2013 Coast Catalog

[utlgoa]

I was afraid that Coast was going to have a hard time after splitting with Led Lenser, but there is nothing to worry about. Here is a link to their 2013 Catalog showing all the improvements and new flashlights. http://www.coastportland.com/catalogs/COAST-2013-Product-Catalog.pdf Pay close attention to the HP314 !

 

[utlgoa]

How about that HP314 ?

 

[StorminMatt]

In many ways, the HP314 looks like an appealing light if you are looking for a larger light with 1132 lumens. But what I couldn't help but notice about the HP314 is the MSRP of $350 on Coast's website. That's SERIOUSLY expensive, especially considering that a Fenix TK70 will blow it out of the water with 2200 lumens from a similar form factor for just a little over $200. Coast's perpetual problem has been the high cost of their lights. $350 is Surefire territory. Even if this is a good light (and I own a few Coast lights and know they are actually better than many here given them credit for), it's just WAYYYY to expensive for what you get.

If Coast wants to sell more lights, they need to do what the did with the HP550 they sold at Costco last winter - sell a winner of a light at a decent price. Getting a 1000 lumen light for $50 was more in line with other Chinese lights.

 

[bullinchinashop]

I like Coast lights but they are very seriously overpriced.
They also aren't all that bright .
I can get a light for $40 that's 400 lumens and uses an 18650. It can't be focused but still....

 

[StorminMatt]

I can get a light for $40 that's 400 lumens and uses an 18650. It can't be focused but still....

Admittedly, one of the good things about Coast is it provides an alternative to flashlights requiring Li-Ion batteries for those who don't want to use them. And this is kind of becoming a rare thing these days. Also, they're relatively common in brick and mortar stores, which spares you from the weeks-long waits involved with ordering stuff online from overseas. But even here, there are cheaper options. A good example would be the Defiant lights from Home Depot, which offer lumen outputs in the neighborhood of 500-600 for $20-$30.