Technology

Flashlight Beam Technology

An animation highlighting the COAST Pure Beam Focusing System shining in a warehouse.

Pure Beam Focusing Optic

Pack two powerful beams into one and seamlessly transition—with no halos or hot spots—between short and long-range viewing. COAST’s patented focusing technology adapts to your need. The Ultra View Flood beam delivers edge-to-edge clarity in a broad circle of light up to 11.5 feet / 3.5 meters across, and the Bulls-Eye Spot beam sends a sharp ray of light at a distance of up to 1151 feet / 351 meters, with a transitional halo around the spot to increase the effective viewing area.

An animation highlighting the COAST Long Range Focus Beam shining in a warehouse.

Long Range Focusing Optic

See clearly near and far. With the Long Range Focusing Optic, the power to illuminate and scan nearfield objects combines with a piercing light that goes the full distance. The X-Range Spot beam shines COAST’s longest beam, lighting objects at up to 2762 feet / 842 meters. The Broad View Flood beam delivers an even, sweeping circle of light up to 7.5 feet / 2.3 meters in diameter at a distance of 6 feet / 1.8 meters.

An animation highlighting the COAST Twist Focus System with Universal Focus Optic shining on Electrical Box.

Universal Focusing Optic

All the light you need at just the right size. The Universal Focusing Optic, designed for COAST’s smallest focusing lights, enables the clear, broad light of a flood beam and the tight, long-distance ray of a spot beam. With the Max View Flood Beam, you get a crystal-clear circle of light up to 8 feet / 2.4 meters in diameter at a distance of 6 feet / 1.8 meters, while the Long Distance Spot Beam provides targeted visibility at up to 305 feet / 93 meters.

Inspection Beam Optic

Never miss a detail. The Inspection Beam cuts clean, consistent light from edge to edge to evenly illuminate work spaces. Engineered for pen lights that fit in the pocket, this beam simplifies up-close work and brightens hard-to-reach objects at up to 30 feet / 9 meters.

Wide Angle Flood Beam Optic

See the whole scene at once. The Wide Angle Flood Beam illuminates the broadest possible area with vivid, consistent light from edge to edge. At 6 feet / 1.8 meters distance, the beam shines a clear circle up to 11.5 feet / 3.5 meters in diameter.

Multi-Color Beam Optic

Choose the right color light for the moment. Dual-Color, Tri-Color, Quad-Color, and UV Beams offer needed versatility for a broad range of applications—from reading at night, to sending emergency signals, to verifying the authenticity of government-issued ID cards.

Utility Beam Optic

The all-around light for general use. COAST’s Utility Beam shines three individual, overlapping beams to create a broad, multi-bright field of light—with a concentrated, vivid center and diffuse, radiant edges.

Bulls-Eye Spot Beam Optic

Hit your target with power. Always on point, the Bulls-Eye Spot Beam fixes a bright “hot spot” on the object, surrounded by a soft halo of transitional light to increase the total field of view. From spotting animals in the woods to identifying suspects, this beam cuts through darkness with a range of up to 416 feet / 127 meters.

Mini-Flood Beam Optic

Fits in pockets to fit any need. The Mini-Flood Beam downsizes the Utility Beam for smaller product formats, such as pocket lights, key change lights, and LED knives and multi-tools. The beam shines several individual, overlapping beams to create a broad, multi-bright field of light with a concentrated center and radiant edges.

UV Beam Optic

The all-around UV light for inspection and security. COAST’s UV Utility Beam shines three overlapping UV beams to create a broad overall field of light—with a concentrated, vivid center and diffuse, radiant edges.

C.O.B. Optic

Get brilliant light tailored for specialized formats and use cases. COAST lights featuring Chip on Board (C.O.B.) technology cast a wide beam handy for up-close work—from a strip of LEDs built right onto the chassis, without a standard optic.

Light Design and Testing Lab

ANSI FL1 flashlight standards require that lights be tested to exacting standards under certain conditions to produce accurate and useful results for the consumer. The Coast Light Lab allows us to test our lights accurately, efficiently, and with consistency. Just another case of Coast showing its commitment to quality.

Our Light Lab is one more reason why we say: NOT JUST BRIGHTER…BETTER

Adherence To ANSI FL1

Why do we need ANSI FL1 Standards?

Buying a new flashlight, headlamp or lantern these days can be confusing at best.  The problem was that there was not any standardization in the reporting of performance standards of lights from the many manufacturers in the market. A variety of terms such as wattage, candlepower and lumens have been used to measure light output and the method of measuring battery run time was not standardized.

This made it nearly impossible to compare features of products produced by different manufacturers. To help alleviate the confusion, a group of the leading companies in the industry joined together to create a new standard of specifications for the portable lighting industry. The resulting ANSI FL1 flashlight standards spell out very specific methods of testing for each feature under controlled laboratory conditions, and will ensure that any light produced by any manufacturer that has adopted the standards can be easily compared for performance and features. 

Coast has made it a goal to test and retest our lights against the ANSI Standards and has even developed our own light testing lab that strictly follows the guidelines that were outlined.

Flashlight Design and Construction

An animation highlighting the COAST Slide Focusing System

Slide Focus

Control beam shape with one hand. COAST’s Slide Focus system enables you to seamlessly transition between spot and flood beam with the push or pull your finger. Responsive beam-shape control allows you to operate your light with a single hand and keep the other hand free.

An animation highlighting the COAST Twist Focusing System

Twist Focus

Dial in the shape of light you need for the situation. COAST’s Twist Focus system makes it easy to move between spot and flood beams by simply rotating the head of the flashlight.

An animation highlighting the COAST Beam Lock System

Beam Lock

Set your light to hold the beam just how you like it. COAST Beam Lock technology makes our Slide Focusing system even more valuable, with the option to lock the beam in place on spot, flood, or anywhere in between. Twisting the head of the light to the left locks the beam in place, and twisting it back to the right releases the slide mechanism back into motion.

An infographic highlighting the COAST quick-cycle system with off, on, and partial depression modes.

Quick-Cycle Switch

 Control flashlight power with the push of a button. COAST’s Quick-Cycle Switch makes it easy to move between full light, medium light, lowest light, and strobe by simply pressing the on/off button multiple times. An additional capability, available on some models, is a momentary switch that illuminates the optic when the power button is partially depressed.

An infographic highlighting the COAST front switch system that features on and off light modes.

Front Switch

Put power at the tip of your fingers. COAST lights fitted with the Front Switch have an on/off button near the head of the light that to make grabbing, pointing, and illuminating your flashlight quick and easy.

An infographic highlighting the COAST Dual Switch system that allows flashlight users to operate a white and colored light modes separately.

Multi-Switch

Transition between beam colors with the press of a button. Located near the head of the light, the Multi-Switch power button is actually two separate buttons, each for its own light color—to make light-dependent multi-tasking as efficient as possible.

An infographic of the headlamp light control systems including control wheel, light dial, and control lever.

Variable Light Control Technology

Easily adjust headlamp light output. COAST Variable Light Control Technology provides three ways to precisely regulate beam intensity.

The Light Output Control Wheel adjusts light based on the position of a magnetic dial located on the outside of the headlamp. Easy to operate with one hand, the Control Wheel delivers advanced weatherproofing and durability because its control sensor is encased inside the magnetic dial.

The Light Dial, positioned on the side of the headlamp’s bezel, makes controlling light output and selecting lighting modes as simple as the turn of a knob.

The Control Lever, located on the back of some headlamps, makes for effortless, one-handed light output adjustments with a simple toggle of the lever.

An animation that highlights the build of COAST Flashlight, build features include the LED CREE chip, the cyclone cooling system, and the glass lens.

Optics Construction

One of the telltale signs of COAST quality is the ingenuity of the optics. We combine a sophisticated, custom-programmed MCU driver circuit for controlling and programming light output and modes with a Cyclone Heat Sink System that absorbs heat and prevents the circuitry and exterior of the light from overheating. A weather-resistant O-ring protects the circuitry and LED, and most slide-focusing lights have built-in Beam Lock System controls. The crisp clarity of our beams comes from the proprietary shapes of our LEDs and optics.

An animation highlighting and deconstructing the design of aluminum and stainless steel flashlights, highlights include the battery cartridge and the weather resistant build.

Aluminum/Stainless Steel Construction

Designed to withstand constant use, COAST handheld flashlights are constructed with aluminum and stainless steel, and include custom battery cartridges and heavy-duty, protective O-rings on the inside. Together, these highly durable components enable superior light function over time with resistance to handling, unexpected spills, and drops.

POLYSTEEL Construction

Virtually unbreakable. COAST POLYSTEEL combines a super-tough stainless steel core with a grip-textured poly-nylon exterior to build unimaginable strength into highly functional flashlights.

An infographic highlighting the tail cap design of COAST flashlights.

Tail Cap Design

Built for the hand, designed for performance. COAST lights with a Quick-Cycle Tail switch integrate the on/off button into the tail cap of the flashlight. Familiar to tactical law enforcement professionals, this feature enables you to hold the light in your fist with your thumb at the rear on the tail-switch and hold the light up and away from your body with fast-action control. The exterior contours of the tail cap, squared off at the end, allow the light to be balanced on end for vertical lighting applications.

Flex Power

Power up on your terms. Lights with COAST Flex Charge technology feature a rechargeable battery that can be recharged either inside or outside the light. A simple USB connection to either AC or DC ensures you can always get juice.

Options to stay ready. With COAST Dual Power technology, you have the choice to power your light with USB-rechargeable batteries or with standard alkaline batteries.

Charging Cap

Power up your penlight by putting on its cap. The COAST Pro-Flex Charging Cap makes recharging as easy and intuitive as replacing the cap on a pen.

External Device Charging

Power any USB-enabled device. Select COAST lights feature a special external charging system that allows other devices to recharge from an easy-to-carry COAST handheld battery pack.

Pro-Tek Charging

Charge directly from AC, DC, and USB. Flashlights and headlamps with COAST Pro-Tek Charging include a direct-connect port for powering back up.

Knife Technology and Construction

Max-Lock

Take safety to the extreme. COAST knives equipped with the Max-Lock system can lock the blade in either the open or closed position. Locking the blade closed prevents the assisted opening mechanism from accidentally engaging in your pocket. Locking the blade open protects your fingers from an accidental closure during use. Knives with Max-Lock also have a standard Liner-Lock to make the knives twice as safe.

Blade Assist

From closed to open in a flash. Knives with COAST’s Blade Assist mechanism use a proprietary opening mechanism to release the knife blade faster, smoother, and more safely than other blade-assist systems on the market. Operating Blade Assist is as simple as gently push the studs on the side of the blade until it pops open. Only available on knives equipped with Max-Lock.

Double Lock

One blade, twice the safety. During standard use, the Liner-Lock automatically engages and locks the blade open. But when you need to make more rugged cuts, push the Double Lock switch forward to block the Liner-Lock from possibly disengaging and allowing the blade to close on your hand. Adjust the safety detent-action (which controls how easily the knife closes) with the tension screw on the side of the knife. To operate, open the blade and push the switch on top of the knife forward to engage, or pull it back to disengage the Double Lock.

Liner Lock

Safe, single-handed blade control. Knives equipped with a Liner Lock use the knife’s interior stainless liner as a locking mechanism and allow you to keep one hand free while opening and closing the knife. To operate the lock, fully open the blade and the Liner Lock will automatically engage. To close the knife, turn the handle opening toward your body with the blade pointing away, push the ridged metal piece inside the handle to the left, and pull the blade back into the handle.

Frame Lock

Safe, single-handed blade control. Knives equipped with a Frame Lock use the knife’s frame as a locking mechanism and allow you to keep one hand free while opening and closing the knife. To operate, simply open the blade all the way and the Frame-Lock will automatically engage. To close, turn the handle opening toward your body, push the ridged metal piece left, and pull the blade back into the handle.

Lockback

Easily control your knife blade. COAST knives featuring the Lockback system have an easy-to-use, integrated lock mechanism on the back of the knife that ensures the blade stays open during use. To operate, simply open the blade all the way and the Lockback will automatically engage. To close, find the metal tab on top of the handle and push it in toward the handle, and then return the blade into the handle.

An infographic highlighting the different blade steels used in COAST knives.

Blade Steels

Strength and sharpness suited to each job. COAST knives are constructed exclusively from high-carbon stainless steels toughened to the core by treatment with extreme heat and severe cold (-320 degrees Fahrenheit / -195 degrees Celsius). Steels are chosen specifically for each blade based on intended knife use. Higher carbon grades maximize edge-retention in knives designed for hunting and military applications. Hardworking everyday blades integrate a lower-carbon blade that sharpens more easily in response to frequent use.

An infographic highlighting the different handle materials including G10, aluminum, nylon, and wood.

Handle Materials

COAST knife handles match comfort and durability with good looks.

G10 is a specialized composite made from layers of fibrous material and resin compressed under extreme pressure. COAST G10 handles include an interior steel support for durability.

Aluminum provides strength in a lightweight format. COAST aluminum handles are surface-textured to provide a secure grip.

Nylon and fiberglass fill features in handles with a contoured shape. Nearly indestructible, COAST knives with nylon and fiberglass fill handles are also incredibly lightweight.

Natural wood handles are impregnated under extreme pressure with high-strength resin. COAST handles with this special natural wool are extremely durable and chemical resistant.

An infographic highlighting the different blade finishes including titanium nitride, glass bead, and black oxide.

Blade Finishes

All COAST knives receive a blade finish for great looks.

Titanium Nitride.

Multiple colors, sleek looks, super durable. The Titanium Nitride finish is achieved by placing the blade in an ion vapor-deposition chamber where the titanium nitride material is vaporized and deposited on the surface of the blade.

Glass Bead

Non-reflective, easy to clean, no fingerprints. The Glass Bead finish is achieved by placing the blade in a bead-blasting chamber where glass bead particles shoot over the blade surface under high air pressure.

Black Oxide

Smooth black, non-reflective, super durable. The Black Oxide finish is achieved by darkening the blade material in a chemical dip-bath process and agitated to ensure the entire surface is covered.

An man in a work shop using a piece of machinery to sharpen a cutting tool with sparks flying.

Knife Design and Testing Labs

Think making the perfect knife is a quick and easy process? Think again.

At Coast, each knife begins as an idea and then gets put to paper. But it can’t go to production from just that, so each concept is carefully turned into a hand-carved wood handle to test the ergonomics, size, and aesthetics.

After we are confident with the hand done model, we put it back to paper to create a 3D rapid prototype model it gets to put it to the test for form and function. Once we are satisfied that the original idea has passed all the inspections and qualifications to become an official Coast knife, it gets put to full production and finds its way to your hands.

Just because your knife went through all of these hurdles and steps to get to your hand, does not mean the Knife Lab gets to turn the lights off. Every blade in the collection is scrutinized continuously to make sure that it has reached its maximum potential.

Just another reason that Coast Knives are FASTER, SMOOTHER, SAFER