Coast A8R Rechargeable Inspection Penlight, 62' Beam, Black

2023-02-06T19:00:00

Worked for abut 2 months now it doesn't charge at all. Fashight works. Charging cable is no good. Pass on this one.

Scott V.

2021-11-24T19:00:00

Great Light, small enough to not feel in your pocket while carrying it, but bright enough to illuminate what you want to see. This Light is truly awesome, plus it's rechargeable.

Flashlight f.

2021-06-25T20:00:00

Full Disclosure: Coast provided me this A8r in order for me to test it out. But, everything I will talk about here is my own opinion. Coast Portland was not given copy approval nor any editorial input in this review. That means, they're reading this review for the first time along side you. These are the topics I will cover. Skip to whatever corresponding number in order to read about that specific topic and find what you are looking for. 1) What I Don't Like 2) What I Like 3) Build Quality/Overview 4) Weight 5) Operation and Modes 6) Charging and Battery 7) Charge Time/Battery Satistics 8) Thoughts/Why You Should Get The A9r Instead: ____________________________ The Individual Topics Begin Here: ____________________________ 1) What I Don't Like: ? It feels a bit cheap and is quite expensive ? I dislike the button. It feels cheap and flimsy to press ? I wish there were more color temperature options ? I wish the brightness could go down to about 1 to 2 lumens for use in eye exams ? The beam isn't quite uniform. The perfect circle of light it creates is a bit brighter towards one side ____________________________ 2) What I like: ? I love how incredibly thin it is ? The charging system is extremely cool and practicle ____________________________ 3) Build Quality/Overview: ? To be honest, it feels super light; which is a bad thing as it makes it feel cheap ? It is made of anodized aluminum and is smooth with no knurling making it easy to whipe clean ? The head unscrews to allow access to the proprietary battery ____________________________ 4) Weight: ? 0.39 oz (11 grams). That's about the weight of 2 United States Quarters ____________________________ 5) Opperation and Modes: ? The operation of the light is controlled by one button on the back of the light ? There is only one mode ? There is a momentary on mode ____________________________ 6) Battery and Charging: ? The light comes with a Coast proprietary cell that is meant to remain in the light ? It comes with a dock where the head of the light slides into in order to charge ? A solid red light indicates charging and a solid green light indicates the battery is fully charged ____________________________ 7) Charge Time/Battery Satistics: ? The battery was tested from completely dead Rated Capacity: 100 mah Tested Capacity: 68 mah Charge Speed: 114 mah Time: 36 minutes ____________________________ 8) Thoughts/Why You Should Get The A9r Instead: I'm really struggling to recommend this light. It is good, but way, way too expensive for what you get. It feels cheap, even though it is made of aluminum. It is extremely small, which is a pro and a con. For one, it is quite easy to lose. I think a much more worth while option is the Coast Crew A9r. The bigger brother to this light, it's build is much better consisting purely of stainless steel; giving it a heavy feel in the hand and an eye catching sharp, sleek appearance. The A9r feels substantial; like you are actually holding a premium light and not a throw-away toy of a light. I'd highly, highly urge you to go for the A9r over the A8r. Although, be aware that the button is..... mushy and weak on both the A8r and A9r. Definetly my biggest complaint about them. Both the A8r and A9r are a perfect formfactor for being a doctor's light. Although, I'd caution against using either light for eye exams as the color temperature of the lights is too blue to detect reflux (reflection off the retina). For eye exams, a yellower light is necessary. Plus, it is too bright for that application. For any other examinations, either light would be perfect.

Zunar

2021-01-11T19:00:00

I ordered 3, so I would have a couple to share. When I tested mine, it didn't work, so I opened the others and they also didn't work. I contacted customer service and they got back with me immediately to let me know that they got my request and would get back to me shortly. They sent 3 replacement batteries and those all worked. So 3 stars due to the QC issue and their customer service is on point. Product works well, the tail switch sometimes comes on in my pants pocket so I have to keep it in my shirt pocket. The A9R has a better tail switch but is a little longer than I want it to be.

stevo22

2020-12-30T19:00:00

Arrived dead on arrival. Called coast they sent out another which also was dead on arrival. Got a refund and sent both back.

Rick

2020-12-28T19:00:00

I bought 4 of these for Christmas presents and not one works.

RDavidson

2020-12-24T19:00:00

Bought two a8r neither will charge or light up. Assume batteries are bad.did purchase them on sale.

T c.

2020-12-21T19:00:00

Awesome little light! Perfect for the work i do. This light has even went through my washer and dryer, still works beautifully. Very tough construction. Customer support is really top notch too.

John B.

2020-11-22T19:00:00

I like that it is compact and rechargeable it great for work in tight areas and easy to carry on you

Richie

2020-11-20T19:00:00

I bought this a few months ago and as a maintenance director for an assisted living community it’s like it’s clipped I’m on polo along with my pen and I carry it every day it is a great little light when you just need a little bit of light just to see in a little dark corner.I would highly recommend this late I am actually going to buy these for my colleagues.

Tadavis48

2020-11-13T19:00:00

Small and bright, very inconspicuous. Looks like a pen when clipped to a shirt pocket.

John n.

2020-10-28T20:00:00

Exactly what i wanted and perfect for my son and diff from my a9r

Tony

2020-10-08T20:00:00

Awesome little light that is super convenient. Fits in my pocket and I always keep it charged so its ready to go.

John R.

2020-10-08T20:00:00

Great lightweight flashlight. Gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I believe there is room for improvement with the button on the back of the light, it is currently a little too easy to click on which usually leaves it on in your pocket.

Mongoose

2020-10-02T20:00:00

I needed a light for examining patients. This was for Ski Patrol so it needed to be small, light weight, and reliable. Rechargeable was a bonus (no concern of batteries failing at the worst time. This light has completely fit the bill in every way. In addition I have found it to be handy to have for general tasks (such as the other way when I needed to see behind a bookcase). Most impressive is, for the the price point the beam of the light (like my other COAST lights) is amazingly clean and sharp, making it useful for many tasks.

amatbrewer

2020-09-30T20:00:00

Unless size is an issue id just buy the 9r. +3hr runtime compared to 1 hr. And they really mean 1 hr. W lithium batterys there is hardly any dimming they run full blast until they are done. And personally i found the 9r to just be the better all around pen light

Kyle

2020-09-25T20:00:00

I carry my Coast A8R in my shirt pocket, very lite and very handy I use it all the time. When the battery gets low just put the cap on and charge

Gene

2020-09-25T20:00:00

For a little guy it packs a big punch. Well worth the purchase.

Johnny G.

2020-09-18T20:00:00

Best inspection light and I have tried multiple brands but this system here definitely stands out. The charger system allows me to have the lights I need from the 8r to the 9r I have chargers where I need them and they charge quick so I’m never left in the dark. The battery life on these doesn’t even have me worrying about being lights out anyway!! Fits in my shirt pocket for 8 hours a day 5 days a week with a warranty that keeps me sleeping good at night. It’s small fits in everywhere with a perfect spot light for my eyes to scan.

Daniel M.

2020-09-17T20:00:00

The Perfect Size and Beam for an automotive mechanical inspector. I have to access and photo some tough spots and you had me in mind when you created this Jewel.

Shackman

2020-09-11T20:00:00

It's the daintiest flashlight I've ever seen. I like that it charges with a cap. It has a bright light. But within days of my purchase it has already started shorting in and out. Also with the size it gets misplaced easily.

mtmurals

2020-08-31T20:00:00

The weight may be a bit too lightweight.. as the charge on the batteries depletes, you will start noticing a drop in overall performance.

RunningWitNives

2020-08-31T20:00:00

This thing is soooo bright that when I shove it up my rear the light comes out of my mouth!

Caesar

2020-08-30T20:00:00

Very partical and easy to carry, just wish it had a stronger light. I will be shopping for another flashlight in the near future.

Gio84

2020-08-22T20:00:00

I purchased this light to add to my briefcase style tool kit. The small size and light weight make it a perfect fit. The cable connection appears to be fairly sturdy and reliable. My past experience with Coast and warranty repair has been outstanding. Coast is the first stop when Iam shopping for a flashlight or headlamp.

Elect E.

2020-08-22T20:00:00

Compact & powerful. It is easy to use & convenient to carry.

NIC77

2020-08-17T20:00:00

I like this light, it's small but very bright and works great. My issue with it, is that when you carry it in your pocket with the clip, the button is easily pressed. I had to stop keeping it in my pocket because it would be turned on and I wouldn't realize it. I hate that because I would enjoy being able to carry this everywhere.

Dustin

2020-08-13T20:00:00

This is not your average flashlight it works wonders when used as an inspection light.

Captain K.

2020-08-12T20:00:00

I bought a few lights when I bought the A8R. I also got an A9R. After having both, I would buy the A9R rather than the A8R as neither of them are that big and you get a little more light and battery life out of it for not a lot more size. Super bright and like the charging system. I hate buying AAAA batteries like are used in other pen lights.

Aheady

2020-08-08T20:00:00

Nice and bright little flashlight, is a bit smaller than expected when I ordered it. I do like it on many levels but the battery life is shorter than most pocket flashlights. But with that being said it's still a great product.

Flashlight f.