
$42.00
Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)
Imported.
Item 765747
Specification | Description |
| Weight | 15 ounces |
| Dimensions | 2.25 x 7.5 inches |
| Light Intensity | Unavailable |
| Battery life at 70 degrees | (High setting) AC charge: 2 hrs. 30 min./crank: 2 min. / (low setting) AC charge: 70 hrs./crank: 2 hrs. |
| Batteries | Hand crank / rechargeable |
| Material | Plastic |
| Rechargeable | Yes |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 9 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Freeplay Indigo Lantern:
This is a very good, though not perfect lantern. The lantern part of the lighting, as opposed to the single LED, is not incredibly bright, but is certainly good enough for a wide range of uses. There is a dimmer wheel, so you can choose how much you really need, and extend your usage a bit.
The manual for this product (available online at manufacturer's website) indicates that on a full charge, you should expect approximately 2.5 hours of light from a full charge at the highest setting. This was about what i experienced.
Using the single LED, which is not a typical LED, rather about the size and brightness of 2-3, should run about 70 hours on a full charge, and i never ran it on this bulb alone to verify that.
However, the lantern is good for many relatively casual uses, reading is definitely possible, other imprecise uses would be fine as well. I used this on a two-month camping trip, and expect to keep it around as emergency lighting at home.
The lamp itself is about the size of a 16oz soda-bottle, and not very heavy. In addition to hand-cranking, it uses a common mini-usb cable, which is not included to reduce unnecessary cable production and waste.
I would recommend this lantern, though for high-power light output, this is not the best. It is not laughable, but not intended for ultimate comfort.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Freeplay Indigo Lantern:
I love everything about this product except one thing, and it's a biggy: The thumbwheel that turn the lantern on and off and adjusts the brightness becomes non-functional very easity. The problem, which I discovered by disassembling the lantern (I've had to do this MANY times), is that the potentiometer that the thumbwheel is attached to has a TINY shaft, and it takes very little force to "strip" the relatively soft plastic thumbwheel that fit over the shaft. And when that happens, turning the thumbwheel also unscrews the tiny screw that fastens the thumbwheel to the shaft, further loosening the thumbwheel from the potentiometer.
I plan to fashion a brass or steel plate with a D-shaped hole to fit over the D-shaped shaft, and hot-press the plate into the plastic thumbwheel.
Otherwise the latter is great. I hope the manufacturer changes the flawed design, if they have not already.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Freeplay Indigo Lantern:
This is a great idea, but the execution is iffy. Quality control seems to be an issue. The first one I got had only a very short run time (wouldn't hold a charge). I exchanged it and the second one seemed to work better, but the little thumbwheel to adjust the brightness almost immediately konked out.
Once they work the bugs out and get a better handle on quality control, this will be a keeper. Until then...
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Freeplay Indigo Lantern:
I use this for backpacking, most people never would because it amlost weighs a pound. To me I sacrifice the weight someplace else just so I can take this with me.. I can read everynight in the backcountry as long as I want, cook in plenty of light, set up camp in the light, etc. The light lasts a really long time, in fact I have yet to run it out. I love that you can charge it in the wall without cranking. I take this in place of a flashlight, and I take a headlamp too (but it never gets used anymore because of this lantern)
Two thumbs up for sure, now if only they could shave they weight in half!
Service and delivery comments:
Great REI Service as always!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Freeplay Indigo Lantern:
An ingenious device. I love it. For car camping, road kits, RVs, boats, you can't go wrong. Built like a rock but light and compact. Directional LED in base works for me as reading light (as advertised) and "navigating light" (lights up trails or, in my case, aisle of a small RV at night when house lights not used). This LED requires very little cranking for very long output. LEDs in cluster at top marginally effective for bright cabin light except at "full throttle" and don't burn long without frequent cranking. However, they meet minimalist needs nicely. And for longer life you can charge via USB AC wall adapter or computer. This is a versatile and flexible device but it's *no frills*. If you're not familiar with Freeplay, check their site. They appear to be stand-up company. I could not rate it 5 for general use, because of short run time for LED cluster. However, for my minimalist use, it is perfect, and I would give it 5+.
Pros
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Comments about Freeplay Indigo Lantern:
Our light has been just fine. Our two girls (5 and 3) play with it a lot - cranking and swinging it around and turning it off and on. We have had no problems. The only reason it doesn't get a 5 is because it isn't super bright. But its fine for lighting the picnic table and stove during car camping. The USB power plug to my Blackberry charged it without a problem.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Freeplay Indigo Lantern:
Great idea! Has all the features I think are necessary for backcountry BUT flashlight LED malfunctioned on first use. Lite considering a recharge battery is enclosed but not h20 proof or impact resistant...Based on my experience and those listed I see a pattern that makes me reject this tool as not reliable. Go back and redesign it Freeplay! I can buy this quality from [...]
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Freeplay Indigo Lantern:
At first I was a bit worried about the bad reviews I saw but this lantern works perfect. I have not put it through serious use and abuse yet but its perfect for power outages. I was disappointed that it did not come with a wall outlet charger but if you have a Razor cell phone charger or a small usb cable for a camera or gps it will work. Also the lantern takes a long time to handcrank about 5 minutes for an hour on full bright, and if your out in the dark thats a long time for light.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Freeplay Indigo Lantern:
Great for inside tents. The fact that you don't have to carry extra batteries is a plus. If you want a full charge then use the USB cable! Winding charges are not as long term but great when your out and about.
Displaying reviews 1-9
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