I suppose another way of phrasing the question would be "anyone own the "perfect" flashlight (re your own personal criteria, of course), i.e. nothing about it that you'd change, but that would be to invite endless improvement suggestions, and god knows, THAT list would be endless! So let the post Q stand: Anyone own a torch with nothing about it that you dislike?
I was prompted to ask when I came across this comment from BlueBeam ... "I wish the K20 could use a single cell and the K25 had a clip!"... in this thread re a cheaper substitute for a Fenix LD20: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/3019
I actually bought the K25, and although I'm mostly indifferent to the absent pocket clip I can sooo relate to BlueBeams comment as a principle. Before I discovered BLF I was shortlisting higher priced lights, including the Fenix LD20. I may still get one (unlikely) if only because I'd love to find out how it compares to the Saintfire K25, but what put me off at the time was thecompromise tail ring. Button recessed enough to allow tailstanding, but with a big thumb indent in the ring to "facillitate" switching, leaving 2 precarious 1/2 inch crescents either side. Maybe this works better in practice than it looks, but all I could see was gritting my teeth every time the torch toppled over, or those corners digging into my thumb if I missed the indent.
This was actually a factor in my finally pulling the trigger on the K25, although infuriatingly I still ended up with a wobbly tailstand due to the K25's fractionally protruding tailcap. Grrr!
I also came close to buying a Quark AA2. Why not? No anti-roll, not even a hint, might just be the most perfectly cylindrical light I looked at. I also liked the look of the Klarus ST20 and NT20 (not really a budget light but here's a link anyway): http://www.taclight.co.uk/klarus-torches.html I LOVE the mode changing side switch but, according to reviews, if you accidentally press it for just 0.5 sec the strobe comes on, no matter what mode you're in to start with. How often will that happen?? So I didn't buy it.
And the list goes on... My personal deal breakers also include over complex UI via Command Centre tail switch, single mode lights (no low), a light that always comes on in high mode first, finger shredding bezels, non-removable pocket clips... etc etc... Of course some of the above will be someone else's "must have", but you know what I mean.
Not just torches either, of course. Cameras, multi-tools, media recorders, they're all at it, offering umpteen features except the one you really want. Or, if it does have it, it will also come with something else that you just couldn't live with. Or a ton of other features that you would never use in a million years but have to pay a fortune for. And/or an unfathomably and utterly needlessly over-complicated UI..
Sorry to bang on, started out as a simple question. Gues I had to get it off my chest; after all, I'm among friends. Over to you.. and if anyone can tell me how to get rid of the weird blue background I'll be able to die a contented man