Looks like it was due for an update, as the HP14 flashlight now has quite a bit more power, with its high output setting an impressive 629 lumens. When you only need to see at normal distances, and not a couple of football fields away, the low setting is good for an output of 52 lumens. There’s no strobe setting, as most consumers really only need the two settings for the majority of the time anyway, so switching between them with the rubberized tailcap switch is easy enough.
Of course, the HP14 still has the Pure Beam Focusing Optic System, which is only from Coast. And there’s also the Slide Focus Control, which offers great beam consistency when going from spot to flood. This feature ensures that there are no dark rings like those usually found on less expensive focusing beam flashlights. We like the Bulls Eye spot beam pattern, no matter which Coast flashlight we’re using. It provides a nice focused spot, but has almost like a halo floodlight effect too. This allows you to see your subject, but also what’s lurking on either side. It works great for spotting wildlife, much better than a pure spot would. On the HP14, the beams projects out to a max of 754 feet (or 230 meters, for our metric friends).
At 8.38 inches long, and weighing 14.2 ounces, this is a fairly substantial light. It’s not too huge, yet I wouldn’t want to carry it for long periods, even though it’s got a nice balanced feel to it. On high, the run time out of the included 4 AA batteries is 1 hour, 45 minutes, which is pretty good for 629 lumens . From a consumer standpoint, it makes sense to go with this common cell, rather than the 18650 which is becoming more popular, but still not as widely available.
Coast flashlights are tested and rated to ANSI/FL1 standards by an independent laboratory. They are also made to last, which is why the HP14 is constructed from aluminum, as it provides light weight in a durable, and impact-resistant housing for the unbreakable LED bulb. The black finish resists external corrosion, while a rubberized O-ring keeps the inside dry and moisture-free. Every Coast flashlight is backed by a lifetime warranty which covers defects in materials and workmanship, which is not something we have had to put to the test, even though we have been reviewing and abusing them for years. coastportland.com
– Brian
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the COAST HP14 Focusing LED Flashlight for free from Coast Portland in consideration for review publication.