The folks at CoastPortland periodically send me their knives and flashlights to review and evaluate. A few weeks ago they sent me their Coast HP14 LED Flashlight. I kept thinking… boy could I have used this during the Hurricane Sandy power outage.
The last time I have the pleasure of testing a CoastPortland flashlight was a year ago when I fell in love with their Coast HP7 Flashlight. Coast makes professional grade, impact and water resistant flashlights that can stand up to the demands of public safety, and construction professionals. Because I had enjoyed the HP7 so much I could only hope that the HP14 [twice the number 7] would prove be twice the flashlight.
Coast HP14 LED Flashlight First Impression:
Right out of the box I noticed that the HP14 flashlight has a larger casing and is longer than the HP 7 and is also way, way brighter!
The best part of these Coast LED flashlights is that fact the that run on commonly available and reasonable priced AA batteries. Making it a versatile and affordable lighting option.
The HP14 has a two position, quick cycle switch allows you to select between a high light output [339 lumens] and low light output [56 lumens] allowing you to choose the level of light needed.
Coast’s uses what they call a “Pure Beam Focusing Optic System” with a “Fingertip Speed Focus Control.” What does that mean?
Well the optic system emits consist light from spot to flood, with no dark rings typically associated with focusing flashlights. The HP14 is focuses by pulling the lens head in or out.
My favorite part of the lighting optic is the “Bulls Eye” spot beam pattern which provides gives a super focus, bright spot light and an outter halo or less light.
Law enforcement folks will love this “officer safety” feature as it allows you to place a super bright and debilitating light into a suspects eyes and the halo light allows you to observe the suspects hands, feet, surrounding area, etc. On building searches the spot light illuminates the officers area of focus, up to 574 feet, while the halo illuminates the peripheral areas. The best of both worlds.
The HP14 has a durable impact-resistant, lightweight aluminum casing that will resists rust and corrosion. Tested and rated to ANSI/FL1 standards, the HP14 also features an unbreakable LED and rubberized O-ring for reliable water resistance and durability. It also has a lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship.
Coast HP14 LED Flashlight Features:
- Light output: High – 339 lumens; Low – 56 lumens
- Runtime: High – 4 hours 45 minutes; Low – 20 hours
- Beam distance: High – 175 meters (574 ft); Low – 36 meters (118 ft)
- Impact and water resistant casing. 8.38 inch length
- 4 X AA batteries are included to allow for immediate use
Overall Impression:
With a very reasonable cost and exceptional value this flashlight is top notch. And for those wondering if the HP 14 outperformed the HP7. Yes it did!
I have been using the Coast HP14 LED Flashlight for week and recently used it working inside my very dark tool trailer for several hours. I used the HP14 for 3.5 hours with no visible reduction in the light output.
Everyone who sees this light comments either on the quality of the beam, how bright it is or the bright halo effect of the lens.
I’ve been using flashlights on a daily basis for almost 25 years. The Coast HP14 LED Flashlight [powered with 4 AA batteries] competes with the competitor high cost, rechargeable law enforcement quality flashlights that are on the market – at half the price.
Recommended.
How Much And Where To Buy:
The Coast HP14 High Performance Focusing 339 Lumen LED Flashlight can be purchased online for $ 52.00 here: Coast-HP14-Performance-Focusing-Flashlight