Zebralight SC30 Review (w/pics, runtimes & indoor comparo beamshots)

[StandardBattery]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

There may be nothing wrong with your meter, if you have it connected correctly it likely it just has too large of an internal resistance in the 10A configuration. You'll have to testing on something pulling 2-5 amps or so with a decent powersource behind it.

I've carried my SC30 for quite a few days now. Just for fun I carried it withouth lockout in a Cargo pocket just above the knee. I think I made it 3 days before accidental activation. It made a nice heater and nicely immuminated the pocket since it activated on high.

If I new I'd be using it I'd not worry about locking it out each time, but since I rarely need to draw my EDC for a shootout I'll be locking it out as I carry it day to day. On Zebra you have to turn the cap something like a 1/16" or so to lock out. I can twist and draw to activate it if need be.

Still the reason I mostly carry twisties is I don't have to worry about them turning on. I like the zebra because of the flat cap I can press in into my pocket and not have my thumb on the switch unlike a tail switch.

I do believe there is the right pocket for the right light and I often have an LF2-XT in a pocket with out issue.

Zebra could maybe make a 'wake-up' click sequence if the light is electronically locked out. Maybe tripple-click lock/unlock, or tripple click lock, double-click-press-hold unlock.

All I have to really say is I think this is a Killer Light!

 

[MY]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

What a fantastic light. Small, bright, great UI, great build quality. That said, the clip looks nice but after a short while after taking it in and out of my jean pocket a dozen times, I can see some fraying coming on - - and this is even after I bent the clip out so it does not press so hard. As such, I took the clip off but left the two screws in as they provide a ridge to grip on to. I wouldn't mind loosing the clip if there was a way to attach a lanyard.

I actually like the untwist the cap two or three degrees of turn to lock out. I can unlock the light with the slightest turn just as quick as a series of clicks. I consider this mechanical lock out as an advantage.

 

[PJD]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

OTOH, if you do not lock out the tail cap, accidental activation WILL be an issue. The times when I forgot to lock out my tail cap the light was activated while in my pocket. Not some of the time, not most of the time...but EVERY time. So the lock-out feature of the tail cap is not just a "plus" on the SC30, IMHO it's a NECESSITY.

PJD

Just to elaborate, I do a LOT of sitting, kneeling, standing and squatting while I'm at work. Also, since I work around a lot of equipment that has all kinds of exposed metal edges (forklifts, conveyor lines, pallet wrapping machines), I tend to wear jeans that are a snugger fit than I do while I'm off work. Looser fitting jeans have more of a tendency to get caught and/or snagged on equipment than snug jeans. That being said, my SC30 is definitely a "high risk candidate" for accidental activation while clipped to the inside of my pocket. Regardless, I don't find the fact that I have to lock out the tail cap while I'm at work to be a detractor at all. As stated, a turn of about 1/16" or so is all that is needed to effectively lock it out. I think the SC30 is an AWESOME little light that "WOWS" the hell out of my coworkers for it's size...and I LOVE the side clicky. I just thought that the possibility was there and could be a legitimate concern for some more than others.

PJD

 

[olrac]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

Got my SC30w version today here are some pics

SC30W on the left and SC30 on the right both on high/high

SC30W on the left and 47's Ti mini123 neutral on the right again both on highest setting.

 

[WebWalker]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

I came to the SC30 through my search for a 7/18/24 EDC.
I'm semi-retired, working 3 days a week at a custom harley shop. I play computer guy. So for those days it's in the jeans coin pocket. 95% of the rest of the time its in my 'jogging' pants'.
Evenings spent in my basement/low light/watching movies. I never knew I sooo needed a flashlight so many times during an evening.

I carried an A3 EOS for 3 weeks. A dynamite product at an unbelievable price, brilliant performance. Actually spoils you or raises the bar.
I've realized that my EDC should be a one-handed tool. Arthritis in my thumbs makes operation of the EOS painful.

Many thanks to this forum, Selfbuilt and the other selfless contributors who freely offer excellent data.

AA looked too big a format for my requirements. I have an ITP C7T. I know its overbuilt, and that greatly adds to the appeal, but I still don't think a AA will be small enought for me.
The CR123 format looked great, maybe chubby, and the SC30 looked promising
and for AAA's last chance I've got the highly recommended LF2XT with a rear button (arthritis).

I've been carrying the SC30 for a week. My wife's learned the term 'flashaholic'. Not long after I tried to impress her with my new no-handed capabilities.

As somebody else said - 'This is a HOME RUN'.
And because this light can produce 6 different 'Out the Front' lumen settings, from 193 to .04 I' ll also use this light as my benchmark to help evaluate other beams.

And its SO bright, and the size! 'bright for the price!'

(I've had one 'accidential discharge' which was my fault.)

 

[Speedball]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

It's still quite easy to operate even w/ a 1/2" I.D. o-ring siliconed over the button to prevent 100% accidental activation, for a week so far.:thumbsup:

 

[one2tim]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

can anyone comment if some kind of magnetic attachment method could be a good way of providing vertically adjustment of the light when used with the headband, i mean could you have 2 round magnets, 1 on the light and 1 on the headband and then set them together and twist to the angle you want?

 

[EngrPaul]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

I haven't posted here for weeks, so I thought I'd chime in.

I just got my SC30w - First flashlight this year. 😗

I have had several Zebralights in the past, AA, CR123, and 18650 versions. I paid $59 delivered, directly from the Zebralight website. The product shipped from TX.

What interested me in the light was the style, multiple modes, side switch, and smooth beam.

My sample was nice except for a big scratch on the clip. It was difficult to remove from the package because the rubber wraps of the headlight mount are difficult to slide out. My method was to hold the clip up with one hand and roll out the rubber with the other, in several steps.

I popped in a CR123 primary that was working fine in my 4Sevens Quark MiNi. I quick-clicked on the the zebralight, resulting in high mode. The light stayed on for 2 seconds, then went out. I tried it again, this time it was on for 1 second or less. Then I tried the lower modes. They worked fine. I checked the instructions and could not find a description of a momentary mode. So I knew something was wrong.

I went and got a new primary CR123, and it worked fine in the Zebralight on high. So I checked the open circuit voltage of the CR123 that would not stay on high, it was 2.89. I put this cell back into the MiNi, and all three modes worked fine.

So it seems the Zebralight has a glitch on partially used CR123's. Instead of going to a lower mode, it just shuts off. There isn't enough time before it shuts off to go to mode 5. For me, this is a limitation. Why does the Quark work fine with a primary, and the Zebralight doesn't? I guess a RCR123 is the preferred food for this light.

This problem aside, I went about using the light on RCR123 during the evening. I was wearing casual slacks, and could not place the clip the light to the inside of my pocket with one hand. I had to use two hands to open the clip and get it in my pocket. Then on removal, I could feel it rip at the pants material. This completely elimates the possibility of EDC for me.

I was familiar with the interface, it's just like the 18650 headlamp. Works fine with a cell of adequate voltage.

The color of my emitter is on the green side of warm (5B?). Which makes it yellow, while I'm used to and prefer the peachy side of the warm spectrum (5A). Perhaps the greener version has better CRI, it works slightly better at differentiating colors at low lighting levels, compared to my other warm lights.

The beam profile is nice, but I have gotten used to the wide hotspot that the XPG emitters produce. So overall I was slightly disappointed in the output. I know that XPG's cannot be had in neutral tint yet. However, if an XPG cool white was available, I would have bought it. In fact, at $59 they definitely should use a XPG in the cool white version. A 4Sevens MiNi features an XPG and costs much less, although it is a twisty and has simpler build quality features. If I had to choose one or the other, I would definitely take the Quark.

The style and quality of the body was just as I expected. The switch works slick, and I feel it is recessed enough to be safe from accidental actuation. The lens is nicely recessed and is anti-reflective.

I like the interface, quick to high. Anyone not knowing the interface and picks up this light for the first time can get full output without any hassle. Unless the cell is partially depleted, of course.

What I don't understand is the missing lanyard/keyring feature. If it was me, I would extend the clip toward the tailcap a little and put a hole in the material. I guess a lanyard could be attached to the slot in the clip, but for me that is awkward.

Do I like the light: Yes. Would I recommend it? Not over the contenders.



Other 123 lights are much better for EDC. A few that come to mind:

• 4Sevens MiNi with a P-7 suspension clip (still cheaper buying both than a SC30)
• Nitecore EX10 (or D10) with pocket clip added
• Dereelight C2H
• Jetbeam Jet-I-Pro V3 <- (oops, that's a AA, but does work great on 14500)

Most of these can be had in neutral tint.

Pros:
Style
Uniqueness
High Quality and workmanship of light
Multiple modes and ease of use
Lockout possible at tail
Tailstands great
Headband included
Good heatsinking

Cons:
Shuts off when cells still have life left to them.
Clip and knurling is so aggressive, the clip is useless except for looks and anti-roll.
Cost could be $10 lower, especially with emitter used.
Not an XP-G
Lack of accessories (spare o-ring, GID others have, non-headband options).
Scratched clip on my sample

 

[12Johnny]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

Really good information. Thanks a lot!!! 🙂

 

[TooManyGizmos]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

Since the 18650 is a couple months away .....

I hope they update it with an XP-G

.

 

[Grumpy]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

I like my Zebralight SC30 much better than my Nitecore EX10.

I also like it a little better than my Quark 123 with clip.

I do like the Quark bezel up clip better because I can clip to my hat for hands free use.

The Quark 123 has a little more throw but I am impressed with the throw from the SC30's small size.

The side switch and userinterface are great.

I had some used CR123 batteries laying around and tried them in my SC30 and although they did not have enough voltage to start in high I turned the light on in the brightest medium setting and it still ran for a long time. I am thinking that this light will run for a while even after you have ran a battery so that it will no longer run in high. If I am correct about this I like it because you still have some "emergency" light to use and are less likely to be "left in the dark".

I am very impressed with this light and think it is a great price also.

 

[turboBB]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

Cons:
Shuts off when cells still have life left to them.

You know, now that you mentioned it again, I had raised the point about having problems conducting run time tests due to cells cutting-out.

The first time was using a UltraFire 880mAh Protected and the PCB kicked in on the cell. The next time was when using a non-protected LiFePO4 and the light still just cut out in spite of the cell not having PCB so this had to be the light's doing but yet Zebralight confirmed earlier in this review that the light doesn't have low V protection... :thinking: If so, why would the light just shut off like that?

If there is no low V protection, I would've assumed that the light was start decreasing in brightness as the battery runs down, or is that an erroneous assumption?

Thx,
Tim

 

[EngrPaul]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

I ran the same cell down using the Zebralight mode 5 of 6. When it cut out, I measured the cell OCV at 2.67V. The cell also worked fine on high when put back into the MiNi.

I'm now running mode 4, it's staying on steady... I think whenever it shuts off the cell will be considered depleted by anyones standard. So it's only an issue on the high modes.

I mentioned the 6-mode interface is just like the 18650 version. Well, there is one difference. The 18650 always goes into mode 5 when you select Hi. You have to double-click to switch to mode 6. Due to the shut-off issue, they should definitely do the same for this CR123 version!

BTW, according to the package, here are the OTF values for the warm version using a panasonic CR123A:

Mode 6: 161 lumens (0.9 hours)
Mode 5: 87 lumens (2 hours)
Mode 4: 32 lumens (12 hours)
Mode 3: 17 lumens (23 hours)
Mode 2: 3.3 lumens (3.7 days)
Mode 1: 0.3 lumens (21 days)

I'm condering doing a runtime test to see whether or not a primary gives the 0.9 hours rated for high using a CR123A.

Meanwhile, I've sent an email to Zebralight, asking them what can be done about the shutoff and stiff clip issue.

 

[PJD]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

Meanwhile, I've sent an email to Zebralight, asking them what can be done about the shutoff and stiff clip issue.

Paul...the clip issue is simple to fix. Simply bend the clip back until the tension is relieved. I did this to my SC30, and it worked perfectly. Now the clip still touches the cooling fins, but with just enough tension to keep it clipped to my pocket...now it slides in to and out of my pocket with only one hand, and it has never fallen out of my pocket (and I do a CONSIDERABLE amount of sitting, squatting, standing and bending while at work). Also it has not frayed or STARTED to fray any of my pants...jeans OR slacks. Also, if while trying to bend the clip back to relieve the tension you bend it back too far, this can be fixed as well by simply removing the clip and bending it back the other way until the desired tension is achieved.

PJD

 

[EngrPaul]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

Thanks PJD,

If Zebralight comes back with the same recommendation, I'll be giving it a shot. Then they can't complain if the clip is destroyed or a screw snaps off... 😉

 

[ZebraLight]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

There is no discharge cutoff in the SC30. However, if the voltage is below the working range of the microcontroller (~2.1V), the microcontroller will stop working and the light will be turned off. An almost depleted li-ion has a high internal resistance, and its output voltage drops immediatly under large loads (such as the 193lm mode). Once the load is removed, its voltage goes back up quickly, appeared to have some juice left. You have to measure the voltage while the battery is inside the light and on High.

If the light is turned off because of a depleted li-ion battery, we'd recommend recharging the battery. It's not a good idea to use the battery much further, especially in High1 or High2 modes.

 

[EngrPaul]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

My problem is that the light shuts off on a primary lithium cell, not Li-Ion.

I put the cell that wouldn't sustain level 5 or 6 in the zebralight into a MiNi, rated with about the same runtime on high, and it runs and additional 20 minutes more in their high mode. Not as bright as when it's a new cell, but still brighter than medium with a fresh cell.

The designers might want to consider going to level 5 by default like the 18650 model does, because you can't get to level 5 if it shuts off on level 6.

P.S. Thanks for letting me know I can bend the clip in the reply email. I'll give it a try.

 

[ZebraLight]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

My problem is that the light shuts off on a primary lithium cell, not Li-Ion.

I put the cell that wouldn't sustain level 5 or 6 in the zebralight into a MiNi, rated with about the same runtime on high, and it runs and additional 20 minutes more in their high mode.

Sorry I didn't realize that it was a lithium primary cell. However, the SC30's mcu shuts off below ~2.1V, primary or li-ion.

I believe that any other current generation Neutral White small 123 lights that can output the same 161 OTF lm will have similar (most likely shorter) runtimes compare to the SC30w. The SC30w has a very high overall efficiency in its circuit, thermal, and optical paths. Maybe someone with an IS or even a lightbox can do some comparison tests.

BTW, we know how to detect 'almost' depleted batteries and automatically switch to medium/low when necessary. However the circuit required to do that won't fit inside the SC30.

 

[EngrPaul]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

You are right, my C2H neutral white has similarly short runtimes to 50% output when using it on high, plus it gets unusually hot.

Edit: I bent the clip outward little by little until the preload was very mild. It work better, I can pocket it with one hand and the wear doesn't seem to bad.

The cool thing is, when the clip is facing outward when pocketed, the button is protected from accidental pushing by facing your body (cool).

Is the clip stainless steel, or is it chrome plated steel? Just wondering if the scratch would polish out, or if the coating would come off...

 

[ZebraLight]

Re: Zebralight SC30 (Review w/tons of pics & indoor comparo beamshots)

You are right, my C2H neutral white has similarly short runtimes to 50% output when using it on high, plus it gets unusually hot.

Edit: I bent the clip outward little by little until the preload was very mild. It work better, I can pocket it with one hand and the wear doesn't seem to bad.

The cool thing is, when the clip is facing outward when pocketed, the button is protected from accidental pushing by facing your body (cool).

Is the clip stainless steel, or is it chrome plated steel? Just wondering if the scratch would polish out, or if the coating would come off...

chrome plated steel.