ZL H31w VS ZL H31...?

[Imon]

I've been looking for a good area headlamp and I think I found what I want in the Zebralight H31w - then I noticed the plain H31. I know they use a different CREE LED which explains the difference in efficiency/output but I've been torn over whether to choose the neutral white or just go with the cool white.

There's no question I prefer neutral/warm white but the increase in output without sacrificing runtime does look appealing as well. Quite honestly though, being as the ZLs are mostly spill and not spot is the difference in beam tint noticeable? And is the difference in output noticeable? I know humans have a hard time differentiating two high output modes if they're only 20-40 lumens apart.

I guess my question for you guys basically boils down to output vs tint - what would you rather go with? I'm leaning heavily to tint by the way...

 

[moresnowdays]

I was having the same issue deciding between these two. At first I was settled in the H31 for the higher output. However, the more I lurked around here and elsewhere, I leaned more and more toward the H31w.

I actually just placed my order for the H31w, but I won't vote in your pole. I don't want to skew any results since I don't really have personal experience with a tint on the LED as of yet. However, I think I will be happy with the warm version for better detail and depth perception, along with more natural colors outside where I will use it. Again, I don't have the experience to know if really makes that much difference, but based on what I've been reading it sounds good.

Would be nice to hear from those that have both if either the difference in color or output is really noticeable. There are places on the web to see photos and video, but I doubt they do a great job of reflecting how they perform in real use.

 

[hoongern]

At least with your H31w vs H31, you need to also consider beam shape. The H31 uses the XP-G while the H31w uses the XP-E.

The H31 would have a slightly wider hotspot due to its larger die size. For me personally, even though I don't mind neutral/warm, the larger hotspot is a larger benefit for me in a headlamp, so I would go for the H31.

But of course, if you don't care about that, or prefer a narrower beam, then the decision is just down to whether care about the tint/output. Honestly, I think the difference in brightness wouldn't be too great.

 

[Imon]

Well, it's too late.

I went ahead and ordered the H31w.
Also, I knew they were an American company but it was a big surprise to learn that Zebralight was based out of Irving, Texas.

I could drive there in about 30 minutes

 

[flasherByNight]

I think it's a chinese company.
They have an office in Irving, but doesn't necessarily mean they're "based" there

 

[etherealshade]

It's an American operated company, but their lights are manufactured for them in China.

 

[Imon]

It's an American operated company, but their lights are manufactured for them in China.

I think it's a chinese company.
They have an office in Irving, but doesn't necessarily mean they're "based" there

Either way they make good lights.
Just received it today and I couldn't be happier. This thing is SMALL. Wouldn't really call it a neutral tint though .... it's slightly warmish.

 

[Linger]

It's an American operated company,

Yes. Zebralight is also the CPF user-name of a person who lives in the USA, and AFAIK he created the company.

 

[Beacon of Light]

I ordered the H31w as I wanted to see if the hype of warm/neutral lights was all it was cracked up to be. I liked the features since it was a Zebralight but I could not get past the sickly yellow tint and though I tried to get used to it, I just preferred a cooler ewhite tint so Marshall at Going Gear was gracious enough to allow me to exchange it for the regular H31. I haven't been happier as it is my most used headlamp. Perfect tint and perfect UI. Can't wait for either the H31F or the H51F

 

[moresnowdays]

I'm rather new to these, but after looking here I decided to go for the H31w. I have to say that I really like it, not sure how much brighter the other version would have been, but mine seems plenty bright enough. I also like the color of the light.

My only issue so far is the battery. I never had anything that used the CR123A before. I did a quick search on google to get an idea of what the battery would cost, didn't want an expensive exotic to replace, and I'v never felt that I use things like this frequently enough to buy rechargeables. Trouble is they're great at first, but by the time they get used again they are often questionable after sitting on the shelf for so long.

Anyway, after doing a quick search, I was suprised to find a 2 pack of these ran me almost $15 at the local drugstore. Was wondering if this was the norm for these batteries, or should I maybe switch to the H51 and stick with the AA's?

 

[Imon]

I'm rather new to these, but after looking here I decided to go for the H31w. I have to say that I really like it, not sure how much brighter the other version would have been, but mine seems plenty bright enough. I also like the color of the light.

My only issue so far is the battery. I never had anything that used the CR123A before. I did a quick search on google to get an idea of what the battery would cost, didn't want an expensive exotic to replace, and I'v never felt that I use things like this frequently enough to buy rechargeables. Trouble is they're great at first, but by the time they get used again they are often questionable after sitting on the shelf for so long.

Anyway, after doing a quick search, I was suprised to find a 2 pack of these ran me almost $15 at the local drugstore. Was wondering if this was the norm for these batteries, or should I maybe switch to the H51 and stick with the AA's?

Funny, I'm the exact opposite. I'll go out of my way to avoid AA and AAA lights. The majority of my lights are cr123a and the vast majority of my "good" lights are cr123a. The answer then usually becomes 16340s and 17670s if you don't want to keep buying primaries but if you do want to use primaries - such as for camping/hiking then I recommend buying them in bulk. 4Sevens, Surefire, and Streamlight sells 123 primaries in bulk for about $1.20-1.50 per cell. If not I'd check out battery junction for cheaper 123s.

 

[davidt1]

23 to 5

Warm is the flavor of the day then.

 

[hyperslug]

Anyway, after doing a quick search, I was suprised to find a 2 pack of these ran me almost $15 at the local drugstore. Was wondering if this was the norm for these batteries, or should I maybe switch to the H51 and stick with the AA's?

They're usually USD 1.50-2.00 online. If you must shop in town, Lowe's carries Surefires 123s for ~$5 for a 2-pack.

$15 is ... exorbitant; they're not that exotic.

 

[jellydonut]

Anyway, after doing a quick search, I was suprised to find a 2 pack of these ran me almost $15 at the local drugstore. Was wondering if this was the norm for these batteries, or should I maybe switch to the H51 and stick with the AA's?

http://www.lighthound.com/CR-123A-Lithium-Batteries_c_52.html
http://www.batteryjunction.com/pri-cr123a.html
http://batterystation.com/cr123a.htm

:ironic: