When is too many options enough?

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Well I've got to say I've always been impressed with Fenix's, but this one seems over kill to me...
http://www.heinnie.com/product.asp?s=XYshbw13134&strParents=&CAT_ID=403&P_ID=4254

Now the up to 170 hour run time is damned impressive (I'm a treehugger remember ). But 12 modes

That's more than a little excessive to my mind

[Gareth]

I agree completely.  It looks a great torch but they could loose a few of the settings and it would still work just as well.  The 18lm for 37 hours sounds like a great light/runtime balance to me.

[nuphoria]

Ooh my, not one for the indecisive! :O

[Benner]

Nice looking light, but waaaaay too many options for me.  Why didn't they just stick a ramp up/down UI in it if they were that keen for all those levels? 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I can see the owners getting severe RSI in there thumbs

[rp252]

I've just got myself one of these (as soon as I pick it up from the sorting office), so be nice

I suppose 12 modes is a bit silly, but it should be cool... Fear my many output modes

You could always grab the TA20 - similar but with 'only' four output modes.

[Neil]

...
Fear my many output modes
...

  We do

I'd like a torch that did full, low and only just on but stays on so you can find it in the dark.  Does such a beast exist?

[Paul]

You can use one mode if you want...no extra charge for the others is there? 

Noticed this one on Heinnie today, it looks tempting.

[Benner]

You can use one mode if you want...no extra charge for the others is there? 

Well, yeah I expect there is actually.    It must be factored into the price somewhere to have that UI.

[jzmtl]

Nice looking light, but waaaaay too many options for me.  Why didn't they just stick a ramp up/down UI in it if they were that keen for all those levels? 

That's essentially what it is. As you rotate the ring it ramp up and down.

[Benner]

Nice looking light, but waaaaay too many options for me.  Why didn't they just stick a ramp up/down UI in it if they were that keen for all those levels? 

That's essentially what it is. As you rotate the ring it ramp up and down.

Essentially it is yes, but with 12 modes you'd have thought they would have gone the way Nitecore did and just ramp it up to any non-preset level.

[jzmtl]

Nice looking light, but waaaaay too many options for me.  Why didn't they just stick a ramp up/down UI in it if they were that keen for all those levels? 

That's essentially what it is. As you rotate the ring it ramp up and down.

Essentially it is yes, but with 12 modes you'd have thought they would have gone the way Nitecore did and just ramp it up to any non-preset level.

Instant access. You know what you are getting by simply rotate it to desired level without going through all the ramping and stuff. Also the separation of on/off and level switching mechanism. I'm a fan of this set up, although it does add some bulk to the light.

[Neil]

Nice looking light, but waaaaay too many options for me.  Why didn't they just stick a ramp up/down UI in it if they were that keen for all those levels? 

That's essentially what it is. As you rotate the ring it ramp up and down.

Essentially it is yes, but with 12 modes you'd have thought they would have gone the way Nitecore did and just ramp it up to any non-preset level.

I like the idea of the ring, the Nitecore UI annoyed me

[rp252]

Nice looking light, but waaaaay too many options for me.  Why didn't they just stick a ramp up/down UI in it if they were that keen for all those levels? 

That's essentially what it is. As you rotate the ring it ramp up and down.

Essentially it is yes, but with 12 modes you'd have thought they would have gone the way Nitecore did and just ramp it up to any non-preset level.

I like the idea of the ring, the Nitecore UI annoyed me

I find the ramp function on torches annoying at times.  Too slow, so I'm looking forward to seeing how the ring selector holds up.  I'll get some pics up as soon as I get the thing from the post office

[Paul]

You can use one mode if you want...no extra charge for the others is there? 

Well, yeah I expect there is actually.    It must be factored into the price somewhere to have that UI.

Yeah, I know what you mean - I should of said you don't have to pay Surefire type money for those features.

[Benner]

You can use one mode if you want...no extra charge for the others is there? 

Well, yeah I expect there is actually.    It must be factored into the price somewhere to have that UI.

Yeah, I know what you mean - I should of said you don't have to pay Surefire type money for those features.

Yeah that's true. 

[Nightshade]

...
Fear my many output modes
...

  We do

I'd like a torch that did full, low and only just on but stays on so you can find it in the dark.  Does such a beast exist?

Yep, there is the Novatac/Hds line with it's locator beacon.
There is the Eternalight line with its Nightbeacon on some models. http://www.techass.com/el/elxray/xraypic.php#nightbeacon
My favorite is the AA Photon Pro, I just turn the single red 3mm led on and turn the light on it's side. Good for weeks or more and very easy to find at any time of night.

[prime77]

As long has the user interface is good and the light is easy to use I don't mind many levels.