Review: Zebralight H600F (vs Ultrafire UF-H3b)

PROS:

• Very well built
• current regulated (no PWM)
• Rich selection of modes that are easy to preset
• 12 days of usable light, 80 days of glow
• 720 lumen max brightness
• negligible parasitic drain
• accurate specification of run times

CONS

• price
• no dedicated helmet mount

Why so exensive light?
Before I got Zebralight H600F I had Ultrafire UF-H3b that I ordered to see how usable this type of lights are. I turned out good but the Ultrafire is no way near waterproof and it has nasty PWM. So I decided to pay big bucks for Zebralight.

Build★★★★★

Both lights are approximately the same size and I didn't notice any difference in weight especially with battery inserted. The H600F has recessed switch which is better. The UF-H3b is easy to disassemble while H600F has smooth rings around switch and lens. I tested it in a glass of water and it held 2 hours while OTOH I blew through a battery tube of UF-H3 and I thought I bought a whistle. Why is a star missing? Besides spare O-ring I'd also like a spare switch boot and ability to replace it.


Runtimes★★★★★
The H600F has appealing run times (using Panasonic 2900mAh) and many modes, yet easy mode selection. I've put together a table of modes (sans blink)



I got H600F for caving and I had to know what run times to expect of it. I tested it with Panasonic 2900mAh and Sanyo 2600mAh batteries both unprotected.






Seeing how close the measured runtime is to the specified run time Zebralight gained my trust. I was surprised how short it lasted on medium mode with Sanyo battery. Perhaps it's because I did the run time test with Sanyo on first charge (maybe I'll run it again)
For comparison I did a run time test with UF-H3b using the same Panasonic 2900mAh battery



On high it burned quite hot while the H600F was only warm at H2 162 lumen mode. It also started flickering as battery drained.

Beam★★★★★
The H600F has a very well balanced flood. It shines almost 180° and while it has some sort of hot spot it is so diffused that I rarely found my self turning my head around just to light up what I wanted to see. Even though I like the combo of bare emitter with TIR optic spot best the H600F is a very good compromise between flood and some throw.