I've been following ZL since 2010 when I bought my first H501w... I've never really seen anything quite like this. Glad to see the SC65c show up since that means that they are creating new products.
As stated many times by myself and other users... 14500 is not officially "supported" by ZL, but several of us use 14500 cells in H53 lights (and SC 53 I think) without any issues reported so far.
It is not known why official support was dropped... maybe they don't guarantee voltage protection...
The SC64w HI has got to be the best overall light if you must choose one... the SC600 is great around the house/yard, but it is too big for EDC... the AA sized lights are fantastic for EDC, but don't have the power for some outdoor tasks. The SC64 will fit in a pocket fine and has the power for...
Several ZL's have a much higher "burst mode" when using 14500... this was supported in the H52 and SC52. The 53 series dropped official support, but it has been verified that the "burst mode" still exists with the 53's.
I use 14500 in my H52Fw and H53Fc and I really enjoy the burst mode.
Everyone should have a Zebralight headlamp... My H52Fw is my most used/carried light and I rarely use it as a headlamp. It makes a great EDC with just the clip and is quite useful handheld or as a right-angle work light.
Now I carry an H53Fc with 14500... but the H52Fw still gets plenty of...
ZL's offerings on their web site seem to be getting thinner and thinner... Either they are exhausting inventory to launch new product lines, or I have some fears.
Or maybe it is just continued material shortages? If it were a shortage issue, I would expect things to be "out of stock" and not...
I EDC my Zebralight headlamps, so I appreciate the angled head for both walking around and using as a work-light. The ZL and its interface provide me with similar utility to this light, albeit not as fancy (but a lot cheaper).
Glad to see the innovation, which may trickle into other designs...
My first "real light" after getting burned by junk was a Fenix 2xAA... then I got into Four Sevens AA/14500 lights when they were doing neutral emitters... then (and still) Zebralights.
Great news!
Very happy to continue using 14500s in my ZL headlamps... so the only reason that the H53 "doesn't support" 14500 is that the protected cells don't fit?