Short Description:

The Coleman Sentinel is a self powered light based on the Freeplay mechanism. By turning a crank that folds into the side of the light you can charge the non-replaceable 3 NiMH AA batteries inside the light to run the incandescent 2-level bulb. This allows the light to be used anywhere you need reliable light when batteries may not be available.

The body of the light tested is beige plastic with dark rubber inserts for grip. On top of the light is the 2-way switch. On the bottom is the cranking mechanism which folds neatly against the body. The bezel is covered by a clear lens and a rubberized cover which pops off, removing the reflector as well which is glued into the cover. The Sentinel is advertised as "weather resistant" but is not really very water resistant due to the opening required for the cranking mechanism. I would certainly protect it from puddles, streams and lakes. The AC charging port is covered with a rubber plug to keep out debris and water.

The bulb is a tri-pin xenon with 2 filaments, one high, one low. It has a teardrop shaped base so it can only be inserted one way. The "high" filament is intended for use when you charge the internal NiMH batteries with the included AC charger. The "low" filament is designed to conserve battery life, or for use when charging with the crank. 24 hours of charge with the AC charger will give you about 30 minutes of operation on "high" and about 5 hours on "low". 30 seconds of cranking will give <1 minute on "high" and about 8 minutes on "low". A full charge could be obtained by cranking for 40 minutes total. It is important not to use the light while plugged into the AC charger. Remove from the charger first. Cranking the light while it's running is fine.

The reflector is very nicely faceted resulting in a very broad flood-like beam.

The switch is a simple 2 way click switch. Forward is "high", rearward is "low" and pressing on the dot in the center turns the light off.

Batteries are not required. The NiMH batteries inside the light are permanently installed. Unfolding and cranking the handle will charge the internal batteries. The handle can be cranked in either direction to charge.

The light weighs about 12 oz., so if you are going to pack in on a camping trip it weighs about the same as a can of soda.

A wall mounted holder can be purchased separately for the light, as can be a 12V auto charger.

Reviewer's Impressions:

The Coleman Sentinel, while not the perfect light for camping due to its lack of waterproofing, is a great alternative to carrying loads of batteries with you on trips into the wilderness. Weighing in at about equal to a can of soda, it should be a useful companion in areas where batteries are scarce or unavailable.

Fit and finish is rather good. Pretty typical molded plastic design and finish. Seems to be about what you would expect from a small home appliance like a blender or good toaster.

Quality / Durability / Construction varies depending on what you're talking about. The light is fairly hefty and I would protect it from drops due to the circuitry and gears inside. The charging gears seem to be really tough in use, allowing you to instantly stop and reverse directions with the charging handle without damaging them. The charging handle is also very tough and well made.

Output is good for an emergency light. On high it can really hold its own against other broad-beamed lights. On low it appears a little weak, but in the dark a little light is better than none.

It is conceivable that after 3 years or so after first use the NiMH batteries may poop out and need to be changed. If you're handy you may be able to remove the triangular head screws (anyone got a triangular bit for a screwdriver?) and unsolder the old batteries, soldering new ones in their place. Considering the cost of the light, it may be worth it to do so if you are inclined.

Beam quality is good, and the Sentinel produces a smooth flood of light in any direction it is pointed. Order a spare bulb when you get the light just so that you don't get left in the dark.

Water Resistance is negligible. Don't get it wet if you can avoid it. Especially avoid dunking.

Important things to note: Charging this little critter can be tougher than you think. It has a little green LED that lights when you are charging at the "optimum speed", whatever that is. If the batteries are dead, get ready to crank your little arm off trying to light that little LED. The good news is, it will charge even if you don't light the LED, but it will take a little longer than the advertised "30 seconds" to get your 8 minutes of light on "low".

Improvements: Waterproofing. Make it lighter if possible. I'd like to see them use LEDs for greater efficiency for the "low" setting and a xenon incandescent bulb for "high".

I primarily got this light to modify it to take LEDs, making it more reliable in that it never needs bulbs again. Check out the final mod HERE which includes 12 white LEDs, 2 for "low" and 10 for "high", all being directly driven off of the 3.6V rechargeable batteries in the light.

(Rating updated April 2003 to reflect ongoing testing and update to rating system.)

+ + + Pluses: Relatively tough, Needs no batteries - instant light when you need it, Bright on "high" - good light on "low"

- - - Minuses: Not very water resistant, Heavy, Cannot stand on end, Cranking takes some effort if fully discharged

Quick Facts Table: