I’m not sure if this belongs here or else where, so forgive me if it is out of place!
My father (who apparently is as much of flashlight nut as I am) wants a good LED lantern for the very frequent power outages we have in our neighbourhood. He’ll probably end up buying a cheap DX one mainly because of the recently increased customs fee, still I would like to hear from you guys what you think of the CL20 (reputable manufacture as opposed to most DX lanterns) and if there is any other comparable brands making lanterns or similar products please keep me in the loop.
Enough about my problems lets look at some specs:
•Utilizes nine neutral whte LEDs and two red LEDs with an even and smooth beam
•White light with four output options
◦Turbo: 165 Lumens (2 hours and 23 min using AA Ni-MH; 3 hours and 10 min using AA Alkaline; 2 hours using CR123A
◦High: 100 Lumens (5 hours and 15 min using AA Ni-MH; 4 hours and 9 min using AA Alkaline; 3 hours and 31 min using CR123A
◦Mid: 50 Lumens (11 hours and 28 min using AA Ni-MH; 9 hours and 8 min using AA Alkaline; 7 hours and 32 min using CR123A
◦Low: 8 Lumens (71 hours and 40 min using AA Ni-MH; 56 hours and 40 min using AA Alkaline; 46 hours and 50 min using CR123A
•Red light with two output options
◦Regular: 1.5 Lumens (27 hours and 10 min using AA Ni-MH; 24 hours and 15 min using AA Alkaline; 20 hours using CR123A
◦SOS: 1.5 Lumens
•Powered by one CR123A Lithium battery or two AA (Ni-MH, Alkaline) batteries
•Built-in magnet for easy attachment
•Digitally regulated output - maintains constant brightness
•One-button switch for easy and fast operation
•Reverse polarity protection guards against improper battery installation
•Made of quality plastic and high-transparency material
•Waterproof to IPX-6 Standards: Protection from heavy splash and rain
Dimension: 3.1in/78.4 mm (Length) x 1.8in/45.2mm (Width) X 2.4in/59.1mm (Height)
3.64oz/103.2-gram weight (excluding batteries)
U$39,95 at fenix-store.com and expected release date is 30th Sep 2014.
For a lantern it really doesn't have a high enough output. Or great run time. Seems to be geared much more toward being a small, in tent light, used briefly, vs something that you would use to light up a room during a blackout.
Personally for my tent I use one of these: http://www.zebralight.com/H502w-L2-AA-Flood-Headlamp-Neutral-White_p_141.html
Attaches to the loop at the top with the clip on that it comes with it, and on the 100 lumen settings it's perfect to light up the tent for anything I want. On the max setting it's basically like lighting at home. Very nice and even. Not to mention unlike the fenix lamp, you can clip this one on to anything, shirt for example, and use it as a flashlight for close up work, or use it as originally intended as a headlamp.
For area lighting just picked up one of these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I2TAP6K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 will be using it this coming weekend.
I would consider getting this Fenix "lantern" but only a clone when it's a quarter the price. I just don't see that it offers much versus any small small flashlight with a diffuser.
The Fenix global testing campaign about the CL20 will start in a few days like leaftye wrote. You will find a few reviews in the flashlightforums. I don't know, if any BLF member gets one, but I'm sure you will find 1-2 in the CPF in a few days.
Edit: I visit the testerlist and suggest leaftye is one of the testers.
D40A, F40A, you can basically set them to whatever level you like with a diffuser and walk away. I'm very pleased with the F40A from the resent IS "group buy".
As most stated the price is, indeed, a bit steep. And the specs are definetly nothing impressive. I guess that we’ll have to wait for the review to get a more indepth view of the light.
That is pretty much the one he had in mind (my father that is). I guess he will definetly buy one of these.
Thanks for the input folks!! Always appreciate it!!
Very small and light weight for a lantern. Possibly aimed at backpackers? Per the specifications it is regulated output which is unusual for a lantern. This brings up the question of whether there is a sudden shutdown or more of a fading period once things drop out of regulation.
Also will it work with a RCR1213A or 16340 battery and will it try to over discharge an unprotected one? How tolerant on battery size too. Can you use a 18350 size battery?