Humm, Lets hear about LED lanterns.

N

NO F-Bdy Bs

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May 3, 2007
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I have been looking at some LED lanterns. With the way that LED technology has progressed in the last few years, these things are getting to be pretty sweet.

Energizer has a whole new lineup of them. I saw some in my Cabellas catalog that were of Coleman brand, running off 3 D cells, claiming something like 100hrs of continuous runtime. Much nicer than having to worry about mantles and fuel.
Also, you can use these in your house and not having to worry about kids knocking them over.

Also, I am seeing a lot more of the wind up lanterns and flashlights.
I used to consider these as infomercial novelty, but as of late some pretty reputable companies are putting them out. Something with a completely renuable source of power would be sweet in a real SHTF situation.

Thoughts?
Suggestions?
 
I have an led one from a big box store. I cannot recall the name, but here is a brief synopsis:

good:
-LEDs are efficient in terms of battery usage
-no bulbs to break. (I've dropped mine a few times and no problems)
-cold didn't impact circuits, etc. but diminishes battery life. (i've only had it outside in the 20s though so I cannot vouch for much more
-cheap < 20$ on sale at sports authority, etc. type stores (They were 10.00 the other day when I checked on a whim)
-You can use rechargeable batteries
- doesn't have the loud hiss of propane/mantle

bad:
-not that bright compared to one of the newer compact flourescents, or old school propane/mantle
- 'blue' light (ymmv)


Depending on your needs/desires, it could be an economical way to go. If given the chance again, I would shop it against a CF model and evaluate based on: batt life, lumens, durability, etc.
 
There is some pretty amazing LED technology out now. In terms of lanterns, I personally wouldn't worry much about the lumens or wattage on the LED, and would look for battery life and cost of use efficiencies. For brands, I've only used the Coast model, but I know Coleman has a couple out as well.
 
I have one--don't recall the maker--that I purchased for about $10 at a big box store.

It's still on its original set of batteries, so it's got a lot of life. However, turning it on is a bit of a knack... I've got it figured out now, but the first time I needed it was shortly after I bought it... and it took me so long to figure out how to turn it on that I wound up getting a flashlight to see what I needed to do. :rolleyes:

Now I've got it worked out...it's a weird on/off switch. Mind you, this isn't a problem with LED lanterns overall...it's a weird design from its manufacturer.

Anyhow, that aside, it produces quite a bit of light...not as much as a standard camping lantern, but it's super-lightweight and you can sure read by it. It has a tendency to produce something like a 75 Hz flicker that can annoy me a little bit, but after I get used to it, not such a big deal.

So I like it, despite the fact I complained about it quite a bit.
 
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