TxCamper

Thats true, I own the Coleman elecltronic start lantern and they dont need batteries. They start in the same fashion as a lighter works. You can also light them with matches as well if you like. Even those long BBQ lighters will work.

NOTE the match doesnt have to touch the mantels. In fact it should never touch the mantels. All you have to do is get flame in the air vents below the globe and if thier is enough fuel put out then it will light. Now dont let it sit for like a min then try that. Just put the flame to the hole and turn it on. Few second later you have light.

So all in all, thier is no difference between the coleman brands. They are indentical with the exception one is electronic. electronics comes in handy so you dont have to pack matches or lighter. Its one of those Emergnecy kind of lanterens. You cant go wrong ether way.