Coleman 4D Dual Action Widebeam Flashlight

I wanted a flashlight-lantern combination for power outages and camping. I found only two models of this type in my area and went with the Coleman. I've used it three times and on the last time in my time of need: (Hurricane Ike and the ensuing power failure), this thing failed me. Thought it was the battery but it was not. It is the switch. The switch won't activate the light. Luckily, I had another one but a different model that I've used for many years that keeps coming through for me. The fit and finish of the coleman seems flimsy....almost frail. This product shouldn't use the coleman name. Get something else that is more durable and reliable.

I was really disappointed in this flashlight. If you want one with really intense light, buy the Big Kahuna 95 LED for under $30.

We have a dual action Coleman flashlight that is over 10 years old and is still going great. A few plastic pieces are missing, so we decided to get a newer version. We ordered this item. It's very attractive. But when we loaded it up with batteries, only the lantern was working, so we thought that the bulb for the flashlight was bad. No problem we can change that. Before we got to do that however, the flashlight was sitting on a table in "off" mode, and all of a sudden the lantern turned on by itself. The control switch could not turn it off. We had to remove the batteries. I eventually tested the bulb in our other older reliable Coleman and nothing is wrong with it. So it means that the flashlight part is not working. It has a label on it which says "China", so maybe that is where it was made. Beware!!

I just bought this product to replace the previous one and also added the Coleman Personal Size Lantern to my order. Here's my review of the lantern which recommends the Coleman Widebeam flashlight.
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I purchased the "Coleman 4D Dual Action Widebeam Flashlight" for $20 at Amazon to replace the same product which stopped working. While I was at it I bought one of these lanterns. I wanted to have a second and decided to try this for variety, instead of two of the former.

Coleman products have served me well and I like both of these products. However, I was puzzled to see that the light was brighter from the large flashlight than the lantern.

Both products have u-tube fluorescent lighting and both require 4 D batteries, but they clearly (to me) are different in their brightness. Since both products cost $20 and the flashlight also offers both a halogen bulb AND the u-tube, I would recommend buying that instead.

Had I never owned the flashlight version I would have rated this 5 stars which is how I would rate the flashlight.

Something to think about if you want a product to get you around your house when the power fails. Coincidentally, 3 days after these Colemans arrived we lost power for 45 minutes and then a week later for 1 1/2 hours (Philadelphia, PA). These are indispensable to me. I don't do camping but if I did I would still prefer the flashlight for its brighter tube.

Hope this helps you with your decision ... Sam

This is my second Coleman Flashlight and they are great. It is bright and powerful. The batteries last forever as well as the bulbs. The price is a lot cheaper here at amazon then the coleman website.