Is if Just Me? I hate Flashlights with Multiple Sttings

[masraum]

Originally Posted by RKDinOKC

They need two switches. One does on/off, the other picks the mode, dim, bright, flash.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by RKDinOKC

They need two switches. One does on/off, the other picks the mode, dim, bright, flash.

Quite a few options out there with both rear clicky (on/off) and side-switch or rotory dial (mode select).

[Zeke]

Those Costco flashlights that have focus and 2 brightness settings chew up batteries on the high setting. Use the low setting if it works under the circumstance. I have some AA rechargeables and they don't do half the life of a lead acid.

[Eric Coffey]

Yeah, if you are going to be using one regularly, then it usually makes sense to invest in a good light, rechargeable lithium batteries, and a decent charger (or a light with a built-in usb charger). For lights that may go unused for long periods of time, but need to work if/when you do need them, then primary (non-rechargeable) lithium cells are the ticket. Avoid all alka-leak batteries and lights with voltage-limited drivers that that can only use them, and nothing else.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Those Costco flashlights that have focus and 2 brightness settings chew up batteries on the high setting.

This is a valid observation.

I always use high because it's better but often not necessary. My headband takes four double A batteries.

Every three weeks I am buying a 12 pack of Duracells from the FLAPS for $13.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Eric Coffey

Yeah, if you are going to be using one regularly, then it usually makes sense to invest in a good light, rechargeable lithium batteries, and a decent charger.

The charger is the key. Good batteries (like Eneloops) can’t give good performance without a good charger.

[nota]

has anyone found an LED bulb to replace the old style bulb in 18volt tool kit flashlites

I tryed the 3v to 12v bulbs from china but they can't live at 18v and burn out

the bulb called PR2 are common flashlite units in LED but NO 18V ONES

[JackDidley]

Originally Posted by nota

has anyone found an LED bulb to replace the old style bulb in 18volt tool kit flashlites

I tryed the 3v to 12v bulbs from china but they can't live at 18v and burn out

the bulb called PR2 are common flashlite units in LED but NO 18V ONES

I did find them on Amazon, I think. Its been a while. Stupid expensive at the time so I passed.

[sc_rufctr]

If you've got an old school Maglight and you want to upgrade it to LED.



Old school big arse flash light! On Off only... D Cells x3 and the light output diminished quickly.

[sc_rufctr]

This things is great but what would you use it for?

The functionality seem sensible. Double tap for full brightness but it also has lots of other functions.

[rusnak]

I've always used a ton of flashlights, because I operate through the night.

For hand-helds, I have gone toward LED Lenser, and Pelican. I always buy Li-Ion rechargeable lights. I found that the head band lights just don't last more than a year, so I stopped buying those and instead buy "area lighting" by Pelican and Streamlight. Those obviate the need for a hand held, head band, or using your phone, etc. You can save money, or you can have a good light. Or you can waste money and still have a bad light.

Brands that I avoid now are Olight (just awful), and Mag Lite (weak, heavy). My favorite hand-held area light is now about 10 years old, and is the old school HID Lite Box. It uses the high beam arc light from Mercedes Benz, and is bright as hell.

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

The functionality seem sensible. Double tap for full brightness but it also has lots of other functions.

Once you start thinking double or triple tap, it is pretty natural. Besides, I like flicking little buttons. A little foreplay can be enjoyable. I have a flipper knife by my computer too, and I open and close it one handed when I feel fidgety.

I like the new flashlights, and the power that comes in a small package. I like my old Maglight too, but mostly because it has the option of being used as a club. I love a beautiful useful object, but then there is this kid in me that thinks everything is a toy. As a guy who owns an old Porsche with the 915 gearbox, I have to say that part of the charm of things is the little quirks. Growing old is inevitable. Shaking your fist at clouds is optional.

[cabmandone]

I have to press the on/off button a few times to get my mini cree to strobe. If I simply hard press to turn it on/off, it turns on/off. If I soft press it, like a half press, it changes modes from bright, to dim, to strobe.

[berettafan]

YES YES YES!

I FARKING HATE THOSE STUPID THINGS!!!!!!

God help the supplier of those stupid bright, brighter, flash circuit boards if i ever find him.

[berettafan]

Also hate the switch being on the butt end.

We use them duck hunting. Wearing gloves and intermittently turning on. Worse than useless with the multiple settings and a switch on the butt end.

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by berettafan

Also hate the switch being on the butt end.

We use them duck hunting. Wearing gloves and intermittently turning on. Worse than useless with the multiple settings and a switch on the butt end.

How do you put your finger on your rifle trigger with gloves on? You don't cut the first two fingers off the glove?

[plexiform]

i use my iPhone flashlight all the time. the best flashlight is the one you have in your hands when you need it. does not get more convenient than that

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

The charger is the key. Good batteries (like Eneloops) can’t give good performance without a good charger.

Been thinking about the economics I experience. Honestly, eight (2 X 4) batteries a week.

What's a good charger? Sorry if already covered.

[vash]

i LOVE a flashlight with multimodes. LOVE!

ever try to light up a plan-sheet (or trail map) with a modern LED flashlight? you will not be able to..and the impending blue orb floating in front of you eyes in the dark will eventually fade. i NEED the dimming feature on my flashlights and headlamps. plus there are sometimes you just want a faint light..like hiking in the dark. you dont need much light to not bust your ass, and it is nice to save some power.

strob? okay. i dont ever imagine myself trying to disorient a perp, but i imagine that strob would be superior as signaling my rescue chopper.

[berettafan]

Originally Posted by rusnak

How do you put your finger on your rifle trigger with gloves on? You don't cut the first two fingers off the glove?

Hold a large flashlight and your hands are typically up near the bell end to balance and control it. On and off is a one handed operation. Not so with the darned butt end switches.