It's been a long time since I've posted here, nice to catch up!
Got an H53c N to replace my H53c from 2017 (my first ZL!) and wanted to share. My first flashlight purchase since late 2019 aside from a Convoy. Part of me already regrets selling the sentimental H53c, but recuperating a chunk of the cost is nice, and I'm a bit of a minimalist.
Note: purchased from NKON to Canada. Tracking info stopped updating part way through, like many past shipments, but this took an abnormally long 3 weeks. Only positive feedback towards NKON from me.
Among my ZL trio including a stock SC64w HI and H600Fc, my H53c has always been my favorite to use for camping and canoe trips due to size and weight. I find I only need >200lm when cycling or in a brighter environment. I like using as little lumens as possible and always felt adequate with the H53c. I replaced because I wanted something with a nicer tint and sending out for a mod would have been a bit more than a new one. DC-Fix went on and will be staying.
The only concern I have is whether to de-dome or not. I love my 3500k 219B (Convoy). The stock domed 4000k 519A-V1 is nice, maybe a touch positive DUV as it appears warmer than my 4000k 219C (Convoy), but none of my Nichias are green when compared to each other. On the other hand, all my Nichias (including this new one) make my Cree ZLs (which I am perfectly happy with when used on their own!) green by comparison. There was a bit of tint-shift without DC fix, but obviously clean when diffused. Always love how nicely Nichias bring out browns: wood looks particularily nice.
So, will 3000k be too warm, and will it be too throwy? The beam shape is perfect as-is, but a bit more warmth would be fun, especially out in the woods. I'll definitely leave the dome for a while at least as I'm quite content.
Throughout my few ZLs there's been a few lotteries. Just to touch on them:
Anodizing: this has a nice very dark dry powder-coat look, like my OG H53c, except this one is almost black where my OG was greener. I'm very impressed, looks and feels premium. My SC64w has more of a plastidip feel. My H600Fc has more of a steaky gold/brown tone. I had a horrible SC64w HI once that I returned, it was silvery and kind of etched-looking and almost sticky. Ew.
UI Bugs: only noticed minor hitches with my SC64w HI and (long ago sold) SC600w Plus, where the mode would freeze and an unscrew of the cap fixed it. I noticed someone mentioned a beacon bug with these new ones, haven't experienced. With this, programming the modes, when triple clicking, or waiting too long, seems a bit unreliable. Never had issues with my many other ZLs, but it seems like I gotta be quicker for this one.
Tint Lottery: Fortunately a non-issue with this one. My old OG H53c was actually a decent tint and not green, but fairly yellow. I also once had an OG H53Fc with a horrible green tint. I've head the LE's can get green too. Finally, ZL has found a winner.
Switch: I've returned a mushy switch in a past SC64w HI. Some are more clicky than others. This one has a nice feel. My OG H53c had light bleeding through on high outputs due to a lack of pigmentation in the boot.
Some changes I've noticed vs my OG H53c:
Switch bezel: is different now. I think I preferred the old "tapered" one aesthetically as it matches the glass bezel more closely. Very minor change, but we're all about those details here lol.
Pocket Clip: The new one is decent. The fatter old one had some good real estate for magnets which I prefer. Although I really only use a pocket clip (with magnets) on my H600Fc these days as it's an excellent utility light.
Band: More plasticky feeling, harder to slide thru. Not sure how I feel. How does it hold up?
Mount: Same uncomfortable, impractical, low-effort silicon mount. Luckily I have a
nice metal quick-release one from my old Fenix HL50.
Overall, thrilled!
Cheers!
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