I hate mode memory, and does anyone like it?

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I kinda like how a memory mode can turn a 2am bedside table number into a general purpose light or even a back yard sweeper. My little Rofis R2 for example can be 'memoried' to turn on at some 5-7 lumens at 2am for the call of nature light. But if I decide to use it at some point as a hobby light for shining into shadows or fill light for still life photos when I push the on button it does that. If I choose to hang it on a nail by my back door for checking what the hounds are barking at or as a bad guy blinder, again push on button and there ya go.

To me it's more about changing to a preferred setting that matters more than memory itself or not. Actually I prefer the twist head high or low approach. Counter clockwise leaves said light on low. Clockwise to high. Trouble is not many lights use that anymore.

When I turn on my SureFire E1 with a warm SingLED it's nice that it remembered that I prefer about 25 lumens, just like the old light bulb used to be. Another half press to engage high or it can be set where the next half press is on super-low. Sure for that light it's a nice feature. But when I hit the on button to my Elzeta Bones all I want is max output and that's all I get. So like any other tool, I purchase certain lights for certain uses and still have a few adjustable tools in the tool chest.
 
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If you need a tactical light (one mode, max-blast), then get one.

For general use, if you have a programmable light, then mode memory is a good thing, because it's a useful shortcut to avoid going through many possibilities. The Emisar system gives you many output levels accessible by click-and-hold and ramping up (or down, depending). But with mode memory, just one press gives you the output you prefer.

On giving up the HDS to get a rotary UI from Jeatbeam, HDS also has a rotary version which works great in my opinion.
 
If the light is predictable, then I can set whatever level I want before I even pull it out of the holster. Mode memory sabotages that.

I have a small number of lights that have memory and I find that it helps if I think of them as programmable single-mode lights rather than multi-mode lights, but I'd much prefer that they didn't have memory at all.

--flatline
 
I like it....but then I usually remember to put the light into its lowest mode prior to shut off. I can see the case where you would not want it though.
 
If you're doing a task that requires a certain level of output, but you don't want to leave the light on continuously, mode memory is quite useful. Otherwise, you end up scrolling through other modes just to get back to the desired level.

That problem can also be remedied by a rotary mechanism, an SHO type light, or a UI with direct access.

For me, anything is better than scrolling.
 
flashy bazook said:
On giving up the HDS to get a rotary UI from Jeatbeam, HDS also has a rotary version which works great in my opinion.
Click to expand...

I sold my HDS Rotary because I did not like the 24 hops in brightness. I also felt it was a waste to have the first half of the dial, 12 hops, all below 2 lumens. I also prefer that the jetbeam has a lower low, and higher high than HDS. The jetbeam also has a screw on pocket clip, that HDS lacks.

The Jetbeam Rotary is continuous smooth ramping, no hops. Totally different experience than the HDS Rotary hops.

With the Jetbeam I can ramp up and down smoothly, with the HDS I felt like I was getting strobed each time I turned the dial up or down. (so I would close my eyes when I changed the dial)

The HDS Clicky mode memory can be turned on and off, I liked that I could turn it off.

The HDS Rotary has mode memory too, the button can be turned on and off without changing the position of the dial.
I liked that I could always turn the rotary dial all the way down before turning on.

The Jetbeam has no mode memory, although, it can be turned on and off without changing the position of the dial also, by using physical lockout (unscrew the body slightly). I seldom do that, because the Jetbeam Rotary UI is so fluid and intuitive, and so easy to fine tune smoothly, no hops.

the sunwayman V11r has a smooth rotary dial, like the RRT-01.
plus the V11r has a button, like an HDS, so the light has a form of memory, in that the dial can be left in the previously used position and the button can just be clicked on and off. Like a single mode light with a programmable starting point. (that is also how Anduril electronic ramping works, it clicks on and off at the last used ramp position, which is basically Last Mode Memory)

I asked ToyKeeper to add an optional feature to Anduril, that would allow it to always turn on at the same user selected level. Of course all these features require having an intimate relationship with a button, and an understanding of the UI, that relies on operator training and reading a manual.

Button UIs are so yesterday, to me. ;-)
SmoothInfiniteRamping (SIR) w no memory, and no button ForMyWin
 
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jon_slider said:
.... Button UIs are so yesterday, to me. ;-)

SmoothInfiniteRamping (SIR) w no memory, and no button ForMyWin
Click to expand...

This is an example of one of the issues I find so fascinating about CPF .... HDS Rotary vs JETBeam RRT-01 .... Some find these UI nearly identical, while others find them to be totally different :twothumbs
 
archimedes said:
This is an example of one of the issues I find so fascinating about CPF .... HDS Rotary vs JETBeam RRT-01 .... Some find these UI nearly identical, while others find them to be totally different :twothumbs
Click to expand...

I think the HDS offers the best of both for me and I have never felt that I was being "Strobed" when turning the dial but I do take comfort in knowing that I am able to set and expect set steps of output that I can count on.

I also had the Jetbeam turn itself on in pocket which I can not live with more than anything else.

I did like the Clip though.
 
After reading this thread I am starting to appreciate the simplicity of my Surefire 6P/Malkoff drop in or my MD's with hi/lo switch.
 
340pd said:
After reading this thread I am starting to appreciate the simplicity of my Surefire 6P/Malkoff drop in or my MD's with hi/lo switch.
Click to expand...

But you have to remember if the head of the light is tightened for high mode or loosened for low.

Just kidding. There's much to be said for simplicity.
 
I don't like mode memory either. Lately I have been carrying simple one,two or three mode light lights. I would rather have a light turn on the same every time,usually starting with the lowest mode.The bezel twist like the Malkoff HD also works well for me.
 
You can look at it from the other side - remembering in what position the memory is one of the many lanterns with memory without explicitly pointing to the memory mode (like SF Ultra 2) helps prevent alzheimer's (probably) :)

I like all types of controls, but depending on the task. Most unpleasant thing is when a task occurs, and the flashlight is at hand for a completely different task, so I like walk a this guy, only with different flashlights

 
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