The really terror-inducing thing is that there is probably someone out there who really, really wants option DX9 - a new option appeared - this one used to be 8
I'm with Don, by the way, I strongly prefer a programmable, ramping driver. But this poll is just for fixed modes, since a ramping driver requires too much additional engineering to make it feasible for a quick, inexpensive BLF custom mod.
What's with all these complaints about missing signatures?
Good grief, Drupal is truly comprehensive, but mind-bogglingly modular sometimes. I seem to find some new configuration option every time I crack open the admin control panel.
I want BLF #4 with low voltage detection... which already some of the cheapest lights have(was it the Skyray S-A1 ?)... we are talking about 'with mode memory' - right?
Some lights will flash, or drop modes when the battery is low. My personal choice would be some sort of flickering that told you it wanted more power. HDS (Now Ra) lights used to do something like that, but I am very, very rarely in the $100+ light market - like twice in 7 years.
I think 3 modes is about the most I want, so I picked #5 (might have picked Low-Med-High if it was offered). But usually 2 modes would work fine because on my 3-mode lights I am always skipping over medium and just using High for distance and Low for close up. But with 2 modes, if you need to run the light for a while then maybe Max isn't what you want and Low is too low. So I think the perfect thing is programmable modes, at the very least a programmable Low. Ramping is okay, but I'd be pretty happy just picking from one of the 5 modes you provided and it would be easier to get what I want that way. Plus I would want memory (or some kind of dual switch that would let me pick Low or High when I am turning it on). I rarely see a light get the Low right and people seem all over the map on what is a good low. Even you couldn't seem to make up your mind between 3 different Lows.
And I want to have a high PWM frequency (>1kHz) ... I'm getting more and more annoyed at my Maratac AAA and Solarforce 3-mode Medium/Low-modes. Or better current regulated. I am starting to use high modes, even if I don't need it, just to avoid those pseudo strobes.
I'm sort of basing the mode options on the Fenix modes. I can definitely see myself using all 3 of those low modes. Moonlight for an emergency, Very Low for a dark house at night, or Low for a typical night outdoors.
I agree, which is the problem with Lows: you need (okay, want) different levels for different things. That's why I'd just rather be able to set it (fairly easily). I think 4Sevens has the right idea with their tactical Quarks. I've come really, really close to getting one of their 2xCR123A neutral tint Quarks before deciding it wasn't worth $65 just for the UI when I'm pretty happy with my neutral 504B with a 3-mode NANJG driver. I still might do it. Wish they had an 18650 version (without buying the body tube separately), but could always buy a 17670 (or whatever they are).
It was a very, very tough choice between DX #8 and BLF #6 but I finally went with #6. I love turning on my lights in max mode mainly for show-off purposes and because I just absolutely love super bright torches.
This is assuming that the light puts out at the very least a true 150 lumens, preferably 200+. The inner kid in me would like at least one flashy mode even if its not entirely practical. Kids love flashy modes.
Strangely enough, I actually do have a practical use for strobe flashlights. Where I live, there are vicious dogs roaming loose all over the streets, especially at night. I have found a strobe light pointed at their eyes to be quite effective at staving them off without making a big ruckus.
But, as Don said above, lights with a strobe are a dime a dozen, and I already have...quite a few! :-) The rare thing is a light without strobes, so that's my current pastime here at BLF.