Zebralight SC5 mk2 - great useless flashlight

BBL · Jul 20, 2017

Hi guys! Rant mode, sorry.

Just received my zebralight sc5 mk2. Everything is great about that light - UI, tint, size, weight, anodizing, etc.

But i'm not going to use it - because of the knurling. It has a rockwell-60 hard file on the outside that is going to mess up everything that has prolonged contact.

I usually carry flashlights on 4000ft hikes where i'm not going to take great care what i put together in my bag and pockets. When i carry this flashlight for two days, constantly rubbing against eg. my cellphone, knife, headlamp, camera - there is going to be a mark. The knurling can easily scratch the plastic handles on a benchmade griptilian as well as the G10 handles on a benchmade 300. This is not wear from use, this is unsuitable equipment.

When i buy a flashlight, i dont want to have to think about details like this. It is possible to build flashlights with good knurling that is not too sharp - zebralight did that on the SC600 mk1. The days of useless shelf-queen flashlights should be over.

My point is - be warned and dont buy flashlights without taking every detail into consideration.

ven · Jul 20, 2017

Would a holster help out some, just a thought. I have the sc5c and not had any issues so far.....love the little thing.

AVService · Jul 20, 2017

Mine would constantly chew its way out of the 5th pocket of my pants.

I thought it was just trying to get away?

aginthelaw · Jul 20, 2017

BBL said:
Hi guys! Rant mode, sorry.

Just received my zebralight sc5 mk2. Everything is great about that light - UI, tint, size, weight, anodizing, etc.

But i'm not going to use it - because of the knurling. It has a rockwell-60 hard file on the outside that is going to mess up everything that has prolonged contact.

I usually carry flashlights on 4000ft hikes where i'm not going to take great care what i put together in my bag and pockets. When i carry this flashlight for two days, constantly rubbing against eg. my cellphone, knife, headlamp, camera - there is going to be a mark. The knurling can easily scratch the plastic handles on a benchmade griptilian as well as the G10 handles on a benchmade 300. This is not wear from use, this is unsuitable equipment.

When i buy a flashlight, i dont want to have to think about details like this. It is possible to build flashlights with good knurling that is not too sharp - zebralight did that on the SC600 mk1. The days of useless shelf-queen flashlights should be over.

My point is - be warned and dont buy flashlights without taking every detail into consideration.

I would be happy to take it from you for a few years and work on wearing it down for you. It's better than using a dremei or a lathe as it's more gradual

Stevie · Jul 21, 2017

If I put my light(s) in my pack for trail use, I do get concerned that the lenses will get scratched due to contact with other items. So I use a small mesh bag with a draw-string for the light, as the bag is flexible it takes the shape of the light and doesn't take up any extra space in the pack. It protects against abrasion really well. Might this help?

Tixx · Jul 21, 2017

Yeah, the knurling is a little extreme. They have the S53 that just came out, but H1 is 220 lumens less. So no go on that one for me.

Tixx · Jul 21, 2017

I use a 4Sevens quark single cr123 pouch for mine.

jon_slider · Jul 21, 2017

BBL said:
When i carry this flashlight for two days, constantly rubbing against eg. my cellphone, knife, headlamp, camera - there is going to be a mark. The knurling can easily scratch the plastic handles on a benchmade griptilian as well as the G10 handles on a benchmade 300.

with all due respect, your carry system needs to be improved

I would not put a light, a knife, a cell phone, headlamp, and camera, together loose in a pocket, or bag, where they can tumble around rubbing together.

I use a pocket slip for my knife, IF I put it in a pocket with other objects.
I use a dedicated pocket for my light, or I put it in a protector sleeve of some sort.
My phone has a dedicated pocket, it does not ride with keys, coins, knives, or flashlights.

And if I buy a light whose knurling is too rough for my delicate hands, I use 600 grit emery paper to knock the sharp points off.

In your case, since you don't like the light, just return it. fwiw, the SC53 does not have the knurling. And, the SC53 weighs less, costs less and is brighter than an HDS.

SC53 on left, SC5 on right:

However, Zebras have NoNichia, and there are reports that the Zebras flicker...

vadimax · Jul 21, 2017

ven said:
Would a holster help out some, just a thought. I have the sc5c and not had any issues so far.....love the little thing.

+1. I find no issues with mine as well. Carry it every day. Well, being a wise guy I keep it alone in a pocket

Reminds me 6P knurling (harsh as well), but with smaller "diamonds".

Trevilux · Jul 21, 2017

My SC5w MkII runs perfect for me. I am happy, the SC52 is like a toy with NiMH compared with SC5 MKII

vadimax · Jul 21, 2017

Yep, more massive body serves perfect in heat management.

iamlucky13 · Jul 23, 2017

What about putting heat shrink tubing, paracord, or even just electrical tape over the knurling?

Lou Minescence · Jul 23, 2017

aginthelaw said:
I would be happy to take it from you for a few years and work on wearing it down for you. It's better than using a dremei or a lathe as it's more gradual

Here is an example of how CPF friends help each other out. A very generous offer ! [emoji3]

snowlover91 · Jul 23, 2017

I like the more aggressive knurling and haven't had any issues yet with it. The pocket clip was a bit too stiff at first, but I bent it a little and now it works fine.

Zebralight SC5 mk2 - great useless flashlight

BBL

Enlightened

ven

Flashaholic

AVService

Flashlight Enthusiast

aginthelaw

Flashlight Enthusiast

Stevie

Newly Enlightened

Tixx

Flashlight Enthusiast

Tixx

Flashlight Enthusiast

jon_slider

Flashlight Enthusiast

vadimax

Flashlight Enthusiast

Trevilux

Enlightened

vadimax

Flashlight Enthusiast

iamlucky13

Flashlight Enthusiast

Lou Minescence

Flashlight Enthusiast

snowlover91

Flashlight Enthusiast

Similar threads

Latest posts