Using multimode lights around others... low for stealth or high to impress?

[Stress_Test]

Regarding usage of multimode lights,

If you're in a situation where you need to "light up", and you're around others (who presumably are not flashaholics), do you go straight to the high mode for shock and awe, or do you stick with low mode to be more discrete? (Assume that low mode would suffice for the situation.)

Me, I'd prefer to start on low if that would do the job. That way I'm holding back a little extra and not showing my cards all at once. It'd probably cause less consternation among the non-flashaholics too!

For me this is still hypothetical because I haven't had a chance to use my L1D in this situation yet, but winter time darkness is coming soon! :candle:

 

[tacticalmedic87]

I agree, always keep a wild card back. now if they give you any poop about how bright the light is, kick it up.

 

[The Sun]

i can't believe what a huge light geek you are for even asking that question. i must be an even bigger light geek for knowing what you are talking about and having fought this inner battle myself....I love it!!! But, yes exactally low first, poop ensues, then sunburn:devil:

 

[Rossymeister]

I only use the level of light that is needed for the job. But i admit that sometimes i turn it to max brightness to impress.

 

[PhantomPhoton]

Pull out the light on low mode. If others dare say anything about your light, crank it up and melt away the darkness.

 

[Oddjob]

I turn on to the lower mode of whatever light I am carrying and then turn it up if they need more light or comment that it is not bright enough. Sometimes I just turn it on high to impress as well because invariably they comment on how bright it is and then I show them how low it can go.

 

[isneyk]

Start with low or what's needed only, then hit it with more oomph if need be.

Save the best for last as they say.:naughty:

 

[Rossymeister]

Save the best for last as they say.

My Thoughts Exactly!

 

[PseudoFed]

Got to do just that tonight. Just got home from seeing Tropic Thunder (freakin' hilarious--wait 'til you see the fake previews before the movie, a la Saturday Night Live). And of course, pair of teenie boppers in front of me had to whip out the sliders and text as the movie begun. One flash from my L0D in primary and they got the hint. 10 minutes later they're at it again. One flash from my E2DL on high--phones put away for the rest of the movie! True Story! No words had to be said! Of course I got looks from those to my right because of MY disturbing light!

 

[LumenMan]

And of course, pair of teenie boppers in front of me had to whip out the sliders and text as the movie begun. One flash from my L0D in primary and they got the hint. 10 minutes later they're at it again. One flash from my E2DL on high--phones put away for the rest of the movie! True Story! No words had to be said! Of course I got looks from those to my right because of MY disturbing light!

Baffle 'em with lots of Lumens I always say ! :nana:

 

[climberkid]

im totally with you on that. the only other mode i use to enforce or attract attention is strobe mode on my gladius. i use it on stage when preparing for a concert and sound guys loose interest in what they should be doing....:shakehead they get the point REAL fast

 

[Tomcat!]

I've found it's always the smallest lights that amaze non-flashaholics the most. Pull out a big multi-cell military looking light and you're regarded as a show-off and no one's that surprised because they are expecting something special. My innocent little P1DCE Q5 on medium impresses, and then when you step it up another notch that usually gets a satisfying 'wow'.

 

[kurni]

Mmm... assuming I'm holding my 1-cell EDC always put it at highest; probably because I always have a diffuser on.

I'm looking forward to my SF with Dereelight 5A Q2 under FM34; I don't know how bright it will be; I am guessing that I'll stick with highest setting but who knows :shrug:

If multi-LED then I always turn on at lowest or I'll go blind.

 

[hyperloop]

Understated is the way to go, start it low as stated by quite a few, then crank it if needs be or if u just want to shut the "my maglite is waaay brighter" guy up!!

of course if in a situation where there is someone ALREADY using a light, albeit a wimpy standard $5.00, 2 x aa, peasant light (no offence intended) then whip out the 1 x aa or maybe even a 1 x aaa and hit 'em with the lumens!

found that even an E01 can outshine a lot of so called 'normal' lights

 

[Zenster]

I'm starting to give some thought to going into the flashlight business because my typical EDC varies with lights like my EX10, D10, 120P or LF5XT; all multi-mode but also hellishly bright lights for their size.

And without exception, the moment I click any of them onto bright and light up half a football field size area, whoever's around me asks where they can buy "one of those".

I picture myself whipping open an overcoat with a couple dozen lights displayed on the inside and asking: "Which one do you want? ... and will you be paying with paper or plastic?".

 

[maxray]

And without exception, the moment I click any of them onto bright and light up half a football field size area, whoever's around me asks where they can buy "one of those".

I picture myself whipping open an overcoat with a couple dozen lights displayed on the inside and asking: "Which one do you want? ... and will you be paying with paper or plastic?".

Yeah, but I always get the "wow! that is bright for its size" then soon followed up with a "how much did that cost?" which then invariably leads to a "you paid THAT much for a FLASHLIGHT!?!?"

Yeah, but remember the WOW???