yep.... the new style sucks!!! i bought a new one recently and it did the same thing. after pulling the tag it wouldnt work. played with it and got it to work but then could turn it off. so i pull the batteries when im done.
the old one's were better but the new one's are brighter or a need to change out batteries on the old one's
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oh..... by the way do not leave your promar light sticks out in the sun. it will discolor them, turning them black. they still work but not as bright. i did find out if you do expose them to too much sun, store them for a few months and some of the discoloration goes away