Exponent® CR123A Lithium Pack-Away Lantern

[luminiferous]

Blacklight,

This lantern looks fantastic!

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=4347-710&categoryid=1045

Well done! Kudos to the Coleman lantern team. :twothumbs

 

[adirondackdestroyer]

Looks very nice, but man that is really expensive for a lantern. Especially one made by Coleman.

 

[Daniel_sk]

Looks interesting, but expensive to run - it takes 3 CR123A's.

 

[luminiferous]

Looks very nice, but man that is really expensive for a lantern. Especially one made by Coleman.

Yes, but see my PM in regard to your first comment.

Regarding your opinion of Coleman lanterns, I respectfully disagree. As far as battery powered lanterns are concerned, they've had some hit and miss designs in the past, but the new Coleman battery lanterns (especially the Exponent line) under the guidance of Blacklight is of exceptionally good design, build and quality.

Once you have your hands on one, I think you'll agree.

 

[sotyakr]

GetOutdoors http://www.getoutdoors.com/go, an outdoor sports blogging site has a quick video clip of the new CR123 powered Coleman Exponent lantern in action from the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show in Salt Lake City. Nothing special (the video), but what the hey?

 

[wvaltakis2]

Think there's a chance of running it on rechargeables?

~Chip

 

[luminiferous]

Think there's a chance of running it on rechargeables?

~Chip

It's under investigation. As pointed out by another CPF'r, the voltage regulator would have to be able to handle as much as 12.6 v, otherwise a dummy cell would have to be used (assuming the batteries are in series). If they are, then I like this idea, because it limits the number of Li-Ion cells and thus is safer.

I've asked Blacklight these questions, so we'll have to wait until he has time to respond.

 

[GreySave]

What I love about this lantern is that it will allow me to go to carrying only one type of spare batteries in my jump kit that will cover all of my flashlights, headlamps, and now lanterns. That, combined with the long low runtime and great high output when needed makes this appear to be a very good investment.

 

[Blacklight]

Alan, I got your PM with questions, I will try ot get back to you this week, but even better, send me your personal info shipping address, I will get you one, and you can let me know how it does for you.

 

[z96Cobra]

Coleman lantern with Cree spotted

I was in the Bass Pro in Cincinnati, OH today and saw the new Coleman Exponent Lantern with a Cree inside. This one is triangle shaped, and collapses just like the K2 version (which is square shaped) that I have. I was going to buy it, but I don't need another one and the price is too high IMO. Does anyone have one of these yet? Do they work any better than the K2 version?

Roger

I tried to search, but kept getting a "fatal error".

 

[Blacklight]

Re: Coleman lantern with Cree spotted

I was in the Bass Pro in Cincinnati, OH today and saw the new Coleman Exponent Lantern with a Cree inside. This one is triangle shaped, and collapses just like the K2 version (which is square shaped) that I have. I was going to buy it, but I don't need another one and the price is too high IMO. Does anyone have one of these yet? Do they work any better than the K2 version?

Roger

I tried to search, but kept getting a "fatal error".

the K2 version is twice the weight and 40 lumens, the triangle is 100 lumens and under 5 ounces with batteries. really designed for light weight backpackers. The K2 4aa version has been upgraded, I think you can find a post about it with the new CREE part number, can order that online as people have recomended if you want, the price is much lower and it is over 80 lumens, so double the light output.

 

[DM51]

Re: Coleman lantern with Cree spotted

Like the 4xAA K2 rectangular version which I reviewed here, it is beautifully designed, except for one crucial thing: that clear window.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE change this and make it opaque/frosted - or at least please produce an second version with a frosted window.

 

[abvidledUK]

Re: Coleman lantern with Cree spotted

Like the 4xAA K2 rectangular version which I reviewed here, it is beautifully designed, except for one crucial thing: that clear window.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE change this and make it opaque/frosted - or at least please produce an second version with a frosted window.

If the window is clear plastic, just wipe it with nail polish remover.

That'll frost it up nicely.

(Non-reversible, and depends on type of plastic)

PS: There's a hand wind-up non-cree LED lantern FS in UK.

(Keeps you warm and bright !) 30" for 20'

 

[tron1974]

I searched but did not see an answer to a question I have.

I just got one of these as well as one of the 4 AA models. Can the CR123 model use rechargeable CR123 batteries like the ones at battery space? I don't want to fry my light using them.

 

[pxbaroni]

Has anyone figured out if this lantern is capable of using rechargeables??

 

[luminiferous]

Has anyone figured out if this lantern is capable of using rechargeables??

Yes, with an exception. See this link for info.

 

[R@ndom]

Nobody mentioned lifepo4 rechargebles they have a peak voltage of 3.2 volts and abuseability at the expense of capacity...

 

[luminiferous]

Nobody mentioned lifepo4 rechargebles they have a peak voltage of 3.2 volts and abuseability at the expense of capacity...

Other members have reviewed them and they don't really measure up.