The Official Zebralight Thread .

[Beacon of Light]

What are you comparing it to? They've been using the same switch in almost everything since 2014-2015ish.

Probably before 2014. I've been using Zebras since the original twisty H-50

 

[Beacon of Light]

@Beacon of Light just wanted to say that your old post

Epic AAA Run-time test (low level only!)

Is a CPF classic in my book. 👍🏼

Thank you. What other new AAA lights would make for a good match for the ones in that thread?

 

[jon_slider]

info about no regulation of the AA driver, comment by Bob_McBob from this thread:

"Zebralight's AA boost drivers don't have quite the same flat regulated output as the 18650 models."

 

[jon_slider]

Heads up, Zebralight SC53c N restock on Sale! Save $20.

These lights are essentially identical to the new SC54c N.

The only difference is the number 53 instead of 54 printed on the body.

as McBob explains here, and here, they use the same driver, which is AA Only, No LiIon.

I dont put much credibility on the different outputs claimed on the webpages. imo Zebra simply has not updated the outputs on the SC53c N page to disclose they use the identical driver, and outputs, as the relabeled SC54c N.

 

[Dark_Hater]

Heads up, Zebralight SC53c N restock on Sale! Save $20.

These lights are essentially identical to the new SC54c N.

The only difference is the number 53 instead of 54 printed on the body.

as McBob explains here, and here, they use the same driver, which is AA Only, No LiIon.

I dont put much credibility on the different outputs claimed on the webpages. imo Zebra simply has not updated the outputs on the SC53c N page to disclose they use the identical driver, and outputs, as the relabeled SC54c N.

I saw that last week and still am thinking about getting one. I’m kinda wanting a new nightstand light. I like the E02II but it’s a little small to put my hand on and get turned on at 3 AM without dropping it or blinding myself. I much prefer a one click moonlight, there is less thinking required when half asleep. The only thing that gives me pause on the ZL is I wish it had a warmer option. I’ve considered many times the D3AA but I’m not crazy about the “sharp” edges/lines”. The ZL is so smooth and has a good hand feel.

 

[jon_slider]

I much prefer a one click moonlight... ZL is so smooth and has a good hand feel.

agree completely ;-)
Im not a fan of the D3AA form factor, and for sublumen output, I believe the Zebra has much longer runtime. (not that it matters, when using rechargeable batteries)

nightstand light

I recently ordered an SC54c N for the same application. Now that I have learned to program the Zebra UI so first clic gives Low, not High

The only thing that gives me pause on the ZL is I wish it had a warmer option.

I feel the same way.. I would be tempted to DeDome the stock 4000K LED.. I believe that would result in a nice 3000K color temperature, with tint. below the BBL, that I prefer.

However, most DeDomed 519a I have tried in lights with reflectors and clear glass lenses, did not produce a beam with a uniform hotspot perimeter. So I only use DeDomed, in lights with diffusion lenses.

Ive never opened a Zebra myself.. the acknowledged Master of Zebra mods is Bob_McBob.. suggest you consider messaging him, maybe he can provide the host, and install a domed LED such as 219b 2700K:

fwiw, I just wrote to Zebralight to ask if the present SC53c N that are on sale, have SC54c N drivers, or pre 2024 SC53c N drivers that are unofficially LiIon Compatible.. Will share what I learn.

speculation:
My guess is the SC53c N are just older bodies (that only differ in the number printed on them), loaded with newer drivers.. but have not confirmed.. I would have to buy the SC53c N that is on sale, and put a LiIon in it, to find out for sure. Odds are slim they have LiIon capable drivers.

 

[Dark_Hater]

They are already showing out of stock. They usually become sporadic right at the end before being discontinued.

I really like that 2700k 219 for indoors. 👍

 

[jon_slider]

They are already showing out of stock

agree

fwiw, Zebra replied to my question asking if these had the LiIon friendly pre 2024 drivers, their reply sounds like No to me

"This drivers in this SC53c N batch that's onsale now is very close to the ones in SC54c N lights."

 

[Dark_Hater]

I wonder when we might see another SC6x? Or even any other updates or new lights?
Is there anything suspected by those of you that are more in tune with Zebralight’s pattern of releases?

 

[Monocrom]

I wonder when we might see another SC6x? Or even any other updates or new lights?
Is there anything suspected by those of you that are more in tune with Zebralight's pattern of releases?

Sadly, I'd say don't hold your breath. Zebralight is not remotely where it was just over a decade ago. Things have aggressively slowed down with the brand. They are hanging on, but if you're waiting for the next big thing from them, you're going to be better off checking out what Nitecore is up to lately.

For watch collectors/enthusiasts, Zebralight is on the same level as Glycine. Glory Days behind them. Only one place you can buy new models. Operating more out of a single store-front than a full fledged factory. Perhaps not likely to be around in another decade.

 

[TimeOnTarget]

Sadly, I'd say don't hold your breath. Zebralight is not remotely where it was just over a decade ago. Things have aggressively slowed down with the brand. They are hanging on, but if you're waiting for the next big thing from them, you're going to be better off checking out what Nitecore is up to lately.

For watch collectors/enthusiasts, Zebralight is on the same level as Glycine. Glory Days behind them. Only one place you can buy new models. Operating more out of a single store-front than a full fledged factory. Perhaps not likely to be around in another decade.

Oh no! That makes me sad as I wish I still had this one...

 

[Monocrom]

No doubt, a couple of genuinely unique and stand-out models from the brand's history. Likely would have been even more if a certain young genius at Glycine hadn't been murdered before he had an opportunity to reach his full potential, early on in the brand's founding.

I mean, if you want a thin diver, it's the very first brand to check out.

 

[Bob_McBob]

I'm kinda wanting a new nightstand light. I like the E02II but it's a little small to put my hand on and get turned on at 3 AM without dropping it or blinding myself.

One of the best design features of Zebralights is how easy it is to find the switch by feel. I'm not sure why so many manufacturers overlook this.

 

[ilikeguns40]

I agree. Soon as it comes out of pocket it’s ready to activate.

 

[jon_slider]

I agree the Zebra button is nice. The bezel flares our in a way that is very comfortable in use.

the Zebra weighs 63gm w Eneloop and no clip,
the D3AA weighs 67gm w Eneloop and no clip
the SC Zebra, is 6% lighter than D3AA

fwiw, the H Zebra 53/54 is 9 gm lighter than the SC53/54 version. Imo the headlamp version has nicer hand feel (both with no clip).

the Headlamp is smaller than the SC

SC is 17% heavier (bigger head), than the Headlamp

 

[Beard Man]

One of the best design features of Zebralights is how easy it is to find the switch by feel. I'm not sure why so many manufacturers overlook this.

To each their own.
The tailcap switch is way more practical.

 

[sim1tti]

To each their own.
The tailcap switch is way more practical.

Well, I'll agree with the first half of that!

For one handed use while walking, a switch on the body (like the Zebralights) is much nicer. One is able to hold the light naturally at your side, facing forward, and turn it on/off for momentary use. With a tailcap switch, a light must be raised up to the shoulder or be readjusted in the hand after turning it on. Kind of like skateboarding mongo (with a front foot push).

I like tail clickers for being stationary, but prefer side/body switches for anything where I'll be walking.

 

[Dark_Hater]

It also depends on the light as to which switch makes the most sense. For my preference the shape, size and use case all factor in to the switch I choose.

Not sure one OR the other would be an end all solution.

 

[CelticCross74]

I lost the tail cap of my SC600w III HI. I just cannot find the darn thing. Anybody know where I might be able to get one?

 

[jon_slider]

where I might be able to get one?

here is the contact form for Zebralight