What's your latest flashlight?

[tattoosteve99]

Is the small E1 going to be able to handle the heat generated?

Yes it will . Just look here:

http://www.oveready.com/custom-flashlights/triple-copper-e1e-1x18350/prod_278.html

[Gryffin]

I don't buy NEAR as many lights as I used to, but I got tired of the big oversize throwers, wanted something compact, capable, and simple: so I got me a Sunwayman V20C. Same output on an 18650 (fully regulated!) or 2x RCR or CR123A (without blowing protection circuits like some of my more aggressive lights), yet visually only gives up ~10% range vs. my Thrunight Scorpion v2 or EagleTac G25C2 or Lumintop TD-15X, but unlike those bruisers carries nicely in a slim belt case. Fully variable output via control ring, stainless bezel, deep reflector, tactical forward clicky. Works for me.

[Gareth]

That really looks like a great light Gryffin.

[AimlessWanderer]

My latest is the H5 Lenser that came in the combo pack with an orange cerakoted Fuse. It will get occasional use, but will spend it's life confined to the car glove compartment rather than being a primary light. I already had a P2 Lenser before that, and whilst there's nothing actually wrong with either of these lights they just feel very out of date somehow. They're easily activated accidentally, and I really don't see much benefit from the gimmicky focussing thing. LED Lenser products will be on my "avoid" list from now on I think

Before that I got a Zebralight SC60 in a trade on here. The light it gives off is extremely nice, but that isn't seeing much pocket time either. The clip is so strong, and the fins so aggressive, it's quite a pain to clip and unclip it. The light comes on very (too) easily, and you need to unscrew the base a little to prevent accidental activation, which then means to turn it on you need to wrestle to get it unclipped, then twist AND click. Another minor annoyance is the delay. As the UI waits to see whether you are pressing and holding or just quick pressing to select a mode or turn on/off, there is always a small lag in the resultant action. As I said, the light it throws out is very nice, but it just seems way too fussy as a primary light. I'll not be rushing out to get another ZL either

My regular users at the moment are Quark 2xAA or Sunwayman V10R pocket clipped, a Preon Revo or Thrunite T20 clipped to SAKs, or a Silva Ninox for hands free. I can't find fault with any of these for frequent use, and I also have a Quark mini 123, Fenix PD20 & LD05, Thrunite T10 and Ti, and Petzl e+lite which would all be carried and used before the Lensers and ZL. I really want to like the ZL more but it's a chore to use and carry, and lights should alleviate frustration not cause it 

[enki_ck]

Very good write-up


I knew the ZL had to tendency to turn on on their own, (I think they fixed that in the newer versions, made the switch more recessed) but I never thought about the UI time outs. It makes sense but I see how it could be annoying.

[Gryffin]

That really looks like a great light Gryffin.

My favorite pocket-carry light is a Sunwayman V11R, too. 1xAA/14500 size, variable brightness with control ring, very compact, redonkulously bright (although the small reflector means it's more of a flood than a thrower). Same impeccable fit 'n' finish on both. I've been VERY impressed with both. Sunwayman does some very nice lights! 

[mvyrmnd]

My new Solarforce

L2N with M3 head fitted with a nailbender built warm XP-G2 dropin, s9 tailcap:



And it's friend, that I've had for some time:

L2P with round head and and bezel, s10 tail, clip, with a Kerberos Triple High-CRI dropin.



Both together:


Flood and throw

[AimlessWanderer]

Very good write-up


I knew the ZL had to tendency to turn on on their own, (I think they fixed that in the newer versions, made the switch more recessed) but I never thought about the UI time outs. It makes sense but I see how it could be annoying.

Thanks mate  I know ZLs have their fans, and the light emitted is very nice indeed, but this just doesn't sit right with me. One niggle I can cope with, but the cumulative effect means it won't get any quality time with me. Unless I can fit this into my rota somewhere without creating an excuse to keep it, I think this might hit my for sale thread. I'm quite surprised I'll be letting a ZL go and keping a bulky Lenser headlamp

[tattoosteve99]

My new Solarforce

L2N with M3 head fitted with a nailbender built warm XP-G2 dropin, s9 tailcap:
(Image removed from quote.)
(Image removed from quote.)

And it's friend, that I've had for some time:

L2P with round head and and bezel, s10 tail, clip, with a Kerberos Triple High-CRI dropin.
(Image removed from quote.)
(Image removed from quote.)

Both together:
(Image removed from quote.)

Flood and throw

Nice . I have a Kerberos triple myself with r5 LEDs. I love it as it sits in my 3p from fivemega.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

...
Before that I got a Zebralight SC60 in a trade on here. The light it gives off is extremely nice, but that isn't seeing much pocket time either. The clip is so strong, and the fins so aggressive, it's quite a pain to clip and unclip it. The light comes on very (too) easily, and you need to unscrew the base a little to prevent accidental activation, which then means to turn it on you need to wrestle to get it unclipped, then twist AND click. Another minor annoyance is the delay. As the UI waits to see whether you are pressing and holding or just quick pressing to select a mode or turn on/off, there is always a small lag in the resultant action. As I said, the light it throws out is very nice, but it just seems way too fussy as a primary light. I'll not be rushing out to get another ZL either

...

My SC60w is my favorite pocket carry light.  I also don't understand the issues with the switch; I've got half a dozen ZL's of various stripes and in over two years of using them regularly, I can count on one hand the times I've gotten a hot-pocket from them.  I barely notice any delay in the UI myself, but it's a small price to pay for the best UI I've ever used in a torch.  I've never had a serious problem with any of the ZL's I've got either.  They're my favorite brand of light now; the more I use the ones I have, the harder I find it to use other lights I have that are designed with a tail-clicky.

[AimlessWanderer]

...
Before that I got a Zebralight SC60 in a trade on here. The light it gives off is extremely nice, but that isn't seeing much pocket time either. The clip is so strong, and the fins so aggressive, it's quite a pain to clip and unclip it. The light comes on very (too) easily, and you need to unscrew the base a little to prevent accidental activation, which then means to turn it on you need to wrestle to get it unclipped, then twist AND click. Another minor annoyance is the delay. As the UI waits to see whether you are pressing and holding or just quick pressing to select a mode or turn on/off, there is always a small lag in the resultant action. As I said, the light it throws out is very nice, but it just seems way too fussy as a primary light. I'll not be rushing out to get another ZL either

...

My SC60w is my favorite pocket carry light.  I also don't understand the issues with the switch; I've got half a dozen ZL's of various stripes and in over two years of using them regularly, I can count on one hand the times I've gotten a hot-pocket from them.  I barely notice any delay in the UI myself, but it's a small price to pay for the best UI I've ever used in a torch.  I've never had a serious problem with any of the ZL's I've got either.  They're my favorite brand of light now; the more I use the ones I have, the harder I find it to use other lights I have that are designed with a tail-clicky.

 

Just shows what a picky little bunch this is turning us all into doesn't it?   

I have no doubt it would make an excellent light for someone (you've proved that mate), but it just kind of somehow goes against the grain of what I've conditioned myself to want from a light  I can see completely why a flashaholic would love this light -n the beam is fantastic, but then I can see why people love the Leatherman Pulse too .... and I didn't get on with that either. I took a quicker dislike to that than any other I've owned I think  Oh no, hang on - that was probably the Flik for those dodgy pawl segments.

All just personal taste mate 

[gregozedobe]

Just shows what a picky little bunch this is turning us all into doesn't it?   

All just personal taste mate 

As the old saying goes:  "You can please some people some of the time, but you can't please all the people all the time"

Zebralight have changed the switch on their latest single AA light (the SC52) to make it less likely to switch on accidentally, and now some people are complaining that it is too firm 

[AimlessWanderer]

Just shows what a picky little bunch this is turning us all into doesn't it?   

All just personal taste mate 

As the old saying goes:  "You can please some people some of the time, but you can't please all the people all the time"

Zebralight have changed the switch on their latest single AA light (the SC52) to make it less likely to switch on accidentally, and now some people are complaining that it is too firm 

  That sounds about right 

I've spent a lot of money trying out a lot of stuff since I joined up here, and much of what I like best toolwise is either discontinued and/or at odds with what everyone else likes best I'm really glad I've had the chance to try so much gear though, and it has helped me get together a few different options that work really well for me indeed 

It also shows how hard it must be for the poor buggers designing, manufacturing and selling all this stuff. No matter how hard they try and how proud they are, there'll always be a fair percentage of the crowd telling them what they've done is crap 

[Blackbeard]

My regular users at the moment are Quark 2xAA or Sunwayman V10R pocket clipped, a Preon Revo or Thrunite T20 clipped to SAKs, or a Silva Ninox for hands free. I can't find fault with any of these for frequent use, and I also have a Quark mini 123, Fenix PD20 & LD05, Thrunite T10 and Ti, and Petzl e+lite which would all be carried and used before the Lensers and ZL. I really want to like the ZL more but it's a chore to use and carry, and lights should alleviate frustration not cause it 

Any advice for installing that clip would be appreciated, I just got one and dont want to scratch the nice finish. THnaks, BB

[AimlessWanderer]

My regular users at the moment are Quark 2xAA or Sunwayman V10R pocket clipped, a Preon Revo or Thrunite T20 clipped to SAKs, or a Silva Ninox for hands free. I can't find fault with any of these for frequent use, and I also have a Quark mini 123, Fenix PD20 & LD05, Thrunite T10 and Ti, and Petzl e+lite which would all be carried and used before the Lensers and ZL. I really want to like the ZL more but it's a chore to use and carry, and lights should alleviate frustration not cause it 

Any advice for installing that clip would be appreciated, I just got one and dont want to scratch the nice finish. THnaks, BB

I think it was on when I got it? Not got it with me right now either
If I remember, I'll have a look tonight and see if I remember fitting it or not 

[jzmtl]

Picked up a 47 maelstrom x10 (the 640lumen xml one), not particularly impressed, several very annoying design problems. The supposed 1 second mode switching delay is more like 2.5, so lots of unintended mode switching. The push button sometimes wedged and stays on, and the twist switch is impossible to turn with two fingers, more like two hands.

[KDX]

I received my Xeno E03 the other day and my initial impressions are favorable. I like the tint and the 'floody' beam. This should be a good light for work and would be good for room clearing etc. indoors. I've been using a LD20 for a long time so it will be interesting to see the real world difference.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Just shows what a picky little bunch this is turning us all into doesn't it?   

All just personal taste mate 

As the old saying goes:  "You can please some people some of the time, but you can't please all the people all the time"

Zebralight have changed the switch on their latest single AA light (the SC52) to make it less likely to switch on accidentally, and now some people are complaining that it is too firm 

  That sounds about right 

I've spent a lot of money trying out a lot of stuff since I joined up here, and much of what I like best toolwise is either discontinued and/or at odds with what everyone else likes best I'm really glad I've had the chance to try so much gear though, and it has helped me get together a few different options that work really well for me indeed 

It also shows how hard it must be for the poor buggers designing, manufacturing and selling all this stuff. No matter how hard they try and how proud they are, there'll always be a fair percentage of the crowd telling them what they've done is crap 

That's true, but I also find that most people don't bother to try and think about other ways to use a tool so it works better for them.  For example, Al was saying he prefers torches with tail-switches, that's all fine and good.  However, I've noticed that with some people, it's not the switch placement that's the preference for them so much as it is the hand-hold style; some people just prefer that overhand hold.  Back to my point, you can hold a Zebra that way if you want, using a 'pencil' grip... just hold it like a pencil, and put your first or second finger on the switch to activate the light.  You can even use the overhand fist grip, just use your pinky on the switch instead.

I'm seriously looking at an SC52 but am going to wait until they come out with a C model, or at least a W, as I despise cool tints.

[AimlessWanderer]

That's true, but I also find that most people don't bother to try and think about other ways to use a tool so it works better for them.  For example, Al was saying he prefers torches with tail-switches, that's all fine and good.  However, I've noticed that with some people, it's not the switch placement that's the preference for them so much as it is the hand-hold style; some people just prefer that overhand hold.  Back to my point, you can hold a Zebra that way if you want, using a 'pencil' grip... just hold it like a pencil, and put your first or second finger on the switch to activate the light.  You can even use the overhand fist grip, just use your pinky on the switch instead.

I'm seriously looking at an SC52 but am going to wait until they come out with a C model, or at least a W, as I despise cool tints.

In truth I think much of what grabs me about a tool or light is predominantly intangible. Stuff just tends to have a certain "feel" which either appeals or doesn't. A Wave is superior to a MP700 in many ways, but a MP700 is more likely to be in my pocket (I'm not even sure where my Wave is at the moment  ) If I didn't have lots of options to choose from, then yes I would be spending more time trying to get the best from a specific item rather than hopping around between different brands. I suppose I've just been lucky in being able to try different things to see what works best for me (without me having to compromise or re-evaluate how I use them)

Bottom line is, I could probably get by with a Gerber Suspension, incan mini maglight, and a cheapo SAKalike ... but I don't have to 

The side mounted clicky on the ZLs has intrigued me from when I first saw them, and while I generally have a preference for tail clickies the side mounting on the ZL is of no real detriment (or benefit) to me in and of itself. As a whole, the ZL just doesn't grab me for whatever reason, and I think if the clickie was end mounted I don't think it would appeal any more or any less. It's a great bit of kit for the right person ... but that person isn't me, and I'd probably be happier with an "inferior" light on me if I felt more comfortable with it.

"Best" isn't always best

[tattoosteve99]

Just got my triple board back! All parts are in! Now the fun part, putting together. Should be a real eye burner on high

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

"Best" isn't always best

Well, I think the point of all this is that "best" is a relative term, at best!     (Pun intended!!!)

What appeals to me about Zebras is they have a combination of ergos and design that I find unmatched in most any other light.  I love their small size, I find the UI to be much simpler in practice than on paper, and their driver technology is second to none.  I haven't seen many, if any, other torches that can eek out the combination of output and run-time Zebras get.  And, just to be clear, I'm not trying to change your mind Al, I'm just extolling what I find to be the virtues of Zebras as a maker/brand of lights. 

Of course, there is no one "best" tool for all possible situations.  That's why we have the accumulations of SAKs, torches, MT's, and so on that we do.  I for one am on a fairly limited budget, so I don't have the luxury of getting and trying a new tool or torch every month, so expanding the usability of the equipment I do have is a necessity for me.  I'm just glad that after being into all this stuff for a few years now I've gotten a pretty good set up that works for me, personally, for most situations/events I find myself in.  That said, torches are pretty much my first love in gadgets, and I find myself wanting more of them than any other kind of gear/equipment.  The two highest items on my to-get list right now are a Spark 18650 headlamp, and an SC52 when they become available with a neutral or HCRI emitter.

[gustophersmob]

That's true, but I also find that most people don't bother to try and think about other ways to use a tool so it works better for them.  For example, Al was saying he prefers torches with tail-switches, that's all fine and good.  However, I've noticed that with some people, it's not the switch placement that's the preference for them so much as it is the hand-hold style; some people just prefer that overhand hold.  Back to my point, you can hold a Zebra that way if you want, using a 'pencil' grip... just hold it like a pencil, and put your first or second finger on the switch to activate the light.  You can even use the overhand fist grip, just use your pinky on the switch instead.

I'm seriously looking at an SC52 but am going to wait until they come out with a C model, or at least a W, as I despise cool tints.

In truth I think much of what grabs me about a tool or light is predominantly intangible. Stuff just tends to have a certain "feel" which either appeals or doesn't. A Wave is superior to a MP700 in many ways, but a MP700 is more likely to be in my pocket (I'm not even sure where my Wave is at the moment  ) If I didn't have lots of options to choose from, then yes I would be spending more time trying to get the best from a specific item rather than hopping around between different brands. I suppose I've just been lucky in being able to try different things to see what works best for me (without me having to compromise or re-evaluate how I use them)

Bottom line is, I could probably get by with a Gerber Suspension, incan mini maglight, and a cheapo SAKalike ... but I don't have to 

The side mounted clicky on the ZLs has intrigued me from when I first saw them, and while I generally have a preference for tail clickies the side mounting on the ZL is of no real detriment (or benefit) to me in and of itself. As a whole, the ZL just doesn't grab me for whatever reason, and I think if the clickie was end mounted I don't think it would appeal any more or any less. It's a great bit of kit for the right person ... but that person isn't me, and I'd probably be happier with an "inferior" light on me if I felt more comfortable with it.

"Best" isn't always best

I wholeheartedly agree about the intangible.  For instance, my Fenix LD01 SS.  In theory, I don't care for cool tints, M-L-H mode sequences, or the extra weight of stainless, but there is just something about the sum of the parts that makes me really like the light.

"Best" isn't always best

Well, I think the point of all this is that "best" is a relative term, at best!     (Pun intended!!!)

What appeals to me about Zebras is they have a combination of ergos and design that I find unmatched in most any other light.  I love their small size, I find the UI to be much simpler in practice than on paper, and their driver technology is second to none.  I haven't seen many, if any, other torches that can eek out the combination of output and run-time Zebras get.  And, just to be clear, I'm not trying to change your mind Al, I'm just extolling what I find to be the virtues of Zebras as a maker/brand of lights. 

Of course, there is no one "best" tool for all possible situations.  That's why we have the accumulations of SAKs, torches, MT's, and so on that we do.  I for one am on a fairly limited budget, so I don't have the luxury of getting and trying a new tool or torch every month, so expanding the usability of the equipment I do have is a necessity for me.  I'm just glad that after being into all this stuff for a few years now I've gotten a pretty good set up that works for me, personally, for most situations/events I find myself in.  That said, torches are pretty much my first love in gadgets, and I find myself wanting more of them than any other kind of gear/equipment.  The two highest items on my to-get list right now are a Spark 18650 headlamp, and an SC52 when they become available with a neutral or HCRI emitter.

I really like my zebralight sc50w+, and like my Fenix, it is a sum-of-the-parts/intangible thing as well.  On paper, the UI would seem far too fiddly to me and the electronic style switch with parasitic drain seems less robust than a twisty, but yet again, I am really drawn to the package as a whole.  It just works.

[KDX]

I just received a ThruNite Ti today and am quite impressed with this little light. It has two modes and boasts an impressive run time on low which is a plus. There is a newer version out goes to 80 lumens (I think) vs the 60 on this one. I think I'll be getting a few more and putting them on every key chain and in every vehicle.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

I just received a ThruNite Ti today and am quite impressed with this little light. It has two modes and boasts an impressive run time on low which is a plus. There is a newer version out goes to 80 lumens (I think) vs the 60 on this one. I think I'll be getting a few more and putting them on every key chain and in every vehicle.

I've been wanting to try one of those.  Let us know how it is, and how it works out for you.   

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

I really like my zebralight sc50w+, and like my Fenix, it is a sum-of-the-parts/intangible thing as well.  On paper, the UI would seem far too fiddly to me and the electronic style switch with parasitic drain seems less robust than a twisty, but yet again, I am really drawn to the package as a whole.  It just works.

A big problem lots of people have with Zebras is getting over the UI on paper.  It's a lot simpler in practice than it seems when you're trying to read the instructions.  It's a particular issue for people who are new to higher end torches in general. 

There is a bit of complexity in their UI, but all things considered, it's the best UI I've ever experienced on a torch that lets you go from off to either low or high.  It's that versatility that truly makes the Zebras shine in my opinion.  (That was intended too! )  Frankly, I like it better even then simply having to half-click through a bunch of settings, or remember if I have the bezel loose, or tight, etc.  My single biggest beef with my Quarks is having to do what I call the "Quark Shuffle"... having to half click through all the settings to get to the next lowest one when I want to decrease the brightness.  Ugh.   

NiteCore's old D and E series lights had a similar interface, but I don't think they had/have the same refinement as the Zebra UI.  I'd buy a D11 in a heartbeat if they made one with a neutral or HCRI emitter again.  D10's are scarcer than hen's teeth now, and pretty much worth their weight in gold to modders and collectors.  Wish I'd bought more than one, and never traded away the one I did have! 
 

[AimlessWanderer]

I really like my zebralight sc50w+, and like my Fenix, it is a sum-of-the-parts/intangible thing as well.  On paper, the UI would seem far too fiddly to me and the electronic style switch with parasitic drain seems less robust than a twisty, but yet again, I am really drawn to the package as a whole.  It just works.

A big problem lots of people have with Zebras is getting over the UI on paper.  It's a lot simpler in practice than it seems when you're trying to read the instructions.  It's a particular issue for people who are new to higher end torches in general. 

There is a bit of complexity in their UI, but all things considered, it's the best UI I've ever experienced on a torch that lets you go from off to either low or high.  It's that versatility that truly makes the Zebras shine in my opinion.  (That was intended too! )  Frankly, I like it better even then simply having to half-click through a bunch of settings, or remember if I have the bezel loose, or tight, etc.  My single biggest beef with my Quarks is having to do what I call the "Quark Shuffle"... having to half click through all the settings to get to the next lowest one when I want to decrease the brightness.  Ugh.   
NiteCore's old D and E series lights had a similar interface, but I don't think they had/have the same refinement as the Zebra UI.  I'd buy a D11 in a heartbeat if they made one with a neutral or HCRI emitter again.  D10's are scarcer than hen's teeth now, and pretty much worth their weight in gold to modders and collectors.  Wish I'd bought more than one, and never traded away the one I did have! 
 

My favourite light for ease of setting is my Sunwayman (V10R I think  ).
Click on - twist dimmer ring if necessary - click off. Marvellous

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

My favourite light for ease of setting is my Sunwayman (V10R I think  ).
Click on - twist dimmer ring if necessary - click off. Marvellous

I've heard a lot of good things about the SWM lights, but have yet to get one.  I had an RRT-0 with a neutral XPE in it a couple years ago that had the twist ring for setting the level, and a tail-click switch.  It was an interesting UI, I have to say.  I would have preferred a side-click switch with the twist-ring though, but I haven't felt a need to get a light with such a UI.  I can see how it would have some advantages over a single, or even a dual button UI. 

[Sparky415]

These arrived at the weekend, a set of 5 ThruniteTi 3lumens – 60lumens
The green one is missing from the picture (and spoken for)
I have already replaced my ITP A3 on my 'car keyring'   

[Mike 208]

A female friend gave me a Rayovac "Indestructible" 2AA flashlight today (an early Christmas gift).  This light is really good.  It has two levels of output (100 lumens and 18 lumens), is water resistant and comes with a lifetime warranty.  I looked up this light on CPF, and this light (as well as the other lights in this series) gets very high marks.  The AA verison sells for around $15.00 USD.  Being a 2 AA light, it is a little long for EDC, but is perfect to carry in a vehicle or backpack.

[jcr]

I've just treated myself to an itp a3 for my keyring after reading about it on here. The last expensive torch I bought we a mini maglight about 20 years ago.
Think I may have to look out for an AA pocket torch to carry in my jacket next.