View Full Version : Two Flashlights - Jetbeam RRT-0 and Zebralight H501
Gaillo
22nd July 2010, 03:44 PM
Everyone who knows me for very long recognizes that I'm a gearhead... I never met a knife, flashlight, firearm, etc. etc. that I didn't at least give a good long look at before deciding whether I liked it or not. Part of my gearheadedness extends to flashlights... actually a HUGE part of it!
I've probably owned over 150 high-end flashlights since I was bitten by the lumens bug about 15 years ago... of those I probably STILL own over half of them. I've looked for "the best" light (as if such a thing exists!) - and in the spirit of that ultimately futile effort, I keep buying and trying new lights whenever I hear about a potentially new candidate.
I've had several friends come to me and ask what light they should buy, either because they suddenly realize the need for a good light or they get tired of replacing their old 2-D maglight bulbs every other week. I know what they typically want... they want a light that is reliable, bright, lasts forever on a set of batteries, is waterproof/dropproof/everythingelseproof, and comes in a blister pack at Walmart for $4.95. Unfortunately, I always end up telling them the truth: that such a light does not exist, has never existed, and will never exist. If you want quality, you have to PAY for it - and really good flashlights are NOT cheap. In the last year or so, I've ended up recommending 2 flashlights (the lights of this review), and probably 1 in 3 people actually act on the recommendations... the rest buy some P.O.S. Dorcy or Brinkman light at Walmart and end up hating it instead.
Why 2 lights? Why not just one "one size does it all" light?
Simple - any pragmatist knows that you use the proper tool for the job at hand! The types of jobs that flashlights are made for come in 2 flavors: up close hands-free work, and moving around searching/hiking/navigating work. Ultimately, these 2 jobs have conflicting requirements.
For up-close hands free work, a headlamp is required. Headlamps typically have a wide "spill" beam that illuminates an entire area, without a blinding "hot spot" in the center that can cause problems when trying to do things like washing dishes, repairing/maintaining guns, or reading.
For "on the move" work, a "torch" is what is required. Something that really PROJECTS the light ahead in a tight beam with a bright hot spot, with some side-spill to illuminate the surrounding area. Something that cuts like a knife into the dark, illuminating an area several hundred feet ahead of the hiker so he can see where he/she's going, and whatever is being searched for (firewood, berries, game trails, potential dangers, etc.).
My recommendation for the best currently available pair of flashlights that fill those requirements:
Headlamp: Zebralight H501
Torch: Jetbeam RRT-0
Zebralight H501 Headlamp
I'll start the review with the Zebralight H501, and why it is BAR NONE the finest headlamp on the planet.
The Zebralight H501 is a small headlamp that looks like this:
http://gold-silver.us/forum/gallery/41_21_07_10_12_39_40.jpeg
Here it is removed from its headband:
http://gold-silver.us/forum/gallery/41_21_07_10_12_38_16.jpeg
It is only slightly larger than the AA battery that it runs on. It is designed to run on ANY AA battery - carbon, alkaline, lithium, NIMH rechargeable, etc. As you can see from the photo, it can be removed from the headband and used as a stand-alone angle head light, or you can lay the whole headband on the ground with the light on its side in the headband - then rotate the light in its rubber headband carrier to adjust the angle of the beam for tasks like working under a car. The headlight/angle-head design is absolutely brilliant!
The H501 is lightweight, waterproof, shockproof, and has a polycarbonate lens that won't break or crack if impacted. It is available in a Red LED model, a white LED model, and a warm-tint white LED model that has more "yellow" in the spectrum similar to older bulb-type flashlights. It has a battery life that varies between about 2.5 hours on high (and it is BRIGHT on high!) to an amazing 3.5 DAYS on low. The Red LED model and the "new UI" white model also have a moonlight mode that extends runtime to 21 DAYS... this is THE headlamp for caving if you think you might be trapped in the dark for a while! ;D There is also a flashing strobe mode for emergencies. This headlamp is made from aircraft aluminum, incorporates rubber O-rings for waterproofness, and is so lightweight you hardly even know you're wearing it! In fact, sometimes I wear both a white AND a red model at the same time, and find it easy and comfortable to wear the pair for hours at a time.
As you can see, EVERYTHING was thought of when they designed this gem, and at a retail price of around $60, they'd better have! ;) This only goes to prove, once again, that quality COSTS - you will not find something like this in a blister pack on sale at your local scum-mart for $5.98. I own 4 of these headlamps, in White and Red, and wouldn't trade them for 1,000 "Petzl" or other name-brand hiking/biking headlamps. These are TRULY the best of the best, I've tried dozens of other headlamp models and this is IT, folks... THE one you want.
Jetbeam RRT-0 "Torch" Flashlight
The Jetbeam RRT-0 is an absolute MARVEL of flashlight engineering. It is a multiple brightness level light that can use either a single AA battery, or a single CR123 battery. It looks like this (next to batteries for size comparison):
http://gold-silver.us/forum/gallery/41_21_07_10_12_36_24.jpeg
When using an AA battery, you screw on an "extender tube" that lengthens the light, making it look like this:
http://gold-silver.us/forum/gallery/41_21_07_10_12_37_33.jpeg
The extender tube is sold separately, so if you only want to use CR123 batteries, you can save about $10.00. However, I personally find the added flexibility of using AA batteries (which are about the most common battery on the planet!) to be well worth the added investment of buying the extender tube.
The Jetbeam RRT-0 has a stainless steel "control ring" just below the head of the light (the thing with the "head and shoulder" shaped impressions in the above photo). You turn the control ring to adjust the output level of the light. The control ring has 4 positions, but allows for 5 levels of brightness. The lowest level of brightness is set between low and super-low by moving the control ring from the lowest position to the next position up, then back again to the lowest position. It toggles between the two lowest levels. Sounds more complicated than it actually is, in practice you grow so accustomed to it you can switch between low and super-low without hardly thinking about it. Kudos to Jetbeam for this magnificent level adjust method, without any complicated pushbutton double-click BS sequences to remember! You want low? It's instantly available. You want high? Just crank the ring clockwise and it's THERE... RIGHT NOW. Beautiful!
To turn the light on and off, there is a forward-clicky pushbutton on the tail end of the flashlight. It looks like this:
http://gold-silver.us/forum/gallery/41_22_07_10_2_35_49.jpeg
Everything else about this light is just as well thought out as the user interface. The ability to use CR123 or AA batteries. The stainless steel bezel around the face of the light, so it can be repeatedly set down on stone surfaces without getting all munged up like most aluminum lights. The forward clicky pushbutton that can be "half pressed" to flash morse code. The nice knurling for grip, grippy yet not so coarse as to wear out your pants pockets. The shroud around the on/off button that allows the light to tailstand. As an added bonus, the "lowest low" setting will run for over 4 DAYS per battery!
The RRT-0 is waterproof, super-rugged, and the control ring is magnetic - so it doesn't add mechanical complexity or a vector for dirt/water to enter into the light. Overall build quality is EVERY BIT as good as a high-end tactical Surefire light, at about 1/3 the price compared to a comparable model (Surefire U2). The RRT-0 is super-bright on its highest setting... an astonishing 240 Lumens! The RRT-0 is also designed to use ANY battery of the AA or CR123 configuration, including alkaline, lithium, rechargeable NIMH, as well as the uncommon (but powerful!) rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries 14500 and 16340.
There is nothing about this light that I don't like... and at a retail price tag of $90 ($100 with the AA extender tube) there'd better NOT be anything faulty in it's design or operation! Once again, though, quality COSTS - and this is certainly no exception. I own 3 of these lights, and they've pretty much done away with my desire to use any of my other "torch" lights (except for a smaller keychain light I keep on my keyring). Folks... this light is THE shizznit... THE ultimate hand carried LED torch.
Hope you all enjoyed the dual-flashlight review, please don't blame me if you go buy a Walmart light instead and find that it falls WAY short of the perfection that these 2 lights represent! Remember - you only buy quality once, and "cheap costs dearly". ;)
horseshoe3
23rd July 2010, 09:07 AM
Thanks for the reviews.
Have you tried the Fenix TK40? It's been recommended to me as an excellent barnyard distance LED light. But for the price of it, I'd like to get more than one recommendation before I buy it.
Gaillo
23rd July 2010, 10:22 AM
Thanks for the reviews.
Have you tried the Fenix TK40? It's been recommended to me as an excellent barnyard distance LED light. But for the price of it, I'd like to get more than one recommendation before I buy it.
I've owned several Fenix lights, although the TK40 is not one of them. All the Fenix lights I've owned (4 or 5, I can't recall the exact number) have been quite good, although I personally don't like the rubber switch cover they use on some models - feels somewhat cheap and "slick", kind of like the material they make black rubber gloves with. Also, I wore a Fenix P3D on my keychain for a few months, and the hard anodized finish wore through REALLY fast compared to some other lights I've tried... I'm currently using a Nitecore Defender Infinity on my keychain, it's been there for several months and only has a few dings of "wearthrough" where the Fenix looked like HELL after the same amount of time.
I've heard the TK40 is a very good high-output light, be prepared to buy a lot of batteries for it though! In general, high lumen output flashlights tend to eat them pretty fast... I had a Surefire M6 for a few months, and I could barely afford to keep feeding it! ;D
Book
23rd July 2010, 12:55 PM
http://www.smalldickphonesex.com/sissy/small-dick-sissy05.jpg
http://images.dailyfill.com/748b09e43aa3474f_9eb0fb7197a116bc/o/Obi_Wans_Floppy_Dong.jpg
Curse you Gaillo...lol.
I was sitting here all smug knowing that I already owned the bestest key chain light on Planet Earth only to discover at CandlePowerForums some guy throwing cold reality water on my Arc AAA lightsaber:
"I have one on my keychain, too. It dates back seven years. But, best EDC ever? Maybe once, but time has moved on and the Arc AAA hasn't. As small and tough as it is, when the Fenix E0 came it it was obvious the competition had caught up. And we've come miles since then. The newer lights are more efficient, brighter, the beams are nicer, and they don't require you to crush batteries and keep threads clean. I can't see a logical way to dispute this. I still like my Arcs (AAA, AA, LS), but sadly they are now history. Maybe a new design will emerge. I hope so, and I'll jump on it if it once again sets the standard."
Now I gotta spend another week researching CandlePowerForums to decide what the bestest lights are today. You also belittled my Petzl headlamp so this is gonna cost me probably $200 to regain my manhood within the gearhead community. Before I start at CandlePowerForums can you school me on the considerations using these newest bestest lights with Eneloop (http://www.stefanv.com/electronics/sanyo_eneloop.html) rechargeable batteries?
:D
Gaillo
23rd July 2010, 01:02 PM
http://www.smalldickphonesex.com/sissy/small-dick-sissy05.jpg
Curse you Gaillo...lol.
I was sitting here all smug knowing that I already owned the bestest key chain light on Planet Earth only to discover at CandlePowerForums some guy throwing cold reality water on my Arc AAA lightsaber:
"I have one on my keychain, too. It dates back seven years. But, best EDC ever? Maybe once, but time has moved on and the Arc AAA hasn't. As small and tough as it is, when the Fenix E0 came it it was obvious the competition had caught up. And we've come miles since then. The newer lights are more efficient, brighter, the beams are nicer, and they don't require you to crush batteries and keep threads clean. I can't see a logical way to dispute this. I still like my Arcs (AAA, AA, LS), but sadly they are now history. Maybe a new design will emerge. I hope so, and I'll jump on it if it once again sets the standard."
Now I gotta spend another week researching CandlePowerForums to decide what the bestest lights are today. You also belittled my Petzl headlamp so this is gonna cost me probably $200 to regain my manhood within the gearhead community. Before I start at CandlePowerForums can you school me on the considerations using these newest bestest lights with Eneloop (http://www.stefanv.com/electronics/sanyo_eneloop.html) rechargeable batteries?
:D
Always glad to help, book! ;D
Re: Eneloop batteries, there's another option if you're not aware of it. Duracell makes a battery called "Pre-Charged", and some of the CPF people refer to them as "Duraloops". They are the same battery as the Eneloops, with a different label and lower pricetag. Not sure if you're aware of that option.
I've used the Duracell version of Eneloops in my Zebralight headlamps and Jetbeams, they work very well and hold a charge over time. I prefer Li-Ion 14500 cells in my Jetbeams, though... a little longer battery life and they seem to make the beam brighter on some settings. Expensive though... I can buy 4 Duraloops for what a single 14500 costs!
Book
23rd July 2010, 01:23 PM
I've used the Duracell version of Eneloops in my Zebralight headlamps and Jetbeams, they work very well and hold a charge over time.
http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/std/sab/images/etoht1.jpg
Thanks Gaillo. I already stockpiled a bunch of Eneloops both AAA and AA. My next hurdle is to maintain my minimalism and keep this simple: In my Bugout Bag I like to carry a small shortwave radio with my flashlights that uses the same size batteries. At the moment everything runs on AAA size. Since I have now been infected with the "must buy bestest gear" maybe I should also go to all AA size and enjoy the relative larger storage capacity and cost savings of AA v. AAA. Problem is...does anyone make a decent small minimalist shortwave radio that runs on AA size batteries? It would really annoy my chronic minimalism disorder to carry two sizes of batteries.
>:(
willie pete
23rd July 2010, 10:06 PM
Great Job, thanks for the review
There's also a hell of a lot of info on flashlights here:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/
Defender
29th August 2010, 02:35 AM
Thanks for the info. You've got the work light, torch & EDC lights covered though the posts are a few months old now and some new leds have come out.
Another important category is the the latern. It seems the current favorite is the Rayovac Sportsman Extreme 3D 300-lumen latern. $25 at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Rayovac-SE3DLN-Sportsman-300-Lumen-3D-Battery/dp/B0018S4XIS
BTW - not all Duracell precharged are "Duraloops." They have to be made in Japan, not China and, as I recall, have a white instead of a black top. The China ones are equivalent to the Rayovac hybrids - good but not as good.
Saul Mine
29th August 2010, 02:27 PM
500 LEDs, 50 watts flashlight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkkU0UO3sek
http://www.ledcreations.net/
Glass
29th August 2010, 08:40 PM
ok. I've been looking for a head lamp and I think the Zebralight fits the bill. I also want a small handy torch for the kit.
Can anyone recommend a site where I might be able to grab both of these?
Gknowmx
29th August 2010, 09:13 PM
I am about to pull the trigger on a Surefire Saint at batteryjunction. I already have a Surefire E2D LED and I love it.
http://www.surefire.com/SaintHS1-A-BK
http://www.batteryjunction.com/surefire-saint.html
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=268116
willie pete
29th August 2010, 09:19 PM
I am about to pull the trigger on a Surefire Saint at batteryjunction. I already have a Surefire E2D LED and I love it.
http://www.surefire.com/SaintHS1-A-BK
http://www.batteryjunction.com/surefire-saint.html
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=268116
Looks good, I have an E2D LED on my list to get..
skid
29th August 2010, 11:41 PM
I have the Surefire U2 and have had it for several years. Damn good adjustable power flash light! Now the Jetstream copy comes out for 1/2 the price and is the new shit? Is it any better or "just as good"?
I don't follow the flash light forums, but I have two Surefires and one Fenix, and the Surefires are way up in body quality compared to the Fenix although the brightness is similar. I don't mind paying extra for quality and have personally never seen a better built light than a Surefire...
Glass
30th August 2010, 02:20 AM
http://www.flashlightreviews.com have a fair few brands reviewed although I am not sure how often new lights are added.
I have a Led Lenser, only one of which are listed there, however they may be known by another brand elsewhere. It is an excellent light in my opinion. I have a P14, 210 Lumens. It has Hi/Lo. The brightness is outstanding and the battery life on low is also very good. I get around 2 weeks of 6 hours constant use per day on low. I don't generally use this as an outdoor light so it gets fairly soft treatment.
I have a friend who recommended it. As a security guard he gets more outdoor use of a P17 and finds it a huge improvement over the Mag's he has been using. Strength, brightness and battery life are all outstanding.
The only gripe I have is that the switch is on the end of the unit and Lo/Hi settings are back the front to me. I'd much prefer it to go Hi when you first turn it on, rather than Lo and needing 2 clicks to get it to Hi. Eliminates it as any kind of useful tac lite IMO.
I was at a store yesterday and I nearly grabbed another smaller Led Lenser (P5). I carried it around the shop with me for a while before I heard another customer asking about a sheath for it. Then I realised it didn't have one included and they didn't have any thing that would do the job. I'm not particularly impressed with any of the headlamps I have seen from any manufacturer.
I am looking for a small pack carry, maybe clippable plus a headlamp. The headlamp being useful as a small pocket clip light is an added bonus as is the brightness. That just leaves a small carry light. The Zebra seems to fit the bill.
I think these new lights are setting the benchmark higher for the established brands, however durability counts for a lot and some of the new brands don't quite have the history behind them yet. As always you gets whats you pay for.
The thing that bugs me is the batteries. Down here we pay $3 or $4 a piece for litium throw aways and rechargers are double that retail. I had a wholesaler who sold rechargables but they stopped carrying just about everything and I have plenty of what they still stock.
Actual rechargers are also hard to find that have any level of quality. They all seem to be cheap chinese junk that either breaks after 1 use or they pretend to work but you end up without enough power. I think I don't know enough about this rechargable battery thing.
Gaillo
30th August 2010, 10:54 PM
ok. I've been looking for a head lamp and I think the Zebralight fits the bill. I also want a small handy torch for the kit.
Can anyone recommend a site where I might be able to grab both of these?
www.goinggear.com has both the Zebralight and Jetbeam in stock, and he's great to deal with and ships fast. There's a candlepowerforums coupon code for 10% off anything you buy at his store, but I don't remember what it is... a few minutes browsing that site should bring it up.
As for the Surefire vs. Jetbeam comparison brought up in other posts on this thread, I own a lot of Surefire lights including L1, L2, C2, A2, and formerly a Kroma that I just recently sold on Ebay... and I'll state outright that the build quality of the Jetbeam is right up there with the Surefires.
Glass
31st August 2010, 01:38 AM
ok. I've been looking for a head lamp and I think the Zebralight fits the bill. I also want a small handy torch for the kit.
Can anyone recommend a site where I might be able to grab both of these?
www.goinggear.com has both the Zebralight and Jetbeam in stock, and he's great to deal with and ships fast. There's a candlepowerforums coupon code for 10% off anything you buy at his store, but I don't remember what it is... a few minutes browsing that site should bring it up.
As for the Surefire vs. Jetbeam comparison brought up in other posts on this thread, I own a lot of Surefire lights including L1, L2, C2, A2, and formerly a Kroma that I just recently sold on Ebay... and I'll state outright that the build quality of the Jetbeam is right up there with the Surefires.
Thanks for that. I have been browsing the CP forums. I have registered for something over there but I am not sure what. I keep ending up on some kind of trading web site? Anyway I can't seem to see anything on coupons that I can access unfortunately. Goinggear has quite a few things I've been looking for so I'll be grabbing a few things there. I'd like plenty of things there but I'm sure you know how it goes.
Gknowmx
31st August 2010, 04:59 AM
Surefire fans should buy their lights here.
http://www.tacticalsupply.com/catalog/1_8/surefire-flashlights.php
20% off with discount code CPF20
Thanks! Just used this to buy a Surefire Saint. List Price:$185 After free shipping and the 20% discount: $148. Sweet deal!
Glass
4th September 2010, 04:50 AM
goinggear has a 10% off every thing coupon until October: autumn10
They have a 20% on a select range of things for Labor Day.... whenever that is...
Arc'Teryx, ProTech, & Vaude Backpacks
Axes & Hatchets (all items)
Camelbak Hydration Packs & Accessories
Hammocks & Tents (all items)
Knives (all items)
Machetes (all items)
Sleeping Bags, Liners, & Pads (all items)
Steripen UV Purifiers
Trekking Poles (all items)
labor20
Glass
21st September 2010, 05:41 AM
okie dokie. I ordered a Jetbeam RRT0 and the Zebralight H501 which arrived today. I ummed and ah'd about which Zebralight to get. Whether to get the cool or warm LED.
With the Jetbeam I got the AA extension simply because CR123's are not very common here in Aus.
It's just still getting dark so I still need to have a decent play. My impressions so far....
The Jetbeam is a pretty good build. The anodized finish is nice and clean. The AA's don't pump as many lumens as the CR123's do with this torch @ about 180L's but I think it has a nice and strong beam. I have a Led Lenser P14 as a bench mark. It runs 4x AA's. I think the LL is a bit brighter but not by much. It is rated at 212 lumens. The batteries are a little bit tired so that might account for the difference.
I like the Jetbeams brightness selector being a ring dial so it is seperate from the button. On the LL brightness is selected via the button and the first click is low. I'd prefer hi on the first click. The JB's brightness selector is not a very positive click between settings. It could be more of a firm click IMO. Personally I don't think 4 brightness settings are needed but thats me. I actually thought there were 5 settings. Perhaps off is a brightness setting?
The recessed power button is good and there are several openings cut into it so fixing a small lanyard or dog clip is pretty easy. All in all I think it fits well in the hand. The casing is smooth except for about 1" of cross hatching near the rear of the torch for grip. There could perhaps be more hatching near the front of the torch to help with grip if holding it in a tactical way. It needs a firm grip when activating the light to stop it slipping forward.
Is there better? Possibly. Build quality is good. It has more functions than my LL. The size is excellent for EDC. It doesn't have a beam focus. It could be slippery. It gets a lot of light from one AA or CR123. I think a Fenix XP-G range might give it a run for the money but they use 2 x CR123's or a 18650. Is it worth the price? Again possibly. If there is an alternative out there that has the same foot print, build, battery config and functions then obviously no.
It fills a role or three I wanted filled. A pocket, lanyard or pack light. As a tac light? At a pinch but I think there are better. It's a bit slippery on the surface for that IMO. This is first impressions so we will see how it performs over time.
I might come back and do the Zebralight review a bit later on.
Edit: I wanted to add I purchased these two torches from GoGear plus a few extra bits n pieces seeing as I was shipping to Aus. I found them to be very good to deal with. I got the coupon discount. They shipped within a few days. All I had to do was wait for it to go half way round the planet to get here. All good.
Gaillo
14th October 2010, 03:40 PM
Glass,
Good synopsis! I also think that there are really no other contenders for a light like the RRT-0, especially considering the price!
The 5th setting (Lowest-low) is achieved by turning the ring from the lowest setting to the next higher setting, then back to the lowest setting again. Each time you do this, it "toggles" back and forth between the "low" setting and the "lowest-low" setting. Practice it a few times, and it will become 2nd nature.
As for the "slickness" or lack of super-deep knurling (like Surefire's), I personally haven't had any negative issues with that... and I've used my RRT-0s in the rain on more than one occasion. However, there IS one positive effect that comes out of it... the RRT-0s do not tear up my pant pockets like my Surefires did when I was EDC'ing my L1 and A2 Aviator all the time!
horseshoe3
18th October 2010, 01:48 PM
Gaillo, how does the bezel hold up to carrying on your keychain? Are there any problems with scratching?
Gaillo
18th October 2010, 02:29 PM
Gaillo, how does the bezel hold up to carrying on your keychain? Are there any problems with scratching?
Horseshoe,
As I mentioned in my original post, I actually carry a different light on my keychain - a Nitecore Defender Infinity. I like as slim a flashlight as possible (while still using AA batteries) for my keychain, and the Defender has everything I want for that application.
horseshoe3
18th October 2010, 02:55 PM
I read that paragraph wrong. I had thought you were using the Jetbeam fora keyring light. On closer inspection, I read the sentences out of order.
Glass
24th July 2013, 08:04 PM
I said I might post about the ZL H501. I have had this light for a couple of years. Time goes quick. Purchased same time as the JetBeam. Both of these lights are winners. I bought on the basis of Gaillo's recommendation and haven't been disappointed.
I'm using the ZL as a headlamp. Its much more though. A lot of utility. First impressions were underwhelmed. But then you put it together the way you want it and thats it. Its faultless. As far as I can tell. That is what you get.
501 was replaced by 502. Bit smaller in length, if it wasn't small enough already. There are other models with bigger footprints. Some interesting ones.
Package contained headband, 2 headlamp holders, 1 GITD, 1 BLK, 2 spare o rings, pocket/belt clip, replacement button. This is a USA designed USA company, China manufactured light.
Made from aluminium. Seems pretty durable coating. Screw off base o-ring seal. Can be used as headlamp, desk, pocket. belt, work light, tent light. People mod them. Stick magnets to them. Add paracords, lanyards and so on.
Did not use much until recent months. Now use daily for extended time of between 2 & 3 hours. Not used in testing conditions like rain or in/near water.
Not sure of waterproof rating but maybe 2m/30min if other models are guide.
Uses AA but other options for usual for US. Battery life is resonably good. Does need a good charge for best results. Some light modes not available when the power drops below some level. I go a couple of days on an RC before you feel the need to replace it. 2 - 3 hours on low. The light is a cool white from memory. The packaging doesn't say and I can't find online specs but I think it's a cool white. Bit harsh on eyes at higher power but on low or med/lo it's ok for close work, reading etc. There are usually 3 different types of LED you can get, cool white., daylight and something warmer still.
Controlled by a single button the UI (user interface) is slick once mastered. There are 6 brightness settings. Grouped in to 3 x lo/hi options.
Low/Med/High x Lo/Hi for each main setting.
From off, fast click = high. From off, slow click = low. Click and hold cycles through Low/Med/High. Double click on any of the 3 switches Lo/Hi. So Low Lo or Low Hi. Med Lo, Med Hi etc. Low Lo is about 1 lumen. It is just a pale glow and it's a pretty good level for moving around in the dark or looking for something. At this level it casts a small circle of light around you that is just enough to see where you are going while not bothering others.
Click a bunch of times, not sure how many and you get strobe. I think this is the one feature that may be implemented differently on different models. All other UI options are same model to model it seems.
It has been a couple of years so when I went and had a look at their new products, they are all just a variation of a theme, some smaller, larger, different LED's, but all made from the same material in the same basic right angled head design. I guess when you get it right first time out there isn't anywhere else to go.
There are a lot of good YT reviews out there on this, its successor and the other models they produce. I think you will struggle to find a bad review about these products. I've heard rumours that the 501 was a bit leaky. The reason it was phased out. Maybe, I haven't tested it. I probably won't because of the rumours even though they all seemed 3rd hand and I couldn't find the source. I heard a drop of silicon around the lens and some lube on the o-rings fixes.
I would buy it's replacement and will grab at least another 1 x ZL for sure. I'm unsure of what one to go for. The larger ones seem interesting but they are pretty big and will have some limitations around weight on the headband and the battery requirements. I prefer to stick with AA. The 502 looks good.
What can I say, this is a good light. I wouldn't bother with any other light for a head lamp now. I've looked a long time at whats out there and I just wanted a second cheapie to throw in the work kit but I would just be wasting my money buying something less than this lamp.
Glass
1st August 2013, 02:18 AM
was squeezed into a very small dark dusty space this morning, no not my brain, and was lamenting not having my headlamp in my work kit. So need a HL for the work kit. Either that or I need some kind of headmounting for my smartphone.
Came across this brand which follows the same form factor as the ZebraLights. Haven't seen anything this close to the ZL's before.
http://www.xtarlight.com/05-chanpin/p-001.asp?styleid=48&cp_id=1
They have a AA (H1) and a CR123A (H2) model. Looks interesting. A couple of differences to the ZL.
<4 minute YT overview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMzSnNKKy0Y
I notice that this one turns on in low beam first up. I like that as I mostly just want a low light, although the ZL is merely a slow click from off to get it to low beam. Problem I have is when I get the wrong light level I get confused and keep missing the setting I want.
The red LED emitter is a nice idea. Seen that on some other headlamps and I think it's a good feature. Supposed to preserve your night vision better than the white lamp. Also seen some headlamps with green emitters, touted as good for hunting.
Has a fairly narrow beam. The ZL's are available as a flood or a narrow beam. I have the flood and I think it's pretty good. Projecting on to a wall 3m away the light beam is about 3m dia.
Jewboo
1st August 2013, 08:25 AM
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/th/aplus/streamlight/B003GXF9NQ_ProductLines-88032_1_web._V399853839_.jpg
Streamlight 88032 (http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-88032-Protac-Tactical-Flashlight/dp/B003GXF9NQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1375366709&sr=1-2&keywords=SureFire+aa)
Clips to hat visor...takes one AA battery...$36
:)
Cebu_4_2
1st August 2013, 03:17 PM
Streamlight 88032[/SIZE] (http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-88032-Protac-Tactical-Flashlight/dp/B003GXF9NQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1375366709&sr=1-2&keywords=SureFire+aa)
Clips to hat visor...takes one AA battery...$36
:)
Here Book, this will save you a couple bucks:
http://www.inhabitat.com/wp-content/uploads/dekemulator3.jpg
Glass
5th August 2013, 12:44 AM
If you have one please post a review. For a handy light that one is not too bad. Obviously you need a cap to mount the light on. Don't wear those very often and certainly not at work. The head lamp is the best option OR a light with a button magnet glued to it so you can stick it to something. A lanyard might work. People makeup lanyards with paracord.
If running or jogging, I don't think you are going to keep your light attached to you cap very long. I was looking at a couple of interesting lights at the weekend. Small EDC's. AA. Don't have my book marks and can't recall the brand but the reviews look good.
Jewboo
5th August 2013, 09:17 AM
...Obviously you need a cap to mount the light on....The head lamp is the best option...If running or jogging, I don't think you are going to keep your light attached to you cap very long...
You zeroed in on the fatal flaw Glass. A light clipped to a hat visor also cannot be directed DOWN for doing close work.
:( I'm still shopping...maybe THIS (http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-Flashlights-HL21-Headlamp-Black/dp/B004XN5MBW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375715919&sr=8-1&keywords=aa+headlamp) one?
Jewboo
10th August 2013, 09:36 PM
If you have one please post a review.
Just found this excellent website: http://fonarevka.ru/
Click on any of the lights on the right to see the brightness.
Jewboo
11th September 2013, 07:33 AM
...The head lamp is the best option...
http://whygohiking.com/wp-content/uploads/Fenix-HL21-Headlamp.jpg
Fenix HL21 Headlamp Review (http://whygohiking.com/fenix-hl21-headlamp-review/)
Bought two from AMAZON for only $25.23 each with free shipping (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XN5MBW)
Bought the first one from Amazon and ordered another after trying it out. Works great on a single Eneloop AA battery. Regulated output and much brighter than my more-expensive old Petzl Tikka XP AAA Headlamp.
Also bought two Sony SRF-59 (http://ukradio.info/SRF-59/) pocket radios which also operates on a single Eneloop AA battery.
Only need to carry AA batteries (http://www.amazon.com/Storacell-PowerPax-SlimLine-Battery-Yellow/dp/B004XO8DMG/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1378906271&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=Powerpax+Storacell) now in the bugout bag.
Glass
10th December 2013, 07:30 PM
Just a heads up that GoingGear has the Jetbeam RRT-0 on special @$59.95. They have some other stuff on coupon as well.
Store wide 13% Coupon looks like it's hs2013.
15% of Klarus coupon klarus15
20% off a few things hs1320
30% off other things hs1330
40% off other things no coupon needed.
Also they have free gifts for >$35, >$75 & >$300 spend. There are a couple options each there and some look pretty useful, free batteries, chargers etc
The RRT-0 is a good light. I was messing with mine last night. It can be super bright in small areas and makes a good option for filling an area with strong light. I used mine checking the perimeter after hearing some odd thumps and bangs at the rear of the house. The button has a handy partial depress ability so you can quickly light up an area with a burst without clicking the flashlight on. I'm using AA and the battery life is pretty impressive. even for rechargables.
mick silver
11th December 2013, 04:44 AM
you cannot bet this light , we went coon hunting a few night back light works great ...Fenix HP25 360 Lumen LED flood/spot combination light Headlamp with Four 2900mAh rechargeable Ni-MH AA batteries, Charger, Smith & Wesson LED CaraBeamer Clip Light and Four EdisonBright AA Alkaline batteries http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-combination-rechargeable-CaraBeamer-EdisonBright/dp/B00DNC2N16/ref=pd_sbs_sg_3
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