I am not sure why, but I love flashlights. That’s why when we had a chance to review two flashlights by Coast, I was rather excited. The two flashlights are the Headlamp and the HP7 Titanium LED flashlight.
I can’t say I have ever used or needed a headlamp light, but this one is pretty cool. For the guy who is on a ladder or doesn’t have a free hand, this would be a great fit. The strap is an adjustable elastic band which fits most heads and most helmets. On the top of the light, there is a push button to turn the light on and off. One key feature is that the light is also adjustable to tilt down, so the user can point the light where ever they need to. On the back of the band, there is a small box that sits on the back of your head or helmet. There is a nice switch that allows the user to adjust the brightness of the light, from very dim to bright. We are happy they have this feature that allows the user to easily adjust the brightness. That way if you are working around something that is reflective, you can dim the light down, so it’s not blinding you in the eyes. Overall the light is very comfortable on your head. However it would be nice if the box had a small curve to it that would fit your head a little better. Not that it is uncomfortable, but just for future design thoughts.
Okay, now the HP7 Titanium light. I love this light. First, it comes in a great pouch that you can button or Velcro to your belt or anything else you desire. The outside of the light is made from a light aluminium casing with resistance to rust and corrosion. Want a tough light? This is it. Coast indicated this light features an unbreakable LED and rubberized O-ring, plus it’s water resistant. Okay, let’s get on with the cool features of this light. One item I really like is the one handed operation. The on/off push button is on the back of the light. You can easily turn it on or off with your pinky finger. Once the light is on, you can use your thumb and index finger to adjust the brightness of the light. The slide system is so easy and smooth to use. Once you have the ideal light condition, just turn the head of the light and it locks into place. Yes it is that easy. The pattern of the light is very nice. The wide beam and spot beam give off a nice light with no dark circles.
I am sure you are curious about some of the stats of this light so here we go:
- Light output – 251 Lumens on high, 58 Lumens on low
- Run time – 5 hrs 45 minutes on high, 10 hours on low
- Beam distance – high 642 ft, low 216 ft.
- uses 4 AAA which are included
- 7.2 ounces
- 5.54″ length.
Overall this is a great light. One of the best we have tested. Very easy to use. We like how the whole light can be used with one hand.
Coast makes a GREAT light – I love mine
Eric–I agree with you that headlamps don’t come into play very often. But, if you’re working in a confined space (underneath a sink) or in a space where it would be difficult to place a regular flashlight so that it was at the right height, they can come in handy. I keep one in my car for the time when I’m driving at night and have engine trouble, or have to change a flat tire in the dark. It frees up your hands so that you can concentrate on the task at hand. It’s like a first-aid kit or jumper cables; you rarely need or even think about them, but it’s on hand if the emergency arises.
I also love flashlights and have a bunch of them, big and small, short and tall,
head lamps and hand held, some with magnets some with none, always looking for
that new flashlight. Guess I better get this one too.
The headlamp looks really cool!
One-handed designs are always a plus. and the small box on the headlamp would be nice if it was a little smaller, but from experience running wires in attics, I’d rather have the brightness feature. I can’t tell you how many times the batteries start to go on a headlamp with only 15 mins or less of work to do and this could save the trip to the truck/store. I’m a fan of quality products so i will look into these!
Matt brings up an important reminder about batteries starting to go on a headlamp with only 15 minutes of work left. Always carry a spare set of batteries for each flashlight (AA, AAA, C or D), and check their expiration dates regularly. Also, keep that spare set out of direct sunlight and heat for longer life (the trunk of your car is probably a better place than the glovebox).