Makita has come out with a new cordless lantern radio, with different models to fit all of their different cordless battery systems – XGT, 18V, and 12V Max CXT.
The international version features a lantern, AM/FM radio, flashlight, and USB charging.
One of the interesting features is that you can adjust the color temperature.
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The light can be adjusted to 5,000K (bright white/daylight), 3,500K (slightly warm/yellow), or 2,500K (warm, very yellow).
From the product photos, the lantern looks aimed at both work and recreational applications.
There’s a flashlight on top, although that’s not going to be a primary function due to the awkward ergonomics.
It seems that the radio is strictly a radio, with digital AM/FM tuners, but no Bluetooth functionality or other advanced radio functions such as alt inputs that we can see.
The USB charging port can recharge electronic devices, with a 5V output of up to 2.4A.
Makita has numerous other cordless outdoors lifestyle/recreational products:
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- Makita 18V cooler
- Makita 18V cordless TV
- Makita 18V coffee maker
- Makita 18V X2 cordless water kettle
- Makita 18V radio with charger
The Makita lantern-radio will be available in 4 models:
- XGT 40V Max (36V) (teal): MR008GZ
- XGT 40V Max (36V) (olive green): MR008GZO
- 18V: MR054
- 12V Max CXT (10.8V): MR053
Price: ¥15,200 – ¥16,500 (~$126 – $136)
Discussion
It looks like Makita designed this more for outdoors and recreational use than for jobsite, construction, or other professional use, but it’s an interesting concept nonetheless.
I wonder – why an AM/FM radio, but no Bluetooth? Bluetooth has become a standard inclusion in modern jobsite radios and speakers.
The pricing seems fair, and it’s user-friendly for there to be a different model for each of Makita’s cordless power tool systems. It’d be better if there was one model that had multi-system compatibility, but having different models is better than Makita leaving any system – or users – out.
At the time of this posting, Makita has been promoting and selling the new cordless lantern-radio internationally, but there have been no announcements from Makita USA.
Is this something you’d like to see Makita USA bring to North America?
Intro Video
Here’s Makita’s YouTube launch video:
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Rog
I would totally buy this with bluetooth, but radio only makes it a non-starter. My guess is the radio is meant to be used as an emergency situation thing? The radio/light combo leads me to believe that.
Jared
Exactly what I was thinking as I read about it. I don’t listen to radio, this needs Bluetooth before I’d consider it.
Rob
Unfortunately, I am in the same boat. if this was bluetooth, I would be all over it.
DAVID PERKINS
I also think they dropped the ball on the radio. If this was intended as a recreation/emergency lantern radio, they are missing SW and NOAA radio bands
Munklepunk
As soon as I saw no Bluetooth I was out. Someone’s I wonder if no one at Makita who makes decisions are under 70.
Steve
Neat toy.
Hey Dewalt, if you’re watching, just give me a 20V lantern, it doesn’t need to double as a radio, or anything else, just a lantern. Hanging hook on the top and, if you do a structure around the battery port, a tripod mount on the bottom would be appreciated.
Steven L
Have you looked at the Dewalt DCL074? Has a hanging hook and tripod mount, not a lantern design. If hanging from the hook so the light is pointed down it would be great outdoors. Indoors it lights a large area. Have used it many times
Steve
Oh my goodness no, that thing is the size of a home theater subwoofer, it is not in any way a lantern. I ruled it out for me a long time ago. I’m not sure what you call it but it’s definitely in a different league.
Steven L
I use for lighting up indoor work areas. Subwoofer analogy is a good one – I wouldn’t hike with it.
Bob
Same here! DeWalt make one please!
I doubt it will happen though DeWalt is always behind the eight ball when it comes to lighting options. took forever for them to come out with the tripod light
Also yes the makita one needs weather bands and Bluetooth. However If this is the international version I could see Europe/Asia having different weather band frequencies than USA? No excuse for Bluetooth though. Definitely like the color change. I hate 5K/blue leds. I’m assuming the lights have a high/low or dimming feature as well? Price seems reasonable. I’d definitely buy if I had this battery platform. Hmmm I wonder if one of those battery adapters would work in this…..off to eBay to find out.
MM
In my experience the Dewalt 20V Max battery to Makita 18V tool adapters do work. I purchased one from Amazon so I could run their XSB01 bandfile on my Dewalt batteries. It’s worked great for me.
Rob
Sure bonder sell a Ryobi to dewalt battery adapter. I use the ryobi lantern and it is great.
Christopher
Sign me up. I like taking my work lights camping, but the problem is that that color temp is too high (don’t want 5k sitting around a campfire). Being able to adjust the color temp makes this a viable replacement for having to keep replacing kerosene containers. And having the ability to go to 5k for an ambient work light means it’ll get used working outdoors at night too. Kind of niche, I guess, but perfect for me.
Koko The Talking Ape
Agreed. The selectable color temp is a big deal.
Champs
Bluetooth would be ideal, considering the radio options that may be available while camping. And now I realize what that Makita coffee maker is for.
Next up, the Packout rolling cooler base with half-width M18 appliances. Business expenses for your mobile office that just happen to be good for camping, right?
Adam
Usually the mashup of 2 tools is a disaster, but this makes perfect sense. Aside from the lack of Bluetooth & USB-C connectivity.
Joe H
More tool companies need to make stuff like this.
Rob
The issue is they’re making stuff like this for XGT and hardly any tools…
Carlos
I live in south Florida and will probably pick this up for my hurricane prep
fred
I can see this for gifting. My place on Sanibel – generally does not see me during hurricane season and my main residence has a backup generator to deal with ice storms, Nor’easters and the tail end of hurricanes that might come up the coast. It certainly would have been nice for camping – but these days my wife thinks that “camping out” is when you arrive early, and the hotel does not have your room ready which happens a lot with overnight flights to Europe.
Robert W
It should really have weather radio bands, IMO.
Rob H
I love lanterns. If I had any batteries for this platform, I’d be in for one of these.
Mac
I’ve given up on Makita lights…one…way too expensive compared to Olight and Harbor Freight offerings…and two…those options don’t tie up expensive batteries. I have no faith in long term support for the LXT platform.
Joel
Looks like the outdoors model has Bluetooth
ADRM13 model has Bluetooth.
Or DMR056