The traditional shape of a flashlight is form-follows-function as well as form-follows-technology, shaped around the cylindrical batteries they contain. These designs work well enough in the hand, but when placed on a surface, they have an unfortunate tendency to roll. Lighting equipment manufacturer Panther Vision has addressed that offline consideration and updated the form with an oval-shaped cross section.
Panther's patented "Unround" shape, as they call it, is manifested in their Flateye range of flashlights.
The LED Flateyes start at $70 for a 700-lumen model, stretching up to $300 for a 2,175-lumen rechargeable model. Check 'em out here.
Create a Core77 Account
Already have an account? Sign In
By creating a Core77 account you confirm that you accept the Terms of Use
Please enter your email and we will send an email to reset your password.
Comments
I have this flashlight and love its brightness and shape/feel. The only complaint is i hate the different light level options and the four or so times you have to press the "on" button turn the damn thing off . Usually i think its "off" but i find its in its low setting sitting in my pocket. When i need it.... its drained.
Not sure I understand the point of this article...? This is design news?? I already have several flat flashlights that work fine... this is nothing new. Might help if you showcase other flashlights that also have this same "non-round" design...... Fenix isn't the only player in the game..
I carry around a Fenix TK35UE, and while rolling hasn't been an issue for me, I do really like the flattened grip.