Which ZebraLight for bloodtrailing?

[go4thegusto]

Confused on various versions, neutral, cool, white light. Which would be best for blood? Which 6XX cast long beam for canoeing in dark? Not the 'floody" I gather, Thanks

 

[Ryan Avery]

http://www.zebralight.com/H600w-Mk-II-18650-XM-L2-Headlamp-Neutral-White_p_117.html

I have used all of the 600 series. The 600W shoots a hell of a beam and I like the soft light it has.

 

[dotman]

I also like the 600w.

 

[Johnboy]

Not to hijack this thread, but what battery and charger are recommended for this lamp? Are these acceptable?

Batteries: http://www.amazon.com/NCR18650B-340...468_img_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0CM98X6ME44H2N8RGBHS

Charger: http://www.amazon.com/NiteCore-i2-V..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=0CM98X6ME44H2N8RGBHS

 

[COlineman78]

Not to hijack this thread, but what battery and charger are recommended for this lamp? Are these acceptable?

Batteries: http://www.amazon.com/NCR18650B-340...468_img_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0CM98X6ME44H2N8RGBHS

Charger: http://www.amazon.com/NiteCore-i2-V..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=0CM98X6ME44H2N8RGBHS

The Nitecore charger is the best by far, I have both the single and the quad charger. As far as batteries go that market is flooded with crap, so this is difficult to say the least. My best ones cost about $12 each. There are guys out there that test them, so search for the model and see if you can find the discharge curve. Here is one for those batteries: http://budgetlightforum.com/node/11772. 18650s have 2 types protected and unprotected. For fast discharge/high current devices, such as my brightest flashlight that will get so hot that it will burn you, you want protected cells. There are arguments both for and against protected cells, but I prefer protected.

Another issue to be aware of is length. While 18650 is a standard, the length can be quite variable to a small amount. This has not been a problem for my flashlights, but in my 18650 to USB charger it has been and my 2 better cells won't fit because they are either too long or too short. This is all by less than a millimeter, but just enough to cause incompatibilities. Not sure if you will run into any problems with the Zebralight, but most flashlights have a spring on one end to make it not matter.

 

[Johnboy]

My best ones cost about $12 each.

Thanks for the detailed reply, COlineman78. Can you post a link to the specific battery that has done the best for you?

 

[COlineman78]

Thanks for the detailed reply, COlineman78. Can you post a link to the specific battery that has done the best for you?

I have the Samsung INR18650-25R2 (blue). I haven't tried a ton, but this was the most expensive/best ones I've bought. The only other ones I have are some Nitecore and some cheap Ultrafires. The Samsung are close to standard size but due to being buttonless they are a tad short. The Nitecore are too long by a millimeter and don't fit in my USB output for charging my phone (the samsung works but not with enough friction, so they fall out if you bump it). Ultrafires are worthless... don't waste your money. I had one die after less than 10 charge cycles.

I would go with the ones you posted. Also, you must be careful because there are knock-offs of a lot of the good name brand ones like the Sonys. These are supposed to be great, but I haven't tried them: https://www.fasttech.com/product/1659700-authentic-sony-us18650vtc5-3-6v-2600mah

My cell phone charger: https://www.fasttech.com/products/1421/10001919/1137904

 

[Ryan Avery]

When I first started using 18650 I used lots of different brands. But after trial and error I just use the two in the picture now. As you can see in the picture the ThruNite is a tad longer that the zebralight. Both battery have been charged over 30 times with no issues. I also like ThruNight chargers.

 

[WRM]

Look at Spikelights instead. I posted a review of this today.

 

[Ryan Avery]

Look at Spikelights instead. I posted a review of this today.

You can buy several really good lights for one of them.

 

[WRM]

Yes you can. And I can't wait to see your comparison since you decided to buy one! The question is, is a Spikelight the last headlamp you will ever need? The answer may be, yes! Anyway, its a damn good light. And, like you, I'm a sucker for headlamps.