I’ve been carrying a Coast HX5 1AA for about a year and a half and use it multiple times daily. It’s my most used light.
Technically it’s not what most CPF members would consider a “zoomie”, since it focuses to a bulls-eye spot, rather than the shape of the LED die.
I also have a Polysteel 3AAA/rechargeable and 6AA models that have the same type beams.
I’m pleased with them all.
Are they indestructible like the package claims? I did not want to test on mine because just in case I need to return it. Damage and HD might not take it back. I kept all receipts just in case. Again, these were bought prior to me making decisions to stay away from zoomies period.
I got one of these soda-can size zoomie “fishing” lights from AliExpress with the intention of modding with a better LED. Built OK for $20, but surprised it came with three 18650 batteries! Looks like a fake SST-90 LED inside, charging it up to see what it does.
I doubt that any light is indestructible. I try not to abuse my lights. I haven’t had any issues with any of the three mentioned above.
My 2AAA HP3 became unreliable.
I just ordered a couple of Sofirn SF30 zoomies. Because of the Chinese new year I’ll probably have forgotten I ordered them by the time they show up though.
Bleh. They don’t seem like real Thorfires, but more like someone took cheap-ass zoomies and slapped the Thorfire name on ’em. Definitely not the usual Thorfire quality…
Little to no lube on any of the threads. The tulip-head seems to be somewhat grippy and doesn’t flop around, so that’s good.
Angry Blue™ with hints of Hateful Purple™ coming from the old old XP-G that’s in there, so that’s bad.
Sipik-like body and switch, so probably rehashes of old ’68s but with a different head.
The driver is the usual crappy quality board, looks dirty, no spring, press-fit into the head.
Didn’t open it at all, but I’m betting there’s just a narrow ledge for the mcpcb in there, no solid shelf.
On the bright side it’s probably easily moddable, begging for an emitter swap and a better driver.
UI? High, low, strobe. Why do they hate me so? The LuxPros have that, this light has that, it’s the trifecta of pissing-me-off.
As-is, you can give one to someone you hate, else mod it to something better and keep it in a car or something. With a decent driver, even with only Li support, it could be worth something. But the emitter and driver gots ta go…
Buy ’em as hosts only, and you’ll do okay.
Well, The verdict is in about Coast HP450 from Home Depot purchased over the holidays. Claims 1400 lumens. Partially true. The 1400 lumens at spot is less. BUT at zoomed or focused beam more in tune of 1200 lumens. Loses to the most recent Bushnell 1500 lumen released during the same time. The flashlight is NO THROWER by no means. Unfortunately, zooming features still suffers from shadow rings artifacts once beam is zoomed in. For $25 for non flashlightholic maybe worth it.
Went back to Home Depot.
I’m curious about the “shadow rings artifacts once beam is zoomed in”. I’ve read other posters refer to these and discourage others from even trying Coast lights.
My Coasts with the PureBeam Focus have fewer artifacts and smoother beam when fully focused than my fixed beam lights, such as my Wuben E05 and BLF A6.
There is a reason why people DO NOT recommend Coast brand flashlights. The HP450 has PureBeam Focus ( Coast has trademark on this type of beam ). The shadow rings of light are evident once light is zoomed ” in ” Look at outer diameter of light beam. You will see 2 distinct shadow rings for sure.
Let me make it easier to understand. My HaborFreight Tools 588 lumen ( $10 ) blows the Coast away. Even though shadow light rings BUT very minimal. BTW, I sold this light already.
I dislike zoomies period. No more of those.
FYI, I did review on Wuben E05, Apollo 21, etc….
I don’t think I’ve seen this AAA zoomie before:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Adjustable-Focus-MINI-LED-Flashlight-Keychain-Runs-on-AAA-Battery-3-Light-Files-Zoomable-MINI-LED/32948978490.html
I like the looks but they could fit AA cell in 80x17 mm…
ADDED:
Here it’s called Skywolfeye B16 and they list 82x16 mm. Unbranded looks better…but is over 3 times more expensive 
Recently found a brand that makes very high end TIR zoomies like led lenser:
https://www.reddit.com/r/flashlight/comments/70bezk/favour_t1921_t2042_t2117_t222_flashlights_zoomie/
One of the ones reviewed is 18650, the others are AA/AAA
Also not sure if this 18650 zoomie is on the list yet: XANES® 1123A T6 LED 5 Modi Teleskop-Zoom USB-Taschenlampe mit Blitzlicht 18650 Sale - Banggood Deutschland sold out-arrival notice-arrival notice
Awesome beam, ok host quality…but that’s all good that I see in those Favours.
Maybe there would be a chance of a BLF special?
CRX Z1 approx. 130,000KCD. 739M throw.
2 x 26650’s.
Too bad that the UI requires clicking through all modes to turn the light off. At least there’s no strobe in the mode sequence when you want to turn the light off.
” any mode is on for >5s, the next click will be to “off”. ”
Thanks for clarifying. That’s tolerable.
Looking at their website I get the impression they probably make more lights primarily for other brands
Thanks Enderman,
That XANES 1123A really looks worthy. Anodized threads, an interesting tailcap with charging port and possible indicator of battery charge state?, Simple…
One of better ones we had here…
But I would like bit larger aspherical head, and when we talk about head it seems that it does not carry any pill?.. The head itself probably acts as a pill (maybe only some retaining ring that carries a driver).
Body of the Xanes zoomie must be reversible. Banggood pics show pocket clip in both directions.
This one looks nice:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10-Watts-High-Output-5-Light-Files-Adjustable-Focus-T6-Zoom-LED-Flashlight-Runs-on-18650/32947128153.html
I just like the looks. And the thin bezel. And it should fit 20650 cells, maybe even larger ones.