Customer Reviews

Energizer(R) Hard Case Lantern

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This thing is the most impractical flashlights ever made, and that is why I like it so much. I stuck a xenon bulb in it, and got powerful, night piercing light. Fully loaded, it weighs in at 4 lbs. (yes, you read that number correctly: 4!). It is so heavy, that carrying it for more than a few minutes becomes a chore. It is built like one of those German main battle tanks from WW2: totally indestructable.

I tried to stick in an LED module for the bulb, but discovered something interesting: the positive terminal from the battery goes to the collar of the bulb rather than the button base, totally backwards of the usual battery lantern.

No, I do not have a legitimate use for this beastie, but it demands that I use it as often as possible, no matter how inappropriate and inconvenient. Yes, the label really says it will survive a 15 foot drop onto a hard floor. Outside of roofers or construction workers, it is hard to imagine anyone who really needs this thing, but you should buy one nevertheless.

One nit to pick: it has a clip for an extra bulb on the cover of the battery carrier, but it is empty, so pick up an extra bulb when you buy it. Also, it comes with a krypton bulb, so you might as well buy 2 extra xenon bulbs and also replace the stock bulb.

I bought this at a local store on sale for about $29.00 plus tax, thinking it would be a good heavy duty flashlight for my 4X4 truck. My guess was right, this light has been banged around in my 4X4 for the past couple of years and is still on the original set of four D cell batteries, and not that it matters but it still looks great. I also keep a Mag-Light in the truck, but when I need a bright light this light works great.

I recently bought a rechargeable emergency spotlight that does put out much more light, but it only stays charged for about 40 minutes of use, and then takes at least a 4 hour recharge. In my opinion that just doesn't cut it for an emergency light source. As I had said earlier the Hardcase 4 D Cell light has is still on the original batteries and has gone through both power outrages and some some night time work off-road.

For serious 4X4 use I would recommend a spotlight that will plug into your cigarette lighter or extra power output of your car or truck.

But for general use this flashlight/lantern is tough as they come, puts out a great deal of light and uses easy to come by D cell batteries that last much deal longer than I expected them to. Definitely a better choice than the old fashion style car lantern with the large battery and spring terminals, and it is a lot brighter than my 3 D Cell Mag-light. I would bet it's brighter than a 4 D Cell Mag-Light, but I don't have one so I'm betting that it would be in a side by side comparison.

I would recommend this light to anyone, with a clear conscious.