Ryobi 18V ONE+ 360º LED Light

In the world of cordless LED lighting, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 360º LED Light stands out for its blend of power, versatility, and convenience. As someone who appreciates functional and reliable tools, I was eager to get my hands on this light and see if it lived up to the hype.

From the moment you unbox it—once you get past the notoriously tough plastic packaging—you can tell the Ryobi 18V LED Light is built for durability. The light is part of the ONE+ system, meaning it’s compatible with any 18V Ryobi battery, which is a significant plus if you already own other Ryobi tools. This feature alone makes the light an appealing addition to any tool chest.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed is the rugged design. The handle is rubberized, offering a comfortable grip even during extended use. While the light is a bit bulky, especially when the battery is attached, this design choice makes it incredibly stable when placed on a flat surface. There's also an integrated hanging hook for hands-free use, which is handy when working in tight or awkward spaces.

The head of the light pivots up to 130 degrees, allowing you to direct the beam exactly where you need it. This feature is particularly useful for tasks that require precision illumination, like working under the hood of a car or in poorly lit corners of a basement. The pivoting head also makes it easy to set the light down and still get the illumination you need without having to hold the light in place.

Performance

Performance-wise, this LED light delivers. It offers up to 3,800 lumens on the highest setting, which is incredibly bright and more than enough to light up a large area. The light has four brightness modes: high, medium, low, and single panel. This range of settings allows you to conserve battery life when the maximum brightness isn’t necessary. In my experience, even on the high setting, the light doesn’t drain the battery too quickly. I used a 2AH battery and found it lasted several hours, even with intermittent use over a weekend camping trip.

Despite its strengths, the light isn't waterproof, which is a bit of a letdown. While it’s perfect for dry environments, you’ll need to be cautious using it in rainy or humid conditions. Given Ryobi's track record with waterproof washing tools, one can hope they’ll eventually introduce a waterproof version of this light.

Usability

One of the standout features is how easy it is to use. The on/off trigger switch is intuitive and doesn’t require much force, making it quick to activate the light. The adjustable LED panels also add to the light’s versatility. You can focus the light in a specific direction or spread it out for broader coverage, depending on your needs.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the light’s ability to be mounted or positioned in various ways. The handle provides comfortable positioning, and the hanging hook is ideal for scenarios where you need both hands free. Whether you’re working on a DIY project in the garage, out camping, or just need a reliable light source during a power outage, this light can adapt to different situations effortlessly.

Battery Life

As with most cordless tools, battery life can be a concern. However, this Ryobi LED light excels in this department. The LED technology is energy-efficient, meaning it doesn’t require much from the battery to maintain its brightness. I found that even the smaller 2AH battery could power the light for an extended period without needing a recharge. This efficiency is a significant improvement over older incandescent flashlights, which tend to drain batteries quickly.

Brightness and Beam Quality

The light offers a bright, focused beam, which is excellent for illuminating specific areas. While this makes it less suitable as a floodlight for large workspaces, it excels as a task light or flashlight. Whether you need to illuminate a specific area for detailed work or need a reliable flashlight for outdoor activities, the beam quality is impressive. It’s worth noting that while the beam is focused, it still covers a respectable area, making it versatile for different uses.

Limitations

No product is without its limitations, and the Ryobi LED light is no exception. Besides the previously mentioned bulkiness and lack of waterproofing, the light also lacks a focus adjustment feature. It’s designed to produce a bright, tight beam, which might not be ideal for everyone. If you’re looking for a light to cover a broad area, you might find this one too focused for your needs.

Furthermore, the trigger switch, while generally easy to use, could be more ergonomic. It requires a bit of pressure to activate, which might be a minor inconvenience during prolonged use. Lastly, the packaging is problematic. The plastic clam shell packaging is tough to open and could easily result in cuts if you’re not careful. It’s a minor issue but one that can be frustrating for users.

Final Thoughts

Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 360º LED Light is a valuable addition to any toolkit. Its rugged design, impressive brightness, and long battery life make it a reliable choice for various tasks. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a camper, or someone who frequently works in poorly lit environments, this light offers the versatility and performance needed to tackle any job.

Would I recommend this tool? Absolutely. Its compatibility with the Ryobi ONE+ system enhances its utility, making it a cost-effective investment if you already own other Ryobi tools. While it could benefit from a few improvements, such as waterproofing and a more ergonomic switch, its strengths far outweigh these minor issues. If you’re in the market for a powerful, reliable, and versatile LED light, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 360º LED Light is an excellent choice.