kiwicrunch
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2009
- Messages
- 47
Many years ago I bought an Arc-AA which has served me well as my only "good" light. A few weeks ago, I decided to see what was new in flashlights and started poking around in these forums. The result was an LD01, which blew me away for its output vs. size and led to more poking around and a Zebralight H501w. I'm starting to buy things I don't need so if I can help it, I'll lie low and see what lights are like again in a few years. (well, I have an Akoray K-106 on the way)
These forums have been invaluable to me for learning about flashlights, so I've decided to stop lurking and write a little too. Here's a mini review, which I've also posted on the Zebralight site. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge in CPF.
I've been using the H501w for about a week.
Pros:
-Build quality looks first-rate.
-UI is quick and intuitive, and provides access to lowest and highest settings with a single push.
-The beam is soft and floody, illuminating a field of view unlike anything I've seen. After using this, I find the traditional hotspot + spillbeam distracting. The direction Zebralight is taking seems to be a much more natural way to view the environment.
-The unique configuration and quality of construction makes me think of a "tool" rather than a flashlight/ headlamp.
-The headband is very comfortable and light (although I haven't tried extended use)
Cons:
-the supplied clip leaves a bit of a gap, but was easy to bend with pliers (I put some card in between the steel and plier teeth to prevent scratching). Now it works fine.
-It would be nice if a more integrated solution to different use-applications can be designed instead of the current clip and silicone holders. Right now they feel like add-ons, and it's a bit of a hassle to remove and insert these. But they do the job.
-Pushbutton switch has a nice pleasing click but is easy to activate accidentally. I found it inadvertently "on" in my pocket earlier. (lock out is possible through the tailcap).
-My personal preference for the headstrap would be a neutral and solid color, rather than the current patterned design.
This beam is a thing of beauty, and so far extremely practical. It makes me wish for Zebralight to offer a line with much narrower, yet still floody beams that are even throughout, (no hotspot) say 30-40 degrees, to complement the current line. This would still provide wider than normal coverage vs. a hotspot, gain throw and reduce unwanted light in my eyes or those of others (allowing candle-mode for instance). Having transitions in beams now seem quite unappealing to my eyes.
All in all, it seems Zebralight decided to question basic assumptions about what a flashlight or headlamp should be. Happily for me they have come up with a compelling solution. If they keep this up, the H501 is likely to be the first of many products I will be purchasing from them.
These forums have been invaluable to me for learning about flashlights, so I've decided to stop lurking and write a little too. Here's a mini review, which I've also posted on the Zebralight site. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge in CPF.
I've been using the H501w for about a week.
Pros:
-Build quality looks first-rate.
-UI is quick and intuitive, and provides access to lowest and highest settings with a single push.
-The beam is soft and floody, illuminating a field of view unlike anything I've seen. After using this, I find the traditional hotspot + spillbeam distracting. The direction Zebralight is taking seems to be a much more natural way to view the environment.
-The unique configuration and quality of construction makes me think of a "tool" rather than a flashlight/ headlamp.
-The headband is very comfortable and light (although I haven't tried extended use)
Cons:
-the supplied clip leaves a bit of a gap, but was easy to bend with pliers (I put some card in between the steel and plier teeth to prevent scratching). Now it works fine.
-It would be nice if a more integrated solution to different use-applications can be designed instead of the current clip and silicone holders. Right now they feel like add-ons, and it's a bit of a hassle to remove and insert these. But they do the job.
-Pushbutton switch has a nice pleasing click but is easy to activate accidentally. I found it inadvertently "on" in my pocket earlier. (lock out is possible through the tailcap).
-My personal preference for the headstrap would be a neutral and solid color, rather than the current patterned design.
This beam is a thing of beauty, and so far extremely practical. It makes me wish for Zebralight to offer a line with much narrower, yet still floody beams that are even throughout, (no hotspot) say 30-40 degrees, to complement the current line. This would still provide wider than normal coverage vs. a hotspot, gain throw and reduce unwanted light in my eyes or those of others (allowing candle-mode for instance). Having transitions in beams now seem quite unappealing to my eyes.
All in all, it seems Zebralight decided to question basic assumptions about what a flashlight or headlamp should be. Happily for me they have come up with a compelling solution. If they keep this up, the H501 is likely to be the first of many products I will be purchasing from them.
