Syslite mini review

BMH

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Aug 1, 2008
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When the thread " I wish Festool made " came out, I asked for a battery powered light and a couple of years later the syslite came out. I bought one three weeks ago and have used it extensively during a number of projects.

My previous battery light was a Dewalt DW 919. Great light, pro was the powerful beam,  and the flexible neck that permitted you to focus the beam on your work. The con was a very narrow beam, heat that was created in narrow confine, and the light color didn't permit to observe color variation as when your are painting.

The Syslite is very much the opposite. It doesn't have that powerful long narrow beam, it is more a flood light that is at it's best under 10 feet from your worksite. I started by using it during a bathroom remodel. I spent a couple of hours with my head inside sink cabinet hooking up an European sink and faucet to a 1960 plumbing. This require cutting out drywall and some creative plumbing. Having a great light source that didn't produce any heat was a great plus.  Putting the Syslite on it's different sides permitted to direct the lite in the most optimal direction. The quality of the light gave me an excellent depth perception making the work go faster.

I then used it for another three hours as my main light source while I was re-wiring the bathroom. I lost the use of the light hook when I had to insert my T15 battery and had to switch to a camera stand. This is where I miss the DW 919 flexible neck as the camera tripod used a lot of real estate in this 80 sqf bathroom.

I finally used it as my primary light source when I was painting the bathroom as I had all of the light fixture off the wall. This is when your truly appreciate the quality of the light source as you are able to see the paint go on and any defect in your painting.

I have used the light since then for cabinet installation, gutter cleaning in the dark during a down pour and barbecuing. My accidental discovery during these episodes is that it is water resistant, can withstand a 7 foot drop on concrete and is the best light for barbecuing.

The biggest weakness is losing the hook when you have to attach a battery to it. I am now researching different option for using the the tripod screw and possibly  a flexible neck that can attach to it.

Price, I switch to Surefire flashlights 8 years ago. These are the best flashlights in the industry and quality comes at a price. The Syslite, in my opinion, with it's quality LED is fairly priced for what you get and fits in with industry standard for high quality lights.

A great addition to the Festool system, but requires you to have the extra batteries for prolong use.

Bruce

 
I use a simple camera clamp on my Syslite and it gives it a lot of flexibility for clamping to a countertop, studs, etc.  that plus a short strand of 10 gauge wire and you have a lot of flexibility when you want to include the external battery.

Thanks for the review Bruce - agree it's a great lite.

neil
 
Nice actual use review  [thumbs up]

My SYSLite saved the day twice on a recent job. Was doing three rooms of trim work. Started on the main room first then moved to the bathroom, then the bedroom.  Wasn't till I got to the bedroom after dark that I discovered that it didn't have any hardwired lighting , and no lamps on site  (new construction).  Syslite pointing up  , bouncing light off the ceiling on top of an extra 6' ladder did the trick.

Then on the same job next day, I was loading up  all my tools after dark. No outdoor lighting and a steep gravel grade (lake cottage) to carry everything up. Put the Syslite on top of porch stairs post and flooded the whole area with light nicely.

Glad I had it with me.

I agree on the DW lights I have and still use both  types the flexible and the regular. They are really good spot lights. But would not have flooded the yard/loading area.

Seth
 
Festool, you should market this light to plumbers and electricians.

I was exploring the chimneys and furnace room of my new house today, and was able to see everywhere I wanted to clearly. It is absolutely fantastic for hanging on a pipe and digging around.

No kidding, this may be my most used Festool and I now keep it in my car.
 
Mine is suspended over my smallest aquarium while I am waiting for my replacement electronic ballast to arrive.  No problem with the salt air!

Peter
 
+1 on marketing to plumbers & electricians, as I often have to pull and remount sinks, the wide angle light dispersion is head and shoulders above anything else on the market.

Great review on a light that I would not want to be without!

Got to get another one :) :)
 
The other market would be car and plane mechanic as you truly would prefer a cold light around gas fumes.

I have trying to find a source to build a holder for it. I would like a 24-32 inch goose neck with a clamp on one side and a screw that would fit the base of syslite.  I could attach to my MFT, my CMS or a 2x4 while working. So far no luck.

Bruce
 
BMH said:
The other market would be car and plane mechanic as you truly would prefer a cold light around gas fumes.

I have trying to find a source to build a holder for it. I would like a 24-32 inch goose neck with a clamp on one side and a screw that would fit the base of syslite.  I could attach to my MFT, my CMS or a 2x4 while working. So far no luck.

Bruce

You might have seen this before but I have one of these for my DSLR and find it works perfectly with the Syslite as you can position it in so many ways

Gorrilla pod
 
I did see and like the concept but it had mix review. My concern was how it would hold up with the extra  battery on?
 
The mini gorilla pod is definitely unsuitable (I tried it) but I think the larger one would be fine. I just use a regular camera tripod, even with a battery it's no problem.
 
We needed some wiring to be done in our cellar.  The pannel is sort of out of alighnment from the overhead light (my lumber rack is in the way.) so i set my syslite up for the electrician.  It worked fine and much better than his own flashlite. 

A couple of weeks ago, i had to "baby sit" my daughter's dog for ten days while she and THE BOSS took a trip to visit family in Germany.  We have a very high stonewall across the front yard that could be disaster if the dog steps off.  I would watch with a flashlite but had to keep shining it where ever the dog walked.  I finally brought out my syslite (my plan is to use it for outdoor work and emergency service during winter time especially for snow plow problems) and it lit up the entire yard.

Inside the house, it lites up any room, but my wife doesn't like it as it is so brite if she looks at it.  I have a camera tripod that sets it high enough it should not be a problem.  We have a possibility for a heavy rain/high wind event next week.  i will be sure the battery is fully charged.  If we lose power long term. I do have the charger to use in either my truck or wife's car.
Tinker
 
It does work well outside. I think I am going to hang the Syslite around my dog neck at Halloween and see what kids think of a light 2 feet above ground comming at them at 25 mph. Should be fun [laughing]

 
BMH said:
I did see and like the concept but it had mix review. My concern was how it would hold up with the extra  battery on?

You need to get one of the larger ones like my DSLR zoom. They can easily handle my Syslite. I trust my $3000 camera plus $2000 lens with it :). The advantage is that you can use it in so many positions as well as just a hook
 
BMH said:
It does work well outside. I think I am going to hang the Syslite around my dog neck at Halloween and see what kids think of a light 2 feet above ground comming at them at 25 mph. Should be fun [laughing]

[thumbs up] [thumbs up] [thumbs up]

Tinker
 
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I believe the 1/4 20 thread eye bolt will work when using a battery
for the syslite.

+1 for the syslite.
 
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