Hey guys, just a random question but when you guys replace the battery on your flashlights such as the L1D or lights where the head and tail (switch) end comes off, which end do you take off to replace the battery?
my rule of thumb in many things, including your question, is "Which is cheaper to replace" if something wears out from use.
use the same rule in "braking" a tranny is more expensive than "brake pads". so, if i'm not on the track, engine braking via the gearbox is minimized (unless i'm in the "sporty" mode of driving on some rural "twistys"). of course, safety is paramount, so engine braking via downshifting in safety situations is the choice, but NOT routinely for me.
i hope my automotive analogy conveys my meaning. sure, flashlights are less expensive than cars, but i'd rather spend my $$$ on new lights, than replacement parts or repairs.
not saying that the threaded surfaces will get ruined, but they do wear just a bit and O-rings are involved too.
i'd just like to keep the integrity of the light as sound as possible near the electronics in which one small drop of water may wreak more havoc than a single drop of water might do near the tailcap. not to say it's 'ok' for water ingress to occur near the tailcap, but just a matter of risk assessment for a small amount of wear.
i'll pick the tailcap. for me a no-brainer unless the cells will only fit through the head opening of the barrel and not the tail opening of the tube.