Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have camped extensivly for more than 20 years and have used many differnt lanterns in that time. Unquestionably, white gas lanterns are far superior to propane lanterns, however the inherent fire danger of liquid gas fuels make propane fueled lanterns a very viable alternative. That being said... the Coleman Northstar propane fueled lantern is without a doubt the best propane lantern on the market in 2007. Ease of use: The globe assembly breaks down and reassembles easily for attaching the single large mantle; propane bottles attach easily; and the Instastart matchless lighting is extremely Convenient; no fumbling with matches to light this lantern; and BAM... your lantern is lit! The ease of use combined with an extremely high light output for a propane lantern makes this lantern one that will provide years of reliable service. The lantern also comes with a molded plastic carrying case, which provides the protection that lanterns require.
In that this lantern is so great, as far as propane lanterns go... why only 4 stars? There are a couple of avoidable issues to be aware of with this lantern. First, the lantern's connection fitting where the propane bottle attaches to is made from aluminium. Propane bottles are made from steel, which is harder than aluminium. Should you cross thread the propane bottle into the lantern, the harder steel threads of the propane bottle will destroy the weaker aluminium threads on the lantern and... your lantern will be ready for the recycle bin. The same will hold true should you over tighten the steel propane bottle into the lantern's aluminium connection fitting. As soon as the propane bottle's threads make contact with the bottom of the lantern's connection fitting, contact between the propane bottle and the lantern's connection fitting is sealed by a flat rubber seal that is inside the lantern's connection fitting. At this time, simply give the propane bottle a very slight 1/8 turn (or less) to seat the propane bottle against the lantern's connection fitting's seal. The propane bottle and lantern's threads are "straight" threads and DO NOT tighten as you continue to twist as is what happens with that of "tappered" threads of a pipe. The rubber seal in the lantern's connection fitting seals by snugging the propane bottle to the rubber seal in the connection fitting. If the lantern's aluminium connector fitting's threads are not pulled out by over tighening the steel propane bottle's threads into the lantern's aluminium connection fitting past a simple snug, the aluminium threads could at the very least be weakened yielding failure over time. Don't cross thread or over tighten, both of which can easily be done with this lantern. Coleman needs to spend the few extra coins and make this lantern without the aluminium parts.
The second issue to watch out for is the Instastart lighting. The adjustment knob that controls the flow of propane rotates easily. Too easily. It is easy to turn the adjustment knob too far when lighting or adjusting the light output of the lantern and go completly around to it's original starting position. Coleman did make the internal stem of the control valve a spring loaded cam type. This allows the internal valve stem to "click" back into it's proper place should you turn the valve adjustment too far. Then you get to "replay" for another chance to lite the lantern, but the valve stem should not become damaged. The detents, or "clicks" where the adjustment knob is held in position does not allow for good control of light output, is very touchy, and slips to a lower "click." If that lower click is "off" you need to quicky turn the lantern up high before the light goes out, and then retry to regulate down to a lower output. With a little pratice this will be problem.
Overall, this is a great propane fueled lantern. Buy it, use it, and enjoy camping.
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Coleman NorthStar PerfectFlow InstaStart Propane Lantern with Hard Carry CaseThe Coleman 2500A722 Northstar InstaStart Propane Lantern with Hard Case is the steadiest and brightest lantern in the Coleman fleet. The Northstar is pressure-regulated to control fuel flow, so you get consistent light in any temperature, and the InstaClip tube mantle ends your string-tying days. This Coleman InstaStart lantern lights electronically without matches and has a control knob that works like a dimmer switch to let you adjust the brightness and burn time. The porcelain ventilators will prevent rusting, and the hard case conveniently opens into three sections for easy loading.
The Coleman Northstar operates on a 16.4-ounce cylinder of Coleman propane (not included), and will burn for up to 5.5 hours on high or 11 hours on low. With a metal guard to protect the globe and a unique, stable base with foldable feet, it just doesn't get much more convenient and reliable than this.
Manufacturer Warranty Limited lifetime warranty
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