I have FOUR Coast flashlights -- Two HP7s, an HP4, and an HP5.
It is immediately obvious that these are high-quality, well-constructed flashlights. This review covers the HP5 and the HP7 (this flashlight). The two are twins, having the same features and differing only in size and power. They both get five stars because of their useful features and their rock-solid construction.
Both the HP5 and the HP7 can focus to wide-angle, spot or anywhere in between. This ability is very handy. The wide-angle focus is great for general nearby illumination and the spot-focus is great for both long-distance viewing and close up detailed inspection. Focusing is a one-hand job. The head of the flashlights slide back and forth and can be readily manipulated with the hand holding the flashlight. I tend to use them in either of the extreme positions and don't bother with fine tuning them to intermediate focuses.
One odd thing. Of the three focusable Coast flashlights I have, the focus lock feature doesn't seem to work on any of them. It is supposed to be activated by rotating the head, but I cannot get ANY of them to rotate. I tried more than enough force -- a bit more than where it would be at all useful but way short of where I though something might break. Perhaps there is a trick to it I haven't fathomed. BUT, I did not mark these down because of that. The head slides snugly enough that it will stay right where you put it until deliberately changed. If the feature was never mentioned I certainly would not have felt a need for it.
Both lights can be in either bright or dim mode. The batteries last longer in dim mode and I have found that dim mode is plenty for many situations, especially indoors.
Water proof? I don't know but they are precision made and screw together tightly with rubber O-rings. They look like an occasional mistake won't harm them.
Power? If you are new to LED flashlights, or only familiar with the older style multi-bulb LED flashlights, you will be pleasantly surprised at how far things have come. The days of incandescent flashlights are over. Coast is at the forefront of this new technology. Both the HP5 and the HP7 are more powerful than my three-D-cell Maglite!
Which one to get? Well, if you want only one, probably the HP7, but I like the HP5 because it is smaller, lighter and therefore a little easier to handle. I keep the HP5 by my bed. I keep the HP7 in my car for emergency use. Here its extra power is appreciated.
| Special Feature | Durable |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Light Source Type | LED |
| Material | Aluminum |
| White Brightness | 360 Lumens |
| Included Components | Battery |
| Light Path Distance | 226 Meters |
| Battery Cell Composition | Alkaline |
| Item Weight | 7.2 Ounces |
| Number of Batteries | 4 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Brand | Coast |
| Brightness | 730 Lumens |
| Battery Description | LED |
| Runtime | 9 hours |
| Finish Type | Black |
| Manufacturer | COAST |
| Part Number | HP7 |
| Item Weight | 7.2 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 5.63 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | HP7 |
| Batteries | 4 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | HP7 (730 Lumens) |
| Finish | Black |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | Durable |
| Usage | personal |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Description Pile | LED |
| Warranty Description | Backed by coast's lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship. |
