Posted: 2/14/2016 2:34:14 PM EDT
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Last night while ice fishing we started looking for ways to open up some space in the pop-up. The biggest piece of equipment that can be shrunk is the propane lantern. I am looking for a cost effective led lantern that has enough output to be able to make 2lb monofiliment fishing line clearly visible in the ice tent. In other words, I am looking for something that has as much output as possible. I already have one of those little yellow Coleman tent lamps, and they don't put out as much light as I would like.
Here are some of the parameters that seem to fit. 1. Modes: Don't care how many it has since it will probably only be used on highest setting and headlamps will be used for set-up/break down. If it has a temporary turbo setting with a step down, the level stepped down to needs to be bright. 2. Battery: 18650 preferred. One battery would be easiest. I don't mind switching batteries out every few hours and will already have spares on hand for the flashlights I use. 3. It would be nice to be able to hang it from the pop up/tent crown. 4. I really don't want to break the bank, and consider something like the Fenix CL25R lantern to be just a little more than I want to spend. This may change as I move forward. 5. It doesn't need to be bulletproof. I will already have a headlamp (petzl tikka) and a flashlight (Convoy C8 or M1) on hand for backup. If the lantern dies, I will either replace or upgrade. So far, it looks like this lantern fits most of the bill, but I am hoping there is something out there that is a little warmer with output more in line with the propane lantern I'm currently using. Any suggestions on other options, considering the above? I am already ordering the lantern linked in the last paragraph, and will just give it to a hunting buddy if I find something better. |
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This lantern might fit the bill:http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com/product_detail.php?t=FA&s=19&id=445
Note that this is the lantern accessory only. You will also need to buy the appropriate Flashlight body from them, as well as obtain the suitable LED emitter. Bad news is that this will cost a lot more than the $8 spent on your linked choice, and, by design, does not project light directly underneath the light--but few lanterns do. Good news is that the suitable SolarForce flashlight bodies for this lantern are 186250 and CR123 compatible, and can be easily detached, giving you a stand-alone flashlight when you are not using the lantern. The choice of LED modules is very wide, naturally. Note that extenders are available, allowing the use of two 186250 or three CR123 batts, giving increased run-time. This option will require that the lantern be suspended, as the length of the attached flashlight body will exceed the length of the legs. You will need to buy a small stainless steel split key ring to suspend the light, as it is not included, although the hole to install such is there. Obviously, the choice of LED module will vary with the voltage/number/type of batts. I would suggest buying an emmiter with the ability to click-in the light level, as you might just find this lantern to be more versatile than for just suspended tent use, and the ability to click-down the light level might make it more suitable for table-top use, not to mention using the detached flashlight by itself. YMMV, but it's nice to have choices. I have one of these lanterns, and it is surprisingly nice. I also have flashlights from the same folks, and they are likewise a very good value. Most of the Solar Forcer flashlight bodies that are compatible with this lantern, such as the L2 and the L2T, seem to be designed as clones of the Surefire 6P, and the SF bodies, bezels, and tail caps will all interchange with their appropriate Surefire counterparts. In fact, if you have a Surefire 6P, you already have a light for the lantern, although, unlike the SolarForce lights, unscrewing the end ring of Surefire lights can be problematic without the right tool. disclaimer: no financial interest. |
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Quoted:
i have the fenix and its really great. I bought two of the Streamlight Siege D size lanterns last month. I like the Fenix lantern, have three Fenix lights/HLs and have lots of 18650s/chargers, but at $55-$60 a pop, they're a bit spendy IMO. I got two Siege lanterns for <$72 off of Ebay from a good seller after following him for a year. Decent modes, good throw and more output than my Energizer Weather-'matic' D/AA LED lantern, which I got at Walmart for $18. I gave one to my GF for her place and if the power goes out due to a hurricane, at least she has more than candles, lol. Well...she also has my Sunwayman D40A 4xAA light, charger and batteries, so walking down 19 flights of stairs should be easier now. Chris |
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You might want to consider this Zebra with your preferred battery. I have a smaller CR123 version and think its great. Has 2 high, 2 medium, and 2 low settings. Will run for 172 hours on medium 10 lumin setting. Will run for months on the lowest settings.
http://www.zebralight.com/H600Fw-Mk-II-Floody-18650-XM-L2-Headlamp-Neutral-White_p_118.html 
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