| Essential Gear 12-LED Lantern by Dave Conrad
Earlier this year I evaluated the Ultra
LED Stretch Light from Essential Gear, Inc. The light received
very high marks and has served me well during this past bow season.
Therefore I was excited when I received a package a couple weeks ago from
the outdoor enthusiast at Essential Gear containing the 12-LED Lantern
new for 2004.
 The
12-LED Lantern achieves its name from, you guessed it, utilizing 12 LED's
as a light source. This light is great for camping (especially with
a very active two and four year olds) because the LED's have no glass components
which can break or shatter when dropped. Nor do they require a filament
or element which can get extremely hot to the touch. And because
LEDs are highly more efficient than standard bulbs they offer a lifetime
of over 100,000 continuous hours.
The LED Lantern is of the ever popular lantern design. It has
a built in handle which can be used for hanging. The compact nature
makes it easy enough to even fit in your back pack. It runs off of
4 "D" sized batteries which should give you enough power to last many excursions.
My two little ones just love it and were given the okay to prove just how
energy efficient the LEDs are. With the batteries installed the unit
comes in at a mere 2.5 pounds.
The LEDs consist of a three layer design with each layer having four
and spaced at 90 degrees. All the LEDs are encased in a tough plastic
sleeve that is designed to help diffuse the light into all directions.
An outer plastic globe adds protection as well as supporting the top and
handle.
The bottom housing of the unit has an on/off control knob that adjust
from dim to bright in about a 225 degree turn. The knob is easy to
turn and you should have no problems getting the lantern to full power
with just a simple twist of the wrist. An audible click alerts you
of when the unit is turned on or off.
The batteries are also contained within the bottom housing and are accessible
by hand turning the bottom cover. Once opened a handy battery bracket
can be easily removed. Individual batteries can be replaced and a
small diagram in each compartment makes sure that they are inserted correctly.
Replacement of the bracket within the housing is foolproof because it
can only be reinserted one way thereby eliminating errors. Both the
outer globe and bottom housing contain a rubber grommet around the base
to insure a water resistant seal.
Overall the lamp is a great light source for an all around general purpose,
lightweight, and energy efficient lantern. It is exceptional when
children are around because there is no fear of being hot to the touch,
for example when used inside a tent. Or as a great source when reading
a map sprawled out on the hood of a vehicle. The LED design
and spacing provides a 360 degree light source. However the lantern
is not bright enough to be used where an extreme amount of light is necessary.
For instance when searching for a sparse blood trail.
The new 12-LED lantern should provide you years of outdoor service.
The over 100,000 hour light source should take the punishment of the elements
from extreme cold (-40 Celsius) to extreme heat (+50 Celsius).
12-LED Lantern Breakdown
Design 4 of 5 - The 12 fairly bright LEDs combine to cast a very
good all around general purpose light. The light is made from plastic
materials that are lightweight and easy to tote around. The water
resistant design comes in handy when used in wet weather.
Light source 3.5 of 5 - The lantern can be classified as a great
general purpose light. For an emergency light source in the case
of a power outage 12-LED Lantern would come in very handy.
Battery life 5 of 5 - The energy efficient LEDs are great on
battery life. This was truly put to the test by my 4 and 2 year old
helpers.
For more information, contact Essential Gear at 800-582-3861 or visit
www.essentialgear.com.
Essential
Gear
171
Wells Street
Greenfield,
MA 01301
TEL:
413-772-8984
FAX:
413-772-8947
Orders:
800-582-3861
Email:
sales@essentialgear.com
Web
Site:
www.essentialgear.com |
