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

[Beerhippie]

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.

I think MC Escher did a fair job of drafting one.

My very few "vintage" fans--they bring $$ around here--still go Off-Low-High--but I'm sure as hell not arguing with Mr. Vornado there--I value my fingers!

 

[tool_scrounge]

I am a fan of the Sreamlight Dualie 2aa flashlight

Spotlight out the front has one on button
Floodlight out the bottom has another on button
Both only have one brightness level

Specs

https://www.streamlight.com/docs/default-source/info-sheet-with-part-numbers/dualie2aa_sup.pdf

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Said this before, my EDC is a Surefire EB1 Backup with click type switch. While it is dual-mode, it’s basically still on (high) - off. To get into low, additional action is needed. I trust this light and the brand like no other.

With my work lights, I’m more playful - but those will never be EDC lights.

And my Surefire Sidekick key chain light is the opposite, as Surefire was wise enough to let the user decide if they want high-med-low or low-med-high. For a keychain light, it makes perfect sense for me to go low first, as that is all I need most of the time with that light.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[shoggoth80]

Nope. I hate it too. Streamlight Stylo... One mode

 

[gte718p]

I'm with you. I want two modes. Off and warn ships off the rocks.

The one exception is my LED that has a different button for red so that is doesn't kill night vision. I really liked that when standing watch on a ship at night. It is amazing how annoying white lights can be when there is no ambient light.

 

[micromind]

I like the cheap ones I used to get at Walmart for $1 on sale. @ AAs, simple slide switch, either on or off.

If it gets lost or wrecked, no big loss.

I also like incandescent more than LED.

 

[liliysdad]

I also like incandescent more than LED

I can get on board with incandescent over LED for a lot of things…..

But a flashlight damned sure ain’t one of them.

 

[Beerhippie]

I can get on board with incandescent over LED for a lot of things…..

But a flashlight damned sure ain’t one of them.

Every time i turn on one of my LED lights, I'm reminded of trying to hike at night in the desert or navigate a cave by the dim glow of an incandescent bulb.

Even the later halide (Maglite) bulbs were dim by comparison.

 

[Cooter Brown]

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.

I like this series--I'm sure you know there are three types. Of course the single output Tactical like yours with 600 lumens. The Pro has 15 lumens on the first click--another click within two seconds and the light produces 600 lumens. The Law Enforcement is just the opposite; 600 lumens on the first click, 15 lumens on the second.

I've got a Pro and it's been great. With a little use it's easy to partially depress the button without clicking it to lock to go to the 600 lumens.

I can get them locally for $80, and there made in USA.

 

[308guru]

Stop buying junk off Amazon. Seems like you need a Malkoff. (or a few).

Malkoff Devices High Power LED Flashlights and LED Conversions

Malkoff Devices High Power LED Flashlights, Maglite LED Conversions and Maglite LED Upgrades, and Surefire P60 Bulb LED Conversions and Surefire LED Upgrades.

malkoffdevices.com

 

[308guru]

I like the cheap ones I used to get at Walmart for $1 on sale. @ AAs, simple slide switch, either on or off.

If it gets lost or wrecked, no big loss.

I also like incandescent more than LED.

There's no reason to hang on to the "I like incandescent" if you start buying quality lights with proper LED selection. A 2700K-3000K HCRI LED will do exactly what you are looking for, last forever, and would have comparatively longer run times.

 

[Steve W.]

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 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).

My daily carry is basically the size of a AAA-powered Maglite.

https://www.amazon.com/EverBrite-Multi-Function-Pocket-Light-2-Pack/dp/B09M6C3GFJ?tag=atomicindus08-20

It uses AAA batteries, which limits overall time. I seem to get almost a week before replacing/recharging them. I use the rechargeable batteries from Harbor Freight, which also minimizes expense.

Push button switch in the end will turn it on or off. A partial push (or a quick off-on) will switch it to red, then UV. Leaving it off for more than five seconds will have it revert to starting in white mode. Since I only use the red or UV occasionally, it's a fair enough compromise. Most of the time, it's a simple ON/OFF.

.

 

[tak1313]

I wouldn't mind just a bright/dim setting AT MOST, but I just don't understand the lights with the flashing mode. I never had an SOS light, but can even SOMEWHAT understand the use for that (especially to keep in a boat/car/etc), but WTF do people do with the regular flash setting? I mean unless you're trying to set up a disco in your garage, I just don't see a purpose.

 

[ecotec]

My pocket flashlight is on/off and if you push the switch forward it has one brighter mode. You are only supposed to use the brighter mode for a little while.

It’s a Streamlight Wedge.

 

[Debcrow]

You grumpy old men!

A simple ON & OFF flashlight will not be able to communicate with Alexa, your WIFI fridge and washing machine!
Who in their right mind would want that!

Even a simple ON &OFF flashlight with STROBE would only be able to communicate with them if all of the devices could understand Morse code!!!

Get caught up with the technology of the times!!!!!

 

[Wrench-Polisher]

No I like miltifunction. For my other hobby I can sometimes go through 4 modes of light in one short trip.

 

[GeoBruin]

My pocket flashlight is on/off and if you push the switch forward it has one brighter mode. You are only supposed to use the brighter mode for a little while.

It’s a Streamlight Wedge.

The "gas pedal" tailcap switch was one of Surefire's most beloved user interfaces. Push a little for some light, push more for more light.

 

[liliysdad]

I wouldn't mind just a bright/dim setting AT MOST, but I just don't understand the lights with the flashing mode. I never had an SOS light, but can even SOMEWHAT understand the use for that (especially to keep in a boat/car/etc), but WTF do people do with the regular flash setting? I mean unless you're trying to set up a disco in your garage, I just don't see a purpose.

There was a fad in the mid to late 2000s within the “tactical” world that centered around using the strobe setting on handheld and weapon lights.

It was silly, but it sold lights and training classes. Luckily that craze largely died, sadly the lights have not followed suit.

 

[ecotec]

The "gas pedal" tailcap switch was one of Surefire's most beloved user interfaces. Push a little for some light, push more for more light.

This one doesn’t have that. It has a switch on the side with on and off… and then if you push past that it is crazy bright… but you are only supposed to do that for short amounts of time.

 

[jimbothecricket]

Princeton Tec's handheld flashlights (except the alloy-x) are all on/off only and made in the USA. Unfortunately run on standard AA/AAA batteries, not 18650 or other lithium ion batteries.

Handhelds – Princeton Tec

princetontec.com

 

[Kscardsfan]

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.

2 is 1, 1 is none.

 

[liliysdad]

2 is 1, 1 is none.

Every time.

 

[fatfillup]

Put me in the on/off camp too

 

[Rinspeed]

 

[rust in the eye]

On or off is all I need.
A recent purchase was two Braun 750 lumen worklights from the good folks at Harbor Freight. Nice and bright not rechargeable. What do you want for $13? You must toggle though a flashing mode before it can be shut off. This is only annoying for me, perhaps seizure inducing for others.

 

[SteveCh]

Not only do I want a simple on/off, period, I am an even worse curmudgeon because I am not a fan of the switch on the end deal. Give me a switch under my thumb so I don't have to feel for the end or turn the flashlight up on end to push in a switch. Somehow that seems to be the most common design; I suspect it is cheaper to manufacture that way.

I do have and use regularly a flashlight with two switches on the side near my thumb, one for red and one for white. This is for night flying and I do that frequently, like maybe once a week, when using red light is important.

 

[Beerhippie]

Not only do I want a simple on/off, period, I am an even worse curmudgeon because I am not a fan of the switch on the end deal. Give me a switch under my thumb so I don't have to feel for the end or turn the flashlight up on end to push in a switch. Somehow that seems to be the most common design; I suspect it is cheaper to manufacture that way.

I do have and use regularly a flashlight with two switches on the side near my thumb, one for red and one for white. This is for night flying and I do that frequently, like maybe once a week, when using red light is important.

Well, it does help if you hold the flashlight right.

Hasn't amber pretty well taken over for night use?

 

[minke]

Whatever you use, remember that you want another light to help change batteries. Your phone will do if it is there.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Simple and durable Surefire GX pro.

 

[Jim_No_Garage]

You get used to it!

My EDC light is a RovyVon Aurora that is small and bright when needed.

I use the red-blinky light walking to and from the train station at night. My daughter made me a little lanyard for cold weather so I can wear a glove and carry it like a tiny lantern.

2 taps and the main light is on - at the remembered level. Tap again to cycle thru brightness. It remembers the brightness after ** seconds at that level.

3 taps and it's the side light function. Tap to cycle UV/Solid_Red/Blink_Red.

Hold button for 2 secs for off.



I'm a KISS guy, but this works for me. I had one die after a few months and RovyVon waranteed it no issue.

Cheers

Jim

 

[Death Row Dave]

Every time turn mine on it’s flashing SOS ! I guess it’s a well build light , it has been bounced off the wall a few times and still flashes

 

[LeeG]

I EDC a Fenix LD30. Takes a single 18650 (I use the ones with the built-in charger). The light has on/off from the back button and an intensity button the the front bezel. I generally keep it on the low level, but will ramp it to Turbo on occasion. It has a strobe and SOS mode, but I didn't even know about that until I was making sure it was still available prior to posting this. Those modes are not something I have ever triggered, so certainly not obtrusive. It has survived several years of being dropped and submerged and generally abused.

Lee

 

[duneslider]

Unless you are just buying chinese junk flashlights there are tons of options for good flashlights that aren't annoying to use.

I have had a maglight xl50 for a decade that is great and easy to use. It has other modes but I never use them. 1 click is on. 2 fast clicks is 25% power, 3 fast clicks is strobe. I really only use the full power.

The light I use the most and that is almost always near me is a streamlight pen light and it is just on or off, cheap, bright, always works. Gets more use than any other light I have ever owned and only like $25 bucks. Pretty tough to beat.

 

[fozzy]

Yep, couldn't agree with you more OP.

 

[ATC]

I agree. On and Off.

I don't mind a dim mode to save on battery life though.

And I want replaceable batteries...AA's

 

[Rinspeed]

Unless you are just buying chinese junk flashlights there are tons of options for good flashlights that aren't annoying to use.

.......Or just stop being such a girlyman. I have four Zebralights and they have no less than seven modes. They can be a little intimidating when you first get them but it doesn't take long to get the hang of the UI. At one time in a thread I was explaining the modes to someone and they said it was very complicated. My reply, in all honesty, was it's no more complicated than the turn signal stalk on most modern cars. Have you ever heard someone complain about how annoying a turn signal stalk is to use.

 

[dchawk81]

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.

The SOS flash pretty much saves my life at the rail yard when I'm walking across the high traffic area to take a **** in their portable.

 

[GaryM909]

I still have an older Streamlight Stinger with the halogen bulb. I leave it along with the charger on the rear floor of my pickup just in case. It has one mode which I really like. I just used it yesterday.
Almost all my LED ones have 3 modes.

 

[GeoBruin]

.......Or just stop being such a girlyman. I have four Zebralights and they have no less than seven modes. They can be a little intimidating when you first get them but it doesn't take long to get the hang of the UI. At one time in a thread I was explaining the modes to someone and they said it was very complicated. My reply, in all honesty, was it's no more complicated than the turn signal stalk on most modern cars. Have you ever heard someone complain about how annoying a turn signal stalk is to use.

Zebralight's original user interface was brilliantly designed. The more modern programmable user interface is more complicated but still well executed.

The ability to get directly to moonlight or a memorized mode of your choice from off is awesome.

 

[Lorydr]

Have you ever heard someone complain about how annoying a turn signal stalk is to use.

My ford has an annoying stalk for wiper settings.