Lets Set The Record Straight About Coast Flashlights

[Holepuncher]

The recent post here "which manufacturers overrate their lumens? " got me thinking. Every time there is a post like that, the first name to come up is Coast. I dont get it. I have 5 coast lights and I'm not saying they are anything spectacular but - exaggerated lumens ratings? No way! The lights in the picture below are rated 12, 15, 100, 22, and 167 for the Coasts and 180, 120 and 10 for the Fenix lights. The 12 lumen coast is brighter than the fenix E01 by a small margin. The 15 Lumen coast in my eyes seems about twice as bright as the E01. The 100 lumen Coast is probably in the ballpark. The Fenix E01 is the dimmest of this bunch. Lets see who is exaggerating their lumens - Fenix or Coast. Anyone want to venture a guess as to which is the brightest of these lights?

 

[FlashCrazy]

Re: Lets Set The Record Staight About Coast Flashlights

I've found Coast's lumens ratings to be accurate, and they seem to be honest "out the front" ratings. They do have an integrating sphere, so this doesn't surprise me. Now, if they could just list accurate useable runtimes. :candle: Coast's biggest problem is that they make such a wide variety of lights --from keychain models to Multi-Cree LED models-- that there are some great models, and some not so great models. The models I've always loved are the LL7736 and LL7438, and their new P Series lights. Love those optics!

 

[djblank87]

Re: Lets Set The Record Staight About Coast Flashlights

They do have an integrating sphere, so this doesn't surprise me. Now, if they could just list accurate useable runtimes. !

Yep, they pretty much have it dialed in other than there runtime claims.

 

[greenLED]

Re: Lets Set The Record Staight About Coast Flashlights

Coast lights generally use optics, for a more collimated beam than the reflector-based Fenix. A collimated beams seem brighter, but the total amount of light generated is a different story.

Ever wonder why 5mm LED brightness is rated in mcd? Look at the beam angles. Those with narrower beams are "brighter" (not really, a narrower beam that looks brighter).

 

[Kiessling]

Re: Lets Set The Record Staight About Coast Flashlights

To be fair, it seems that LED Lenser has greatly improved over the last years. Many of us, me included, still remember the old days though. :green:
bernie

 

[greenLED]

Re: Lets Set The Record Staight About Coast Flashlights

To be fair, it seems that LED Lenser has greatly improved over the last years. Many of us, me included, still remember the old days though. :green:
bernie

Thanks, Bernie. If that's the case, I'll have to qualify my previous comment. I'm still in the :green: bandwagon.

 

[Kiessling]

Re: Lets Set The Record Staight About Coast Flashlights

Your previous comment was dead on. Although I really would have liked to :devil:, I didn't target your post with my remark but the general bad attitude about LED Lenser lights, including my own
bernie

 

[Hitthespot]

I was not around here in the old days so I am not skewed by the old LED Lenser lights. I don't know that I would have ever purchased one based on the comments around here. The two I have were given to me for reviews. I must admit I am almost as happy with the P14 as I have been with any light. It throws farther than any light I have, battery run time is amazing(around 4 hours I've gotton) the UI is simple, and the wide spot setting is much better than any mag light I ever owned, yet it is smaller than a 2D mag. The only thing I don't care for is the tint (very very cool white) and it is still too big for lengthy carry.

If you would like to try a new one (P14) Bernie I would be happy to send you mine.

Bill

 

[pulstar]

Well, im quite new in the flashaholic's world and don't know much about flashlights, but i must say that lenser's lumen ratings are completely comparable with ratings of other manufacturers, maybe even better. Yes, their lack of regulation is, ofcourse, annoying for some, but with ni-mh cells they become quite good. Atleast my p5 does. 4-5 hours of runtime without noticable dimming. And their focusing systems are awesome: i think best on the market

It's not the ultimate torch, i just want to say, that they aren't so bad as you think they are. Atleast give them a chance and try not to flame every thread which contains Led/coast/lenser word(maybe not in exact same order)

 

[Kiessling]

Bill ... thanx for the offer, but I will buy one or two this year, I am sure. I just didn't have the time to decide which one.
LED Lenser rehabilitation

 

[Gunner12]

Well, at least in the past LEDlensers were overpriced, under built, under performing, and overall not that good, except for a few models.

Now it seems like they have changed. Seem like they learned.

But still remember that a brighter hotspot can make a dimmer light seem brighter. Not saying that their lumen rating is off but I would still like to see testing of how accurate it is(probably has been posted somewhere around here).

They still post misleading runtimes though.

 

[Hitthespot]

Bill ... thanx for the offer, but I will buy one or two this year, I am sure. I just didn't have the time to decide which one.
LED Lenser rehabilitation

Fair enough.:thumbsup:

Bill

 

[Holepuncher]

Re: Lets Set The Record Staight About Coast Flashlights

I've found Coast's lumens ratings to be accurate, and they seem to be honest "out the front" ratings. They do have an integrating sphere, so this doesn't surprise me. Now, if they could just list accurate useable runtimes. :candle: Coast's biggest problem is that they make such a wide variety of lights --from keychain models to Multi-Cree LED models-- that there are some great models, and some not so great models. The models I've always loved are the LL7736 and LL7438, and their new P Series lights. Love those optics!

What is an integrating sphere? As far as runtimes their claims may be somewhat over rated. For instance the Lenser P7 claims 50 hours. That must be on the low setting because the low setting is really weak.

 

[Holepuncher]

Re: Lets Set The Record Staight About Coast Flashlights

Coast lights generally use optics, for a more collimated beam than the reflector-based Fenix. A collimated beams seem brighter, but the total amount of light generated is a different story.

Ever wonder why 5mm LED brightness is rated in mcd? Look at the beam angles. Those with narrower beams are "brighter" (not really, a narrower beam that looks brighter).

No disrespect meant but your post makes no sense. Four of the lights I mentioned in my OP use no reflectors or lenses. In my OP the only direct comparison I made was of lights using 5mm led's. You mention beam angles. The purpose of a lens or reflector is to narrow the beam angle. On top of that a front surface reflector is much more efficient than any 2 surface lens.

 

[Holepuncher]

Well, at least in the past LEDlensers were overpriced, under built, under performing, and overall not that good, except for a few models.

Now it seems like they have changed. Seem like they learned.

I dont know about past coast lights. All of mine are less than a couple of years old. 4 of the coast lights I have are priced accordingly and built pretty good. The "High End" P7 is a potent light, well made but way overpriced. The AAA battery usage leaves a lot to be desired as well.

 

[Holepuncher]

It's not the ultimate torch, i just want to say, that they aren't so bad as you think they are. Atleast give them a chance and try not to flame every thread which contains Led/coast/lenser word(maybe not in exact same order)

Well said.:twothumbs

 

[Cydonia]

Re: Lets Set The Record Staight About Coast Flashlights

I have their old original V1 Moon-Lenser. Single 5mm white LED, runing on AG13 button cells Very much like the original Inova X1 with tight beam. It uses a glass lens too. Swapping the led is as easy as pulling it out and plugging in another. The light just sits in its aluminum presentation box along with the "Led Lenser Flash Fire" blue and "Photonpump V8" orange led. "The touch of the future" reads the cover... :laughing:

I'll never take Led Lenser, Coast etc., seriously. Can't put my finger on it... something about the cheesy name... cheap brushed aluminum finish... and those silly holes around the bezel... :ironic:

 

[Holepuncher]

How come nobody wanted to venture a guess as to whats brighter - The Fenix L2D Q5 or the Coast P7. Some skirted the question by saying a collimated system seems brighter than a reflector.

 

[Marduke]

Re: Lets Set The Record Staight About Coast Flashlights

What is an integrating sphere? As far as runtimes their claims may be somewhat over rated. For instance the Lenser P7 claims 50 hours. That must be on the low setting because the low setting is really weak.

Integrating sphere rates how bright a light actually is. An no, coast does not rate the low setting as many new and uninformed members think. They rate to a theoretical 1% (or 1 lumen, whichever is lower) initial output.

No disrespect meant but your post makes no sense. Four of the lights I mentioned in my OP use no reflectors or lenses. In my OP the only direct comparison I made was of lights using 5mm led's. You mention beam angles. The purpose of a lens or reflector is to narrow the beam angle. On top of that a front surface reflector is much more efficient than any 2 surface lens.

Most lights were are talking are high power LED's, not 5mm.


There is a reason that most of the old timers and heavy posters do not like Coast/LED Lenser. Other than a unique optical system, the lights have nothing else going for them. The president of the company has a background in optics, and that shows in the lights. However, he apparently forgot to hire anyone to design the rest of the light, thinking cool optics alone can carry the brand.

Almost all of the pro-Coast chatter you see is from noobs (no offense)and infrequent posters who are not informed enough to know the difference between marketing claims and real life ability and value. They see something like "148 lumens for 172 hours" and do not realize that they get 15 minutes of 148ish lumens, several hours of 130-80ish lumens, then 150 hours of something that is equivalent to something between a birthday candle and a firefly.

I really don't blame the new members who come here thinking Coast is the best value in town. They are one of the few "higher end" lights you can buy in a store. They are cheaper than Surefire, and brighter than a Mag, so they come in with the mindset of Coast being the shiznit. It takes months of education, and some informed light purchases, but most of them eventually realize that they have a lot of shortfalls, marketing lies, and rate quite low on the "bang-o-buck" meter.

 

[Holepuncher]

Re: Lets Set The Record Staight About Coast Flashlights

Integrating sphere rates how bright a light actually is. An no, coast does not rate the low setting as many new and uninformed members think. They rate to a theoretical 1% (or 1 lumen, whichever is lower) initial output.

Most lights were are talking are high power LED's, not 5mm.

There is a reason that most of the old timers and heavy posters do not like Coast/LED Lenser. Other than a unique optical system, the lights have nothing else going for them. The president of the company has a background in optics, and that shows in the lights. However, he apparently forgot to hire anyone to design the rest of the light, thinking cool optics alone can carry the brand.

Almost all of the pro-Coast chatter you see is from noobs (no offense)and infrequent posters who are not informed enough to know the difference between marketing claims and real life ability and value. They see something like "148 lumens for 172 hours" and do not realize that they get 15 minutes of 148ish lumens, several hours of 130-80ish lumens, then 150 hours of something that is equivalent to something between a birthday candle and a firefly.

I really don't blame the new members who come here thinking Coast is the best value in town. They are one of the few "higher end" lights you can buy in a store. They are cheaper than Surefire, and brighter than a Mag, so they come in with the mindset of Coast being the shiznit. It takes months of education, and some informed light purchases, but most of them eventually realize that they have a lot of shortfalls, marketing lies, and rate quite low on the "bang-o-buck" meter.

Fair enough. I certainly do not think Coast is the best value in town. I did not know it but it does show that the president of Coast has a background in optics. The P series is one of the best focusing flashlights that this ignorant noob has seen. I started this post (chatter as you say)only to mention their lumens ratings are not to far off base. Their build quality and reliability do not seem too bad either. It is clear that Fenix, and others, also exaggerate their lumens claims. The functionality, runtimes, battery choices and overall engineering of the coast lights are a different story. But there are worse lights one can buy. I'll let you name a few.