Where is the switch???

[groo01]

Groo here
Now that we have some really big [hioutput] pocket lights
maybe we need to give some though to the location of the
switch.
As the light gets heaver- the reflecter gets bigger or the
body gets longer-- the tail switch becomes harder to use.
how about a light in the 1 c/d to 3c/d range with all the
controls or at least the on off switch up front .
to balance out the light
My DBS is a good light but the switch on the tail is a streach....[extention is worse]
I would like to see a % of power or function rocker on the head
with an on off momentary on the body.
Also in this size light a 2/18650 double or a 3/18650 triple or even larger
would be ok if the head was about the same size as the body or
a little larger.
4 c/d is about too long as it gets clubbly..

 

[computernut]

I love the Mag 2C/3C form factor with their switches on the side. Everyone seems to like putting switches on the tail these days. When I'm walking along a trail and light up my Surefires people must think I'm a cop with the grip I have to use.

 

[Rexlion]

I think side switches tend to add more to the body length. If they're trying to design a compact light, that would be counter to their goal of compactness. But many other lights aren't meant to be all that small. Like a C or D cell mag, for instance.

Personally, I still prefer side switches. One of my first purchases after discovering cpf was the Romisen RC-P3, a nice light with clicky on the barrel. One of my current favorites is a Mag modded with P7 emitter. Right now I'm waiting for the ITP Polestar to come out and to get some reviews. The size and shape, plus MC-E and side switch, make it look very good for a light to have sitting near the back door, ready to check out visiting possums or whatever.

To me, the side switch is just conveniently located for the way I naturally tend to grab a light. It's lying down, I pick it up with the business end facing out.

Now, a policeman may well have his light facing bezel down on his belt and he will grab it the other way, and his thumb will be right on the tail switch. But if I EDC a light it will probably be a very small one in my pocket, and the natural way to grab it again is with the business end facing out... but they don't make 1-AA or 1-AAA lights with side switches (obviously), so I tend to favor lights in that size that can be twisted on/off.

 

[zipplet]

The tail switch also has another benefit. It is very easy to diagnose and repair problems with a tail switch vs a side switch. For many lights you can buy a replacement tailcap to fix a faulty switch.