Why Are Most Flashlights Now Multi-Mode?
The Blind Eternities forum
Posted on May 2, 2023, 8:41 p.m. by DemonDragonJ
I always keep several flashlights around my house, in case of emergencies, but I have noticed that the majority of flashlights today have multiple modes, typically high, low, and flashing, which I find to be very annoying, since I dislike cycling through the modes to find the mode that I seek. All of the flashlights at my house are, thankfully, strictly binary (with only on and off settings), but, I worry that, when those flashlights eventually wear out, I shall not be able to find similar flashlights, and shall be forced to purchase a flashlight with multiple modes. Perhaps I could tolerate such flashlights if they had slider switches that allowed me to instantly select whichever setting I preferred, but, as they currently are, with buttons that must be pressed, I severely dislike them.
What does everyone else say about this subject? Why do most flashlight now have multiple modes?
I would expect most hardware stores, camping stores, farm equipment stores, and other outdoor-activity locations stock good-quality on/off flashlights or lanterns without all the bells and whistles, or lights and whistles. Maybe military surplus stores. I don't know what's near you, or how many places you've tried and how many people you've asked, but I would be very surprised if there aren't any options. If all else fails, look online.
May 3, 2023 1:21 a.m.
Gidgetimer says... #4
To answer the question in the title, to make a single product more useful. I have a light of this style as an EDC and it is great to be able to adjust the brightness to the task at hand. I've never has cause to use the strobe feature, but as a security measure I'm sure some people find it useful.
As for your concerns in the body of the post. Adjusting the mode is pretty instant because once the light is on a half press of the button switches modes without having to turn it on and off each time. As a result I can have the correct mode selected within a quarter second. I assume the changing of modes on quick on/off full presses is a feature for people with reduced motor function. If you just can't get used to multi-function lights, as others have said, I'm sure you can still get single function lights if you look hard enough.
May 3, 2023 7:05 a.m.
FormOverFunction says... #5
I’m a big fan of using the term “crime disco” rather than “strobe setting” but to each their own. ;p
May 3, 2023 9:34 a.m.
Ha, I hear this one 100% There's a lot of times for work that I'm stuck in a dimly lit shop working on the vehicles, and I spent way too much money on a good old mag-light. Sometimes less cussing at things is so worth it : )
FormOverFunction says... #2
Power creep. It’s to even out the lower CMC and free-equip-on-cast.
May 2, 2023 9:39 p.m.