Solaray Pro ZX–1 Review

amount of light it emits

If you’re looking for a durable and dependable flashlight for different situations, then I recommend you try the Solaray Pro ZX – 1. It’s tough, reliable, and packed with useful features and specifications.

Buying a flashlight isn’t always as easy as we think, especially if you need one for emergency situations. Most often, people don’t know what features to look for in a quality flashlight.

This accessory is versatile, useful to anyone that’s into adventures, exploring, camping, and any other outdoor activities. Or, if you’re walking through a public parking garage at night, the ZX-1 is the perfect accessory to help you see in the dark.

The ZX–1 does have some room for improvement. Customers would like it more if it were a bit heavier.

If you’re searching for more of an EDC type of flashlight to use around the house or garage, you might want to look into other options. The ZX-1 is more on the professional side and delivers far more than you’d need in the typical household variety.

Continue reading as we break down each feature and specification. You’ll also find pros and cons down below that show a clear picture of why this flashlight is one of the best choices on the market today.

Pros and cons:

Once you read the full review, you’ll realize what makes this product so great. To begin, read the pros and cons of the ZX-1 flashlight, and hopefully by the end of this article you’ll have a better understanding of what this product has to offer.

Pros:

  • Delivers 1200 lumens
  • Features 5 modes
  • Made of aircraft aluminum
  • Operates on rechargeable batteries
  • Comes with batteries and charger included
  • Waterproof
  • Drop-resistant

Cons:

  • The wrist strap is flimsy
  • No holster/carry case

Performance

If you’re looking for a bright flashlight, there isn’t many as bright as the Solaray Pro ZX-1. It easily delivers 1200 lumens that will illuminate anything, in any condition. This is especially useful to people who enjoy adventuring outside in the wild. Many of the people who use it are often camping, fishing, hunting, and exploring caves and forests.

Another important feature that adds a lot to its overall performance is its adjustable zoom focus lens. It allows you to illuminate targets up close and far away. This feature is great if you’re hunting because the brightness can blind your target making it easier for you to hit. It’s excellent for self-defense, too, and for the same reasons. It has five light modes:

  1. Tactical intruder strobe – great for self-defense and home security.
  2. SOS emergency – best for search and rescue, camping, and survival adventures.
  3. High, medium and low – all three are useful in various situations and conditions.

Battery

The Solaray Pro ZX-1 is powered by rechargeable AAA alkaline or 18650 lithium-ion batteries. Being that it operates with rechargeable batteries, many people have divided opinions. The battery you decide is up to you since there are pros and cons to both kinds of batteries. If you decide to go the rechargeable route, then be sure to always recharge your batteries after each time you use, so you’ll always have it ready to use again. Disposable batteries have a shorter life, and if you forget to bring a replacement, you might end up in the dark in the middle of a forest. But, the same thing can happen if you don’t recharge batteries, so make sure not to forget that. Conveniently, the ZX-1 comes with a charger so you can quickly charge the batteries at any time.

Material

It’s a professional, heavy-duty piece of equipment so it’s understandable that it looks and feels durable. The ZX-1 is made from rugged aircraft grade aluminum with a deluxe lanyard and a heavy-duty metal belt ring. This product is great for people who need a durable flashlight that is dependable in the most harshest conditions. But if you’re looking for something for everyday use, we suggest going with something a little less rugged.

Weight

It’s surprisingly lightweight considering the material it’s made from. Precisely, the flashlight weighs about 5 ounces. Since this is a professional flashlight used by law enforcement, fire department, and many others, it’s a surprise that it’s so light. If you’re not in the army or police, you may not care as much, though many people believe the flashlight could better serve as a self-defense tool if it were heavier. If you’re often outside during nighttime, don’t rely too much on being able to hit your would-be attacker with it.

Other features

It’s important we mention that this product is waterproof, drop-resistant and made to last a long time, which are essential features to look for. This means you can use it in snow, rain, and near water without the fear of dropping on the ground or in water. Also, the flashlight comes with batteries and a charger, too. You’ll also notice that it has a wrist strap, which some people find especially convenient for carrying the flashlight.

Final verdict

Overall, if you want a heavy-duty, reliable, and durable flashlight, this might be one of the best options for you. It’s well constructed from quality materials, too. Of course, there are a few downsides, but I don’t think they’re enough to discourage anyone from purchasing this accessory.

I always recommend this item to people who are active outdoors or are often outside at nighttime. From the first time you use it, you’ll notice the quality in its performance, design, and overall feel. The Solaray Pro ZX-1 could be the top-notch professional flashlight you’ve been searching for.