Zebralight H600w good enough for SAR?

[insanefred]

Originally posted in the headlamps forum:

I recently signed up to be trained for Search and Rescue and their gear list requires a headlamp with a 60 meter beam distance, and 24 hours (can be 24 with a change of batteries).

I think it might be good enough, or should I consider other options (headlamps)?

 

[kj2]

Do think so. Has many output options, so longer runtime is possible. Only downside is that it only takes 18650s and not CR123.
So a Zebralight H52(w) as backup? or a simple 18650 battery-storagecase will do, so you've extra 18650s with you.

 

[Stefano]

With some spare battery the H600w is a great choice

 

[TEEJ]

I recently signed up to be trained for Search and Rescue and their gear list requires 60 meter beam distance, and 24 hours (can be 24 with a change of batteries).

I think it might be good enough, or should I consider other options?

It depends on if the "60 meter beam distance" means performance based, such as that you'd be able to find a prone person in dark clothes at 60 meters, or, spec based, meaning that the light is RATED to have a range of 60 meters, so that person on the ground, in real life, would need to be closer to 30 - 40 meters, etc.

Lights are RATED by their makers by their throw to 0.25 lux. 0.25 lux is also considered to be equivalent to "average moonlit conditions"...meaning under average conditions, you would not even NEED a flashlight to get that amount of light on your target, etc.

So, the SC600W is barely able to let you SEE a guy at 60 meters (Less range than the std SC600) as its turbo mode is used to state its max range, and ~ 3 minutes later or so, the range is half what it was, etc.

So, if the RATING is all they care about, sure, on paper, you're good to go, says so right on the box.



In real life, for SAR, the light tends to be on for a long time, and, you really shop high and medium, not turbo ranges and output.

Also in SAR, the nice floody beam of the SC600 is very useful for close up searches under say 30-40 meters or so, so in wooded areas/areas with limited sight lines, that's plenty. In larger areas, its short.

The wider the beam, the easier it is to search with, but the larger the light needs to be to pump out that many more lumens to cover the larger area.

The tighter the beam, the longer range the same sized light can have, and so forth, as the same lumens are concentrated into a smaller area/can project a smaller spot of light onto a more distant target.

The SC600, and all lights that size can run very bright for a short time, or, dim for a long time. In SAR, generally, you need bright for a long time...so smaller lights need a lot of fresh cells to make it for a 24 hour stretch.

Something like a Fenix TK75 can hold more cells, and run at a lower power than its maximum, extending battery life, while still being brighter than the SC600 on its turbo mode....and even that will require a lot of cells.


Overall, I'd recommend a light more like a TK75 than an SC600 for SAR work, and I'd recommend getting a lot of 3400 mah cells and chargers to support it. The SC600 can be in your pocket as a back-up.

 

[skyfire]

i personally would not choose a zebralight for SAR. i would want a light with a more focused beam, and can dissipate heat better for extended use on high levels. usually a larger light with more mass can dissipate heat well enough.

also, having a back up light along with spare batteries is better. there have been times at work when my batteries die, and i just dont have the time, or two free hands to change out my battery at that moment. another reason to have a backup light is in case your primary light fails or malfunctions. the old 1 is none, and 2 is 1 rule.

 

[insanefred]

It depends on if the "60 meter beam distance" means performance based, such as that you'd be able to find a prone person in dark clothes at 60 meters, or, spec based, meaning that the light is RATED to have a range of 60 meters, so that person on the ground, in real life, would need to be closer to 30 - 40 meters, etc.

Lights are RATED by their makers by their throw to 0.25 lux. 0.25 lux is also considered to be equivalent to "average moonlit conditions"...meaning under average conditions, you would not even NEED a flashlight to get that amount of light on your target, etc.

So, the SC600W is barely able to let you SEE a guy at 60 meters (Less range than the std SC600) as its turbo mode is used to state its max range, and ~ 3 minutes later or so, the range is half what it was, etc.

So, if the RATING is all they care about, sure, on paper, you're good to go, says so right on the box.



In real life, for SAR, the light tends to be on for a long time, and, you really shop high and medium, not turbo ranges and output.

Also in SAR, the nice floody beam of the SC600 is very useful for close up searches under say 30-40 meters or so, so in wooded areas/areas with limited sight lines, that's plenty. In larger areas, its short.

The wider the beam, the easier it is to search with, but the larger the light needs to be to pump out that many more lumens to cover the larger area.

The tighter the beam, the longer range the same sized light can have, and so forth, as the same lumens are concentrated into a smaller area/can project a smaller spot of light onto a more distant target.

The SC600, and all lights that size can run very bright for a short time, or, dim for a long time. In SAR, generally, you need bright for a long time...so smaller lights need a lot of fresh cells to make it for a 24 hour stretch.

Something like a Fenix TK75 can hold more cells, and run at a lower power than its maximum, extending battery life, while still being brighter than the SC600 on its turbo mode....and even that will require a lot of cells.


Overall, I'd recommend a light more like a TK75 than an SC600 for SAR work, and I'd recommend getting a lot of 3400 mah cells and chargers to support it. The SC600 can be in your pocket as a back-up.

Gah, I originally posted this in the "headlamps" forum and ended up here! Now nobody knows that I was primarily talking about headlamps, oops.

The 60 meter range is for headlamps, headlamps are required. So, is the H600w as far as headlamps good enough, my back up light is the Quark turbo tactical 2x a123

 

[Taz80]

The H600w has less throw than the SC600 due to a smaller reflector. It also can't take primaries, which can be a problem if you are working in very cold weather or are out longer than you were prepared for and need to barrow batteries. Take a look at the Fenix HP30 2 18650 or HP15 4 aa.

 

[insanefred]

The H600w has less throw than the SC600 due to a smaller reflector. It also can't take primaries, which can be a problem if you are working in very cold weather or are out longer than you were prepared for and need to barrow batteries. Take a look at the Fenix HP30 2 18650 or HP15 4 aa.

Please elaborate on the cold weather part. As I under stand from best to worst is: Lithium > Li-Ion > NiCd > NimH > alkaline. (not sure where Li-po fits in) but I am trying to find some real info on some this. I also NEVER count on someone else having extra batteries for me to use.

 

[MichaelW]

When they say 'headlamp', what do they mean? A light on your head.
If that is the definition, then you can do the headband + light of your choice.
See Fenix Headband [becomes non-slip if you re-route the band], NiteIze headband, etc. etc.
So you can put one light that is thrower, and one that is a flooder.

 

[Timothybil]

Do the SAR officials have any recommendations? Talk to the people who are going to be your team members and see what they use and how well they like it.

 

[insanefred]

Do the SAR officials have any recommendations? Talk to the people who are going to be your team members and see what they use and how well they like it.

Today we have our first pack check, I will ask them. Maybe my H600w is more than good enough for them.