Ryobi 18V ONE+ LED Area Light

As someone who spends a lot of time working on projects both indoors and outdoors, I’ve found that a reliable and versatile lighting solution is essential. Recently, I had the opportunity to try out the Ryobi 18V ONE+ LED Area Light, model PCL662B, and I must say, it brought a few pleasant surprises and a couple of notable drawbacks.

First off, let's talk about brightness. This area light boasts up to 850 lumens on its highest setting, which is impressively bright for such a compact device. It effectively illuminated my workspace, whether I was in my garage or out in the field. Having three brightness settings (high, medium, and low) adds to its versatility, allowing you to adjust based on your needs and conserve battery life when full brightness isn’t necessary. The medium setting, at 400 lumens, struck a good balance for most tasks, providing ample light without draining the battery too quickly. The low setting, which gives 100 lumens, was perfect for less demanding situations, such as reading or ambient lighting during power outages.

The inclusion of a 2A USB port is a smart feature that adds significant value to this light. It allows you to charge mobile devices, which can be a lifesaver during emergencies or when you are away from conventional power sources. During a recent power outage, I was able to keep my phone charged while still having enough light to navigate around my home safely. This dual functionality makes the Ryobi LED Area Light a great addition to an emergency preparedness kit.

One of the standout features of this light is its portability. The folding metal handle made it easy to carry around and also served well for hanging the light overhead, which is particularly useful when working in poorly lit areas. The handle is sturdy enough to inspire confidence that it won’t easily break, even with frequent use. The overall build quality of the light is solid, consistent with what I’ve come to expect from Ryobi products.

However, the tool is not without its drawbacks. A major issue I encountered is the battery drain when the light is not in use. Even when switched off, the light draws a small amount of current, which can fully discharge a 1.5 Ah battery in about three days. For a 4 Ah battery, the duration extends to roughly a week. This is particularly concerning for those who plan to use the light intermittently, as you may find your battery unexpectedly depleted when you need it most. The practical workaround is to remove the battery when the light is not in use, but this adds an extra step that can be inconvenient.

Another downside is the lack of water resistance. Given that this light is likely to be used in a variety of environments, including potentially damp or wet conditions, it would have been beneficial for Ryobi to make this light weather-resistant. I had to be cautious when using it outdoors, especially near water. Wrapping it in a clear plastic bag can provide some protection, but it’s not an ideal solution.

Despite these issues, there is much to appreciate about the Ryobi LED Area Light. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to transport and store. I found it particularly useful for camping and outdoor activities, where the combination of bright light and USB charging can be extremely handy. The light’s frosted lens helps diffuse the light, reducing glare and creating a more uniform lighting effect, which is a subtle yet thoughtful design choice.

Durability is another strong point. The light has withstood a few knocks and drops without any significant damage, which speaks well to its construction. The plastic housing feels robust, and the metal handle adds an extra layer of confidence in its durability.

As a long-time user of Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ system, I appreciate the convenience of using the same batteries across multiple tools. If you already own other Ryobi tools, this area light is a great addition to your collection, maximizing the utility of the batteries you already have on hand.

In conclusion, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ LED Area Light is a versatile and powerful lighting solution that excels in brightness, portability, and additional features like USB charging. However, the issue with battery drain when idle and the lack of water resistance are significant drawbacks that potential buyers should be aware of. If you can manage the slight inconvenience of removing the battery when not in use and are not planning to use it in wet conditions, this light is a highly valuable tool for both everyday tasks and emergency situations.

Would I recommend the Ryobi LED Area Light? Yes, but with reservations. It’s a fantastic light for those who need portability and brightness in a compact package, especially if you are already invested in the Ryobi ONE+ system. Just be prepared to manage its battery consumption quirks and keep it dry.