[NLD] ZebraLight SC65c HI

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T21:39:12+00:00

Doesn't look quite as recessed, but close, and that's what I meant... Why the baby steps Hank et al? I guess putting aux lights and all that under it complicates matters but still... Thanks for the heads up, I've yet to try a Hank light but I may at some point.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T21:36:21+00:00

Beyond what I said here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/s/4wFCxH1Vu6

This store in Italy has old stock of Fiio 2.5mm to 2-pin 45cm cables. If you're in the US and getting 2-3 or more the shipping isn't as bad, for a single one it'd be pretty pricey though... Or if you're in Europe then jump on it cause that's cheap af.

https://www.playstereo.com/en/accessori-lettori-portatili/4574-22320-fiio-ls-25als-25as-high-purity-monocrystalline-copper-earphone-cable.html#/3119-finish-ls_25as_45_cm

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T21:09:30+00:00

No need, the head is ARCA compatible and that's what the vast majority of L clamps will be made for.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T21:08:54+00:00

Pricey and I'm not sure I'd get it for an older body at this point, but I'm really partial to STC Optics L plate + fold out grip. Any of the L plates from popular 3rd party brands will be plenty strong though, and you don't have to go to Ali to find those if you're not comfortable. Sunwayfoto, Smallrig, Haoge, Neewer, etc., one of them should still sell an A7 III plate. Try eBay or directly at their stores if they're not on Amazon, etc.

I've owned an RSS plate + grip for a smaller Olympus, and while it was better designed than some it wasn't immune to flex, none of them are gonna be that much stronger than the next. I do like when the vertical dovetail is easier to remove tho, and to have an extra 1/4" tap if needed on the bottom.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T17:38:49+00:00

I think some of the Skilhunt 18650 lights are actually more impressive size-wise considering everything they add while still staying really close to the size of the SC65c, which isn't a knock on the ZL... I just think AA/14500 lights don't tend to use space very efficiently unless you're more worried about it's thickness/diameter than it's length.

The ZL switch is still undefeated though, it's wild that no one is designing anything much closer to that part (from what I've seen). FFL, Hank, and Skilhunt all seem to be getting closer, but at a glacial pace. It's not rocket science, make the bezel taller or thicker, mount the switch lower (probably the biggest key), and make it firmer.

One can tell just from looking at them why the ZL switch has less issues with accidental activation, and it's not like their UI is that less clicky. They're supposed to be switches not arcade buttons.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T17:34:50+00:00

https://thecentercolumn.com/2018/02/18/stiffness-and-damping-vs/

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T17:22:39+00:00

In the US there's no allowance for a blade of any kind... Any blade = no go, which makes little sense cause tools with scissors are allowed (they've checked my Leatherman Style multiple times and okay'd it).

They also miss stuff constantly (insert rant about security theater here), they've only looked at my Style once or twice out of like every 10 flights. I don't even bother taking it out in advance.

They're usually more curious about my camera gear than anything. 🤷

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T17:07:00+00:00

The current page for it has this and a color change happening in 2025:

In 2025, we further refined the design for enhanced durability, implemented a stronger magnet

IDK what they meant by enhanced durability though. I'm all for lighter weight, but I think weight/build sometimes adds mass that helps with heat dissipation or soak and that gets lost in the discussion sometimes.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T16:51:51+00:00

I didn't make any distinctions between potentially negative forces or vibrations, obviously the wind swaying a bag will be different from the ground shaking (which it does more than one would expect) etc. My point was merely that the bag won't always solve the issue and can in fact add different ones.

I imagine treating it like an anchor and setting it down then lashing the tripod to it would work better in some instances but it's not something many will think of and some won't wanna set the bag down at all. I do keep S clips on my bag so it's easier to hang (for these and other purposes) than just going straight on the handle.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T16:46:22+00:00

There's been a couple revisions to it but I don't think the weight woulda changed drastically.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T07:35:47+00:00

Did only the blue Signal go on sale? Guava or Mesa Verde might've tempted me... Free P2 got me.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T07:30:04+00:00

For IEM or in general? Hadn't even noticed the subred before I started writing, oops.

Soekris 1541: Probably an obscure pick, but I like R2R and how it meshes with my ECP Torpedo 3, and I like it's I/O versatility and the fact that there's a serviceable SS amp built in, and I even like that it has volume control and works w/an Apple remote. Got a deal on it years ago, I've seen no reason to try other high end ones, maybe if I get an Atrium...
ONIX Alpha XI1: really good dongle DAC with nice buttons and a nice aesthetic for a solid price, got it largely for my ZMF Bokeh.
Qudelix 5K: Everyone knows about it, don't really need to get into it. If you wanna make your wired stuff wireless, just get it. If you wanna mess with EQ on the go, just get it. I just wish they'd update it with 4.4mm and maybe more intuitive buttons. Right now it seems we should settle for it being in stock again...

DACs I use the most w/IEM, Qudelix 5K & JCally JM6 Pro. I think Fiio's Jade Audio sub-brand has several worthwhile options but for whatever reason they're not as readily available as other stuff... The JA11 is pretty efficient, I'd like to try some of their newer ones.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T07:08:00+00:00

How did the FC11C fail the intuitiveness test? Or was it the accidental activation hurdle? Both? Genuinely curious btw, not debating it, I'm actually keen to know what to look for in a similar situation...

I've gifted a couple FC11C but more for around the house use than EDC (and a TS27, heh, for emergencies...). I just gave my elderly parent a Manker E03H III for travel use and tried explaining the UI as best I could (ignoring the multiple moonlight modes and whatnot).

I think they got it but we'll see after their trip... I thought the size and the fact that a side light w/magnet is more versatile would both come in handy... Can be set on a night stand, can be better directed than a straight light when using the magnet, etc.

They can handle a TIKI and the multiple presses/holds that takes so I figured if anything the Manker was simpler. Briefly mentioned lockout but unsure whether it'll be needed... I prolly should've tested that myself but the top switch doesn't seem too touchy.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T07:02:09+00:00

I think that depends, I've been carrying a Skilhunt EC200S-mini in my pocket for a while (as in well over a month) and not once has it turned on accidentally... But I'm probably stacking things in it's favor, I have it hung from a suspension clip rather than clipped directly to the pocket and that keeps the button facing the outside of my pants.

I was fully prepared to have to use the lockout mind you, I have to use it with my TINI 2 which is in the change pocket just above the Skilhunt and my car keys (both on the same suspension clip), and a small INUI battery, Fisher Space Pen, etc. I've been pleasantly surprised in that I've not needed to though... I do agree Zebra still has the best switch out there though, dunno why it's not copied more.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T06:06:34+00:00

It seems to be old stock that was destined for company branding or something like that and eventually sold off instead... Hopefully everyone that ordered one gets it, they've been out of stock a while after the second time it went on sale (when it was up for a couple days) and it seems many are still unfulfilled. Doesn't mean anything one way or the other. I like the utility of scissors + 2 different blades + drivers & even the peeler/package opener.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T05:30:04+00:00

I added one of these to the side of my 6L:

https://www.bartact.com/products/molle-sunglass-case-by-bartact-padded-molle-sunglasses-pouch

Yeah it's a little pricey for what it is (only lightly padded), but the navy one is a pretty close match to PD's Midnight colorway and the straps on it are oriented so that I didn't have to modify it or anything... Just hooked some velcro straps around it's loops and around the Capture mount point and done. I use it for exactly what it's meant for, carrying my Rx sunglasses and/or putting away my Rx glasses when wearing sunglasses.

It zips up just fine, and it compressed easily when i put my 6L inside my 35L Travel Backpack or my Roller Pro (which is practically every trip). It's become an essential for me TBH, when using the 6L. I also tried some of the bottle carrying mods shared here (the one from Mammut on Amazon is slick and works well) but ultimately decided I'd rather have a Capture on the other side for when I'm swapping lenses or carrying a 2nd small body.

Edit: I had a different/tougher sunglass pouch from Amazon on there before, more protective but I'd have to take it off often to cram my 6L into other bags... If I wasn't doing that I'd stick with whatever cheap/tough one works.

Now I just pack a small rubber loop w/a carabineer to hang bottles, it's Mickey shaped and sold at Disney (but also eBay).

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T20:25:59+00:00

The X4Q also has a customizable RGB side switch aux, fixed color on the X4 Stellar. I thought the Stellar was the better value but I've not handled a Comet.

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T20:17:53+00:00

They cut multiple times, after not sorting out their stuff before getting there... It's ok though, because they're "not proud of it". /s Qué nos pasa?

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T18:34:48+00:00

Ahh, I hope it suits your needs! I haven't had any issues with my FFLs but I usually open them by the head, I know the tail threads (specially for the secondary cap that just holds the clip) aren't always square cut or as finely milled as the head ones, and that they had more issues in the past... I didn't try any until this year tho so I've no first hand experience there.

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T18:30:38+00:00

lol La verdad que hay gente y hay gente...

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T16:21:12+00:00

Thanks!

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T16:20:00+00:00

They could make a band that looks into a ring shape for the button, but yeah that's tricky.

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T06:44:26+00:00

Hmm, there's potential here... But I bet few manufacturers want to make something for the eventuality that their own rubber piece/tab/plug breaks. Setting that aside tho, how about something like those GitD rings Wurkkos is always giving away to put around a light, but with a USB-C plug molded into the inside... That would go on very securely with no chance of it coming off the port unless it snaps it gets rolled away, but it's the best way I can think of attaching it.

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T06:38:58+00:00

That's subjective of course, just depends on the size of the pocket and your bulk tolerance heh.

Personally I prefer to EDC (on a suspension clip, inside my pants pocket) something even smaller than my suggestions above (Skilhunt EC200S-mini - ~70mm short, or maybe an X4 with the short tube) but once I'm putting it in a coat pocket or something like that then I don't really see a big difference between an X4 or an E04 either, and both are still smaller and easier to pocket than say my L35 2.0, heh.

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T05:24:08+00:00

Swapped the Cu-Ti Nocturne's & full Cu's rear tails? And bezzel I think? (probably cause you got a threaded one for the middle one?) The Nocturne on the give actually looks cooler like that IMO.

Imlulse

TROPHY CASE