Thanks for all the replies. Looks like I will not be buying the SC52. AA lights are my favorite and the SC51 is a great little thrower. I know there might be a few other 1 x AA's that throw better but it is the side switch that really does it for me on the Zebra lights. Thanks again.
SC51 is not a thrower, not even close.
If you think it is, then I think everyone else needs to rethink their advice as the SC52 will have very little losses in that regard over a SC51.
I don't own a SC51 but I do own an SC80 and SC600.
I have tested my SC80 against a SC51 and they both have very similar beam profiles and outputs - I prefer the switch and battery choices afforded by the SC80, otherwise they are very similar.
The SC52 has a larger reflector than the SC51/80 and thus any loss in throw over the smaller die equipped lights is virtually negated.
I just tested this to be the case to be sure. The SC80 and SC52 have very similar throw - so close, I don't feel confident I could pick the better thrower with absolute certainty.
I run 14500 (750mAh rating) in the SC52 and 17500 (1100 mAh rating) in the SC80.
The max on SC80 is very close to H2 172L on SC52. With the battery configuration above I got 1hr 10mins on SC80 and 1hr 20mins on the SC52.
Less capacity, longer runtime, barely any difference in brightness: SC52 wins!!
Turn on H1 in the '52 and you will grin immensely and may even let out an evil chuckle.
In short, the SC52 will not pose a significant increase in throw, nor will show much of a loss either though.
Where you will notice the improvements is in the runtime and outputs as you can have 500L and low modes that are MUCH MORE USEFUL. Well at least for me, the lower lows on offer really do make a worthy improvement.