The Makita GRM04 (MR010G in Canada) 40V Max XGT Cordless Lantern Radio with Bluetooth, and flashlight (see photo, left) packs a lot into a compact design. The radio boasts full sound with good overall reception range thanks to the protective housing around the lantern’s lens, which doubles as an antenna. When I ran just the radio starting with a full charge, it played for four work days. Runtime was shorter when I used the Bluetooth and the light functions, but it still outlasted other cordless radios on the site. On a site full of cordless tools, it’s nice not having to worry about replacing the battery on one of them, at least for a while.
The connection range for Bluetooth and sound quality is quite good for the lantern’s compact design. According to Makita, the range is 33 feet, which is plenty if you are on the floor above or below where the lantern is. The included strap with hook was convenient for hanging it. For the majority of the time I had the lantern, it was suspended just above my miter saw station, which typically is the most open location in a house when you’re cutting trim, lending itself well to the lantern’s 360-degree sound and light output. However, the LED bulb doesn’t get hot, making it safe to hang or place next to walls. The design and light function lends itself well to camping—since you can change the light to amber or use it as a flashlight or strobe—as well as holding up against its competitors on the jobsite.
The built-in USB charging port saved my day, too. While I was traveling out of town for a job in a remote area, my phone died from constantly searching for service. I was in an older vehicle with no charging port, but the lantern had my back, charging my phone in no time; the battery charge still lasted for the next two days, blasting music.
Overall, I had a positive experience with the lantern. For someone already using the 40V Max XGT line of tools, this is a no-brainer, with a purchase price of $170 (bare tool)—a small price to pay for this tool’s portability, durability, and quality. makitatools.com
