Blackfire recently gave us a peek at their new Clamplight Lantern. The Clamplight was designed with outdoorsmen in mind and seems to have plenty of followers among camping enthusiasts. The versatility of the design means that there are plenty of applications around our shops and job sites as well. This is more of a versatile light than a high-end model like the LED Lenser P7QC Flashlight for example.
Blackfire Clamplight Lantern
With its clamping feature, the Clamplight Lantern is capable of grabbing hold of just about anything around it; tree branches, pipes, all kinds of places on the boat, rafters, and a multitude of others. In addition, the jaws can be locked in an open position so that the light can stand on a flat surface. The head pivots to direct light the way you wish and it converts to a flashlight when you’re ready to go on your way. This model will give you about 230 lumens in high mode, 95 in low, and 100 as a flashlight. About the only downside is that it has an annoying feature where the green status LED will incessantly blink, letting you know the light is ready for use. After a time, of course, this kills the battery and renders the lantern useless—typically just when you need it.
Clamplight Lantern Specs
- Light source: CREE LED
- Power Source: 3 AA batteries
- Output: 230 lumens (high), 95 lumens (low), 100 lumens (flashlight)
- Durability: IPX4 weatherproof
- MSRP: $20
- Warranty: Lifetime
Clamplight Waterproof LED Light
The Clamplight Waterproof features a more rugged design, carrying an IPX7 waterproof rating (compared to the IPX4 weatherproof of the Lantern) and shares the same clamping characteristics of the Lantern. While it pivots like the Lantern, it also swivels 360 degrees to direct light in any direction. Unlike the Lantern, the Waterproof is a true beam as opposed to a broadcast light source giving it a more focused set of applications. As a bowfisherman, I would love to set a couple of these up on the boat and see how they compare to the traditional white lights I have mounted. This one will emit around 190 lumens in high and 75 in low.
Clamplight Waterproof Specs
- Light source: CREE LED
- Power Source: 3 AAA batteries
- Output: 190 lumens (high), 75 lumens (low)
- Battery Life: 10 hours (low), 1.45 hours (high)
- Durability: IPX7 waterproof, drop tested to 20 feet
- Warranty: Lifetime
- MSRP: $24
Although I wasn’t able to find battery life information for the Clamplight Lantern, it would be a good idea to invest in some rechargeable batteries if you’re putting these to frequent use. For my recreational activities, I’d like to see what Blackfire could do with a rechargeable Lithium-Ion system. As it is though, they seem to have designed a couple of products that are versatile enough to find a use in almost everyone’s workshop, job site, and home. Be on the lookout for our full review of these products in the coming weeks!
