the Zebra is programmed to your liking, it's super simple and can activate any level with ease. I can program a Zebra very quickly considering the amount of experience I've had with them.

 

[Schokokeks]

While I will agree with this, however we are comparing a $400 light to a $90 light. UI on Zebra may not be as good and some hate it, but the output, runtimes, weight, and clip while maintaining the same size blows the HDS out of the water.

Once the Zebra is programmed to your liking, it's super simple and can activate any level with ease. I can program a Zebra very quickly considering the amount of experience I've had with them.

I'd add, I think the Zebralight and Convoy "customization" systems are way, way better than Anduril (I know many people will rabidly disagree, but that's perfectly fine to disagree with). Sure, there aren't infinite options, but I have a suspicion the VAST majority of people aren't using 95% of the Anduril options, so these "half way" systems are actually quite nice, because, as you point out, they don't actually take much time.

I think that shorter initial setup is nice, too, because GOD FORBID your Anduril gets reset, hahaha. Of course, unless you're someone whose actual hobby is counting clicks and holds, and flashlights are just your way of satiating that passion...those people aren't so concerned, haha. For those looking for less of a time investment in setup, I actually find these systems to be pretty handy.

 

[KITROBASKIN]

Valid points regarding the positives of Zebralight (and HDS) user interface, but Anduril flashlights in our home are set-and-forget after initial preference. Yes, someone clicking randomly will suffer the scourge, but a good Anduril, while not perfect, is very efficient, very intuitive. I just wish ZL made a lightweight, compact, throw oriented 18650 Anduril with a beautiful emitter in ~4500K.

 

[jon_slider]

HDS Rotary uses the same UI as the Sunwayman V11r and Jetbeam RRT-01: clic on, turn dial, clic off

imo the simplest way to use a Zebra, is Hold from Off to ramp Low Medium High. Very similar to an Olight.

Im waiting for a Zebra w Anduril: With Anduril, hold from off ramps up smoothly, release at desired ouput.

Unlike the Zebra and Olight, Anduril is not limited to 3 or 4 modes. Anduril is the closest thing to a Rotary UI, with a single button.

 

[Monocrom]

As far as Convoy lights go, I like the simplistic 4-mode option on my C8. Though I was done buying Simon's offerings nearly a year ago when I got screwed out of my money. Ironically ordered the C8 while still waiting for my M2 to arrive. When the C8 arrived and the M2 never did, sent Simon a quick email. He was very sorry, told me to wait longer, and did absolutely nothing for me. I can live with budget lights that come in basically paper boxes with zero instructions packaged inside. But not with that level of so-called customer service. Though my C8 did come in an excellent quality nylon holster.

 

[Schokokeks]

As far as Convoy lights go, I like the simplistic 4-mode option on my C8. Though I was done buying Simon's offerings nearly a year ago when I got screwed out of my money. Ironically ordered the C8 while still waiting for my M2 to arrive. When the C8 arrived and the M2 never did, sent Simon a quick email. He was very sorry, told me to wait longer, and did absolutely nothing for me. I can live with budget lights that come in basically paper boxes with zero instructions packaged inside. But not with that level of so-called customer service. Though my C8 did come in an excellent quality nylon holster.

Yeah...I haven't had very good experiences with the CS from Chinese brands.

I once asked Simon about something, but I think the language barrier went to work, and...yeah...

 

[Monocrom]

Yeah...I haven't had very good experiences with the CS from Chinese brands.

I once asked Simon about something, but I think the language barrier went to work, and...yeah...

Oh no, I don't mean Chinese brands in general. I mean Convoy and Simon specifically. Along with Klarus. Abysmal customer service from those two.

 

[Schokokeks]

Oh no, I don't mean Chinese brands in general. I mean Convoy and Simon specifically. Along with Klarus. Abysmal customer service from those two.

Oh, I mean Chinese brands, hahah.

FOR THE MOST PART, they have bad CS integral to the product. It's part of how they keep costs so low. Shipping to/from China is essentially too expensive for warranty work to be feasible, so they kind of just shrug until you go away. So long as you go into the transaction understanding that, it's not too bad.

Coming full circle, I'd heard ZL was "based in the U.S.," so I gave them a shot, and...without getting too into it, it was just one of the worst customer service experiences of my life, hahah. That's why I now have a $50 limit on Chinese lights; not too expensive, in case I end up getting screwed. But, that still kind of stings, so I do tend to gravitate towards the US brands to avoid the worry.

 

[Bob_McBob]

That's exciting. I'm very curious to what it will be like. Really hoping li-ion support along with your standard AA voltage and a 4500k emitter

A "c" model is going to be 4000K, so probably the same 519A. Based on everything I've read (not from Zebralight directly), the current AA-only SC53c N driver was designed for the SC54. I expect the body will be a bit shorter because the driver itself is shorter. I really hope they come to their senses and see the demand for dual fuel or even 14500-only drivers, but I'm not optimistic.

 

[Bob_McBob]

Well, it's official. Some tiny differences in outputs and stated runtimes. Dimensions are apparently identical, which I doubt is correct. No 14500 support.

https://www.zebralight.com/SC54c-N-Neutral-White-High-CRI-AA-Flashlight_p_258.html

 

[gurdygurds]

I guess it's just more efficient?

 

[Bob_McBob]

I guess it's just more efficient?

It's basically the same light as the SC53c N for the last year of production. The driver is significantly more efficient, but AA-only.

 

[this_is_nascar]

Disappointing. Maybe if people sent a message by not purchasing this light, ZL would listen to what many have been asking for. Let them know that we will no longer purchase an AA-based light without 14500 support.

 

[sim1tti]

3.5 V14500 compatibility would be nice. It's just not at the top of the disappointments list regarding ZL's current roster. Especially since 1.5V 14500s are on the come up and work great in ZLs.

The throughline characteristics with ZL's lights and the reason they still have laurels to ride on:

• HIgh efficiency (runtime and brightness)
• High CRI
• Compact/lightweight
• Durability (debateable)
• UI (debatable)

The more of those five characteristics you prioritize (and agree with), the more of a ZL devotee you will predictably be. Even now.

What they've pivoted away from – what I wish they'd return to about the"Goldilocks" days – are the options. It used to be that within 18 months or so, one could find an offering to perfectly match any individual combination of specific criteria:

• size (AA and 18650)
• color temperature (4000, 4500, and 5000)
• beam pattern (flood (mule), floody (frosted), spot+spill)
• and form (torch and right angle)

My ideal Zebralight website would feature 36 sub-models on sale all the time. All would have 93+ CRI.

Only slightly less preferable is the way they did it before, which is a timely rotation of releases that effectively covered those 36 variants.

Innovation is great and I've appreciated some of the ZL "curve ball" releases. EG, the SC5c Mk II LE is one of my favorite lights ever, and I also I love their red led mules. However, they had a great thing going with rotating SKUs. Seems like a misstep not to build off it.

 

[gurdygurds]

I picked up one of the last SC53c n while they were discounted at $59. Doubt I'd notice the bump in efficiency the way I use these small Zebras. I was hoping for a return to the lighter anodizing and fully ribbed look.

 

[Schokokeks]

Oh no, I don't mean Chinese brands in general. I mean Convoy and Simon specifically. Along with Klarus. Abysmal customer service from those two.

So, to follow up with this. I actually just ran into an issue with a Convoy light (just recently), and I have to say Simon was fantastic in resolving it. I went into things more aware of the language barrier, and there was a little back and forth, but he took care of things and made no fuss.

I think that's one of the things that can be nice about the smaller companies; people tend to handle issues directly (Malkoff, for instance, where Gene or Cathy directly handle customer contact).

More on the current topic, I think that was my issue with Zebralight's Customer Service. I had been lead to believe it was a "U.S. based company with manufacturing in China," but I very much got the impression their CS is also outsourced to a third party. So, in addition to maybe some cultural/language barriers, there's just that disconnect of, "This isn't my company." I think there's a few people in the U.S. who own the company, but I think their U.S. presence is just on paper.

 

[Monocrom]

Apparently Simon learned the importance of customer service. Too bad he had no clue about that last year when I dealt with him.

 

[Schokokeks]

It's basically the same light as the SC53c N for the last year of production. The driver is significantly more efficient, but AA-only.

I'm wondering if that driver's going to move over to their AA headlamp.

I'd consider giving them another shot for a compact, floody, high CRI, super efficient AA only headlamp (since that's kind of my favorite single light configuration).

 

[gurdygurds]

I love the AA headlamp that they make. I could easily live with this as my only light.

 

[ohio72]

SC54cN arrived today