Some have many modes (high-mid-low beam, fade output, lock switch,... A lot) but most only have 1 push button - the combination of hold / click / double-triple click can get complicated.

My Thrunite has "only" 4 main functions that I use, and probably at least 2 or 3 more that I am not aware of.

Disclaimer: I'm a tech for theatre, I live in the dark and use it all the time!

No, I don't get the gender part either. Tho I would go with rechargeable for someone not used to them, it's easier to plug when needed rather than cry because the batteries are dead and the shop is closed.

[–] Hexamerous@hexbear.net 20 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Modern flashlight: click click click click and hold

Traditional flashlight: click

[–] reallyzen@lemmy.ml 6 points 1 day ago

Mine's not bad: Long press will activate 2lm crawl-like-a-ninja mode, single-click activates Last State of normal operation, and back button bangs the 2000lm output

When switched on "normal", long press will fade up or down

It took a bit of research I must say

[–] TraschcanOfIdeology@hexbear.net 12 points 1 day ago (3 children)

My thoughts exactly. How many buttons/functions does a flashlight need?

[–] reallyzen@lemmy.ml 11 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Serious, use everyday:

ultra-low 2lm output for crawling in aisles, not bothering/disturbing anyone
ultra-high 2000lm for pointing at things, and for emergency illumination where the brightest, the best (point at ceiling to not blind anyone)
fade-up or down the mid-range for general work situations where ambiant light isn't sufficient (or you're just getting old, uh)

Some people would argue about the strobe and S.O.S functions out in nature, or even sell the 2000lm as defence against aggression

[–] TraschcanOfIdeology@hexbear.net 3 points 1 day ago

Ok then I see that now. I guess I don't use flashlights that much to think about feature rich ones.

[–] EmoThugInMyPhase@hexbear.net 5 points 1 day ago

Very low, low, medium, high, turbo

Enthusiast/custom lights may have more complicated lights that have different patterns, custom programming, presets, etc

[–] Rai@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

The instructions for my Emisar flashlights look like a map to a pirate’s treasure but in space

[–] TraschcanOfIdeology@hexbear.net 2 points 1 day ago

That's crazy. All my experience with flashlights has been off-mid-high at the most complex.