Exploring practical methods for preparing for the end times, including analysis of end time scripture and prophecy, current events, prepping and self-defense.
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Monday, March 11, 2013
Glenn Reynolds Reviews LED Lanterns
Glenn Reynolds has reviewed a Ray-O-Vac and Coast brands battery powered LED lanterns and an Energizer solar-charging LED lantern.
I have tested many LED flashlights, not LED lanterns, but I think my experience is applicable to LED lanterns since their construction is similar. The real problem I find with many LED lights is that they work great initially, but don't age well. Sometimes, battery contacts become unreliable after a couple of months - I suspect an imperceptible layer of oxidation because slamming the light restores operation for a while. Other times, the switch fails or becomes unreliable. (If you were to disassemble the switch assembly in most LED lights, you would NEVER trust them.)
The only flashlight brands I've found to be reliable over the long term are SureFire and Inova. I think the Fenix brand flashlights I use will eventually qualify as having long term reliability.
The only headlamp brand I presently trust is Petzl.
And, if you store a flashlight or lantern, store the batteries separately - not in the device. Alkaline batteries have a nasty habit of leaking at inopportune times.
I have tested many LED flashlights, not LED lanterns, but I think my experience is applicable to LED lanterns since their construction is similar. The real problem I find with many LED lights is that they work great initially, but don't age well. Sometimes, battery contacts become unreliable after a couple of months - I suspect an imperceptible layer of oxidation because slamming the light restores operation for a while. Other times, the switch fails or becomes unreliable. (If you were to disassemble the switch assembly in most LED lights, you would NEVER trust them.)
ReplyDeleteThe only flashlight brands I've found to be reliable over the long term are SureFire and Inova. I think the Fenix brand flashlights I use will eventually qualify as having long term reliability.
The only headlamp brand I presently trust is Petzl.
And, if you store a flashlight or lantern, store the batteries separately - not in the device. Alkaline batteries have a nasty habit of leaking at inopportune times.