Customer Reviews

Coast 7547 LED Flashlight V2 Triplex Silver

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I ordered this torch I was enamored by the triple LED feature and the solid good looks of a spun aluminum body. When I received it, the package met visual expectations, and the first night walk through the backyard using the torch was intensely illuminated. After a few weeks, however, the rubber on-off switch cap broke off, and now I have to say that is the achilles heel of this otherwise quite handy torch.

Coast uses exotic (i.e., expensive) batteries in its lights. I bought one for my daughter, and it turned out to use a camera battery. You'll be better off with one that uses standard (i.e., C or D cell) batteries. They are available from other manufacturers. Note that Coast does not specify the battery type in its descriptions. Not good.

I would expect high quality from a pricier flashlight. Mine is difficult to use (if you can imagine a flashlight being difficult) The switch works at times and at other times you have to fumble around with it or hold the button down to keep it on!

This light is also sold at Target and packaged as an Eddie Bauer item. It is referred to as a "triplex light" because it contains three high intensity LED's. The technology reputedly was developed by two German optoelectronic scientists (?). The case is silver anodizided and waterproof. It uses three 1.5V "N" cells, the type used in old HP calculators, but readily available everywhere. There is a small hole in the battery cap for a lanyard or key ring. The rubber push button lights the unit when pushed, but will lock on if held down for a couple of seconds. Holding down again turns it off. No such instructions are included with the unit. There is no carrying case...The thing to understand about this type light is that, because the energy is emitted by LED's, there is no "beam" as such. Although the light is very intense (blinding if viewed directly) it lights an area, much like a frosted light bulb. If you need a small work light, or want to read in the dark, this will satisfy your need precisely. But if you need a long range beam, the new high intensity halogen types are what you really need. Because of the use of LED's, claimed battery life is up to 100 hours, and claimed LED life is 100,000 hours. This LED life translates to 11.4 years of continuous use. This means you will never have to replace the LED's, especially because you will probably lose it before then. Aesthetically, the triplex light is elegantly simple, futuristic looking, even beautiful. Although made in China (what isn't?) it is solid and well constructed. Its size is such that, clasped in the fist, it could even be used as a defensive weapon. It is marketed in this country by Coast Cutlery... Be the first in your neighborhood to own one of these - give it to yourself as a holiday gift. When your friends see it, they will all want one!

I think this is a sturdy light you could step on and it wouldn't notice. I think it would make a good personal defensive weapon like a kubotan. It has a kind of a short lead pipe feel to it. However, as a flashlight the light becomes too weak at a fairly short range. There is no way to spotlight something to really see it. I can't see using this to investigate a sound outside the house that is for sure... The heavy weight of the flashlight is both good and bad. For something to read a map by it is very heavy for it's size. It isn't long enough to use as a Maglight for club type defense. I guess it is a little weird to think about defense and a flashlight - but there has to be some justification for how heavy this thing is and that is the only one I can think of.

It isn't worth holding something this heavy to read a book in your sleeping bag by esp. when the overall light isn't really that much. And if you are hiking do you really want something this heavy in your pocket when there are lights by Streamlight etc. that have LED's and a spot bulb? I think the Streamlights are just as waterproof and a third the weight. Maglights are also much lighter of the same length and power and just as durable feeling - without the LED function of course. This one is ok. But that is it - ok.

I am an automobile technician (current title for mechanic)and use this light under pretty punishing conditions. I bought this flashlight several years ago after buying an LED MiniMag, when they first came out and finding it disappointing. It has much, much better battery life compared to the Mag and has a better light pattern - for my use, anyway. As already mentioned, it has a pretty rough life and it did die after several years but Coast took care of it with their lifetime warranty. Their service is GREAT!

Most of the problems mentioned in other reviews seem to have been fixed or may have been misstated. Maybe they were even for a different model, I don't know.

This light takes 2 AA batteries - nothing expensive or exotic. Granted, they don't mention this in the description (which is VERY aggravating) but most other makes don't, either. Maybe someone will read these reviews and realize that info MAY be helpful for purchasers.

The tailcap switch on both of the ones I've had is metal, has never been a problem and locks on just fine.

The open reflector has not been much of a problem for me. It does get dirty around the bulbs but is easily cleanable with something like a spray kitchen cleaner and rinsing with water. Solvents are NOT recommended but the ones I use in my job don't seem to have hurt it. Also, due to reflection and other factors, any cover over the bulbs will reduce the light output. They get even dimmer as it gets scratched up. I suspect that's why Coast made it an open design. The reflector is made in such a way that it's not likely to get scratched.

A couple of reviews mentioned the weight - too heavy, they said. I just weighed it and the batteries are 1/2 the weight! If you want a lighter flashlight without sacrificing ruggedness, do as I do, use rechargeable batteries. Of course, I use them because I use the light all day long and want to save on battery costs.

Another concern seems to be that it won't "spotlight" things at a distance. I would be surprised to find that ANY light this size and price can do that. If you want to see what's in the bushes in your backyard, get a light that takes at least 3 D batteries. This one works fine for lighting up what you are working on, finding things in dark corners or drawers and lighting your way in the dark. As many reviewers mentioned - DO NOT look into the light!

Just to be sure this review is applicable to what you are looking for - I am writing about a Coast Cutlery flashlight, #TT7547CP, V2 LED Triplex.

I was so tired of the batteries dying and replacing the bulbs in my mag light, when I found this little light in the sporting goods department of target. Even though it was a bit expensive for a flashlight this size, I thought it would be worth it if I didn't have to replace the batteries and buy bulbs every month. What I don't like about this light is the open face exposing the three LED bulbs. I modified the lens of my old maglight to fit the face. Now the lights are a little more protected from mineral oil and other medicines I work with. Another feature that I dislike is the on/off button. I have only had the light for four months and the rubber button has already worn off. I have to turn the light on and off with a pen. This light is still as bright as when I bought it, and the bright light highlights the small nicks and dings in the machinery that I work on. I still recomend this light to friends and co-workers when they even mention getting a small flashlight. Of course I do have to mention this little flashlight is $24.99. Not exactly inexpensive.

This was a Christmas present for a hard-to-shop for relative. The description sounded very interesting, and I decided it would be a good gift. After receiving the Torch, I was amazed how well it was made, the light was brilliantly bright. The on/off button is easy to use, and the Torch is built very sturdy. The Torch produces a wide range of light. It also comes with a carrying case to keep the finish in good shape.

I bought this as a gift for the person I selected in the company grab bag, and I had a chance to test it out, and I must say, I'm quite impressed with the flashlight. I haven't tested it for shock or battery life, but the unit is quite bright and it was a nice gift for a person who liked gadgets.

Very bright flashlight (don't look directly into the light). This will make a great gift for the guys in your life, especially if they have to have the latest stuff. The LED means no replacing bulbs and the batteries will last longer. This type of light is not yet generally available, so they probably won't have one yet. This is a small handheld flashlight, ideal for the car or camping trips. Be sure to buy one for yourself, too.