Multitool.org Forum
Non Tool Forum => Flashlight Forum => Topic started by: gustophersmob on July 16, 2019, 10:31:08 PM
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Howdy!
I have a few zebralight AAs, the latest is an sc52w which is my main AA light. Well, it’s starting to act wonky where it won’t turn off or switch modes reliably :-\ so I’m looking for a replacement AA. My edc is a AAA Felix ld01, so this will mainly be for camping, car repair, or other uses when I need a bit more oomph.
Since this is the second zebralight I’ve had go bonkers, I’d like to try something else, preferably a bit cheaper. I do like the really low mode for middle of the night when camping, but a sub-lumen mode isn’t strictly necessary.
I kind of like to lumintop tool AA (which is on a prime day sale today), mainly for the price, but the low mode is pretty bright.
Any suggestions?
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Does Zebralight have a warranty that you can use?
My only AA is a Manker E03H.
It's a headlamp that can be used as a hand light.
I like it because you can set the moonlight mode (which comes on first, by the way) to whatever brightness you want, from "I can't tell if this is on or not, even in the dark" to "that's getting kinda bright... More like a low mode".
And yes, it has a low mode too.
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Does Zebralight have a warranty that you can use?
My only AA is a Manker E03H.
It's a headlamp that can be used as a hand light.
I like it because you can set the moonlight mode (which comes on first, by the way) to whatever brightness you want, from "I can't tell if this is on or not, even in the dark" to "that's getting kinda bright... More like a low mode".
And yes, it has a low mode too.
Cool, thanks for the suggestion. I’ll check it out.
Zebra has a warranty, but mine is long past it. I’m not knocking them, I still think they are great lights. It’s just my really abused ld01, which cost me ~$20 8 ish years ago is going strong. The ~$60 zebra which is rarely used is failing after around 4-5 years. So, it’s not bad, 4-5 years is still a good run, but I just don’t have the cash currently to drop $60 on another light.
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I can’t speak for the Lumintop AA, but I have 4 of their AAA lights. All have been solid lights. Plus that Prime price is looking pretty good.
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Cool, thanks for the suggestion. I’ll check it out.
Zebra has a warranty, but mine is long past it. I’m not knocking them, I still think they are great lights. It’s just my really abused ld01, which cost me ~$20 8 ish years ago is going strong. The ~$60 zebra which is rarely used is failing after around 4-5 years. So, it’s not bad, 4-5 years is still a good run, but I just don’t have the cash currently to drop $60 on another light.
I am pretty sure that ZL will repair your light for $15 flat.
Luckily mine have been perfect and I still EDC one full time.
I really like that Manker too but it can be tough sometimes to make a right angle light work for me.
I just snagged a couple of Armytek AA Partners for under $20 each on sale direct from them and they seem to go on sale pretty often and they seem like outstanding lights so far.
A little long but also really tough.
The Jetbeam Jet1-MK is an amazing AA light for cheap and everyone seems crazy for the Tool too.
I try a lot of AA lights but I can not imagine not having an SC52w in my pocket at all.
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I can’t speak for the Lumintop AA, but I have 4 of their AAA lights. All have been solid lights. Plus that Prime price is looking pretty good.
Yeah, the price is certainly tempting!
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I am pretty sure that ZL will repair your light for $15 flat.
Luckily mine have been perfect and I still EDC one full time.
I really like that Manker too but it can be tough sometimes to make a right angle light work for me.
I just snagged a couple of Armytek AA Partners for under $20 each on sale direct from them and they seem to go on sale pretty often and they seem like outstanding lights so far.
A little long but also really tough.
The Jetbeam Jet1-MK is an amazing AA light for cheap and everyone seems crazy for the Tool too.
I try a lot of AA lights but I can not imagine not having an SC52w in my pocket at all.
Thanks for the additional suggestions!
I’m going to email zebralight now. If I can get it fixed cheaply, then that’s a no brainer. I love the tint and UI, so if I could get it working right again, I’d love it.
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Let us know the outcome please. My SC52 L2 has performed flawlessly for years. I’ve dropped it numerous times on concrete and even metal grating. If they fix them for $15 flat, I will know where to go when it’s time to upgrade.
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Let us know the outcome please. My SC52 L2 has performed flawlessly for years. I’ve dropped it numerous times on concrete and even metal grating. If they fix them for $15 flat, I will know where to go when it’s time to upgrade.
Will do. I’ve sent the email, so hopefully I’ll know soon.
I always assumed with the design that they weren’t repairable, but if they have some sort of flat rate repair or replacement thing, that would be amazing. And basically would secure me as a customer for life!
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Will do. I’ve sent the email, so hopefully I’ll know soon.
I always assumed with the design that they weren’t repairable, but if they have some sort of flat rate repair or replacement thing, that would be amazing. And basically would secure me as a customer for life!
That would be pretty close to a Leatherman warranty. :iagree:
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If the zebralight can’t be repaired, I’m liking the looks of the jetbeam ezdog suggested. The mode spacing seems perfect for me. Low for night use, a not too bright medium for general tasks and a nicely high high for distance use or outdoor daylight use. I also like that it has a real reflector instead of an optic (which always seems more floods than I like).
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I’ll have to take a look at it. Did the Lumintop have an optic? If so, I’d give it a pass.
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I’ll have to take a look at it. Did the Lumintop have an optic? If so, I’d give it a pass.
The “tool AA” looks to still have a glass lens and reflector. The aaa tool and the worm (which is renamed) both have optics now.
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Does Zebralight have a warranty that you can use?
My only AA is a Manker E03H.
It's a headlamp that can be used as a hand light.
I like it because you can set the moonlight mode (which comes on first, by the way) to whatever brightness you want, from "I can't tell if this is on or not, even in the dark" to "that's getting kinda bright... More like a low mode".
And yes, it has a low mode too.
Just looked at the manker. That’s a very cool light. I like the nichia option, magnetic tail, built in diffuser...
I can see this being a difficult decision :D
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The options are ridiculous for AA lights. That low on the fenix looks good, but some of the reviews I read put me off it. That and a 2 year warranty.
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Now you have me looking for a light I don’t need. :twak:
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The options are ridiculous for AA lights. That low on the fenix looks good, but some of the reviews I read put me off it. That and a 2 year warranty.
Which fenix?
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Now you have me looking for a light I don’t need. :twak:
You’re welcome :D ;)
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Sorry. Meant Jetbeam. :D
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Just looked at the manker. That’s a very cool light. I like the nichia option, magnetic tail, built in diffuser...
I can see this being a difficult decision :D
Yeah, the Nichia was a big draw for me too. :D that's the one I have.
I took off the clip-on diffuser (requires lots of force), but that's pretty handy to have. And the red and green diffusers are good for some fun.
I will say though, this light is a bit fat and heavy compared to a Zebralight.
And don't assume that it's waterproof!
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So I have been carrying one of those Jetbeams on the opposite side from the ZL for maybe 3 years now and it has been an amazing light especially considering the price!
It also works with 14500 cells as does the SC52 and though I rarely really need to extra output it can be handy when I do!
The AT do also!
The Manker is truly a cool little light and the choice of 22 levels for the Moonlight is a pretty amazing feature all by itself for sure but then the light just keeps it up with even more great and uncommon features and mine has been pretty rugged so far too.
I liked it so much that I ordered the AAA version as well and both of mine are the 219b,it is a great little light.
I know that I have read many times about the ZL flat rate repair and it may take a while but it seems a sure thing and no brainer for sure.
Another light that I recently added and is really interesting is the Rofis R3 which easily changes from a standard light to a right angle light at any time.
These come with a 14500 battery and are easily charged inside the light with an included magnetic charging cable and mine is Warm Tinted and comes with a HeadBand too!
I saw these on Prime Days too so if you hurry.......
Sorry can't locate the Manker right now? :dunno:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190716/4c73b56a3b359cd89d4f97e42a54f7f2.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190716/e59f41383f3e776c32b1a9b9e315e03a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190716/409b37a56ef924db9b46e4395acfd09b.jpg)
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I don’t use anything other than eneloops or energizer lithium, so lack of 14500 support isn’t a deal breaker.
The slight size increase of the manker doesn’t bother me, though if it isn’t water resistant, that would be an issue. I don’t swim with a light or anything, but they do get rained on, held in my mouth, etc.
I think the rotating head of the rofis would be too fiddly for me, but it’s a cool concept.
So, right now I’m liking different things about both the jetbeam and manker, so they’re both in the running.
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So I have been carrying one of those Jetbeams on the opposite side from the ZL for maybe 3 years now and it has been an amazing light especially considering the price!
It also works with 14500 cells as does the SC52 and though I rarely really need to extra output it can be handy when I do!
The AT do also!
The Manker is truly a cool little light and the choice of 22 levels for the Moonlight is a pretty amazing feature all by itself for sure but then the light just keeps it up with even more great and uncommon features and mine has been pretty rugged so far too.
I liked it so much that I ordered the AAA version as well and both of mine are the 219b,it is a great little light.
I know that I have read many times about the ZL flat rate repair and it may take a while but it seems a sure thing and no brainer for sure.
Another light that I recently added and is really interesting is the Rofis R3 which easily changes from a standard light to a right angle light at any time.
These come with a 14500 battery and are easily charged inside the light with an included magnetic charging cable and mine is Warm Tinted and comes with a HeadBand too!
I saw these on Prime Days too so if you hurry.......
Sorry can't locate the Manker right now? :dunno:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190716/4c73b56a3b359cd89d4f97e42a54f7f2.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190716/e59f41383f3e776c32b1a9b9e315e03a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190716/409b37a56ef924db9b46e4395acfd09b.jpg)
Is the Rofis as slim as it looks in the pic? Looks like a deep carry in 90° mode. I can think of numerous times I could use a right angle light. I also like a warm tint.
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Sorry Gus. Not trying to take over the thread. Just curious. It looks like an interesting light.
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Sorry Gus. Not trying to take over the thread. Just curious. It looks like an interesting light.
No worries! :cheers:
I’m interested in learning about it too.
Besides, this is MTO. This doesn’t even qualify as a derailment :whistle:
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True, but the price I found just derailed it for me. :(
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True, but the price I found just derailed it for me. :(
Uh oh. A price too good to pass up, or too high to pay?
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Uh oh. A price too good to pass up, or too high to pay?
High in my opinion, but ezdog might be able to put my mind at ease about it. I’d love a 90° light, but seems steep in $ to me.
Edit: Should have included the lowest price I found. Around $55.
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High in my opinion, but ezdog might be able to put my mind at ease about it. I’d love a 90° light, but seems steep in $ to me.
OK first of all I got the model wrong,mine is the R2 which is the AA version and they are $36 Today still on Prime Day.
The light is not really fiddly at all although I am not too sure what that even means either?
The swivel head is really tight and smooth and not at all jiggly or loose feeling which I was a little worried about too.
Also while I don't usually prefer lights with in built charging this one seems to work well and faster than others that I have tried.
Today I was on a service call involving a Rack inside a dark closet.
I normally would go out and get a big Milwaukee Drill Battery powered light with a magnet but it was POURING out so bad that I just didnt want to!
So I stuck the Rofis on the metal door frame and could actually swivel the head to exactly where I needed light which is not possible with a regular RA light usually.
Yes the R2 is really slim almost as slim as the Jetbeam and certainly more slim than the ZL and the honking huge AT which I also really am liking!
I love my R2 and will probably order one with a bigger battery soon but I am not sure if it will be 18650 as I have planned or 21700 which I see they now offer too!?!
YMMV obviously.
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The Fenix E12 (8/50/130 lumens) is a good rugged light under $30.
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OK first of all I got the model wrong,mine is the R2 which is the AA version and they are $36 Today still on Prime Day.
The light is not really fiddly at all although I am not too sure what that even means either?
The swivel head is really tight and smooth and not at all jiggly or loose feeling which I was a little worried about too.
Also while I don't usually prefer lights with in built charging this one seems to work well and faster than others that I have tried.
Today I was on a service call involving a Rack inside a dark closet.
I normally would go out and get a big Milwaukee Drill Battery powered light with a magnet but it was POURING out so bad that I just didnt want to!
So I stuck the Rofis on the metal door frame and could actually swivel the head to exactly where I needed light which is not possible with a regular RA light usually.
Yes the R2 is really slim almost as slim as the Jetbeam and certainly more slim than the ZL and the honking huge AT which I also really am liking!
I love my R2 and will probably order one with a bigger battery soon but I am not sure if it will be 18650 as I have planned or 21700 which I see they now offer too!?!
YMMV obviously.
Thanks for the additional input.
When I said fiddly, I was really thinking about what you described: whether the head would be loose or jiggly. Thanks for clarifying. Maybe it’ll make it back on the list!
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The Fenix E12 (8/50/130 lumens) is a good rugged light under $30.
I was interested in this initially, mainly because I’ve had such good luck with my fenix aaa. I kind of ruled it out due to the optic and somewhat diffuse beam pattern.
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Thanks for the additional input.
When I said fiddly, I was really thinking about what you described: whether the head would be loose or jiggly. Thanks for clarifying. Maybe it’ll make it back on the list!
Yeah I would have returned it for sure if it had not been so well done.
The funny thing about this light is that it is really one of the only true "Convertible" HL to regular handheld lights on the market and it is really well done and thus not a real bad deal as the functionality is so high at least for me.
The Maker is really a lot like that kind of value to me too,it is a really sweet little light and the Jetbeam is just a no brainer especially of you can find one on sale,I think I paid $13 for mine and I got several and gave them away and all are still working!
The Jetbeam is a Cool White which I normally can not stand too but it is more bright white than angry blue too and a keeper because if it!
Life is too short for Angry Blue!
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Just noticed the neutral white rofis r2 is $29.38 for prime day:
https://www.amazon.com/Rofis-Multifunctional-Rechargeable-Adjustable-head-Flashlight/dp/B07CH81HTF/
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Just noticed the neutral white rofis r2 is $29.38 for prime day:
https://www.amazon.com/Rofis-Multifunctional-Rechargeable-Adjustable-head-Flashlight/dp/B07CH81HTF/
You gonna go for it?
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You gonna go for it?
Probably not, at least not yet. I want to see what zebralight says before I buy a new light.
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Probably not, at least not yet. I want to see what zebralight says before I buy a new light.
Good call. I’m hoping Zebralight stands behind their lights. Would make buying them worth every penny.
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Just got a reply from zebralight:
“We charge a flat $15 for out of warranty repairs. We'll issue an RMA if you'd like to proceed.”
:woohoo:
So, I’m going to get it repaired. I can’t think of anything else new that comes close for $15
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Just got a reply from zebralight:
“We charge a flat $15 for out of warranty repairs. We'll issue an RMA if you'd like to proceed.”
:woohoo:
So, I’m going to get it repaired. I can’t think of anything else new that comes close for $15
Id say thats an understatement! :like: :tu:
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That’s awesome!
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Great news from ZL. :woohoo:
@ezdog, great patina on your ZL :tu:
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Nice!
That makes me want to have a Zebralight too!
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Great news that Zebralight is going to repair it for $15.
If you decide to also look for a new light, my highest recommended AA flashlights are the Fenix LD12 and the EagleTac D25A. Both these lights have proved reliable for me.
The LD12 was put through the ringer for Navy shipboard use and survived. It has now been passed on to my niece who needed a reliable camping flashlight.
The D25A has not endured as much abuse, only because I didn’t discover it until later.
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I just noticed this thread, but I had got the Lumintop tool 2.0 for $12 with tax, it came yesterday and is a great light, I have the first version, and this is a great improvement over it. Even with NIMH it has a great output, they got rid of annoying PWM, better tail cap, is slightly shorter then version 1 and clip seems a little stouter, perfect beam and anodizing, a real bargain at $12 so if you need a back up and see it on sale definitely pick one up.
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:iagree:
I picked on up a while ago and its been a good light. Needed a beater for around the house that I could leave on the coffee table or garage.
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Wanted to provide an update. I just got the zebralight back yesterday. It’s working again! :woohoo:
I believe I sent it in around July 17th, so a little over 7 weeks turn around time. It was hard to wait that long, but I knew it would be about that long going in.
So far, the light seems to work fine. I’m not 100% sure if they repaired my light or replaced it. The one I got back has some rash marks in the aluminum ridge around the switch, and a little ding in the edge near the emitter end. Those weren’t there when I sent it in, so it could be a rough repair process, or they just send out a refurbished light that may not be 100% cosmetically speaking. For $15, I can’t complain as I still don’t think there’s a new light with similar features available for that price.
So, while I’d prefer one in the same condition I sent it in, overall I’m pleased.
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That’s great news! Thanks for the update. I’d prefer to get my own light back, but for $15 I wouldn’t complain.
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That’s great news! Thanks for the update. I’d prefer to get my own light back, but for $15 I wouldn’t complain.
:iagree: A working light is better than a non working one even if the condition is less than. I do have to say I appreciate when Vic warranties their tools, they send the broken tool back. Its seems like a small thing but I very much appreciate it.