So I have this flashlight. I like a lot of things about it, but my main nitpick is the modes. They go from medium to high to low, and you have to go through them every time you turn on the light. Ideally, there could be multiple modes, if it just had a memory setting, and then this wouldn’t be an issue anymore.
I’d just like to know what recommendations you guys might have for a good handheld, but which has more practical and functional UI. Other flashlights I’ve had in the past only had an on/off function when pressing the button, and maybe the flood mode if you hold it.
Also, USB-C and rechargeable are requirements as well.
There are quite a few 1x21700[1] flashlights and most of them have memory and/or shortcut based UIs. Any other preferences? More flood (wider beam) or throw (longer range)? USB powerbank function? Better color rendering? Sideswitch? Tailswitch? Magnetic tailcap?
[1] 21700 is a standardized Li-ion battery size, which Coast calls “ZX1000” for some reason.
Definitely would prefer the tailswitch. I’m not too picky about the other options you mentioned (yet). Lol
With USB-C and a tailswitch as constraints, sticking to the same battery, there are fewer options, most of which are at higher price points. I don’t love any of these; my favorites in this category with USB-C have sideswitches (Skilhunt EC300 and Acebeam E75, both in high-CRI).
A Convoy S21E is a nice budget option, also with a sideswitch, though I wonder if the accessory tailswitch meant for some other models would work. This light needs an unprotected 21700 like this one; I think the Coast battery is protected and won’t fit. I like the B35A 4500K LED option for general use; the 719A has a tighter beam and more throw.
Dropping the USB-C requirement gets you more tailswitch options, including several from Convoy, which I’d also recommend getting with the B35A 4500K. A separate USB-C charger like the Xtar PB2SL might be an adequate solution; along with a couple spare batteries, many people find this more convenient than charging internally.
Going to a smaller 18650 battery opens up yet more options, though I’m not sure expanding the selection makes things better. I own the S21E, EC300, and E75 if you have questions about those.
