Tool Review: Coast XPH30R Headlamp

Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time?

A: This headlamp is a great timesaver. You can slip it on and have it with you whenever you need extra light to see what you’re working on.  It’s rechargeable, so you don’t have to constantly be replacing the batteries. 

Q: How easy was it to use?

A: It’s actually very easy to use. There is a switch in the end of the light that turns it on and off and changes the brightness of the light. The lens on the front of the light turns to adjust the width of the beam of light. The body of the light turns in the bracket to adjust how far up or down the light points. If needed, the light can be easily removed from the mounting strap and used as a separate flashlight. The end cap is magnetic, so it can attach to anything metal, and shine where you need it. 

Q: Did it come with any accessories?

A: The flashlight does come with a charging cord.  It has one USB-A connector and two USB-C connectors. This makes it very adaptable to charging from a computer or power brick (which is not included). It also means that you can actually charge two devices at once, which is very handy. 

Q: What features did you like?

A: The outer case is a very durable metal. The light beam is adjustable from flood to spot. The end cap lights up to indicate battery state of charge so that you know when to recharge it. The end cap also unscrews a little way to expose the charging port for the battery, or you can take the battery completely out and charge it. If you need to take the battery out to charge it, but still need to use the light, you can slip in two CR 123 batteries so that you can continue to use it. The light is very bright, but if you need extra light for a short time you can hold in the power button on the end cap, and it goes into “Turbo Mode” and puts out 1,000 lm of light while you hold the button in. This level of light is designed for short-term use, but handy if you need it. 

Q: How could the tool be improved?

A: The power cycle will take some getting used to. When you turn it on, it goes to medium brightness and then cycles through to high and then low. It’s just different than most that go from low to high or vice versa. 

Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?

A: It would be nice if the light came with a mounting plate that could be attached to a hard hat for those that are required to wear one. Then they wouldn’t have to bother with the mounting strap on their hard hat.