Coleman 4AA Exponent® Pack-Away®

[276]

i have seen the lithium battery version on colemans site, but i have yet to find anywhere the 4 AA version

[Blacklight]

i have seen the lithium battery version on colemans site, but i have yet to find anywhere the 4 AA version

they are revising the 4AA information today to show CREE and the new better performance.

[adirondackdestroyer]

they are revising the 4AA information today to show CREE and the new better performance.

Awesome! I just checked it and it still shows the K2 version. I'm ready to buy as soon as it's updated!

[luminiferous]

Awesome! I just checked it and it still shows the K2 version. I'm ready to buy as soon as it's updated!

Updated. Place your orders on the Friends and Family store (details here)

[Phaserburn]

Order placed!

[luminiferous]

Order placed!

Nice. BTW, did you pay full price? I noticed the discounted price is not showing for the 4AA PackAway, but it is showing for the CR123A PackAway.

[Lunal_Tic]

Nice. BTW, did you pay full price? I noticed the discounted price is not showing for the 4AA PackAway, but it is showing for the CR123A PackAway.

Shows $34.99 for me, bummer. Maybe it doesn't apply to new products?

-LT

[luminiferous]

Shows $34.99 for me, bummer. Maybe it doesn't apply to new products?

-LT

The CR123A PackAway shows the discounted price and that's newer than the 4AA PackAway. I think it may be a temporary issue that needs resolving. I've seen similar issues with the Friends and Family store before.

[276]

Just checked colemans site they finally have the AA version cree lantern

[Lunal_Tic]

Looks like they've got the price squared away. Placed an order but it'll be a while since it's got to go through Texas on its way to me. Got me for tax too (bummer) but at least I'll be able to try these out soon.

I didn't see earlier but is the 3AA MicroPacker that currently has the Luxeon in it due for an upgrade?

-LT

[Weylan]

I really am loooking for an upgrade of the Cree for the micro packer form factor. While I want a really good running small lantern, I want something I use in the micropacker form factor that provides me this usage.

I love the use and design of the exponent CREE. And I am starting to wrap my mind around the 3x 123a cell version and using it as both a transport storage for extra 123a cells and a lantern, the form factor of the micropacker and cree makes so much sense to me.

The micropacker just is just too wimpy at 2 regular LEDs for a lantern. While 2 5mm leds might be ok for a minimalist regular flashlight, as a lantern it is just kind of pathetic.

Thinking of this, any one know if the 3x 123a exponent CREE is running the 123a cells in parallel or serial? I would think, using the light as a storage, and light, the batteries in parallel would be awsome so that you could run the light on 1, 2 or 3 cells as an option, but I bet that would be asking too much huh?

[LowBat]

Order placed.

[adirondackdestroyer]

Order placed.

Placed mine today as well. Now the waiting game begins!

[luminiferous]

Placed mine today as well. Now the waiting game begins!

Cool. Look forward to reading your opinions of them when you guys get yours.

[LowBat]

Cool. Look forward to reading your opinions of them when you guys get yours.

Will do.

[ps56k]

just ordered mine too - part of the "Family"
will be interesting to see how it works sitting on a table or carrying or ...

[Daekar]

Just ordered 4 of the AA version - one for me, two for my dad, and one for my girlfriend's dad. They've almost stopped asking me for details about lights anymore... they know that if I recommend it, they want it. I'm going to wait and see how easy it is to mod one - I might stick in a Q5 just for kicks!

[JRR]

So what are the advantages of the cr123a version, other than a measely 4 0z of weight? The Coleman website lists the domensions of the 4aa model, but not the other. IMO, the cost of the 4aa batteries will outweigh (pun intended) the 4 0z weight reduction long term. Are their any other advantages?

Thanks.

[GreySave]

For me, the advantages are that I can now put the RiverRock lantern to other uses and consolidate from (at one time) carrying three different sizes of spare batteries in my jump kits and backpacks down to one that will power flashlights, lanterns, and headlamps.

For those of us who backpack hike or camp or are involved in volunteer emergency services weight and size count a very great deal. I think Coleman hit the nail right on the head by providing similar products in multiple configurations so that the purchaser can acquire what works for them without compromising.

I also think Coleman will be missing an opportunity if they do not market these as emergency lighting in addition to as a sporting / ourdoors product.

[LowBat]

For me, the advantages are that I can now put the RiverRock lantern to other uses and consolidate from (at one time) carrying three different sizes of spare batteries in my jump kits and backpacks down to one that will power flashlights, lanterns, and headlamps.

I hear that; like you I too like to keep everything running on the same size battery. The only difference is I have chosen the AA as my battery of choice. I can see why you choose the CR123 for reduced weight. I prefer the AA for economy and availability, and that most battery powered devices use AA cells.

[GreySave]

<< I can see why you choose the CR123 for reduced weight. I prefer the AA for economy and availability, and that most battery powered devices use AA cells. >>

As I like to say, it is all about individual needs and preferences. What works for me might not work for someone else and vice-versa. The neat thing is that by providing essentially the same product in multiple formats. Coleman has covered everyone's needs. I recall reading that there might be a "D" cell version coming out later for those who want a really long running lantern and do not mind the added size and weight. This would probably be perfect for those who deal with weather induced power failures. Coleman seems to recognize that people do have different needs and desires and that their products are used for far more than just camping.

[luminiferous]

So what are the advantages of the cr123a version, other than a measely 4 0z of weight? The Coleman website lists the domensions of the 4aa model, but not the other. IMO, the cost of the 4aa batteries will outweigh (pun intended) the 4 0z weight reduction long term. Are their any other advantages?

Thanks.

Other than weight, size is another obvious advantage, but don't forget, the primary target market is likely to use these lanterns in very cold temperatures. Alkalines don't perform well at near freezing temperatures so Lithium primaries are a good choice.

[LowBat]

I received my new Coleman 4AA Exponent Pack Away (Cree) Lantern today. I don’t have any pictures or beam shots, but I’ll give you my first impressions.

First off I really like the compactness and build quality. It feels solid and is mostly rubber armored. The plastic window (I won’t call it a lens) is completely protected from dirt and scratches when in the closed position for storage or transportation. Mine takes a bit of effort to extend the window, which maybe because it’s new. The hi/low/blink/off button on top is large, easy to press, and clicks nicely through the various modes. If you leave the lantern on when you close the window there’s some sort of switch that turns it off when fully closed. Smart design so you can’t leave it on when packing away; or better yet it won’t come on accidentally in a backpack if the button is pushed. The metal hanger snaps down firmly on top when not is use.

Next is the light output. I’ve owned a number of lanterns: Coleman Micro Packer (2 x 5mm LEDs), Energizer 4AA Foldaway, Coleman Micro Packer Exponent (modified with a Seoul P4), and River Rock 4AA. My impression is the Coleman 4AA Exponent Pack Away (Cree) Lantern puts out about the same amount of light as other lanterns in this class. The one big difference I’ve noticed so far is the glare is not nearly as bad as other similar models, and that’s a major plus. Why is the glare less? I really don’t know for sure. This unit doesn’t have any diffusing material but there maybe a number of factors that help reduce glare. First off would be the LED positioned on the roof and aiming downward so you’re not likely to see directly into the LED; unless your looking up from the underneath. Second might be that the conical reflector that the LED is hitting is smaller than I have seen in other models. Third could have something to do with the LED not being centered over the reflector. My unit may just be a fluke with the LED position, but the beam pattern appears to be equal all around. Speaking of beam pattern, this unit does have quite a number of artifacts as to be expected for lantern with a boxed shaped window and several support poles in the way.

One little trick that a friend figured out; if you partially slide the window closed you can diminish light output. This unit does have a low setting, but when you start sliding the window closed you can gradually reduce output even more. Nice little trick, although it doesn’t reduce battery consumption.

As fate would have it I’m going camping tomorrow night and will have a chance to test it on a picnic table in very dark conditions. I’m really interested to see if glare is a problem on my night adapted eyes while fixing dinner. Other lanterns have been such a problem that I’ve opted to the less powerful but well diffused Energized 4AA Folding Lantern up to now. I’ll post my opinion on the glare factor this weekend.

[tron1974]

I am really psyched to get mine. I'm just waiting now for it to ship after I ordered it early last week.

I have a few backpacking and car camping trips coming up. I hope it arrives in the next couple weeks.

[Blacklight]

Looks like they've got the price squared away. Placed an order but it'll be a while since it's got to go through Texas on its way to me. Got me for tax too (bummer) but at least I'll be able to try these out soon.

I didn't see earlier but is the 3AA MicroPacker that currently has the Luxeon in it due for an upgrade?

-LT

it is, the new part number is 2000000132 for a 60 lumen unit (available in January), or 2000000268 which is an 80 lumen version avaiable around October

[Lunal_Tic]

Blacklight thanks for the info. Since I've already ordered the others and they've yet to get to me over here so I can test them out, I'll hold off till October for the brighter versions.

Cheers,
-LT

[Phaserburn]

Got mine. I agree with above assessments for the most part. Mine is quite a bit brighter than my RR 4AA. Mine is also difficult to open from the fully closed position. The only thing I don't love about this lantern is that is has alot of artifacts in it's output.

[Blacklight]

Got mine. I agree with above assessments for the most part. Mine is quite a bit brighter than my RR 4AA. Mine is also difficult to open from the fully closed position. The only thing I don't love about this lantern is that is has alot of artifacts in it's output.

yeah, I can live with the artifacts on a personal level with all the packing I do, but not real happy either, one of the compromises we made for size. our development cycle is a little longer than some smaller companies, so when it was designed, the original K2 was the hot new LED and we needed every bit of light we could squeeze. With brighter LEDs now I am sure you will see future projects that elimiate the artifacts more.

I definently understand your concern on artifacts though.

[adirondackdestroyer]

Dang! I didn't get mine again today. Hopefully it will arrive tomorrow. I'm glad the rest of you guys like yours and it should replace my Osram Golden Dragon as my best lantern.

Blacklight,

Any new updates on the 4AA Cree Headlamp or any of the other Cree headlamps? I'm really chomping at the bit for one of these!

[ps56k]

just received ours today, about 5 days shipping.... from "Family".

Nice and compact, and the LED itself is very bright. It closes and opens snugly, and you have to tug a little to get it open.

The front/back areas of the lens (the longer rectangle sides) are clear, and the sides (the shorter rectangle sides) have 2 small vertical ridges that maybe are there for structural reasons. Overall, lots of various artifacts, mostly from the shorter sides.
Yes, it does auto shutoff when closed.

Now - the light -
We noticed that the LED is very bright, and the reflector cone is very bright at the very tip... also, the inside top/bottom are highly polished like the cone.

SO - the output in our dark bathroom test was... "interesting".

There appears to be a very narrow band of light output, probably from the cone tip. The rest of the room was only very dimly lit. And, with the highly polished bottom, as you looked down at the lantern sitting on the sink (table top) you were blinded by the reflection from the bottom. If you lifted it up, as maybe hanging from a tree, or inside a tent, the results were the same, except reflection from the top + the actual LED point source.

It's a very bright point source of light, but the light seems to be held captive like a bouncing laser, and never really escaping into the surrounding area.

All in all - I'm not sure...