Accessory Review:
C. Crane LED Light Bulbs
by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioGolf.com

If you're a regular visitor at LondonOntarioGolf.com, then you already know we think C. Crane is the coolest electronics company out there. The C. Crane CCRadio-2, for example, is the best-sounding AM-FM radio in its class. Now, the Fortuna, California-based company gives us even more reasons to love their products, thanks to LED Light Bulbs.

According to C. Crane's Bob Crane, who founded the company with his wife, Susan, one of the company's visions is to "reduce energy use through LED lighting. We believe the best way to save electricity in the world today is by switching to high quality LED bulbs. C. Crane has had a team devoted to developing new LED lamps for over 12 years. We have three lines of LED bulbs. Our original CC Vivid bulbs are used for accent and decorative lighting. The PowerVivid line is high quality and value with excellent light output. The GeoBulb could be called a legacy bulb; it is built with superior components. We will be adding more bulbs to these lines each year for several years to come."

GeoBulb-3 LED Light Bulb
The new GeoBulb-3 cool white LED light bulb uses about 7 Watts of power to put out about as much light as a 60-Watt incandescent light bulb. You can use it in most places where you currently use an indoor, standard, screw-in 60-Watt bulb. It is still initially more costly than a compact fluorescent but the cost over the life of the bulb is getting close to the cost of using a compact fluorescent in many cases. The GeoBulb gives off most of its light evenly off the top of the bulb. A few examples of best places to use the GeoBulb are in areas where the bulb is 'on' most of the time: in high ceilings, where it is unsafe to change the bulb; or when you have to pay someone to change the bulb. The GeoBulb-3 works great for ceiling can or track lighting applications.

The GeoBulb gives off very little heat and turns on instantly at full brightness. There is no warm-up period like compact fluorescents. Once you install a GeoBulb, you won't have to think about changing it for five years, even if used continuously. Unlike CFLs, the GeoBulb puts out a consistent color of light for the life of the bulb. It has no mercury, can be used in colder temperatures, and is built for maximum longevity. The GeoBulb is available in three color temperatures: Cool White, Warm White and Soft White, and is backed by a Five-Year Warranty. The room temperature must not exceed 95°F (35°C). for the warranty to be valid. In addition the Geobulb must be used in an open fixture for ventilation.

Watts: 7.0. Life Span: 50,000 Hours.
Weight: 4.8 oz. Size: 4.7" H x 2.25" Dia.
Cost: Cool White, Soft White and Warm White $69.95/ea.
Cool White 520 Lumens Approx. 60W; Soft White 398 Lumens Approx. 50W; Warm White
355 Lumens Approx. 40W

GeoBulb MR16
The new GeoBulb uses only 3 watts, saves up to 85% in electricity use plus it lasts a long time. The bi-pin, 12 Volt low-voltage MR16 bulb is typically found in track and pendant light fixtures used in commercial applications like restaurants and art galleries. It is also found in homes. The GeoBulb MR16 can save you energy and give you a good financial return on your investment. If you run the GeoBulb MR16 for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you could save up to $250 over the life of the bulb as compared to a standard MR16 incandescent or halogen bulb in electrical and bulb replacement costs.

The new, High Brightness, energy saving GeoBulb MR16 easily replaces conventional bulbs for indoor applications where a 20-Watt, 30-degree beam halogen or incandescent bulb is now used. High-quality materials, pioneering techniques and over a decade of white LED experience allow C. Crane to give a five-year warranty. The Warranty requires ambient room temperature no higher than 95° Fahrenheit (35° C). The GeoBulb must be installed in an open fixture for ventilation. It's available in Cool White and Warm White. Weight: 1.3 oz. Size: 1.8" Dia. x 1.8" L. Price: $39.95/ea.

We tested the GeoBulb MR16, and the GeoBulb-3 LED Light Bulb, and were impressed with their brightness and clarity. I'm sure we'll be even more impressed by their lifespans.

For more information on C. Crane's light bulbs, plus full line of electronics and accessories, visit www.ccrane.com.