ZebraLight H50 Q5 Reviewed
http://www.zebralight.com/This light is currently only available from the company website, linked above. Total time from ordering to arrival was 19 days.
Designed and marketed as a headlamp I purchased this light to use strictly in the handheld/clipped mode. Operation is achieved with 1 AA battery, Alkaline, NiMH and both Lithium and Lithium-Ion chemistries are supported. The light features a Cree Q5 bin LED coupled with 3 different brightness levels, shown below:
Low: 2.6 lumens
Medium: 13 lumens
High: 66 Lumens
The different levels are accessed by using the twistie tailcap. Twist once for low, twice for medium and three times for high. There is no memory for the last level used, the circuit times out after 5.6 seconds and the light will return to low the next time it is activated. Twistie operation is smooth and one-handed activation is possible but is awkward when attempting to change levels. A candle mode of sorts is possible as the tailcap is flat on the bottom, allowing the light to stand with a very stable profile.
The LED is slightly recessed behind a clear Lexan window, there is no reflector and the light has a total flood profile of about 120 degrees. A flood beam such as this one is useful for almost every short range task imaginable. The even spread of light makes, reading, repairs, and any kind of close in searching a much easier task than conventional lights. Since there is not hotspot the eye is not drawn to one specific area and can view a much wider field. Tint is excellent on my example, showing as very pure white under a wide variety of lighting environments.
Overall the light has excellent fit and finish. The threads and general maching are smooth and crisp with a small amount of machine oil for lubrication present. Anodizing is even throughout and has shown excellent durability over the past month of pocket carry. Size is one of the light's strengths, it is very small and carries very well but offers a very good level of light.
Several accessories are included in the light. 3 Glow-in-the-dark brackets, a slide-on silicone pocket clip bracket, spare O-rings, a lanyard, as well as a beam shield and headband are included. The accessories are a nice touch and function well, the beam shield has little effect on overall beam shape but it does cut down on the light pollution off to the sides of the LED, useful when you are around other people.
Normal beam profile:
Beam profile with the shield:
My prefered method of use: Hands free and even flood make pretty much anything I need to do with my hands in the dark way easier than typical flashlights/headlamps.
Here's an outdoor beamshot. Brightness starts in the upper left corner at low and moves clockwise to medium and high.
Using the light to punch in some addresses before doing some early evening deliveries with my friend. I'm going to have to start carrying my camera with me at all times so I can capture the myriad of useful ways this light can used. Shortly before this I used it to change out the battery on my van by clipping it to the hood and illuminating the engine compartment.
Gripes:
-Pocket clip assembly destroys the lines of the light and snags on clothing due to the soft silicone/rubber construction.
-Twistie should be a clickie in the future, multi-level lights suffer when paired to a twistie.*
-Shipping is long on a good day and can take up to 4-6 weeks on a bad day.*
*These items are being actively remedied by ZebraLight Inc. Faster shipping is available if you want to pay for the EMS option and a clickie is being incorporated into the next design.
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