Zebralight H600 or H600F?

I bought the H600 and was worried that it would be too much of a spot light. That hasn't been the case. The beam of the H600 has an 80 degree field so not much less than the floody version and most importantly, it is quite bright right out to the extreme edges of the beam. The hot spot is pretty subtle as well but does provide a nice distant light.

More importantly, for the use you have described, get the Neutral White light (in either model). I have several Zebralight headlamps and flashlights to compare the differences in color and the neutral white definitely gives a better contrast on the trail. The cool white light is brighter but hides the subtle trail details (dips and bumps aren't seen very well).

Thanks!

May I ask what you are using it for? Maybe the same purpose?

I found a very thorough comparison here if anyone is interested:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?378161-Zebralight-H600-MK-II-(Spot-and-Fill)-vs-H600F-(Floody)-vs-H602-(no-reflector)-beams/page8

The option of using a tape is also described

I cant speak to that particular lamp

But as to scotch tape it works quite well, the matte tap diffuses the light quite well

But be aware that it might also change the colour of the light a bit … On a fenix hl55, the light became cooler

There is also a popular window film called dc fix that you can use

As to warmer vs cooler white … Its honestly doesnt matter to me

With the lumens a good 18650 lamp is pumping out, when you need to see well you just pump it to 800+ lumens for a few seconds anyways … I actually prefer a cooler white myself

Keep in mind that petzls are mostly cool white and sponsored skiers and climbers with those do crazier things than anybody here at night

One consideration for flood lamps is to ask yourself how much do you need to look at your feet … For night climbing its very important especially on vertical technical terrain … For this a somewhat floody lamp is important so you arent aways staring down (which also bumps your lamp/helmet/head against the rock)

If you need that peripheral vision awareness of light at your feet then a floody lamp or the scotch tape fix would be useful

This is more important on technical terrain

Of course you give up a bit of throw useful for routefinding purposes

;)

Most of these headlamps get pretty warm from use on the high intensity setting. Scotch tape might unstick from the warmth.

–B.G.–

I havent noticed any real issues … But then the 900 lumen setting on the fenix is limited to 30 sec

Scotch tape or dc fix is pretty "standard" with flashaholics

;)

"But then the 900 lumen setting on the fenix is limited to 30 sec"

What happens after 30 seconds?

Does it self-destruct?

–B.G.–

I have the H600F or similar that I use for night orienteering primarily, but also night trail running and commuting on my bike. Amazon sells a $1 bike adapter that these fit into. I can't speak to the regular beam but I like the 'F' because it lights up branches above my head as well what's on the ground. The huge amount of light is awesome, essentially turns the forest bright. The zebralight headband is very comfortable but it carries well in your hand too. with the L-shape i find it's better for creating dimension on the ground when trail running if I hold it upside down in my hand with the light coming out by my pinkie. For biking the angle seems too wide, a lot of light is lost instead of lighting up the road. Unless you need a wide area lit up close to you (ie off trail and in forest) I don't think the floody is necessary.

It steps down to the last mode

None of the single 18650 lamps currently avaiable can maintain 900+ lumens without some type of step down or loss without some kind of additional cooling

Even the zebralight …

;)

The new H600 series uses a PID controller, which is an untimed loop that considers several criteria, including the actual temperature of the light, before stepping down the lumens. Consider it a "smart headlamp" like a smartphone. I suppose if the ambient temperature is low enough, the 800 lumens will last the until the cell is exhausted.

To avoid thermal breakdown of scotch tape and others, get a sample swatch of cinema gels, like the one from Rosco. Some of the translucent gels are for high temperature use, and are perfect for very hot lens. I have round piece wedged in the bezel of my H52w to provide a smoother, floodier beam — works great, and is removable.

And I second the neutral white tint, it's so much better outdoors.

The AA model (h52) was my choice but I asked the same question so this thread might be helpful: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=95175&skip_to_post=808738#808738.

Opinions seemed to be split so I ended up ordering both the regular and floody beam (neutral tint). If it's on my head I prefer the regular beam as it appears brighter. The spot and extra throw is nice for bicycling and getting drivers' attention in traffic. However I have found for hiking and trail running I enjoy the ability to mount this light at waist level (on belt or just waistband). The even lighting of the floody is much better for this purpose as the spot on the regular beam kind of bounces around.

I prefer the floody for my uses–running (trails and pavement), hiking, camp stuff. With ski touring and biking in the mix you might prefer the regular beam though I bet you'd be happy with either one.

of course the floody is better if you need a lot of light at your feet etc.. the question is just if you can basically achieve the same with tape/a diffusor and still have the benefit of the better throw that the 600w has..

a diffuser or tape would reduce the "throw" …

i cant speak to that particular lamp, but on the HL55 it takes away from the spot

of course thats the reason you have 900+ lumens for those times you need the sun god

you cant get something for nutting …

;)

I have both the H600 and the H600F. I use them both for mountain biking (cross country), with the H600F on the handlebars and the H600 on the helmet. With both on, I can ride with both on one step down from the highest brightness. Both will last about 1.5 hours with cool air moving across them. With only the H600F on, it should be on the brightest setting. Don't have a time on that setting.

For the cost, weight, ability to change batteries on long rides, and smoothness of the light cone (H600F), these easily beat other bike lights. Very happy using these for biking. For hiking; might be overkill considering the brightness and weight. Rather carry the AA versions and an extra battery or two.

I also have the H602, but only use that for yard work and around the house.

Steve