coast_tx7r_masterHello everyone thank you for checking out the Charlie Mike Project.  I got a new light in recently and wanted to share it with you.  Today we take a look at the TX7R flashlight by Coast.

The TX7R retails for $184.99.  This is worth the price considering everything Coast includes with it.  When compared with other Coast lights in the same family like the HP7R there the TX7R falls short.  The TX7R was designed primarily with law enforcement and corrections in mind.

As I have stated in other reviews, I have been using the HP series lights for over a year for duty and at home.  They are my go-to light.  When I first got the TX7R I thought, “Cool a LE specific light”.  Coast has put some nice aesthetic touches on this light and done some things, which in my opinion, detract from the light.

First, the TX7R is basically a HP7R with some engine work, a new paint job, some special effects and new shoes (Tactical Grip Ring).

downloadI use the HP7R on a daily basis when working the swing or night shift or doing virtually anything around the house.  The TX7R adds a “Tactical Grip Ring” (TGR) to both ends.  This does make it easier to manipulate the focus but I never had a problem doing it without the TGR.  Coast eliminated the focus lock feature, so you can no longer lock the focus if you need to.  The TGR does something else incredibly well. PH7 series and the TX7R have a loop on the tail cap that stick out and help eliminate rolling.  The TGR effectively eliminates the bump.  Now your light can roll away from you in an instant when taking a corner in your patrol car or if you set it down somewhere.  The TGR also makes taking and putting the TX7R into its included nylon holder very hard.  The beveled edges are nice but don’t add much of anything even for self-defense.  The slide of the TX7R beam focus is easier than with the HP7R.  It is so much easier that on several occasions I have accidently bumped the light and changed the focus.

Coast has also taken away the low beam feature, bumped up the lumens, extended battery life and increased the effective distance.  I am ok with this but I have found the low output to be invaluable during search warrants and when doing paper work.  The extended battery life, increased lumens and distance are great and would be nice to see brought over to the HP7R.

The TX7R is a focusing beam flashlight.  It comes in grey and has a pushbutton tail cap with beveled ends.  Like its older sister the HP7R, the TX7R is just over 6 inches long but comes in slightly heavier at 7.5 OZ.  The light features high and strobe and one handed beam focus.

The TX7R is light but does not easily fit in the included pouch. The light is easy to use and operate with one handed.  It does not slip even when wet.  It feels comfortable and is solid in the hand.  It is easy to use with different shooting techniques.  The strobe frequency varies and from personal experience is very uncomfortable and disorienting.

The rechargeable batteries and battery pack are wonderful.  I keep the extra AAA battery and Li-ion pack in my duty bag on the passenger seat.  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 considerably 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.

Coast boasts a hefty 7.5 hours of runtime on high beam using the Li-ion batteries.  I found my TX7R run just over 8hours.

Like other lights in the HP series the TX7R is extremely durable and made with the same care and craftsmanship.  Coast states the TX7R is rated at ANSI/FL1 standard.

The current TX7R beam is rated to reach 1200 feet. The light is bright, white and clear with no haloing or discoloration.  Being able to focus the beam is extremely helpful.  Searching a wide area or long distance is easy with the focusing beam.  Hotspots and washout are easily eliminated simply by focusing the beam.

Just like the TX7R comes in a nice display/gift box.  If you are giving or receiving the either light as a gift the presentation box is very nice.  The TX7R 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 AAA battery pack.

The TX7R is a good light. However, I would not recommend it when you can get a light with more options form Coast for less.  In my opinion the Coast HP7R is a better choice and is easier on the wallet.

So in all, I can depend on the TX7R to do its job and help me Charlie Mike.  But, there are other more cost effective, more versatile alternatives.  If you really want the TX7R, check out the HP7R first and compare them.  Find what works for you and fits your needs.  Charlie Mike On!

If you like the HP7 or any of the Coast products I have reviewed check out Coast products and visit them online at www.coastportland.com.

Coast TX7R

8.1

Light Quality

9.5/10

Battery life

8.0/10

Options/Versatility

9.0/10

Durability/Construction

9.8/10

Cost

4.0/10

Pros

  • Light Quality
  • Durability
  • Battery Life

Cons

  • Cost
  • Rubber Rings
  • No Low Beam

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