The Official Zebralight Thread

[ilikeguns40]

I don’t care much for SC70 personally. Thought about getting it but if I’m going big might as well get the SC700 for larger reflector at that point. Their 18650 lights give plenty of runtime as it is.

 

[Romanko]

What's the difference between this new SC70,and the SC700d that I already own?

SC70 can't accept 21700 6500mah because the battery is bigger.

 

[Bob_McBob]

It's not really "going big". The SC70 is basically the same size as the SC600, but 5mm longer. The SC700 is a much larger light.

 

[Burgess]

I do know that my ZebraLight SC700
does NOT fit any of my Vapcell 21700
6000mAH flat-top cells. (product # F60)

They are a bit Too Large in Diameter !
< sigh >

 

[Bob_McBob]

I do know that my ZebraLight SC700
does NOT fit any of my Vapcell 21700
6000mAH flat-top cells.

They are a bit Too Large in Diameter !
< sigh >

The SC70s I received have a 21.5mm ID, so in theory some high capacity 21700s should work based on measurements from mooch, but they generally have a higher datasheet maximum diameter. I hope I can convince Zebralight to increase the battery tube diameter slightly.

 

[Romanko]

The SC70s I received have a 21.5mm ID

Molicel INR21700-M65A 6500mAh - 26A Diameter - mm 21.4 This information from nkon.​

Edited. Wrong info. https://www.molicel.com/product/inr-21700-m65a/ - 21,7 mm.

 

[jon_slider]

I do know that my ZebraLight SC700
does NOT fit any of my Vapcell 21700
6000mAH flat-top cells.

those batteries are listed as

• Approximate Diameter: 21.6mm ± 0.2mm

Does the SC700 have the same 21.5mm opening that McBob reports for the SC70?

Molicel INR21700-M65A 6500mAh
... 21,7 mm.

Have you used that battery in a Zebra yourself?

if the dimension is accurate, based on McBob posting the SC70 opening is 21.5mm, 21.7mm would not fit

 

[Romanko]

Have you used that battery in a Zebra yourself?

I've got no 21700 Zebralights.

 

[Bob_McBob]

those batteries are listed as

• Approximate Diameter: 21.6mm ± 0.2mm

Does the SC700 have the same 21.5mm opening that McBob reports for the SC70?


Have you used that battery in a Zebra yourself?

if the dimension is accurate, based on McBob posting the SC70 opening is 21.5mm, 21.7mm would not fit

The SC700 has a wider battery tube that should comfortably fit high capacity cells. Most of these cells have maximum datasheet diameters over 21.5mm, but you can see from mooch's testing that many are typically smaller. The Linkdata 60P and 65P should theoretically always fit, but they're practically unavailable (one US-based store has the 60P).

Zebralight really ****ed up here not making the battery tube 0.2mm wider, and I hope they can be convinced to update the design.

 

[this_is_nascar]

The SC70s I received have a 21.5mm ID, so in theory some high capacity 21700s should work based on measurements from mooch, but they generally have a higher datasheet maximum diameter. I hope I can convince Zebralight to increase the battery tube diameter slightly.

I find its inability to fit the newer high-capacity 21700 cells yet another issue that continues to push ZL down in the pack. When you start adding up all these shortcomings that ZL has over these new modern, much cheaper lights, it makes it difficult to even consider recommending ZL to anyone.

- no magnetic tailcap or OEM option to add one.
- non-reversable pocket clip.
- inability to use any of the newer higher capacity cells.
- inability to use any direct-USB rechargeable cell.
- the requirement to purchase an external charger because of the above inadequacy as well as lacking onboard USB-charging.
- it's inability to use a 18650 cell in a pinch, without using spacers or the like.
- regulation, circuitry and efficiencies that are no longer at the top of chart when compared to the competition.

Sure, it's small (their only real remaining claim to fame), it's made from a single piece of stock (who really cares, as I've never had a 2-3 part flashlight with o-rings leak or fail me in a way that would have had a better outcome by being a single hunk of metal, steel, aluminum or whatever.)

I won't even get into the emitter and electronics of the light, as I'm not well versed enough to really comment. All I know is that I've never seen a maker with so many recommendations to have it sent off the be modded, tweaked, adjusted, etc.

Anyway, for me this SC70 has been a fail and big disappointment. I knew about most of those shortcomings I listed above, as they are present in many/most of their product line. What I wasn't expecting was how the light now reacts to the UI. It's a total fail in the way I use my ZLs. I've already posted about this, so I'm not going to rehash it again.

I'm really hoping that more of these start getting into the hands of others, so they can weigh in.

 

[this_is_nascar]

I do know that my ZebraLight SC700
does NOT fit any of my Vapcell 21700
6000mAH flat-top cells.

They are a bit Too Large in Diameter !
< sigh >

Yep. A huge disappointment.

 

[this_is_nascar]

None of these cells will fit the SC70. The inside lip stops them. In the SC700 they also will not fit enough to allow the light to work. The suction or vacuum that's created won't allow them to safely be fully inserted.

Guess what they do fit? Every other non-ZL 21700 based flashlight that I own.

 

[Schokokeks]

I find its inability to fit the newer high-capacity 21700 cells yet another issue that continues to push ZL down in the pack.

I specifically avoid 21700 due to how wildly loose the 21*700 nomenclature is. I ordered a light, and had to buy another charger to charge the dumb thing.
That was the last straw.

Li-ion cells have really gotten out of control with their sizes.
18650 cells are 19675, 21700 cells are 22710. How many of us have lights that you can't even fit the cell into the tube that should ostensibly fit?

Zebralight's hands are a bit tied, here, too.

The REASON they have such compact lights is that they size them to be as small as possible. But, that means you can't account for 10-20mm of variability in lengths.

Heck, it's gotten so out of hand, even double spring Malkoff lights are now recommended to use an extender for protected cells because they've gotten to long.

A lot of cheaper lights can accommodate the wide range of cells because they size their bodies so the battery is like a hotdog down a hallway.

You can't really have a light that is minimally sized AND maximally accommodating to cell sizes. You have to choose one or the other.


Meanwhile, the AA battery is laughing its over-a-century-old-laugh at all this sizing nuttiness. I love that an AA or D cell light from a century ago can still fit a modern cell just fine. The entire point of standardized cell sizes is to facilitate such things.

Meanwhile, Li-ion batteries are practically proprietary. I got sick of needing to buy individual cells for individual lights/brands. It's ridiculous. If a D3AA can crank out over 700 lumens on an Eneloop, I'm done dealing with Li-ion. I'll keep what I have, but I just don't really buy anything anymore that requires yet another "standard" cell that won't work in half the other lights that are size for the "same size."

I AM ONLY HALF KIDDING, but maybe ZL should relaunch the "Single D-cell hand torch" market. Imagine their AA driver running a light with 10+ amps capacity on tap, haha.

 

[ilikeguns40]

I don’t get too wrapped up in other Zebralight models other than the standard AA and SC64/65 models, I’ve found those to be some of the best sized EDC lights with more than enough output and runtimes for me. SC54 AA is my favorite model

 

[Romanko]

- no magnetic tailcap or OEM option to add one.
- non-reversable pocket clip.
- inability to use any of the newer higher capacity cells.
- inability to use any direct-USB rechargeable cell.
- the requirement to purchase an external charger because of the above inadequacy as well as lacking onboard USB-charging.
- it's inability to use a 18650 cell in a pinch, without using spacers or the like.
- regulation, circuitry and efficiencies that are no longer at the top of chart when compared to the competition.

I'm against anything that will increase size. Like magnet, usb-c port or something else. There is Skilhunt for this.

I agree about battery tube width.

 

[this_is_nascar]

I'm against anything that will increase size. Like magnet, usb-c port or something else. There is Skilhunt for this.

That's true and guess somewhat my point. So much has been sacrificed (my opinion) on these lights, just for the sake of claiming it's the smallest or one of the smallest.

It's like you said, there are other lights (most every other one) in this category that offer these options. I just can't believe the SC70 tube wasn't bored out a few more mm's or whatever it would have taken to accommodate the wider range of modern cells.

 

[Burgess]

Another "Data Point" for us 21700 cell users --

Today I received my Brand New Noctigon KR1K light (1x21700)
[ BTW - it's BEAUTIFUL ! ]

Be Advised that my Vapcell 21700
6000mAH flat-top cells. (product # F60)
*Just Barely Fit* !

Wondering *IF* i was to purchase any Additional
cells, should I take a chance on Vapcell F63 (6250mAH) ?

Or would those be Even Bigger ? ? ?

Asking "This_Is_NASCAR" if perhaps you could
measure the diameter of F60 versus F63 cells.

Thank You, everyone !

 

[this_is_nascar]

I can't find my calipers, so I just tried both of those cells in a few of my Convoy 21700 based tubes and found that one in particular fit the F60 about as perfectly as you could ask for, with zero rattle. I then tried the F63 and it as actually the tiniest little bit smaller in diameter. You could tell just by inserting and removing each one and could feel the difference. I don't even know if the difference would register on the calipers it was so little of a difference.

Interesting..... I'm heading off to bed. Catch you folks in the morning.

 

[jon_slider]

So much has been sacrificed (my opinion) on these lights, just for the sake of claiming it's the smallest or one of the smallest.

To be fair, there are a number of other things that make Zebras worth appreciating.

Besides compact size, a couple of other Zebralight features that gives it claim to fame are Potting, and firefly Runtime.

Zebras tend to be very drop proof, with the exception of the thin glass lens, which is just 1mm thick..

Zebras also enjoy a reputation for unusually low and long lasting sublumen outputs, despite some of them having more than a little Lux Riple.

Zebras have excellent recessed switches that dont turn on accidentally, and the pocket clips have excellent retention. And they use Type 3 Hard Anodizing. I also like the light overall weight, and the handfeel of the relatively smooth bodies, which make them easy to slide in and out of pocket.

I just wish the UI was Anduril.. LOL

 

[id30209]

I have upgraded AA Zebra by soldering 0.2mm brass button to positive side of wires. Now i can use any flat top liion unlike previously seeking for smallest button top. And normal AA cells can be still used without issues.
Of course i had try new Luminus SST-36F 6500K 90CRI emitter and i am very pleased to say it looks better than SFT-70 5700k 90CRI.