Quality Control Report: Coleman Rechargeable Twin Tube Lantern
After over 10 years of use, I never fail to be impressed with the reliability of my Coleman Rechargeable Twin Tube Lanterns.
I purchased 4 of these lanterns in 1998. They have NEVER failed me.
Each lantern has logged over 100 uses. Power failures, camping trips, backyard bonfires, nighttime at the beach.......... reliable every time.
For anyone not familiar with this lantern, it has 2 fluorescent tubes. A 3-position switch allows one or both tubes to be used.
The lantern can be recharged from a 110 volt or 12 volt power source. The charging adaptors store in a compartment under the lantern.
The lantern delivers on its promise of 14 hours of light using one tube and 10 hours of light using both tubes. Durable plastic construction has kept these lanterns looking brand new over the years.
I usually recharge the lanterns - two at a time - about every three months. I first turn on both tubes and run the lantern until the battery is completely discharged. Then I recharge the lanterns for about 16 hours.
I intentionally did not recharge one of the lanterns for over a year. Yesterday was "testing day." I turned on both tubes and the lantern stayed lit for almost 9 hours. I just finished recharging it.
I paid $24.95 for the lanterns in 1998 at WalMart. Given the performance I've enjoyed, I consider these things to have been an excellent purchase.
Over the years, I've seen a few different Coleman models, including LED, bulb, and D-cell battery versions, at various retail outlets. Yeah, I've been tempted to pick one up, but I couldn't be any happier with the ones I now have.
Here is a picture of ones I have. Some Coleman Twin Tube's come in different variations (that is, the shape of the lantern has changed somewhat) but in any event, this is one great lantern that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone.
http://www.campman.com/images/rechar...ubelantern.jpg
