Yeah, not a real problem i.m.o.
I use the ‘cigar grip’ most of the time with a tail switch.
Quite natural to me, since i often hold the light around next to my head.
Yes exactly that! I know you guys hold your hand up/near your head, but do you really do that if you were say, walking a dog or going for a hike in the dark?
Does your arm not get tired?
Mmm, just don’t smoke it. :laughing:
Nope, ’cause I’d be using one of my many headlamps.
In a situation where i have to switch to a higher mode, i raise the light to near my head.
This also helps the light reach what i look at when there are trees or bushes or whatever may otherwise cast a shadow.
When strolling with only low level light to light up the path before me i don’t need to raise the light.
It also depends on the switch and the switch boot and the distance between switch button and boot.
Some lights i can switch with my pinky finger.
My general rule on this is based on size of the light. Shorter than ~90mm and it needs to be a side switch except when it’s a slim AA or AAA light. Then it’s twisty or tail. For everything else under ~150mm long and ~45mm diameter, it’s a tailswitch. Larger than that and we are back to the side switch. All depends on fitment in the hand and distance away from center of gravity.
I agree, I would only ever hold my light in that manner if inspecting under my bonnet and looking into the engine bay for example.
My Acebeam L16 has side and tail switches but the rear clicky takes it to turbo, nothing but turbo and I absolutely love it! 
Yes and no, respectively. My hand gets more tired of supporting the weight of the torch by the fingers unless it’s a small twisty.
Hell, I found myself reverse-gripping my Olight S2, a side-switch light, more times than I care to remember.
I totally understand that if using a large D sized maglite, but as for a small 18650 light it should be not a problem.
Maybe it’s psychological, not sure. I do know the weight on my fingers bothers me after a while.
My preference for EDC is side-switch.
I have tailcap EDC lights and I like them. But I find side-switch to be more convenient, and the handshake grip to be my preferred grip.
That said, the sideswitch must be done right. An overly sensitive sideswitch that requires lockout or turns on in the pocket is unacceptable.
Most switches ive encountered need a reasonable amount of pressure to turn on. If anything, the slider switches were much more easier to switch on by accident.
Ive been looking at various brands, and im actually quite surprised how many models now have a side switch, lumintop and nitecore both do and nitecore has one with an interesting brightness wheel which I think also acts as the switch. That to me looks like something that would easily turn on by mistake, but im assuming it has a lock function.
Agreed. Such as SP70.
Otherwise, side switch with simple UI. Reliably pocketable, like ZL.
really enjoying my sofirn lights with tail + side
I both agree, and disagree with all the points that have been made, or ones that have not been made. I like side switches that point up, but when I pick up a light and the side switch is pointing to the floor, I just cannot understand why they would make it that way. I feel the same about a tail switch when they switch the tail and lens of the light. My thumb is positioned over the lens and that just seems like bad engineering.
Ok, all kidding aside, there are many varieties of switch configurations. We all have preferences…my personal preference in NO WAY means that another person’s preferred light is inferior in design. Depending on the light, I sometimes like either.
My 2 switch Sofirn is excellent, and I find it easy to use, but my Thrunite Neutron with side switch only, also gets lots of carry. I just can’t wait until they have a light I can control with my mind.
Generally I prefer side switches because of the nice firmware. Tail and side switch is also nice but you can lock out the flashlight also by unscrewing the tailcap.
Clicky (mechanical switch) is more satisfying to click. Side switch (E switch) is more comfortable than rear
clicky lights.
Side switch can handle the any current with no problems. Clicky is very limited.
I like both
As I get older I favour a side switch because my fingers are not as nimble as they used to be. I have a slight problem in holding a light & using a tail switch with one hand.
I find a side switch with a big button far easier to use. I also put a drop or two of a UV glue on the switch to raise it & make it more accessible.