I tried my first side-clicky light recently (Xtar WK-42), expecting to really like it. When playing with it at the desk the side clicky was fine but I found if I pulled it out of my pocket in the dark (a logical use for a flashlight) it was hard to index the switch. I kept rolling it around in my hand feeling for the switch with my thumb. Much harder to pull out and turn on than the tailcap clickies I am used to.
Now I am thinking I am just not a side-clicky guy, at least for an edc light, and I find myself not really looking at any lights with side switches. Do others have similar strong opinions on these switches? Like LOVE them or HATE them?
I noticed that at first as well. Now, lights without a side switch are of little appeal to me. Once I got used to my lights, I haven’t had troubles locating the switches. Some people adjust the location of the pocket clip so that it is either in-line with or directly opposite the switch. It has been my experience that the user adapts and likes the change, but there are still some others that continue to lean more towards the hate than the love.
I Always prefer the side switch. Hate holding a light in the "tactical manner" just to turn on the switch and the same for having to hold it with one hand and turn it on with another. Side switch allows for a more natural feel, by holding the light, head forward and with my arm down at my side.
To each their own, one switch is better than the other, but only in the hand of the user.
I thought the same as the OP, at first… But with some time, it seemed I was able to locate the switches just fine and the issue became less relevant to me…
For a pure tactical light, tailswitch all the way, only two ends to a light, less to hunt for…
I am very fond of tailcap switches. That being said, I do like having a tailcap on/off and a side mode switch. I have a factory Thorfire and my D01 that both work this way. I really want to try a Zebralight, just can’t choke down the price.
I just don't like mechanical clicky switches no matter where they are located, they eat too much power and are failure-prone. I'd probably be fine with an e-switch in the tail but that's adding a bunch of clumsy complexity inside the light I'd rather not deal with either.
I like the combo!
Took my “Wall-E light” out of the cupboard today. Dual led in two reflectors so the head is wider, very easy to locate the side switch only two logical places to feel.
On others a clip at the exact opposite helps a lot
Well, my favorite UI consists of BOTH a tail switch for on-off and a side switch for changing modes (with mode memory). I like the simple, easy to find tail switch for turning the flashlight on and off. No fumbling around in the dark trying to find the switch. And I like the ease of the side switch when changing modes to adjust to whatever conditions might need a brighter beam.
For me a tail clicky is a must have on pocketable flashlights. If it is too big to pocket, then I prefer the side switch. I don’t own a flashlight with both…yet.
Even though my big thumbs have a tough time with tail-clickys they are my go-to switch. Too many inadvertant activation’s with side-switches. Side is OK for planned unhurried use though.
