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Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
#5552307
01/19/15 09:34 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36
Kingfisher77
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36 |
I purchased a CT-50 flashlight for $49.99 from Academy in Austin before Christmas. I did not have a chance to use it until after Christmas during my final hunt of rifle season. I hunt in Coke County, and it was very, very cold that particular week. It was so cold, in fact, that the light wouldn't work. Seriously, the light will not work when it is cold and this is known to the engineers at Coleman (see below). I turned on the light right at sunset...tracking a downed deer and the light lasted for about 15 minutes. Just enough time to find the deer and load it on to the ranger. When I returned to camp, I tried to turn the light back on, and it was dead. Hmm. I emailed Coleman USA customer service, and to their credit they did email me back, but they will not stand behind their product. In short, they cannot offer a refund because it is a "battery issue", offered a replacement and admitted that it would likely not "improve performance" as the replacement light still will not work in cold weather. Think about everyone that has purchased one of these lights that may be depending on it for emergencies. At the time that it died, it was the only light that I had on me. There should be some sort of warning on the packaging about the light not working in cold weather, and coleman USA should stand behind their products. Seriously...people hunt and camp when it is very, very cold. I was floored when they admitted yes the light, even if replaced will not work in the cold, and no we are not going to offer a refund. $50 is the price point where I expect a decent light. BTW, every off brand, "cheap" light in our camp worked that night.
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5552394
01/19/15 10:19 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,511
syncerus
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,511 |
Next, they'll tell us that it only works in daylight.
NRA Patriot Benefactor & DSC Lifer
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5552409
01/19/15 10:24 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36
Kingfisher77
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36 |
I think I'm disappointed more than I am surprised.
There's a mid 70's coleman stove and glass lantern in my dad's attic and I'll bet that they both still work.
In this era, it's likely that coleman outsources pretty much everything related to manufacturing and most "name brand" flashlights are all made in the same factory in China.
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5552423
01/19/15 10:36 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 20,988
BuckRage
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 20,988 |
I think you are reading that wrong but I could be mistaken. I don't read it to say their product is faulty but that very cold conditions robs batteries of performance which does happen. Think about it..... the batteries went dead....light still worked but the batteries were drained. http://chemistry.about.com/od/howthingsworkfaqs/f/coldbattery.htm
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5552428
01/19/15 10:42 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36
Kingfisher77
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36 |
That's the way I read it, but if that is the case, why not have something on the packaging letting the customer know that the light will only work for a few minutes in cold weather?
That light drained those batteries in 15 minutes, tops, could have been less time than that. I literally put the batteries in about 3:00 that evening on my way to the stand.
I would have purchased a different light if I had known that the battery issue would prevent it from working in the cold.
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5552431
01/19/15 10:45 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36
Kingfisher77
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36 |
We also had 3 or 4 "cheap" lights, they all worked the entire week that we were there.
Reading product reviews online ( I know, I know...anyone can say anything) it appears as though several customers have had the same issue with this particular light, but not with others in the price range.
Just want to make sure that nobody takes a night drive in icy conditions using this as the only light in their vehicle.
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5552443
01/19/15 10:51 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36
Kingfisher77
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36 |
This guy (see screen shot) had the exact same experience, exact same response from Coleman, and elected to flame them on their Facebook page. I am not going to go that far, but when called out publicity it appears that they will do the right thing:
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5554357
01/20/15 09:50 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,645
QuitShootinYoungBucks
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,645 |
Academy has a 60 day return policy, don't they?
https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks]
#5554402
01/20/15 10:31 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 11,243
Pope&Young
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 11,243 |
Academy has a 60 day return policy, don't they? This
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5554416
01/20/15 10:42 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36
Kingfisher77
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36 |
The way that I read the return policy is that I can only exchange for the same merchandise...which will have the same issue.
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5554419
01/20/15 10:45 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 11,243
Pope&Young
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 11,243 |
The way that I read the return policy is that I can only exchange for the same merchandise...which will have the same issue. Not if you take it back to any Academy store.
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5554423
01/20/15 10:48 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36
Kingfisher77
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36 |
Good to know, I have the receipt, I'll give it a shot.
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5554575
01/21/15 12:32 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 26,548
JCB
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 26,548 |
For what its worth I was in Coke county during that same time period and my new Iphone couldn't handle the cold either. Fully charged battery and it would shut down after about an hour outside and I couldn't get it to come back on until I took it inside the trailer.
$50 flash light should work in the cold though. Buy a $50 Streamlight and you wont be sorry!
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Pope&Young]
#5554623
01/21/15 12:54 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,506
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,506 |
The way that I read the return policy is that I can only exchange for the same merchandise...which will have the same issue. Not if you take it back to any Academy store. This, Academy is good about returns. Good luck
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: JCB]
#5554808
01/21/15 02:47 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,358
Hirogen
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,358 |
$50 flash light should work in the cold though. Buy a $50 Streamlight and you wont be sorry!
Absolutely. I use $7 LED headlamps that work fine for hours on end in -15. My LED maglites will work for >8 hours at -25 and that is using standard alkaline batteries, not lithiums. I was on an emergency call out replacing a pump last weekend at -15 and my maglite was on for over 4 hours straight and that was batteries that were at least 6 months old that had already been used multiple times.
Never violate a woman, nor harm a child. Do not lie, cheat or steal. These things are for lesser men. Protect the weak against the evil strong. And never allow thoughts of gain to lead you into the pursuit of evil.
-The Iron Code of Druss the Legend
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5561768
01/24/15 03:08 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36
Kingfisher77
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36 |
Happy ending, returned to Academy for a full refund.
I'm going to do my homework and find a great "all weather" light for next season.
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5561899
01/24/15 04:55 PM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 382
deedeetaylor
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 382 |
I've found that Academy and Walmart are good accepting returns...having the receipt almost guarantees you an exchange, credit, or cash back. I must admit that if its so cold the flashlight doesn't work, I'm probably heading for the house!
"The surest sign that there is intelligent life elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us."
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: deedeetaylor]
#5567381
01/27/15 06:48 PM
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 97
clandr1
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 97 |
I wouldn't hold Coleman responsible for this issue. Alkaline batteries are notoriously bad in extreme heat and cold temps. This is why all my outdoors/hunting/camping flashlights run on CR123 lithium batteries.
Your light would've worked just fine if you'd used lithium AA batteries in it. Prepare to be disappointed again with ANY light you use in that kind of cold if you're running alkalines in it.
Either way, glad you ended up happy and whole.
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5567485
01/27/15 07:40 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36
Kingfisher77
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 36 |
I agree, I'll know next time to use lithium batteries.
However, I do feel that it's worth noting that we had 3 cheap lights in camp, 2 with alkaline batteries and they all worked.
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5567516
01/27/15 07:58 PM
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 97
clandr1
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 97 |
However, I do feel that it's worth noting that we had 3 cheap lights in camp, 2 with alkaline batteries and they all worked.
Now that's something to consider. I would've compared the brands of batteries. It's possible the batteries that came in the light were mass produced cheaply, whereas the other lights may have had better Energizer or Duracell batteries in them. In my opinion, the best bang for the buck flashlight out there is the Surefire G2X Pro in yellow. You'll never lose it, it has high and low mode, runs on CR123 batteries, is only around $50 online, and comes with an unconditional lifetime warranty if anything ever were to go wrong.
Last edited by clandr1; 01/27/15 07:58 PM.
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5567559
01/27/15 08:28 PM
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,072
cabosandinh
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,072 |
another vote for SureFire
all worked in sub freezing ,,,, as in 19F
but , they use CR123 or Lithium rechargeable
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5568571
01/28/15 06:39 AM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 151
Gut Shot C
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 151 |
Both of our ct-50 and 70 work fine in freezing cold and rainy weather.
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5572438
01/30/15 05:00 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,636
Nathan at Fork
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,636 |
Ive got the same light, got it around Christmas. I haven't had any issues with my light and using regular energizer batteries, they last a very long time. The only issue I have had is that the battery carriage has broken in two places but Im still able to get it into the light and it works fine. Ive used it out when its been in the 20's and haven't had a problem with it working.
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5572535
01/30/15 08:58 AM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 14,199
tth_40
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 14,199 |
I generally don't consider much that says "Coleman" on it unless it's a lantern. Just the fact they have to be called out publicly before getting a response from "Taylor at Coleman" is a red flag to me. From the posts, it looks like this has been an issue since at least 2013.
I'll stay away and warn others off as well. OP, good post.
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers
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Re: Buyer beware - Coleman CT-50 (with response from Coleman USA)
[Re: Kingfisher77]
#5572700
01/30/15 01:43 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,294
oldoak2000
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,294 |
.. BTW, every off brand, "cheap" light in our camp worked that night.... Which is why it's silly to spend more than $20 on a (standard) flashlight ; there is only $6 cost of materials in a hp LED flashlight, including a LiPo battery (18650- rechargeable), and they are ALL (emitters, batteries) made in asia anyway, regardless of what brand your buy. I now have about 6 flashlights (cheap UltraFire WF-502B w/18650 shipped for $10 straight from china) that have been serving me well for the last 3 years for what ONE would have cost. Never had a battery run completely run out ( still run for 10-15 min slowly dimming) at any temp, and best part, I haven't spent more than 2min ever 'looking for that dang flashlight' or batteries. If you're still using lights with throw-away batteries and haven't experienced what 18650's offer, then your are seriously old-school; you might as well be carrying a tar-pitch torch around, heh heh heh. Imagine a laptop or iphone running on AA's - silly, right? You can get these 18650's nearly free by tearing apart a 'modern' laptop battery (that no longer 'holds a charge') - usually only 1 cell of the 4 or 6 will be bad. I have 6 lights and about 20 batteries now - haven't had a battery die yet . . .
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