Milwaukee USB Rechargeable Flashlight

As someone who spends a considerable amount of time working in various environments, having a reliable flashlight is crucial. I recently had the opportunity to use the Milwaukee USB Rechargeable Flashlight, model number 2110-21, and I have to admit, it has both impressed and disappointed me in different ways. Here's my detailed take on this flashlight.

Design and Build Quality

First and foremost, the build quality of this flashlight stands out. Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, it feels robust and durable. This is a tool designed to withstand rough handling, and it shows. The flashlight is IP67 rated, meaning it's both waterproof and dustproof. I inadvertently tested this feature by dropping it into a puddle, and it continued to function flawlessly.

The compact size (6.5 inches in length and weighing just 0.52 lbs) makes it easy to carry around. The removable metal clip is a nice touch, allowing you to attach it to your belt or pocket for quick access. However, I did find the clip to be somewhat tight, making it a bit challenging to clip onto thicker materials like a heavy-duty work belt.

Light Output and Modes

The flashlight offers three light output modes: High, Low, and Strobe. The high mode delivers an impressive 700 lumens, which is more than sufficient for most tasks. The low mode provides 100 lumens, which is useful for situations where you don't need as much light and want to conserve battery life. The strobe mode is a nice addition for emergency situations.

One of the standout features is the adjustable beam pattern, which allows you to switch from a focused spot to a wide flood. However, I found the zoom feature to be somewhat limited. It doesn’t offer a wide range of adjustment, which could be a drawback for those who need more versatility in beam focus.

Battery and Charging

The flashlight is powered by a REDLITHIUM® USB battery, which can be recharged via a Micro-USB port. The internal charging system is convenient, eliminating the need to disassemble the flashlight to access the battery. Charging speed is fairly quick, with the battery reaching 50% in about 30 minutes and 80% in under an hour.

However, I did encounter some issues with the charging process. The included charging cord seemed faulty, causing the indicator LED to flash red indefinitely. Switching to a different Micro-USB cord resolved the issue, but it's disappointing that the supplied cord was unreliable.

Performance and Usability

In terms of performance, the Milwaukee USB Rechargeable Flashlight is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it delivers a bright, warm yellow light that cuts through darkness effectively. This is particularly useful in low-visibility conditions. On the other hand, I noticed that the flashlight tends to step down its brightness after about five minutes on high mode, which can be frustrating if you need consistent high output over a longer period.

The flashlight is easy to use, with a single tail switch controlling all functions. However, switching between modes requires a half-press, which can be a bit finicky. I found myself accidentally turning the flashlight off instead of switching modes on more than one occasion.

Durability and Reliability

Durability is where this flashlight excels. It has survived drops from significant heights and even a brief submersion in water without any issues. This makes it an excellent choice for rugged environments. However, reliability is another story. I experienced intermittent issues where the flashlight would refuse to turn on despite being fully charged. This seems to be a common issue based on feedback from other users, and it’s something Milwaukee should address.

Battery Life

Battery life is generally good, with the flashlight lasting about 4.5 hours on high mode and up to 16 hours on low mode. However, the battery performance can be inconsistent. There were times when the flashlight would die unexpectedly, even though it had been fully charged recently. This inconsistency can be problematic, especially if you rely on the flashlight for extended periods.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee USB Rechargeable Flashlight has a lot going for it. It's durable, bright, and offers multiple light modes and beam patterns. The build quality is top-notch, and the convenience of USB recharging is a significant plus. However, it’s not without its flaws. The zoom feature is limited, the charging cord can be unreliable, and there are intermittent issues with the flashlight not turning on.

Would I recommend this flashlight? It depends on your needs. If you require a durable, bright flashlight for occasional use and can overlook some of its quirks, it’s a solid choice. However, if you need a consistently reliable flashlight for professional use, you might want to consider other options. The intermittent reliability issues and limited beam adjustment could be deal-breakers for some users.

Overall, the Milwaukee USB Rechargeable Flashlight is a well-built tool with some room for improvement. It’s a good option for those who need a rugged, bright flashlight and are willing to deal with occasional reliability hiccups.