A little over a year ago I reviewed the Zebralight H502W LED headlamp. The H502W throws a uniformly soft neutral white light that is very pleasing and easy on the eyes.
I have been using this light as my personal sneak-back-into-the-bedroom flashlight, and have really grown to appreciate the quality of light it produces.
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As mentioned last month, we recently had a baby boy. His crib is in our bedroom, and while everyone says me and my wife should sleep when the baby sleeps, I typically stay up later working on ToolGuyd stuff. When I’m ready for some shuteye, I sneak into the room with my Zebralight.
The Zebralight’s lowest brightness setting is bright enough for me to avoid stepping on the changing pad, air purifier, or whatever else might be on the path from the door to the bed. I sometimes aim the light downwards, other times I point it up to bounce off the ceiling.
The Zebralight is also great for nighttime diaper changes or feedings when the room lamp is too bright and stimulating or a hassle to reach. Its shape allows it to rest on a night table or dresser in different positions so we can aim the light upwards, downwards, or to the side.
To be honest, I don’t think I have once used the Zebralight as a headlamp since I first received it for testing. It’s probably an excellent headlamp, as I’ve used my purchased previous model Zebralight in such a manner, but it’s absolutely a fantastic flashlight.
Before our baby was born, I used the Zebralight as an EDC light, packing it in a pocket or bag when on the go.
I have no shortage of flashlights I could use for my navigating-the-bedroom-at-night needs, and the Zebralight is not the first one I tried. For the first week, I tried using my penlights and mini keychain lights, but they weren’t ideal to use. Either they produced light that was too harsh, or they were too difficult to turn on in the dark.
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Not a lot of Zebralight dealers are still carrying the H502W, but you can still buy it directly from Zebralight for $69.
Buy Now(via Zebralight)
P.S. Thanks to everyone who has been asking about our newborn son! Some of you have asked for an update post, and I’ll try to get around to that, but in the meantime here’s a recent pic. He’s doing great. His favorite tool brand is currently Milwaukee – he loves their high contrast red and black color scheme.
Farid
Thank you for the update and great photo of Ben. Glad he’s doing well.
My wife says that’s the kind of look I have when passing by any new tool display!
John G.
LOL!…That is one cute kid!
Steven
It looks like you just told him you were going to Harbor Frieght!
Bill K
Great picture of Ben! I have to ask where the name Ben came from. Any chance it came from “Benford Tools”? I expect you heard a number of similar inquires.
Stuart
Sorry, but it’s not at all tool related. My grandfather’s name began with a B, and we decided our son’s name would begin with a B to honor him.
Phil
Somehow I think Ben got that expression from you when you find a cool new tool or get invited to a symposium or presser. 😉
joe
Cute kid….Thats kind of my expression when I browse the tool section.
John
The zebralight is hands down my go to headlamp.. I keep it in my edc pack ..always.
The only negative thing about it is the indentations I get on my forehead from the rubber holder on the headband if it’s adjusted too tight.
John
Grant
Ha ha great photo!
Tanner
Hah, great picture and thanks so much for your review!
I’m actually deciding between this one or a similar Fenix model.
In your previous review, you mention using either a Sanyo Eneloop or Energizer Lithium batteries (L91).
But suppose I will mainly be using it at it’s lowest to medium setting, in this case, will a Lithium or NiMH last a lot longer than a regular alkaline battery?
Or will they be about the same if I mainly use the lowest setting?
Thanks for any advice.
Stuart
The battery recommendation comes from Zebra. The higher brightness settings require greater current draw than ordinary alkalines could provide.
At the lowest setting, it’s hard to say whether the Lithiums will provide far better runtime. But at medium settings, the Lithium will probably last longer, as least in my experience.
If you’re spending over $40 on a flashlight – $69 in this case – then why not budget a little extra for battery batteries? If you will rarely change batteries, than the Lithium price difference won’t amount to very much over time. If you change batteries often, the using Eneloops or other high performance NiMH batteries will save you money in the long run.
Tassem
Staurt: I hear there’s a 40% off on milwaukee tools over at..
Ben: Wah?!?!
“Click!”
Now we know how you did it Stuart.
Thanks for the review. I’ve been on the fence on this one. But what you say about using it as a table lamp makes complete sense to me. So I ordered one.
I used to keep a Fenix E05 by my bedside; now replaced by Quechua Clic. The Fenix E05 is now a dedicated EDC. I also have a custom XML based P60 flashlight by the bed for when I need a blinding wall of light. Oh and a Fenix T1 on my wife’s side of the bed. And a couple inside the bedside drawer. And more outside the bedroom.
Ok I think I have issues. But darkness ain’t one of em! lol