LED lantern recommendation?

[MDNY]

I'm searching for a reasonably rugged lantern-style body (think Streamlight Firebox concept) possibly with an adjustable aim LED head, that will give me at least 120 lumens with dead flat regulation for at least 8 hours. Obviously, I can easily achieve and exceed this level of performance with any number of conventional cylindrical-type flashlight hosts, but I'm looking specifically for a lantern design (can be set down and positioned/aimed for performing work tasks, without rolling off surfaces), and also having a plastic case for non-conductivity. I haven't seen anything in a quality LED lantern design that meets these requirements. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Also - no need for rechargeability; in fact, primary batteries are preferred for this application.

Thanks.

 

[DM51]

We have a separate forum for lanterns, so I'll move your thread there.

 

[Vinniec5]

lovecpfIf money is no object the Pelican RALS 9430 is my first choice 15 hours and looks just the Litebox plus it has a pole that extends to make it a scene light.
Second would be the Responder LED LightHawk and I'd purchase the optional 6-cell L-ION battery for longer runtime 90 mins more from the 6 cell than the 4 cell 7hours plus.

I have the Litebox 8 watt spot= 8 hours and would change it to LED if I could find a good PAR36 lamp assy.

 

[MDNY]

We have a bunch of the lightboxes, but I'm looking for an alternative that's WAY lighter, smaller, LED-based, and without the hassle of maintenance of chargers, periodic battery replacement, not knowing when the unit that is grabbed is going to give a full 8 hours, etc. The request has been for a unit that uses primary batteries that can be swapped out without hassling with recharging, etc. I haven't seen anything out there from any of the big guys. The Pelican system you mentioned is great, but what I need is individual portable lights for one-on-one use, traversing throughout a large industrial facility. The 8-hour requirement is a sticking point, so it sharply limits my choices. (Although if I could live with the lower output, I could probably outfit everyone with a SF 6P with a Malkoff M60LL and get the full 8 hours ....)

 

[Vinniec5]

How about an Energizer HARD-CASE Professional 4-D Lantern? Its alot cheaper and LED + it takes D cells Take a look http://www.energizer.com/products/flashlights/worklights/Pages/battery-operated-lantern.aspx

 

[MDNY]

Yep - these are nice units for the price, and I bought a few some months ago for the crew to try out. They liked the light weight, portability, D-cells, but were not completely thrilled with the beam pattern and overall lumen level compared to the Liteboxes. If I recall correcly, those Energizer units were rated at something like 100 lumens vs 150 for the Litebox incandescent. Whether these are bulb lumens, out the front, etc., I can't say, since I didn't do any careful side-by-side comparisons. I also never tested the Energizers for lumens vs runtime, to see what is still there at 8 hrs.

If I can't find anything better, I may go back to pushing those Energizer units (assuming Energizer hasn't discontinued them as yet!).

 

[chmsam]

Have you considered a PR based 4D or 6volt incan lantern and putting a PR based LED in it?

 

[MDNY]

Not really; maybe I need to experiment there a bit. I didn't go there yet based on wanting a well-engineered heatsinking solution, as well as a well-integrated emitter/reflector assembly. None of which would be a major problem for a single-unit tinkerer's light, but in my case I'd be looking at needing several dozen lights, for a fairly demanding industrial environment, and I would rather not get into a home-brew or custom assembly that would require special care and feeding once someone breaks one, etc.

 

[broadgage]

Here in the UK and I presume elswhere, lanterns are available that use a pair of 6 volt lantern batteries and a 5.4 volt PR base bulb.

These give at least 8 hours run time with the supplied incandescent bulb.
Retrofitting an everled or similar might be worth it to extend the run time and avoid bulb breakage.
I can understand the desire to avoid anything modded/home made, but a drop in bulb replacement should be OK.