levelflight
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2010
- Messages
- 96
It's time for a New-style Pocket Clip...
Looking at how much creative effort has been directed to flashlights over the years has me somewhat amazed. It's impressive that so much work has been done to render both function and design to near perfection.
That said, I can't help being a bit disappointed by the pocket clips that manufacturers are still comfortable selling with such nice hardware. While the screw-on units are more robust, we are still seeing a $100 dollar light outfitted with a $.05 clip. And this is something we're supposed to rely on....or as some would say, just to have them scratch the fine finish on my light.
I mean c'mon, just because it's been done this way for years doesn't mean it's the ONLY way to make a decent pocket clip. Times change, but the lowly clip has largely been ignored.
As an example, I recently came across this item and am thinking of modding it to fit my RRT-0. Don't I wish this flashlight came with such an effective clip? You bet. This is a wonderful design because it holds onto the fabric with two small spring-loaded dogs (teeth) which are in a constant 'hold' position, and yet is easily released by depressing the mini-lever to remove it from your pocket. IMO a MUCH better and functional design than a straight pressure clip. The motion of grabbing your flashlight naturally depresses the little levered arm, which releases the dogs, and pulling it out is the most natural movement, you really don't have to think about it at all.
That's what makes it so nice to use, it's an automatic reflex action to your natural hand and finger movements. Meanwhile, it isn't going to slip from your shirt, jacket, or pants because the little teeth just won't let go, even on thin fabric. Wonderful design!
So how about it manufacturers, can we have this new design installed on our expensive, high quality smaller lights? Let's make our tactical and recreational pocket lights truly robust and ready for anything we can throw at them. When choosing between two otherwise closely matched lights I'll pick the one with the better pocket clip every time.
Looking at how much creative effort has been directed to flashlights over the years has me somewhat amazed. It's impressive that so much work has been done to render both function and design to near perfection.
That said, I can't help being a bit disappointed by the pocket clips that manufacturers are still comfortable selling with such nice hardware. While the screw-on units are more robust, we are still seeing a $100 dollar light outfitted with a $.05 clip. And this is something we're supposed to rely on....or as some would say, just to have them scratch the fine finish on my light.
I mean c'mon, just because it's been done this way for years doesn't mean it's the ONLY way to make a decent pocket clip. Times change, but the lowly clip has largely been ignored.
As an example, I recently came across this item and am thinking of modding it to fit my RRT-0. Don't I wish this flashlight came with such an effective clip? You bet. This is a wonderful design because it holds onto the fabric with two small spring-loaded dogs (teeth) which are in a constant 'hold' position, and yet is easily released by depressing the mini-lever to remove it from your pocket. IMO a MUCH better and functional design than a straight pressure clip. The motion of grabbing your flashlight naturally depresses the little levered arm, which releases the dogs, and pulling it out is the most natural movement, you really don't have to think about it at all.
That's what makes it so nice to use, it's an automatic reflex action to your natural hand and finger movements. Meanwhile, it isn't going to slip from your shirt, jacket, or pants because the little teeth just won't let go, even on thin fabric. Wonderful design!
So how about it manufacturers, can we have this new design installed on our expensive, high quality smaller lights? Let's make our tactical and recreational pocket lights truly robust and ready for anything we can throw at them. When choosing between two otherwise closely matched lights I'll pick the one with the better pocket clip every time.
