Butane gas lanterns - disposable cartridge - Companion or Gasmate?

Submitted: Friday, Apr 12, 2013 at 10:05
ThreadID: 101650 Views:5173 Replies:4 FollowUps:2
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Hi everyone,

We use the 220g disposable butane cartridges for our portable stove, and there are a couple of neat gas lanterns available that take the same cartridges. Just wondering if anyone here has experience with them and can offer an opinion.

The Companion model claims to be 150 candlepower and has a glass, well, glass. It is a tallish cylinder that stands on a (possibly detachable) base.

The Gasmate model claims to be 130 candlepower and has a stainless mesh 'glass'. It also seems to be a bit more compact and 'stumpier', with the body flaring out to form the base.

Both models are about the $70 mark.

Any comments?

You can see them both on eBay if you search for 'butane lantern'.
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Reply By: Member - Frank P (NSW) - Friday, Apr 12, 2013 at 11:22

Friday, Apr 12, 2013 at 11:22
We have the Companion. The base is detachable which makes for easier storage. The mantle has ties top and bottom, so is as strong as a mantle can be - in fact it is the original, over 2 years old. Haven't busted the glass glass yet, either :-) The igniter is a bit temperamental, we sometimes have to use a match, but otherwise it's all good.

We don't go for sunlight in the camp at night, so cartridges last a long time.

Cheers
FrankP

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Follow Up By: wortgames - Friday, Apr 12, 2013 at 12:06

Friday, Apr 12, 2013 at 12:06
Thanks Frank, that's all good info to know.
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Reply By: desray (WA - Friday, Apr 12, 2013 at 11:45

Friday, Apr 12, 2013 at 11:45
I have not used one but seems a bit of messing around with mantles / glass / gas bottles. There is now lots of LED lights that give off good light and use very little power . For example http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CREE-Ultrafire-top-LED-Camping-Lantern-ALLOY-led-Lamp-300lumen-waterproof-lamp-/200803057124?pt=AU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Lamps_Torches&hash=item2ec0cb7de4
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Follow Up By: wortgames - Friday, Apr 12, 2013 at 12:20

Friday, Apr 12, 2013 at 12:20
I am a fan of LED technology in general, and I own some pretty high-end LED torches and a couple of lanterns similar to the one you linked to, but I still think a gas lantern has the edge in terms of being a cheap, reliable, bright, portable floodlight.

I gave up using the stove/hose/regulator/BBQ bottle setup when I got my first 'Rambo' cartridge stove a few years ago for about $20. My local Safeway currently has double stoves for $16 and boxes of 12 cylinders for about $6 - that's 50c each. There aren't many batteries you can buy for 50c that will floodlight your entire camp kitchen for multiple consecutive nights!
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Reply By: Member - Andrew L (QLD) - Friday, Apr 12, 2013 at 21:06

Friday, Apr 12, 2013 at 21:06
Same here, I reckon I gave up on gas mantle lighting at least 10 years ago..went to flouro, then LED..can't beat it for economy and no hassle.
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Reply By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Saturday, Apr 13, 2013 at 08:22

Saturday, Apr 13, 2013 at 08:22
Rays or BCF had them a few weeks back for $35.Check with them . The stainless mesh may be a little dimmer but more durable! Michael .
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