The biggest downside is the clip doesn't always stay on tight - and one day when I was at a restaurant it dropped on the floor without me realizing...
great write up, sorry you lost your light
some thoughts
I agree the clip can come off. But Im not sure that is why your light fell out of your pocket. Even fully captive clips can get caught on things, and that will pull a light out of a pocket. I know of people that refuse to use pocket clips, after losing very expensive lights, with captive clips, that were not easily removable.
IF the maratac clip had pulled off the light, only the clip would have been lost, the light would have stayed in your pocket, without a clip. So imo, though I agree the clip comes off pretty easily, I think it is still on your lost light, and one of the waiters at the restaurant is now enjoying your Maratac, with the clip still on it.
fwiw, the Maratac price atm is much lower than it has been in the past. I would say it is essentially on sale now. The only downside, other than cost, is that the LED is now 219c, no longer 219b. If you PM me, I might be able to help you get a 219b version.
also fwiw, the Lumintop Titanium Tool is still available, and is listed as still having 219b option. Same removable clip as the Maratac, and it costs less. I find the electronic switch a nice alternative to a twisty. PM me if you cant find one. CPF rules prevent me from sharing links in this forum.
I own half a dozen Maratac AAA lights. I really like them, but atm I do not use them as my taste has migrated to CR123 sized lights and the non twisty interface.
I have and still use a Lumintop Copper Tool from Massdrop, with electronic switch. I put the head of one of my Maratacs with 219b on it, because the Tool came with a 219c, which is not my preference. The TiTool has a different head, it will not lego with a Maratac, nor anything else.
fwiw, IF you go with a Tool, it accepts the New Preon Clip, fully captive, does not pull off. It will still snag and pull the light out of a pocket. Pocket clips are notorious for causing people to lose stuff. Be careful, or abandon clipping.
for size reference:
I dont clip those lights to my pocket, the clip is only there so I can clip a light to a cap.
I have no Eagletac experience to contribute to this thread.