Place a tab of paper inside the flashlight at the battery contacts. Easy to remove when you want to use it. I use this for long term storage of all my flashlights.

Streamlight makes some very nice headlamps for not a lot of money.

... and I'm out. I'd want to be able to trade run-time against brightness. Also, I think 100L is pretty bright for most of my EDC uses. Indoors, 7L is usually more than adequate, and outdoors around 30L.

I think you're being unambitious here. I have a Zebralight SC600 Mk II L2 that is 4" by 1" and produces 1,100L. OK it's a bit wider, but also a bit shorter. Generally I think brightness should go by multiples of three: 0.3L, 1L, 3L, 10L, 30L, 100L, 300L, 1000L. To the human eye, 200L EDC isn't that much brighter than 100L keychain.

Over-all it sounds like you are very keen on tactical or combat-oriented lights. That's not for me.

If you are a LEO,then a tactical light, especially one that is extremely bright, might be just the ticket. I agree that for most "normal" purposes, run time beats brightness, especially over 200 lumens. YMMV, which is why there are so many models available.

I checked the other day, and I only have thirteen headlamps. That is an unlucky number, so I had better start shopping....

See my previous points about utilizing interchangeable tailcap electronics. Basically, each model would be a fully customizable flashlight that you get to build without having to purchase aftermarket parts for.

Also, the tactical tailcap would be the base model since it would be the cheapest and easiest to make. You could add any assortment of modes you desire.

I'm still amazed by the Doug Ritter lights; excellent. Only thing I'd like is a red beam option. A photon with that is on the way from the US.

For now I got from Wilko in the UK; their own head lamp with 2 bright white LEDs and a tiny red one. If you want to use as little light as possible the red one would be ideal since you won't lose your night sight.
Only £3 and I've found Wilko stuff decent quality.

How many lumens is the Doug Ritter light by the way?

qjs

This thread seems to be more about inventing a new tactical light, the one you can use for torchering an assailant as D.Ritter has already perfected in the peaceful pocket EDC department and the Petzl e+Light - in the head lamp's one.

Confirming, in the true darkness (no moon,no distant city lights reflecting from the clouds) I'm often using a piece of masking tape over the red LED of my Petzl e+Lite to avoid blinding myself when working in the close quarters.

By the way, could you provide a link to that Wilko headlamp? Can't seem to find it online from down here.

A 'tactical light' is not what the original question asked.

And what I meant by praising Dougs light, is that it has the features of a perfect light. One of those items that just keeps getting better. Even the clip is a world beater; I've stoppped losing things off my keyring.

Wilko headlamp:
http://www.wilko.com/camping-equipment-and-essentials/wilko-3-led-headtorch/invt/0408494

qjs

Raising an old thread from the dead just to say "I found a Streamlight flashlight!" Someone lost a ProTac 2L on a local and it's mine now. It didn't work at first but replacing the batteries fixed that. Came here to do a little research on the programmable settings, since I know you guys know your lights.

I've never had such an expensive light before, and probably wouldn't have ever bought one. Big difference from my standard DR micro photon, cheapo 3AAA LEDs and my old mini Mag. WOW! It's going to be EDC now.

And I have to tell you.... I get it now.

Goggle and see if there might be an on-line manual? Often there is...I am not familiar with that brand/model.....

Otherwise, just start punching buttons and write your own. Might take a while. Typically there are about three brightness levels and strobe/ flashing modes also available.