by Dr. Jim and Mary Clary
Coast HP550 Flashlight test and product review
United States -(AmmoLand.com)- This flashlight is one of the newest entries from COAST in the full-size high-intensity field.
With a solid aluminum case and unbreakable LED, this unit is ideal for use around camp or in an RV. As with the COAST Polysteel 600 that we previously reviewed, the “Pure Beam” lumen output is virtually unmatched by others in the field
Coast HP550 Flashlight
The flood beam is clearly superior to anything we have tested and when coupled with the forward slide focus, you can quickly switch to a spot beam. Even when used with the spot beam, there is a clear outer flood ring allowing you to still see the broader area to the sides.
The push-button on/off switch at the back permits you to quickly change from the high lumen output to low lumen for conservation of battery power. The HP550 meets IPX4 Water Resistance and ANSI FL1 (drop) flashlight standards. Only one other flashlight that we have tested has ever met those standards and it did not put as much light on target as the HP550 . ANSI FL1 standard requires that the light withstand repeated 1 meter drops on hard surfaces and still function.
The specifications of the Coast HP550 Flashlight are:
- High Light Output: 1,075 lumens
- Beam Distance: 1,151 ft (351 m)
- Runtime: 6 hours 15 min
- Low Light Output: 53 lumens
- Beam Distance: 252 ft (77 m)
- Runtime: 108 hours
- Weight: 20.8 oz (589.66 g)
- Length: 9.55 in (24.25 cm)
- Batteries: 9x AAA
- ANSI/FL1 Rated
- Lifetime Warranty
- MSRP: $89.99
As we stated at the beginning, this flashlight is excellent for use around camps or in recreational vehicles. But, due to its size, weight and the number of batteries required, we can’t recommend the Coast HP550 Flashlight for backpackers or hunters venturing into the mountains.
For those individuals, we recommend the Coast Polysteel 600.
About Jim and Mary Clary:
Jim and Mary Clary have co-authored over three hundred and fifty articles, (and counting) on shooting and hunting. You can read many of them on AmmoLand News.
My son gave me the Coast HP550 for Christmas and loved it for it function. However I have run into a serious problem in its operation: I am not able to remove the back to replace the batteries. I have tried every which way and it will not budge.
Any body have the same problem? Solution?
It does come with a LIFETIME guarantee which is good. Who manufactures it so I can contact them. I tried the internet and was of no help! Thanks for an anticipated reply. Al ([email protected])