Coast Products designs and markets reasonably priced LED flashlights, multi-tools, and pocketknives. I am testing their new HP7 model that has some features I really like in a handheld search light.
The HP7 is an LED flashlight with an anodized aluminum barrel, rubber rear switch, and a spot to flood focusing head. The light is larger than most handhelds, measuring 5.54” in length, 1.24” in body diameter, and 1.49” in head diameter. The light weighs a solid 7.2 ounces, with batteries.
Light output is 251 lumens on high and 58 lumens on low. The HP7 uses 4 X AAA batteries for run times of 5 hours 45 minutes on high and 10 hours on low. It is water resistant to 1 meter for 30 minutes and impact resistant.
Coast’s HP7 has what they call a “pure beam focusing optic system with fingertip speed focus control.” I found this means the head of the light easily slides forward and back for beam focus. Turning the head clockwise locks the head in any setting.
The spot focus has a very distinct strong center beam and a smaller peripheral throw. Opening up the focus to flood produces a shadow-free circle of light that is very large in diameter. This is where this light excels. I like the clean bright illumination the HP7 sends in this mode.
The rear of the aluminum barrel has a raised slot for a lanyard, which is provided. The tail cap is protected by the sides of the barrel and has a meaty, textured rubber button. The design allows for the light to be placed in a standing position with the beam shining upward.
A momentary function is built into the rear button, which also cycles between high and low with a soft touch and clicks into either mode with a firmer push. I found the button to be very intuitive and easy to master. Included in the box with the light and lanyard is a flapped nylon sheath, which can be fitted to a belt or MOLLE webbing.
I like the fact this flashlight uses conventional AAA batteries, as opposed to other costlier and more difficult to find ones (you know what I mean). The HP7 and sheath are sturdy and well made. I find the flood beam very good for search work because it evenly illuminates a large area, without the “Blair Witch Project” constant movement of a narrower focus.
The HP7’s 251 lumens are more than adequate for general use and about a hundred lumens more than most commonly used LED lights. One thing I will say about my test model is that the locking function worked well in all but the spot focus. When I locked the light in the spot, the beam opened a bit from its tightest pattern, though this was a minor concern.
A sweep of the Internet found the Coast Product’s HP7 for sale at several retailers for less than fifty bucks. Niceshh!
Randall is a twenty-four year sworn police officer in a mid-sized Florida police department. He likes things that light up the darkness.
[Ed. note: The Coast HP7 is currently available on Amazon.com for $45.50. Purchasing through this link helps us defray our costs.]
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Man that is a pretty nice light – 5.5 hours on high with 4 AAA batteries?? That is pretty incredible! I need something a little more pocketable (since I’m a normal dude, not a police officer) but this strikes me as a nice light to have around in case of an emergency too. Thanks for the great review.
Yeah, Dan this is more of a house or truck (car) light. It is a little large, but it is versatile. Thanks for the comments!
Randall
If you are going to but several flash lights check the web sight chinavision. Shipping is high coming from china but if you are buying several lights or other security related items it could same you some cash. They sell Cree flashlights, cree makes almost everyones led bulbs. I bought seven for christmas presents and have nine more ordered. Delivery has been less than a week, they have shipped the same day as ordered.
I just checked the sight and one of the lights I gave away at christmas is back in stock. Model CVGF-LT11, pocket size and 180 lumens, adjustable beam under $11. Shipping has been running me about $45 so ordering just one is not much of a deal. I ordered nine larger lights this time and shipping was $47.
I had never heard of Coast before this article. Now I just got a flyer in the mail about two new items that are going to be presented at SHOT SHOW 2012. One is the Rapid-Response Blade-Assist Knife, and the other is the High Performance HP21 LED flashlight. That light is a patrol type light that takes 4 D-cell batteries, but puts out 1317 Lumens!