Handheld lights have come a long way, but few accessories have reshaped real‑world use as decisively as the Thyrm SwitchBack®. With the new SwitchBack 3.0 for the SureFire® EDC‑DFT Turbo series, Thyrm delivers its most refined blend of control, retention, and tactical efficiency to date.
Born from a small team focused on solving real‑world problems, the original SwitchBack quickly became a defining tool in low‑light work. Its ability to enhance control, retention, and weapon integration set a new standard—and the 3.0 pushes that standard even further for today’s EDC‑DFT flashlight users.
A Company Rooted in Innovation
Thyrm—pronounced thē‑ə‑rəm—was founded by Andrew Frazier with a mission to design tools that solve real problems for real users. The company’s name pays homage to Thyrm, the mythic Jötunn king who once stole Thor’s hammer. It’s a fitting symbol: bold, disruptive, and unapologetically functional.
From the beginning, Thyrm has operated with a simple philosophy: if a product doesn’t meaningfully improve performance, it doesn’t leave the drawing board. That mindset led to the creation of the original SwitchBack Flashlight Ring in 2014, developed in collaboration with Chris Costa of Costa Ludus. The design was unlike anything the industry had seen—part retention device, part ergonomic enhancer, part tactical interface.
It didn’t take long for the SwitchBack to become a staple among law enforcement officers, military professionals, and serious EDC enthusiasts. It’s an evolution in how handheld lights are used in real‑world conditions.
The SwitchBack Concept
Retention rings have been around for decades, but the SwitchBack fundamentally redefined their role. Rather than serving only to keep a flashlight attached to the hand, the SwitchBack introduced a patented system that enables users to maintain a natural two‑handed shooting grip while operating a handheld light. This innovation became known as the SwitchBack Technique, and it remains one of the most influential advancements in modern low‑light firearm integration.
Positioned between the flashlight body and tailcap, the SwitchBack forms a secure, rigid interface that significantly improves grip stability, speeds up deployment, and enhances retention during dynamic movement. It also supports better control during reloads and malfunction clearing, while offering versatility across multiple low‑light techniques, including Harries, Modified FBI, and Neck Index.
The polymer ring is engineered to rotate smoothly around the finger, allowing seamless transitions between tasks without compromising control or readiness.
For many users, the SwitchBack transformed the handheld flashlight from a simple illumination tool into a true tactical asset. Weapon‑mounted lights (WMLs) are invaluable, but they’re not always appropriate. You can’t draw a firearm every time you need illumination, and you certainly can’t rely on a WML for everyday tasks. A handheld light remains the most versatile illumination tool available.
The SwitchBack doesn’t replace a WML—it bridges the gap. It allows a handheld light to function in a WML‑like role when needed, while still serving as a practical EDC tool the rest of the time. That dual‑purpose capability is exactly why the SwitchBack has become so widely adopted.
The SureFire EDC‑DFT Platform
The dual‑output EDC1‑DFT and EDC2‑DFT are SureFire’s latest Turbo handhelds, representing the next step in the company’s push toward high‑candela performance. That progression began with the Turbo Scout Light Pro DFT head and continued with the X300‑T series, and the same design principles have now been applied to compact handheld lights.
As part of the Dual Fuel Turbo lineup, both models deliver the farthest‑reaching beams of any SureFire handhelds to date. I ultimately chose the EDC1‑DFT—an admittedly tough decision—but its shorter overall length made it the better option for pocket carry. When powered by an 18350 rechargeable lithium‑ion battery, the EDC1‑DFT produces a peak intensity of 95,000 candela on high output. It also features a useful 25-lumen low-output mode, ideal for close-up tasks and extending runtime.
The SwitchBack 3.0 for SureFire EDC‑DFT
SureFire’s EDC1‑DFT and EDC2‑DFT flashlights are among the most capable everyday‑carry lights available Thyrm’s new SwitchBack 3.0 EDC‑DFT is designed specifically to complement these models,
The SwitchBack 3.0 for the SureFire EDC‑DFT series is engineered to enhance the capability and carry performance of SureFire’s EDC1‑DFT and EDC2‑DFT flashlights, as well as any model equipped with a SureFire K68 tailcap. Thyrm developed this updated design to integrate seamlessly with these high‑output everyday‑carry lights, offering improved ergonomics, durability, and user control.
It has a refined, slim ring profile that streamlines pocket access while providing enhanced traction and a resettable breakaway feature for added safety. It features a premium deep‑carry wire clip, constructed from black nitride‑coated steel, positions the flashlight discreetly below the pocket line for secure, low‑visibility carry. The clip can be installed or removed according to user preference, and a color‑matched plug fills the dovetail slot when the factory clip is not in use. Users may also retain the original SureFire clip if desired.
Installation: Simple and Secure
Installing the SwitchBack 3.0 is straightforward:
Unscrew the flashlight’s tailcap.
Slide the SwitchBack onto the body.
Insert the included washer (required for EDC1‑DFT and EDC2‑DFT activation).
Reinstall the tailcap, ensuring the factory O‑rings remain in place.
Once mounted, the SwitchBack locks securely between the body and tailcap and will not detach during use.
A Broader Ecosystem of Options
Thyrm now offers eight distinct SwitchBack flashlight‑ring models, each engineered to accommodate a broad spectrum of today’s most popular handheld lights. To simplify selection, Thyrm provides intuitive fitment resources that guide users to the correct model for their specific flashlight, reducing guesswork and ensuring a precise, reliable match for nearly any setup.
This versatility makes the SwitchBack platform suitable for a wide range of users.This versatility makes the SwitchBack platform suitable for a wide range of users. Patrol officers benefit from improved retention and weapon‑light integration during high‑stress encounters. Concealed carriers gain a low‑profile, highly controllable light interface that supports defensive readiness without adding bulk. Everyday preparedness‑minded individuals appreciate the enhanced handling, secure carry, and technique flexibility the system provides. No matter your role or environment, there is a SwitchBack configuration tailored to support your lighting needs and operational style.
Final Thoughts
The SwitchBack 3.0 for SureFire EDC‑DFT is exactly what many EDC‑DFT carriers have been waiting for—myself included. By combining improved ergonomics, enhanced retention, and practical everyday utility, Thyrm has delivered a purpose‑built upgrade that far exceeds its modest price point. For anyone who relies on a SureFire EDC‑DFT, the SwitchBack 3.0 isn’t just an accessory. It’s a force multiplier.
It’s offered in three color options—Black, Tan, and Urban Grey. It has a MSRP of $29.9 and comes with a lifetime warranty. As with all Thyrm products, it’s designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA, reflecting a strong commitment to quality and domestic craftsmanship.
The company has a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return. If merchandise is being shipped into the European Union, you have the right to cancel or return your order within 14 days, for any reason and without justification. To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.