Was just looking at the E41's... I own a 305 and 300X and am pleased with both. I was wondering what the benefits or drawbacks are to each model. Are the military versions any better quality than the civilian? Thanks!
Drawback - you'll pay a fortune for an E41, particularly for the earlier type with the manometer filler cap, pressure release on the tank, Catalin (an early type of red plastic) or brass jet cleaner knob... Manometer filler cap, T-bar pressure release, brass knob:- E41 Manometer filler cap, plain pressure release, catalin knob:- E41
In quality generally there ain't no difference. Basically Vapalux made and sold military lamps and some leaked out to the civillian market with perhaps a colour change. The burner parts and other fittings never changed in design or quality so one Vpalux is as good as any. Comes down to looks really. From the 1940s perhaps the brass tanks are a better buy because there is less chance of a corroded tank but other than that buy what takes your fancy. ::Neil::
Just an opinion But the military M320's with the protective ring on the Frame and reflector on bottom is a good rugged model lantern. it is easy to get parts and will take a lot of abuse. how will you be using it ?? if you Camp then you will like it. There is also an add on for the Air Tubes that increase output by about 20% and work just fine Again IMHO PD
For lighting when finishing up jobs at my home. And, for light on my sailboat. Both in the cabin and as an anchor light at night. Thanks! I'll be on the lookout for one.
Could you show me an image of these, please - I've neither seen them nor heard of them... The cabin idea would be OK as long as there was sufficient ventilation and the water was calm. I'd be wary of using one for something as safety critical as an anchor light, though - what might happen if it went out due to lack of fuel or pressure, a blocked jet or whatever. Call me a wuss if you like but on a boat I'd be using purpose-made electrical items for both applications...
I follow you on ventilation in the boat's cabin. I had noticed that the last time I was down on her whilst using the Vapalux. On the Vapalux through the night: I had thought about the fuel going out, but the reality is with age I never sleep through the whole night. Question: How much time do you get out of a Vapalux with a full tank and good pressure? I had not considered a blocked jet--thanks! The truth is I like old school and I tend to think of ways of doing things cheaply and/or with less technology first. I hear what you are saying on the LEDs. I actually have been looking at LEDs--I am refitting the mast, port and starboard lights as I am rewiring her. I will eventually pull the trigger on some nice ones, unfortunately the ones I like are $500-$1000+ (Lopolight and Perko). Boats can be incredibly difficult to be seen at night and I know to be bright. Thanks for your input.
