TLDR Review: RIDGID 18V LED Panel Light R8698B
Pros
- •Provides bright, adjustable lighting with three brightness settings, ideal for detailed work or broad area illumination.
- •Extremely bright and powerful light output, able to illuminate about half of a twar garage to daylight levels.
- •Versatile power options: runs on Ridgid 18V batteries or can be plugged in via extension cord for stationary use.
- •Long battery life, especially with a 4Ah battery lasting up to 12 hours on high and reportedly up to three days on lower settings.
- •Durable, heavuty construction designed to withstand occasional drops and professional use.
- •Multiple mounting options including tripod threads, hooks, nail slots, handle, and freestanding capability make it adaptable to many work environments.
- •Singlutton control cycling through OFF, HIGH, MED, LOW simplifies operation and reduces mechanical failure points.
- •Compatible with Ridgid 18V tool batteries, which is convenient if you already own tools in this ecosystem.
- •More powerful and useful than simple torch lights often included in other tool sets.
- •Weleceived for reliability and consistent use in various workshop settings.
Cons
- •Battery life on max brightness with a smaller 2Ah battery is limited to about 30 minutes before needing a battery swap or dimming.
- •Slightly bulky design, which might be less convenient for highly portable or compact setups.
- •Quality control concerns reported, including defective units that did not light up or had faulty wiring requiring repair.
- •Some users have experienced issues buying used or refurbished units with misleading condition descriptions.
- •Singlutton cycling can be a minor inconvenience compared to separate switches for each brightness level.
- •Not considered a strong standalone foundation for a cordless tool collection compared to other brands, better as an accessory.
Bottom Line
The RIDGID 18V Cordless Hybrid LED Panel Light R8698B impresses with its powerful, adjustable brightness, versatile power options, and rugged design tailored for professional environments. Its long battery life with larger packs and flexible mounting make it a great addition if you're already invested in the Ridgid 18V system. However, beware of potential quality control issues, especially when buying used or from less reliable sellers. If portability or flawless out-of-the-box performance is paramount, you might want to explore other brands or wait for improved versions. Overall, this light works best as a reliable worksite companion rather than a flash-in-the-pan cordless solution.
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