Opinions on switch design

[Shooter21]

which design is more rugged having the switch mechanism on the back of the torch or on the body like Maglites, what do you guys think?

 

[Skibane]

Having the switch on one end of the flashlight makes it more prone to damage. Recessing it helps somewhat, but it's still more exposed than a switch mounted midpoint on the flashlight. An end-mounted switch also tends to harder to access quickly.

However, end-mounted switches tend to make the flashlight a bit shorter, simply because most push-button switches are much thinner than they are wide. As an example, removing the center-mounted switch from a 2 D cell Maglight leaves you with enough room to install a third cell, if you install a push-button switch in the bottom cap.

 

[Norm]

Moved to General Flashlight Discussion - Norm

 

[ArcherOfLoaf]

Are there many lights being made that have the switch at the midpoint?