flashflood
Enlightened
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2011
- Messages
- 608
When I first got into this about half a year ago, I only cared about two things: brightness and AA NiMH battery support. I had zero interest in starting a relationship with lithium, and had pretty much no opinion on flashlight size or UI.
My first Real Flashlight was therefore the Fenix TK45 -- 760 lumens on 8xAA NiMH. Coming from a Maglite background, the output was shocking. There is no other word for it. I was instantly hooked.
I still love the TK45, but in the meantime I've fallen hard for smaller lights, AW IMR cells, 18350 and 18650 formats in general, the FMA CellPro Multi4 charger, and forward-clicky control.
The latter is the most unexpected development. I didn't think I cared, but have found that single-handed operation is really valuable. Forward clicky is nicer IMO than reverse, but that distinction pales in comparison to clicky vs. twisty. Half the time I reach for a flashlight, I'm already carrying something in the other hand, and it's just a hassle to put it down, grab the light, twist twist twist, and resume -- especially if the thing I'm carrying is wet, greasy, bloody, or dirty.
How about you? What features/attributes are you most surprised to care about? And what things have you done a total 180 on since your early days?
My first Real Flashlight was therefore the Fenix TK45 -- 760 lumens on 8xAA NiMH. Coming from a Maglite background, the output was shocking. There is no other word for it. I was instantly hooked.
I still love the TK45, but in the meantime I've fallen hard for smaller lights, AW IMR cells, 18350 and 18650 formats in general, the FMA CellPro Multi4 charger, and forward-clicky control.
The latter is the most unexpected development. I didn't think I cared, but have found that single-handed operation is really valuable. Forward clicky is nicer IMO than reverse, but that distinction pales in comparison to clicky vs. twisty. Half the time I reach for a flashlight, I'm already carrying something in the other hand, and it's just a hassle to put it down, grab the light, twist twist twist, and resume -- especially if the thing I'm carrying is wet, greasy, bloody, or dirty.
How about you? What features/attributes are you most surprised to care about? And what things have you done a total 180 on since your early days?