Coast XPH30R - The Most Versatile Light?
Clint Taylor
I’ve used too many lights to count. Headlamps, flashlights, lanterns…you name it. Recently I have been using a lot of products from Coast. They make a wide variety of lights for practically any need and I have been very impressed with their quality and performance.
One question I’ve always pondered is if I could have one light that worked for every purpose I’d need (or at least for 95% of all scenarios). Would this light need to be a headlamp? What about a flashlight? Or would a lantern be the best option?
Coast recently released the XPH30R - a headlamp…but not just any headlamp. This headlamp just might be the answer to my question…let’s see!
Find it Online:
Coast XPH30R: Check Price
Energizer CR123 Batteries (12-Pack): Check Price
Duracell CR123 Batteries (4-Pack): Check Price
The Specs
Light Output (High) - 490 Lumens
Light Output (Low) - 40 Lumens
Light Output (Medium) - 150 Lumens
Light Output (Turbo) - 1000 Lumens
Runtime (High) - 7 h 45 min
Runtime (Low) - 41 h
Runtime (Medium) - 10 h
Weight - 2.7 oz / 77 g
From a standpoint of purely specifications, the XPH30R has some impressive performance! 490 lumens of light for nearly 8 hours is astonishing! It also has an IP54 rating, which will protect the light against water splash from any angle and dust. I do wish this light had some form of waterproof rating (meaning it could be submerged) since I am out on the water so much, but this isn’t a must. I’ll probably keep this light in my Pelican Ruck R40 case anyways, so it isn’t a big deal. The main thing is that it can operate in the rain, which it should be able to.
The Big Features
Detachable Light
The Coast XPH30R can easily detach from the headband so that the light can be used as a traditional flashlight.
While the XPH30R is intended for primary use as a headlamp, it has a few tricks up it’s sleeve. First, the light can quickly and easily be detached from the headband so that you can use the light as a traditional handheld flashlight. It is quick and easy to detach the light. All you have to do is firmly hold the light in one hand and the headband in your other hand and pull the two apart - this is it.
I’ve found that this is a very nice feature. Headlamps are great, but sometimes you just want a light to put in your pocket, or you need to hold a light so that someone else can see what they are doing. Having the capability to remove the headband so it isn’t in the way is very nice.
The one downside that could result of using a headlamp as a flashlight is not enough light output. Typically, headlamps are much smaller than flashlights so that they can easily be worn on your forehead. This often results in less lumens output. While there are lights well in excess of 1,000 or even 2,000 lumens, you really can do a lot with just 500 lumens. The XPH30R has 490 lumens at high mode, and I’ve found this to be a great amount of light. Using this light as a flashlight is an unbelievable feature and something that I think adds a ton of versatility to the XPH30R.
Magnetic Side
The magnetic base of the XPH30R is an extremely useful and practical feature.
What if you need a lantern or a work light though? The XPH30R has one side that is magnetic so it can be attached to the underside of your vehicles hood, a metal building, and many other surfaces.
This feature is very helpful when you don’t have someone that can hold a light for you and a headlamp isn’t a good option. I have tested this light out under the hood of my car, and it works great!
Twist Focus
Something I have found that Coast does remarkably well is their light focusing system. They are able to produce such a defined pattern that I have not seen in another light. Having the focusing system further adds versatility to the XPH30R by allowing you to have a wide range of view or a tight beam focused on an object in the distance when needed.
While the focusing system isn’t necessarily a must have, it certainly is nice and a huge benefit. You can really dial in the light to your need / preference.
Dual Power Capability
The charging port for the XPH30R is nicely tucked away under a protective cap, but easily accessible for when it is time to charge up!
As I previously mentioned, this light has tremendous run time; however, all rechargeable devices will run out of power eventually. Luckily, the Coast XPH30R has dual power capability should you need it. The XPH30R comes with a rechargeable Coast Zithion battery, but you can also utilize two (2) CR123 batteries. CR123 batteries are quite common and powerful, allowing you to have backup power if you should need it.
I recommend having a pair of CR123 available just in case you run out of power and still need some more light. Another option is purchasing additional rechargeable batteries…which is a great way to maximize the amount of usage you can get out of your light.
Turbo Mode
If Turbo Mode doesn’t explain the feature I don’t know what will. Essentially, Turbo Mode bumps the power from 490 lumens up to 1,000 lumens! This is a lot of light, especially in a headlamp. For times that you need the most light output possible Turbo Mode will be your friend.
In consideration of all the features discussed above, it is easy to understand that Coast wanted this light to have a lot of versatility…and it certainly does!
Testing
Specs are always a great way to evaluate a product, but testing is where you can really tell how good something is. From my testing of the XPH30R, I can say that it is now my go to light.
If I have to bring one light with me I will either bring the XPH30R or the Polysteel 600R. This light is just that good.
Having the ability to use this light as a headlamp, flashlight, and work light is very useful. You will be surprised with just how many ways this light can be utilized.
There is more than adequate light for most situations you will encounter, and the focusing system makes the most of the output the XPH30R has.
All in all, this light is very impressive.
Potential Areas of Improvement
I have two upgrades (or changes) that I think Coast could make to improve the XPH30R. The first improvement is a waterproof housing. While most people will not need this light to be waterproof, I think it is worth having as a just in case. If you truly want a light that can handle anything you will more than likely want it to be waterproof. All this said, this light can take the rain and snow, so it does have a good amount of resistance to the elements. You just don’t want to drop it in water.
The second improvement, which isn’t a big one is the charging cable. Most lights and small devices use a micro USB connection. The XPH30R appears to use a USB C connector. Since most of my other devices use a micro USB connector I will now need to have both a micro USB cord and a USB C cord. This also isn’t a very big deal, and USB C cords are quite common. More personal preference than anything.
Final Thoughts
If you are wanting a light that serves as a headlamp first with the capability to be a flashlight or work light, you should consider the XPH30R. I truly think it could be one of the best all around lights I’ve used. It’s versatility in combination with performance make it a hard light to beat…especially for the cost.
Coast knocked it out with this light!