I was at Walmart yesterday looking at the flashlights they have and was fascinated by a particular one. It’s called the Coast Polysteel 250. It also included the name “IPX8”. I didn’t buy it, but decided to look at reviews online about it to see if it’s as good as it looked. But that’s where things have gotten confusing. The specs say it puts out 320 lumens, has 3 levels, runs on 3AAA batteries, and can run up to 34 hours at the 30 lumen level. It was in a package that allows a customer to try it out, and I found that it has a forward clicky switch.
When I Google Coast Polysteel 250, I’ve come across descriptions of a light that looks like the one I saw, but used 4AAA batteries instead of 3. One of them called it the Polysteel 250, but had an SKU# of Polysteel-200. That’s at LaPoliceGear, which claims it has a 250 lumen output instead of 320. So that doesn’t sound like the Polysteel 250.
Amazon has what they call the Polysteel 200 and it claims 320 lumens. It seems to have the specs closest to what I saw at Walmart, but the Walmart one was labeled as the Polysteel 250. I also checked Coast’s own website and they don’t even list the Polysteel 250 in their product lineup: LED Flashlights – COAST Products
Can someone please direct me to a good review of the Polysteel 250? Better yet, does anyone here actually own one? It’s currently about $15 at Walmart. Here’s a link to it on their site, and it claims 320 lumens even though the package in the photo shows 330 for some reason, but the package in the store I went to showed 320. COAST Polysteel 250 Heavy-Duty 390 Lumen LED Twist Focus Flashlight with 3 x AAA Batteries, 4.1 oz. - Walmart.com (You have to scroll down slightly after clicking the link)
All these differences in specs make me wonder about whether any of it is true, or if the company (Coast) pays much attention to what they’re doing. If Coast’s own website doesn’t even list it, but rather the “200” version, then is the package at the store mislabeled? Should I be looking at reviews for the 200 instead of 250? Does it use a Cree LED???
Don’t know anything about this particular light but the *IPX8 *reference is familiar. It tells you the water resistance for the flashlight. In this case, it can be immersed to at least 1 meter without harm Looks like it was designed for use in a wet location.
“The equipment is suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions which shall be specified by the manufacturer. However, with certain types of equipment, it can mean that water can enter but only in such a manner that it produces no harmful effects. The test depth and duration is expected to be greater than the requirements for IPx7, and other environmental effects may be added, such as temperature cycling before immersion.”
I bought a 3AAA/rechargeable cartridge Polysteel at the local Sam’s Club on sale a couple weeks ago. I don’t remember the model number on the package, but maybe it was the 250.
I’ll try to remember to check when I get home this evening.
BTW, the tint on this 3AAA sample is a bit more bluish than my 4AA model, which is pretty neutral.
Thanks! If it’s bluish, it doesn’t sound like it’s really using a Cree.
EDIT: I just looked it up again on Walmart’s site and now it’s shown as being no longer available. I guess it was either really popular and sold out, or they just ran out anyway and they’re no longer going to stock them, which seems more likely since Coast no longer lists it on their own site.
I would STAY AWAY from Coast brand unless you want zooming feature clone. I saw the 1400 lumen at Home Depot around holiday time for $24.00. Passed on it because I do not like zoomies due to light shadow rings when light beam is zoomed in.
I think what I like most is a light that has a wide flood beam or a light that simply has a hot spot center with a good amount of spill. Do you think the Polysteel is good if left in a flood setting?
You are better off getting a good quality spot/flood beam flashlight once light is turned on. Full light with good throw and spill WITHOUT those annoying light shadow rings when zoomed.
Correct. You are better off spending more and getting better quality. I started out with ” CHEAPO ” dollar lights, moved on to Atomic Beam, Tactlight, etc…. until I learned about high powered quality lights.
BTW, I do bother with store bought lights unless on sale, 1000 lumens minimum, etc….
Well, I was considering the idea of staying with budget stuff because I’ve been reading about so many people on Candlepowerforums having so many problems with their more expensive lights, regardless of brand or price. I’ve also had plenty of luck with store-bought lights no matter how low the price. Of course, they’re not all that high of quality, but some of them have surprised me.
You got good batches man. Most zoom lights have that disability. I have owned all types of zoomies and most if not all suffer from ” annoying shadow rings “.