There are advantages and disadvantages to both from a user standpoint. I have a Light Monkey that came with a soft handle. I added a Halcyon Goodman handle to it when my Halcyon bought the farm. I normally dive this as might light of choice. Currently, the cord needs replacing so I'm using a Finn Sub light with a soft handle. A soft handle wouldn't be considered DIR because you won't have the ability to easily switch hands or clip it and return it to use in the left hand as AJ stated.
The light head feels less secure with the soft handle. But, a soft handle does provide more of a "hands free" experience. Routing the light cord under the long hose before securing the light to the hand will eliminate the problem of having to un-X the crossed long hose and light cord during gas donation. You may want to illuminate the SPG as well because you will lose the ability to easily transfer the light to your right hand to shine light on your pressure gauge to view it. If you leave the light on the hand and reach for the SPG or rear dump valve be aware that you may inadvertently flash the light in the eyes of any divers following you. While not DIR more and more tech/cave divers are switching to soft handles because they come with many lights that are being purchased.
If you are having a problem with your hand being too small to comfortably wear a Goodman, chances are you could find an adjustment point on the soft handle that would allow you to grip it yet easily pull your hand out and it would allow you to perform skills the DIR way. I have to work my hand out, but it does so with little delay.
The light head feels less secure with the soft handle. But, a soft handle does provide more of a "hands free" experience. Routing the light cord under the long hose before securing the light to the hand will eliminate the problem of having to un-X the crossed long hose and light cord during gas donation. You may want to illuminate the SPG as well because you will lose the ability to easily transfer the light to your right hand to shine light on your pressure gauge to view it. If you leave the light on the hand and reach for the SPG or rear dump valve be aware that you may inadvertently flash the light in the eyes of any divers following you. While not DIR more and more tech/cave divers are switching to soft handles because they come with many lights that are being purchased.
If you are having a problem with your hand being too small to comfortably wear a Goodman, chances are you could find an adjustment point on the soft handle that would allow you to grip it yet easily pull your hand out and it would allow you to perform skills the DIR way. I have to work my hand out, but it does so with little delay.