Ryobi 18 V One+ Led Compact Area Light 2 Pack

The Ryobi 18V One+ LED Compact Area Light has become a staple in my toolkit, providing reliable, portable, and efficient lighting for a variety of situations. As someone who frequently works in dimly lit areas, camps, and occasionally faces power outages, I found this compact light to be incredibly versatile and practical.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that stands out about this light is its compact and lightweight design. It’s small enough to fit into a small tool bag or backpack, making it easy to carry around. The build quality is robust, and it feels durable enough to withstand a few bumps and drops. However, I did notice that the diffuser lens might be prone to cracking if dropped on a hard surface, so a bit of caution is advised.

Performance and Battery Life

One of the most impressive features of this light is its battery life. Running on Ryobi’s 18V batteries, the light can last for an extended period, especially on the lower settings. In my tests, a fully charged 4Ah battery lasted approximately 60 hours on the lowest setting, which is remarkable. Even on higher settings, the light provides several hours of continuous use, making it ideal for long-term projects or extended camping trips.

Light Settings and Brightness

The light offers three different brightness settings, which I found to be very versatile. The highest setting is bright enough to illuminate an entire room or a large tent, while the medium and low settings provide softer light that’s perfect for more intimate settings or when you don’t want to disturb others. The highest setting is particularly useful when working on detailed tasks, such as fixing a vehicle or plumbing under a sink.

Ease of Use

Operating the light is straightforward, even with gloves on. The controls are intuitive, and switching between brightness settings is seamless. One minor drawback is the charging process. To charge the battery, you need to unscrew a cap and remove the battery, which can be a bit cumbersome. A more accessible charging port would have been a welcome improvement. Additionally, the light uses a micro USB charging cable, which feels a bit outdated in the age of USB-C.

Practical Applications

I’ve used this light in a variety of scenarios, and it has performed admirably in all of them. During a recent camping trip, it served as the primary light source for our campsite, and its long battery life meant we didn’t have to worry about it running out of juice. It’s also been invaluable during power outages, providing enough light to navigate the house safely and perform basic tasks.

The included carabiner and metal hook make it easy to hang the light from various surfaces, adding to its versatility. Whether it’s clipped to a backpack, hung from a tent ceiling, or attached to a workbench, the light can be positioned to provide optimal illumination.

Additional Features

One of the standout features is the portability of the light. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, and the included carabiner and metal hook add to its versatility. I particularly appreciated the ability to hang the light from various surfaces, making it easy to position for optimal illumination.

Another notable feature is the light’s energy efficiency. Even on the highest setting, the light consumes minimal battery power, allowing for extended use without frequent recharging. This is particularly useful during long-term projects or extended camping trips where access to power might be limited.

Areas for Improvement

While the light excels in many areas, there are a few aspects that could be improved. The charging process, as mentioned earlier, is a bit cumbersome. A more accessible charging port and a USB-C cable would make recharging the battery more convenient.

Additionally, while the light is durable, the diffuser lens might be prone to cracking if dropped on a hard surface. A more robust design for the lens would enhance the light’s durability and make it more suitable for rugged environments.

Conclusion

Overall, the Ryobi 18V One+ LED Compact Area Light is an excellent addition to any toolkit. Its compact design, long battery life, and versatile light settings make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from home improvement projects to camping trips and emergency situations. While there are a few areas for improvement, such as the charging process and the robustness of the diffuser lens, these are minor drawbacks in an otherwise outstanding product.

I highly recommend this light to anyone in need of a reliable, portable, and efficient lighting solution. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a camper, or simply someone who wants to be prepared for power outages, this light is a valuable investment. Its performance, versatility, and ease of use make it a standout product in the realm of portable lighting solutions.