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Available from
PocketLights.com
The Coast 360 Flex Light is a specialty pocket light
that has a great number of functional uses. Basically, you
have a 5mm LED on the end of a 6 inch flexible stalk that
can be used to point the LED in almost any direction. The
light can stand on end or it can be clipped to a pocket,
clipboard, or other surface. The light runs on a single
common AAA cell and uses a boost circuit to drive the LED.
It could easily be used in industrial applications for inspecting equipment,
attached to a clipboard, used as a map light by clipping it
to your pocket or dash, or even used as a booklight if clipped to
the back cover of the book. A clip is included (not shown.)
The body is made of anodized aluminum with a fairly matte silvery finish.
The stalk protrudes from the top of the light and extends
the reach of the single 5mm white LED about 6 inches. At the end
of the stalk is the LED protected inside an aluminum shrowd.
At the other end is the removable tailcap with a tiny lanyard
hole and ridges around its circumference for ease of removal for
battery changes. The rubber covered switch protrudes from the side
of the body just below the top where the stalk attaches. The
stalk itself is very flexible, but it should not be bent sharply.
The bezel at the end of the stalk contains the single
LED inside a metal shroud. The shroud serves as protection
for the LED and also focuses much of the light forward in
a relatively tight beam for an LED. Around the circumference
of the LED shroud are several small holes that serve as visible
indicators that the light is on by allowing light to leak out.
Output is in the form of a medium spot of slightly bluish
white light. Good volume of light for close up work, which
is what this light is intended for.
Beam at one meter at target center (enhanced for detail)
Runtime Plot: Good runtime. 2 hrs to 50%, between 6½
and 7½ hours before 25% is reached and the boost
circuit inside the light cannot drain the battery further.
Runtime
completed with included "LED Lenser" battery.
More information on runtime plots is available HERE.
The switch is a simple rubber covered click switch that
protrudes from the side of the light. Click for on and off.
Be aware that it could be accidentally activated since it
protrudes.
The light is "water resistant" and uses an O-ring to
seal the tailcap. If it gets wet inside just open it up
and let it dry in a warm place.
Ergonomics: It's small but easy to use. The switch can
be activated with the flat of your thumb so you don't need
to fumble with trying to press it in with your fingernail
or anything like that. The ridges around the tailcap make
removal and re-attachment very easy.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
A single AAA battery powers the light. Runtime will
be tested soon. To replace the cell just unscrew the tailcap,
drop out the old and drop in a new one positive first.
Reattach the tailcap and you're ready to go!
Included with the light is one battery and a ballpoint-pen-like clip.
What I Liked: Put light where you need it,
Water resistant, Semi-Regulated, Good ouptut, Easy battery change,
Lightweight, Stands up, Very versatile
What I Didn't Like: Nothing much.
Other Things I Noticed: Nothing
Conclusions: Extremely handy little light.
Lets you put light where you need it when you need it. Use it to
read by, light your keyboard, inspect difficult spots at home or at
work. The fact that it uses a commmon AAA cell is very nice from
the point of view of battery availability and convenience.
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