Zebra light sc52 problem survey?

[Johnno]

Zero issues here - daily use.

 

[kamote-fries]

It doesn't have reverse polarity protection. Mine's dead.

 

[Whizkid]

Mine's working great. Only thing I've ever noticed is that the tailcap has to be a little tighter than I'd expect. It goes into lockout with just a tiny turn.

I've noticed that too. Less than a 1/4 turn and its locked.

 

[sticktodrum]

It doesn't have reverse polarity protection. Mine's dead.

You put in a battery backwards and broke the light?

 

[reppans]

I normally wouldn't count outputs-below-marketing-specs as a problem, but all my L modes meter below spec by a factor of 2-4 times. My 0.34 lm mode, which should one of my brightest moonlights, actually measures 0.08 lms and is significantly dimmer than my ThruNite firefly 0.09 and even it's own sibling, the H51w at 0.18. I know some prefer very dim moonlights, but to have three different options below 0.10 doesn't make sense to me. True 0.3 & 3 lm modes are my most often used on my other lights, and what I specifically bought the SC52 for, so I am disappointed and my SC52 has become a shelf queen.

On the other hand, it does explain/justify the extraordinary runtimes ZL claims for all the L modes vs the competing manufacturers ;-).

 

[Whizkid]

I normally wouldn't count outputs-below-marketing-specs as a problem, but all my L modes meter below spec by a factor of 2-4 times. My 0.34 lm mode, which should one of my brightest moonlights, actually measures 0.08 lms and is significantly dimmer than my ThruNite firefly 0.09 and even it's own sibling, the H51w at 0.18. I know some prefer very dim moonlights, but to have three different options below 0.10 doesn't make sense to me. True 0.3 & 3 lm modes are my most often used on my other lights, and what I specifically bought the SC52 for, so I am disappointed and my SC52 has become a shelf queen.

On the other hand, it does explain/justify the extraordinary runtimes ZL claims for all the L modes vs the competing manufacturers ;-).

I think you're right. However, I still love my light and think it looks way better outdoors than my LD10.

 

[Outdoorsman5]

Nice response, thanks. I have been aiming both lights at the wall and judging it that way. I did the ceiling bounce and noticed the SC52 illuminated the room just a tad better. But I still don't see where those extra 180 lumens are going... that seems like a lot of light I'm just not seeing. Could tint have any factor here? The SC52 looks much warmer compared to the LD10.

It's not the tint; it's your battery. Looks like you are using an alkaline battery. Alkalines do not have enough umph with this light. The SC52 works ok on an alkaline, but you cannot achieve the higher output levels unless you are using a rechargeable NiMH battery like eneloops (eneloops are among the very best NiMH batteries around.) You could also use the higher power AA sized 14500 Li-ion rechargeable battery (like the one zebralight sells.) If you use a NiMH batery your sc52 will easily do 280 lumens, but if you use the 14500 Li-ion it will pump out 500 lumens....nice. I like both eneloops and 14500's, but I use the 14500 almost exclusively in my sc52. Also, your runtimes will be much much better if you use a NiMH or Li-ion battery.

 

[Whizkid]

It's not the tint; it's your battery. Looks like you are using an alkaline battery. Alkalines do not have enough umph with this light. The SC52 works ok on an alkaline, but you cannot achieve the higher output levels unless you are using a rechargeable NiMH battery like eneloops (eneloops are among the very best NiMH batteries around.) You could also use the higher power AA sized 14500 Li-ion rechargeable battery (like the one zebralight sells.) If you use a NiMH batery your sc52 will easily do 280 lumens, but if you use the 14500 Li-ion it will pump out 500 lumens....nice. I like both eneloops and 14500's, but I use the 14500 almost exclusively in my sc52. Also, your runtimes will be much much better if you use a NiMH or Li-ion battery.

That's the best news I've heard all day

. I ordered Eneloops a few days ago and they are supposed to arrive tomorrow (and I was using Alkaline). Thank you for your opinion.

 

[kamote-fries]

You put in a battery backwards and broke the light?

Yes! I was using a flat top 14500 unprotected cell and didn't realize I left it inserted backwards. After a few days, I tried to use the light and it wouldn't turn on. I've already read some posts on other threads that someone already broke theirs and confirming that sc52 doesn't have reverse polarity protection.

One more issue I had was there are times when the light wouldn't go on high mode when I do a short click. I had to loosen and tighten the tailcap for it to work properly.

Btw, my sc52 was like NIB. I just test it around the house.

 

[Outdoorsman5]

That's the best news I've heard all day

. I ordered Eneloops a few days ago and they are supposed to arrive tomorrow (and I was using Alkaline). Thank you for your opinion.

I forgot to mention that Energizer Lithium (not rechargeable) also works excellent in this light. I use eneloops in the light since they are rechargeable (and since they blow away alkaline) and carry the high energy & lighweight Energizer Lithiums as backup batteries. You will get the same output, and longer runtimes with the them, but they are quite expensive.

Good Luck

 

[Whizkid]

I forgot to mention that Energizer Lithium (not rechargeable) also works excellent in this light. I use eneloops in the light since they are rechargeable (and since they blow away alkaline) and carry the high energy & lighweight Energizer Lithiums as backup batteries. You will get the same output, and longer runtimes with the them, but they are quite expensive.

Good Luck

It was definitely the battery. Holy smokes this little thing is bright. It's definitely NOT meant for regular AA batteries. Does it work with them? Sure, but it doesn't shine with them.

 

[Outdoorsman5]

It was definitely the battery. Holy smokes this little thing is bright. It's definitely NOT meant for regular AA batteries. Does it work with them? Sure, but it doesn't shine with them.

Now try it on a 14500 rechargeable Li-ion, and experience 500 lumens from this little thing. Go to batteryuniversity.com to learn how to take care of Li-ion rechargeable (very easy by the way,) and enjoy. A good 14500 costs about $10 (zebralight), and a good charger costs about $20 & up (I use the cytac dual bay charger, but there are better & more expensive options available.)