The shorter click time to switch ON will - for me - be a plus on this light, as we click and…it’s ON!
The lock-out mode (4 clicks) is also good because it is a side switch flashlight, that will have a “short click” to get ON, and that can easily get ON inside a pocket!
The no-memory and start on low or moonlight - for me - is good as I don’t like to blind myself or anyone if I forget in which mode I switched OFF the light!
The double click to access turbo - for me - is nice, as I normally have to pass through all the modes and have to get a burst of light without wanting or needing it. So double click from ON or OFF will give access to turbo when really needed, not all the time I’m passing through the modes. Juts like some Olight lights do (ex: S1R Baton)!
The strobe - for me - would be disposable as I don’t like it and have no use for it, but I admit that when walking it may be useful sometimes! BUT, as it is hidden by 3 fast clicks, I don’t mind it is there!
This said, and mentioning again my points of view about my preferences in a UI, I can tell that, from this manufacturer:
- Sofirn SP10A, that is being sold currently has 3 regular modes (L-M-H) with memory (saves the last used mode), and Strobe (2 clicks); it has a 0,5 second time to get the light ON or OFF; has no lock-out mode (just physical, unscrewing the tailcap or the head); and is a very nice budget flashlight that doesn’t have some things you mentioned above that you don’t like;
- Sofirn SF10 is a tail clicky flashlight, has 4 modes (H-M-L-ML) without memory (always starts on High), and strobe (double click, not so nice as you can click faster to advance the mode and enter strobe); full click for ON and for OFF, no lock-out mode; also a budget flashlight
- Sofirn SF14, also a tail clicky, with 3 modes (L-M-H) and can be said to have no memory, no strobe; full click for ON or OFF; also budget light.
All these take AA (alkaline or Ni-MH) and 14500 (Li-Ion) batteries.
Why did I write all this? To say that we all have preferences for types of lights, UIs, tints, battery types and so on.
The changes that k-wong mentioned - after being in conversation with a manufacturer that listens to its costumers - may be desired by some (I’m on those) and not appreciated for others. Perfectly fine and acceptable.
But if we don’t like this light or the way it is going to be released, we will probably have others to choose from.
You do have a point when saying that this may turn a complicated light to offer as a gift, but most of all here - flashlight enthusiasts - speak for the own taste, and that normally leads to preferences that may not please the others.
Right now there is a voting poll on the forum for a Kronos/Manker light! Check on that and see how many different preferences are there! All have reason, as you have and I have, and it is always legitimate to ask for changes.
Concerning SP10B that’s what some people here are doing, contacting the manufacturer to try to make a different light (not better or worse). They do some changes, others they don’t!
But…we will always have a plethora of choices around, for personal use and to offer That’s what make this hobby great