12-LED and 20-LED Lanterns compared

[steve_vance]

As some of you know, recently I received a shipment of 12-LED lanterns (Nuwai CK-120, distributed by Lifestyle Fascination). I wrote a small review (better one coming later, as they are sending a sample to Craig @ LED Museum). Even though it isn't incredibly bright, I liked it, and felt that it was a really well--designed, usable light. There is currently a group buy for this item; we have orders for about 25 pieces.
As you also know, there was also mention of a 20-LED lantern available from Sportsman's Guide. I was curious about how they compared, so I ordered one. Just received it.
It was obviously made in the same factory. Same case, same battery arrangement, same general configuration. Here are the differences:
1. The 20-LED lantern is NOT dimmable, the 12-
LED is. Where the dimmer is on the 12, a simple on-off switch is on the 20. After using both, IMHO this is as an important difference.
2. The !2-LED lantern has a "frosted" or "prismatic" diffuser tube around the LEDs, the 20-LED has a clear tube around its LEDs.
3. Obviously, 12 vs 20 LEDs
4. I know this is nitpicky, but the case is prettier on the 12-LED- a nice silver color. The case on the 20 is Forest Green (so who cares?)
Brightness comparison: Sorry, I don't have a light meter, but I will tell you: the 20 appears to be about 25% brighter (even though it has 66% more LEDs). I feel that at least part of this is due to the design of the tube enclosing the LEDs (see below)
IMHO the 20's clear light fixture is a negative, even though it appears brighter. the light from the LEDs is so direct that if you had the lantern on a table between several people, it would be very difficult to use: just like looking endwise into a 5-LED flashlight. Even though the 12 is not as bright, the light is more usable. The 20 produces more raw photons, but it's not as well designed IMHO. The 12, although not as bright, was obviously more carefully thought out. I believe this is a classic case of costing more not equalling being better (12-LED=$31, 20-LED=$49). Also, the 20's lack of dimmability is a serious flaw, considering how bright 5 LEDs can be when you look right into them (the 20-LED lantern's LEDs are arranged in 4 arrays of 5 LEDs each, arranged at 90 degree angles from each other).
Now I'm looking for a frosted, diffusive coating that I can put over the LED tube on the 20.
Conclusion: the 12-LED lantern is a GREAT light and a GREAT value for the money. The 20 is not a bad light, but it has several flaws (compared to the 12) that hamper its usability. And it costs 61% more.
Hope this is useful. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[hyeTotum]

Thanks, Steve, for the comparison on the 12 vs. 20-LED Lantern. My intended use for the Group-Buy 12's is for use inside the house when the power fizzles! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon23.gif I really never gave much consideration to the '20' since the '12's more diffused lighting seems better to me for that situation.

BTW, have you seen (or have CPF'er already discussed) this 20-LED Floodlight from SG?

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=85166

 

[steve_vance]

[ QUOTE ]
hyeTotum said:
Thanks, Steve, for the comparison on the 12 vs. 20-LED Lantern. My intended use for the Group-Buy 12's is for use inside the house when the power fizzles! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon23.gif I really never gave much consideration to the '20' since the '12's more diffused lighting seems better to me for that situation.

BTW, have you seen (or have CPF'er already discussed) this 20-LED Floodlight from SG?

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=85166



[/ QUOTE ]

not as far as I know

 

[Ginseng]

I just bought one from an online dealer.

Question: How does one open up the head to apply diffusing material to the light shaft?

Wilkey

 

[LitFuse]

If you're talking about the 12 LED lantern, you can open it by turning the globe counterclokwise.


Peter

 

[Ginseng]

Thanks! That's exactly what I needed to know.
Wilkey

 

[phyhsuts]

That is made by Favour Light of HK

They also have one with two CCFLs in place of the 20 LEDs. That is the one on the right.

 

[The_LED_Museum]

The 12-LED lantern here is the Nuwai CK-120, and ought to look like this:

I don't know anything about the 20-LED lantern (other than that it does not have a dimming function) because I don't have one.

 

[brightnorm]

I was actually a little disappointed by the x12 Nuwai and much prefer the Energizer Folding Lantern which I think is an innovative, practical design that stores very compactly in addition to being much brighter than the Nuwai and burning for over 30 hours on one tube.. Just for the heck of it I opened it to full vertical and placed an ordinary thin off-white lampshade on top and turned it into a surprisingly appealing little lamp with the off white shade creating a warmer color from the fluorescent tubes. It is a terrific little light that has replaced most of my big 8D lanterns.

For reading I still prefer the "Light Voyager".

Brightnorm