Core77
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.
I’m a lapsed industrial designer. I was born in NYC and figured I’d die there, but a few years ago I abandoned New York to live on a farm in the countryside with my wife. We have six dogs.
Webinar
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.
Panther Vision's "Unround" Flashlights Won't Roll
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.