Am I the only one who hates multi-mode flashlights?

[dwasifar]

Seems like almost every compact flashlight (read: 2 or 3 AA cell size) on Amazon has multiple modes. Strobe, SOS flashing, all sorts of stupid stuff.

My requirements for a flashlight are simple: emit light when I turn it on, stop emitting light when I turn it off. I don't want to cycle through multiple settings every time. I want a flashlight that shines light on something I need to see. I will never need a flashlight that flashes out SOS. And I am not going to a rave.

Just a plain FLASHLIGHT, dang it.

 

[rlitman]

I'm with you for the most part, but the press and hold for dimmer output is a feature I really like.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

It would be fine if I only had one flashlight/worklight and I used it once a week.

Some of them have a best of both worlds, where you can set a permanent super-mode - one is basic on/off, the others have the multiple modes.

 

[Sal Bandini]

You would hate one that I once owned. Operating flowchart below

PH = Press Hold
1C = 1 click

 

[bassJAM]

You want a light with memory so it remembers the last setting.

I don't need strobe, but I do like having at least 3 different brightness settings

1. Don't ruin my night-sight
2. Normal day-to-day tasks
3. This could be an airfield

 

[SouthernIllinois]

I am with you.

I want an ON / OFF button/switch/knob - THATS IT!

AND GET OFF MY LAWN....lol

 

[Jsf721]

I would not mind different modes If I did not have to cycle through them each time

 

[mngundog]

You can't find a flashlight on Amazon with an on/off switch?

 

[liliysdad]

I made a paycheck by sneaking around in the dark trying to catch bad guys doing bad guy stuff. I relied on a flashlights more than most things.

My requirements were, and are, simple.

- Simple On/Off switch.
- Replaceable batteries
- User Repairable

Those criteria pretty much left Surefire as the only game in town. Later in the game, folks like Modlite and Cloud Defense made a pretty good run, but I still always preferred Surefire.

I always had a Streamlight Ultrastinger on the charger in the car/truck, but that was treated as an admin light. Serious use for serious lights.

 

[mikedodge]

Yep. Sure have a multi use light but dont make you cycle thru it. I have a couple work light ones with the big led panel on the side or normal flashlight on the end that I never use. It's annoying to have to press the button multiple times especially when you're under a car or working on something.

I have a maglight that does a bunch of things incuding dim. You press the button and it works normally. To make it do anything else you hold it sideways and rotate it to what you want it to do and press and hold the button.. I've only ever used those other modes playing with it.

 

[Dave455]

I am totally with you on this.

I want two modes - “on” and “off”!

And…. I want “off” to be off - i.e. the thing isolated. I don’t want the switch sending signals to an unnecessary microprocessor, but having so much parasatic drain the battery is flat if I don’t unscrew the tail cap after use!

I appreciate that LED’s need a simple circuit to operate, but it can be done better than most of these lights do it.

I have a “Sure Fire” light, one if their earlier LED versions, that does much of what I want, but I think they are out of production now.

If I need a reliable light I tend to opt for a mini mag lite. Loved ‘em when first introduced and still do. Never been satisfied with the LED versions.

 

[GeoBruin]

The fact is user interfaces are a very personal thing. Some users feel like you do (off, on) while others like having access to intermediate brightness levels or even "blinky" (strobe, SOS, beacon) modes.

One of the problems with the old on/off interface is that LED lights are now capable of such high output that offering only the option of off, or retina searing high just isn't practical. In the old days, "high" was less than a hundred lumens so it was practical to simply have off and on. But now, you've got tiny little pocketable lights that make over 1,000 lens at turn on, so having just off and retina searing high doesn't make as much sense. Yes, you could make a light that is regulated to just 100 lumens of max output (and some of us would and do buy them) but many buyers are still focused on that max output spec.

Fortunately, manufacturers are starting to come around to the notion that UI is important, and it's not just all about output specs. The way this is being implemented may not always be ideal for a minimalist such as the OP, but it can help.

For example, many lights now offer the option of programmable interfaces where you can choose a group of modes that work best for you. Maybe you want just off/on where "on" is a predetermined brightness level. Maybe you want L-M-H with no memory (always comes on in low), or with memory (comes on in the last mode used), or you want access to blinky modes, but you want them hidden so there's little chance of accidentally activating them (e.g. click 5 times to activate strobe).

I know it sounds daunting but when implemented well, it really can have the effect of being exactly what you want, without requiring the manufacturer to make umpteen different versions of a light to suit UI preferences.

There are certainly lights out there that cater to users who want simple or tactical mode selection like off/off (Surefire, Malkoff, Elzetta, etc) but those are sort of niche products nowadays and command a price premium. The vast majority of lights sold today offer more complex user interfaces sought by the majority of users, but some are starting to implement customization that allows users to pick their preferred user interface with some modest initial setup.

 

[rlitman]

You would hate one that I once owned. Operating flowchart below

PH = Press Hold
1C = 1 click

“One button. Endless possibilities.”

 

[Tchicken]

I'm with the OP- I would rather have on & off without the parasite effect. I'm not so important as some who think they "need" to carry strobes & miniature red flashing lights with them. And sorry, providing pages of instructions aka "useless interfaces" like pictured above to get to a simple on/off doesn't really feed the bulldog

 

[BSWS]

I'm an old fart who agrees 100%. I'll take it a step further, I'm pretty sure the manufacturers are in cahoots (old fart language) with the battery manufacturers. That's why they put the least likely to be noticed light as the last one. Did I click that 4 times, or was it 3 times, oh well I hope it's off now.

 

[Rccrawlerguy]

Nope.. ME too. Take a look at the Coast brand. That's what I bought. They have a 2 mode brightness. IF you click the button hard, it goes on/off. If you click it on, then press it lightly, it goes to a dimmer mode.

 

[Sal Bandini]

The best and simplest single mode light I have is the old, discontinued Fenix TX20, not the newer one. This one was button press on the cap, 2AA, and slight twist of the lens to put it in high.

 

[fishwatcher]

I don’t like to mess around with different modes when turning a light on, but I do like having low, medium, high output options.

Is there a light that you can switch modes via a ring or switch, that is separate from the on/off button?

That would be ideal to me.

 

[RTM]

Is there a light that you can switch modes via a ring or switch, that is separate from the on/off button?

Sofirn lights C8L.

Turn on off via the tail switch, change levels near the lens.

https://www.amazon.com/Tactical-Flashlight-Rechargeable-Waterproof-Emergency/dp/B09ZP5TGTM?tag=atomicindus08-20

Good mass too.

 

[WildBill]

You think flashlights are bad I was looking at amber fog lights for my winter beater and a bunch of the stupid LED fog lights and light bars are doing this ****. Who wants to cycle through white/amber/white strobe/amber strobe while you are driving? I assumed they must have a four way switch but no, you have to cycle through the options with one power switch. At least on the cheap **** ones I am looking at.

 

[dscheidt]

. The vast majority of lights sold today offer more complex user interfaces sought by the majority of users,

You misspelled "use a microcontroller that does this because it's the cheapest thing available in the parts bin". Very few people really want anything more than a couple brightness levels, and a simple switch. they buy things that do something else because it's pretty hard to know what you're actually going to get, and most people buying a flashlight are just buying a flashlight, not doing 10 hours of research.

 

[bassJAM]

Here's a light with memory, meaning you select the light output you want and the next time you turn it on it'll remember the last setting. I have 2 of these, the oldest is 10 years old and still going strong. IMO the comments about parasitic loss are overblown, if I don't touch these for 6 months and try to charge it my charger will tell me the battery has a full charge still.

Fenix PD35 V3.0 Flashlight

The new Fenix PD35 V3.0 flashlight, the new best-selling model, can blast an amazing 1700 lumens a total distance of 1171 ft (357m).

www.fenixlighting.com

 

[niget2002]

Interesting.

My multi-function light will turn off and then when you turn it on it goes back to the last setting you used. low, med, or high . Once turned on, you can hold the button for a second and it will rotate to the next brightness; going back to low after passing high. Or, you can double-tap the button from any brightness level to get 'super bright'. The light will not go back to 'super bright' when you turn it off and back on. You have to manually get to that if you need it.

It has other functions, but I never use them, so I don't know how to get to them.

 

[liliysdad]

Surefire G2X Tactical

One mode, one button, 600 lumens, CR123As….as good as a light gets for regular use.

I have one, or older versions, in every vehicle.

 

[Trapps]

I like the C8L, and it has the parameters that @fishwatcher asked for but I prefer the Wurkkos TS23 from a form factor, but it only has one button, so does not match parameters. Still, it's simple enough to use.

Strobes, and all other programming is a PITA as far as I am concerned. If I need to watch three different university of youtube videos to use a damn flashlight, well, I won't. I've returned several...

One that I've come to like, and use often, is the Sofrirn SP36 pro - one click on, one click off. As easy the OP wanted. It can, once on, also shrivel retinas from a good distance away with 2 quick clicks. Once on, after one click, you have 2 options: one click for off, two clicks for max power. From max power you can click once for off or twice to return to a lower level (user defined).

The Wurrrkos TS23 operates similarly to the SP36Pro, easy on/off and brightness adjustment.



Yes these are Chinese lights. They are not high end; nor do they come with high end prices. I have several Coast and Nebo lights; decent products that are simple to operate and perform well. I like the weight and feel of the Sofirn products.

 

[Nutria]

My requirements for a flashlight are simple: emit light when I turn it on, stop emitting light when I turn it off. I don't want to cycle through multiple settings every time. I want a flashlight that shines light on something I need to see. I will never need a flashlight that flashes out SOS. And I am not going to a rave.

Just a plain FLASHLIGHT, dang it.

Funny stuff. And the cycling thing truly is annoying. But-- it sure is nice to be able to dial back the brightness to conserve battery when backpacking or trying to get the last bit of juice out of the batteries while dealing with a messed up control arm on a remote jeep track in the desert mountains (just three weeks ago).

(But I feel your grumpy old man).

 

[GeoBruin]

I don’t like to mess around with different modes when turning a light on, but I do like having low, medium, high output options.

Is there a light that you can switch modes via a ring or switch, that is separate from the on/off button?

That would be ideal to me.

I personally think that is my favorite user interface, so I'll give you a couple of my favorites but be warned, these are expensive lights.

First is my all-time favorite light, the Malkoff MD series. Take for example the MD2. It has a single mode drop in (Malkoff is basically known for these dropins which also fit Surefire 6P and similar lights) but it uses a special brass ring with a resistor in the head so if you rotate the head a half turn, it will switch to either low or high. You can switch while the light is off, or on (which is controlled by a convention mechanical mclicky switch in the tail).

I love knowing based on whether the head is tight or loose that the light will come on in either low or high before I even hit the switch.

MDX2 M61 High/Low Switch Flashlight – Malkoff Devices https://share.google/nE7FrsiNrgddPsLVy

Similarly, the Surefire Tactition uses a "twist the head" approach to choosing high or low output, but it also has a different kind of tailcap so it is just momentary (will light up as long as you are pushing the switch) or constant on by twisting the tailcap.

E2T MaxVision Tactician - SureFire https://share.google/rEVxW96I9RZOtoq5x

The Elzetta Z series offers similar functionality in a tail cap switch rather than the head.

Elzetta Z-Line Flashlights » Elzetta Tactical Lighting https://share.google/SIfMt36oNRPjsYHQk

The options above offer only a single lower mode with the twist of the head, but the HDS Rotary has access to an array of different brightness levels by twisting the tail, all of which operate independently from the click on/off switch.

HDS Systems: EDC Rotary Flashlights - EDC Rotary flashlights provide incredile convenience in adjusting the light output to your desired level https://share.google/A7HeOlAvgogyNpYiJ

 

[Beerhippie]

My Fenix lights have brightness modes and nothing else. When I shut them off, they "remember" the last brightness setting ("don't ruin my night vision" to "blind incoming missiles" in four steps).

They also have replaceable rechargeable batteries which is something I demand in a light.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have pretty much the same requirements as the OP. I will also throw in that I want batteries; when it dies I don't want to have to wait for it to charge. Most of my full sized lights are Coast, my ***** about those is the cartridge that holds six or nine AA's when IMO, two or three D cells would be better and a whole lot easier to change. I do keep a DD Maglite in the wifes truck because the switch is easier for her. EDC for me at work is a AAA Maglite in my shirt pocket, at home while tinkering around it's a Maglite tactical complete with the DNA collector. If I'd known about the switch on that I probably wouldn't have bought it but have become used to it now; momentary on, double click for full on and triple click for a strobe, but from on to off is one click, no cycling through the strobe.

 

[zendriver]

This one is pretty pricey, but I can turn it on then off in two clicks

Lifetime warranty to boot

https://www.menards.com/main/lighting-ceiling-fans/flashlights-accessories/guidesman-reg-500-lumen-rechargeable-flashlight/mf-500rfl-6-24/p-1555914859575-c-6314.htm

 

[logical]

I'm OK with a few brightness levels to cycle thru, but I have never once had the need for flashing red.

 

[DrinkMan]

I agree completely with the OP, @dwasifar . We have a bunch of rechargeable work lights and some head lights that require cycling through the modes. I want 2 settings - OFF and "The light of the sun that blinds anyone who accidently looks into the light". That's it.

If you must have the multi-settings, make it a separate switch and charge a little more for it. Yes, on this subject I'm a grumpy old man (because just today I was working under the hood of a car and had to cycle through to find the "light of the sun" mode to see and I needed that light right then).

 

[American Locomotive]

The big issue is that so many flashlight companies seem allergic to putting more than one button. An on/off and a brightness toggle would be good awesome.

The press and hold to gradually "slide" through the brightness levels is infuriating, and the various "modes" like strobe or SOS are basically completely pointless for 99% of users.

My favorite flashlight ever was this one called the "flashflood" by central tools. It had interchangeable heads, and a simple interface: power button on the back, and then a rotating collar to change brightness. It was perfect, but I accidentally killed it.

 

[pcrov]

You can catch a 4-pack of these on sale for like $6

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YM5S28F?tag=atomicindus08-20

They're not tactical. They don't have a dozen settings. They turn on, they turn off. They feel a little cheap but they're nice and bright and thoughtfully designed with two little nubs to keep them from rolling around when laying down. They're perfect.

They take (and come with) 2 AAs. I've been using them since February and so far they've put up with all my ********.

 

[danielbuck]

I just want 1 on and off button for the main flashlight, and a separate on off for a red light. I have a few like that (Coast brand I think?) that I have had for 10-15 years, none of the BS blinking epilepsy modes.

 

[zimman]

My flashlights have two modes. I can't see and I can see.
Zim

 

[M635_Guy]

I hate the flash-mode. I want Off - High - Low.

 

[Beerhippie]

I hate the flash-mode. I want Off - High - Low.

I want Off-Low-Medium-High.

I don't know when the Off-High-Medium-Low thing came along, but it's wrong. All the fans around the brewery, pub and shop--and the one at home--are that way and it's just so wrong in so many ways. Imagine a staircase that worked that way....

 

[pcrov]

Imagine a staircase that worked that way....

Believe me I'm trying.

Though for the fans I kinda get it - give 'em full power to get them moving before shifting into coast.

Besides, my Vornado is Off-High-Low and I'm not qualified to argue with it.

 

[N_Jay]

I want Off-Low-Medium-High.

I don't know when the Off-High-Medium-Low thing came along, but it's wrong. All the fans around the brewery, pub and shop--and the one at home--are that way and it's just so wrong in so many ways. Imagine a staircase that worked that way....

I have good luck with JetBeam.
They start on low and go up, and they will remember the last brightness and start there.