Coast flashlight find

[PacificMoon]

The other day I was looking in the trunk of a used car I bought recently for something. With the (topmost) trunk cover removed, having climbed (partially) into the (large) trunk and using my Pelican 2360, I found a Coast HP5R between the back of the backseats and the trunk (together with a pen, some screws and some junk). The original Coast lithium-ion battery (with micro USB connector built-in) was dead and it seems like it won't charge anymore. Apparently you can buy a new one for $12 (backorder though) but I discovered it also takes alkaline AAs, so I may just put an Energizer EN91 (since they expire in 2030 anyway I may as well get started with using them up) or Energizer lithium primary AA in there. There is some debris behind the lens (on the edges) but hopefully it will still work well enough to be usable.

I am going put my Pelican 2360 in the dashboard compartment of my car since lately I have been coming home after dark and I suspect this will continue with my work schedule being what it is. I live in a rural area now where there are coyotes, mountain lions and bats (don't get me started on those...) so I appreciate the utility of flashlights (as well as the high beams of my car) a bit more than before. Anyway, since the Pelican will be in my car permanently (probably also a good idea in case I get a flat tire or other car trouble), the Coast will be my new outdoor flashlight that is stored indoors, which is great because I won't have to spend money to buy a new flashlight (money is pretty tight right now).

Hope some will find this story mildly interesting at least...

 

[bykfixer]

Good find.
The ultimate lithium is the way to go. You can also use an eneloop rechargeable aa.

And if it turns out that it doesn't work, contact Coast via email, tell them your situation and there's a good chance they'll send you a replacement light.

 

[gurdygurds]

ANY found flashlight is a cool flashlight in my opinion. I have a hard time leaving one light in one spot but I really need to. I go back and forth between headlamp, handheld, or no light in my car but have a keychain light. A dedicated car light with ultimate lithium is definitely a smart idea. Maybe toss in a small crowbar to bash those mountain lions and coyotes if they try getting frisky with ya.

 

[PacificMoon]

ANY found flashlight is a cool flashlight in my opinion. I have a hard time leaving one light in one spot but I really need to. I go back and forth between headlamp, handheld, or no light in my car but have a keychain light. A dedicated car light with ultimate lithium is definitely a smart idea. Maybe toss in a small crowbar to bash those mountain lions and coyotes if they try getting frisky with ya.

Would it be safe to have an Ultimate Lithium in a light that is stored in the dashboard compartment and therefore exposed to considerable heat? I live in the high desert so it does get fairly hot here in the summer, although certainly not as hot as in the low deserts of California and Arizona. I was thinking maybe an alkaline would be a better choice (or Eneloop NiMH but NiMHs are not listed as supported by this flashlight, so I would be worried about the 1.2V). I have quite a few EN91s that I bought in 2021 for an emergency situation but as they will expire in 2030 it may be time to start using up some of them.

 

[gurdygurds]

Would it be safe to have an Ultimate Lithium in a light that is stored in the dashboard compartment and therefore exposed to considerable heat? I live in the high desert so it does get fairly hot here in the summer, although certainly not as hot as in the low deserts of California and Arizona. I was thinking maybe an alkaline would be a better choice (or Eneloop NiMH but NiMHs are not listed as supported by this flashlight, so I would be worried about the 1.2V). I have quite a few EN91s that I bought in 2021 for an emergency situation but as they will expire in 2030 it may be time to start using up some of them.

I believe that ultimate lithium are the way to go if your light will be exposed to extreme temps.