Coast HP5R adjustable focus flashlight

The Charlie Mike Project has the pleasure of reviewing the HP5R (rechargeable) flashlight by Coast.

The HP5R retails for $124.99.  This is well worth the price considering everything included with the HP5R and is much less than comparable flashlights.  When I first got the HP5R the retail price was closer to $150.  In the last year Coast has been able to drop the price.

The HP5R is light coming in at 2.6 OZ and 4.8 inches in length.  I have dropped my PH5R accidentally and on purpose.  I have even thrown it around on the range and it still works perfectly.

Here is a quick description of the HP5R.  The HP5R is a rechargeable long distance focusing beam flashlight.  It comes in black and has a pushbutton tail cap. The light features high and low output, strobe and one handed beam focus and lock.

The HP5R is several steps above the HP5 and other rechargeable flashlights on the market of comparable size.  The HP series include lots of useful accessories that other companies make you pay for.  It is very light, fits easily in a pocket or the included pouch.  The light is easy to use and operate with one hand.  It is comfortable and does not slip even when wet.  It feels solid in the hand and is easily usable with different shooting techniques.  The strobe is the same as other HP series with a varying frequency that is very uncomfortable and disorienting.  I have tried it.

The rechargeable batteries and battery pack are wonderful.  The rechargeable batteries can charge in the flashlight or on their own with the included UBS cord.  The battery fully charges in just about an hour from the wall or car charger.  Charging from a USB port will take longer.  Changing the battery takes a couple of seconds and is easy.  The charging port on the tail cap locks so it does not accidently come open.  If your rechargeable battery dies you can simply slip in, the already included, second rechargeable battery or the included AA battery.

Coast boasts a nice 4.5 hours of runtime on high beam using the Li-ion batteries and 14 hours on low.  When the battery runs low the HP5R simply switched to a lower power setting allowing continued use.

The light produced by the PH5R is a very bright white.  The ability to focus the beam is extremely helpful.  Searching a wide area or long distance is easy with the focusing beam.  I can eliminate hotspots even for close up work simply by focusing the beam.  The HP5R gives off a clear white light and does not have haloing or discoloration like some other flashlights I have used.

I am actually running the HP5R on one of my work rifle.  The rifle mount from Coast is an excellent quality mount and fits the light by using the included spacers.  The HP5R is light and easy to operate when mounted on my rail system.  The high and low beams with locking focus are excellent for blinding someone or navigation and searching wide areas.  Four and a half hours on high bean is a good runtime for a light and at fourteen hours on low is great.  These features give me versatility with my rifle that other mounted lights do not offer.  The HP5R has held up on the range and at work through almost a year’s punishment.  I have yet to have a problem with the HP5R on my rifle.  When compared Coast’s weapon mounted light, the TX40, the HP5R holds its own. The HP5R has fewer lumens but has a better range, longer battery life and a focusing beam.  The only drawback I see with the HP5R on my rifle is that Coast does not make a pressure switch attachment for this light.  For those that do not care about a pressure switch, I highly recommend checking this light out.

The HP5 series are extremely durable.  Coast states the HP5R is rated at ANSI/FL1 standard.  My HP5 has been dropped several times and taken to the PD range where it had been run through the trenches and thoroughly abused.  It still runs like new.  The PH5R and my rifle are not show peace safe decorators; this is a working gun that I use for warrants and patrol and it gets used and abused as such.  Scratches and battle scars are part of the job and build character.

The HP5R comes in a nice display/gift box that is great for gifting.  The HP7R comes with a nylon case, a USB charging cord, wall charger, car charger, belt clip and a wall or car mount.  It also included two li-ion rechargeable batteries and one AA battery.

I know I can depend on my HP5R light to do the job and help keep me safe. Charlie Mike on!

If you like the HP5R check out my other reviews of Coast products or visit them online at www.coastportland.com.