Syslites (two of them) - 5 days owned, 3 days on job sites

[Steve R]

A quick view of the Syslites not from a dealer or supported by one.... Dang I wish I was..... [scratch chin] ... maybe not... [big grin].

Being that I bought two of them myself I'm not going to drop them like I see others doing in reviews. I'm sure it will happen...but I don't have the time or money to burn if they do fail me...after I say in to a camera... "Watch this".

Picked up two Syslites last Saturday and have been using them every day. The day I got them I walked around my house with them and used them as skim/strafe light on the sheet rock around the house.  Found  [eek] several really bad patches done by prior owners, that the normal natural and fixture lighting never showed.  So Damn.... I just got a lot of work to do after buying these things.    

I do wish they were brighter... but that is why I bought two.  The downside is if they were brighter they would not have any practical run time on the internal battery... or would have to be so big they lose the wonderful smallness that now allows them to go where they now can.

I have not yet found a time when I would use the lower light setting. Maybe if I was camping and just wanted a light to attract bugs? [unsure] then the lower light setting would be nice. At this point the only time I like the lower light setting is if I'm looking at the LEDs.... [doh]

Not having any Festool drills yet....but I did let "my go to" drill drop on cement twice today but the dang thing still works [mad]. I really think that Festool needs to offer a 2 battery and charger option and put the whole kit with two Syslites in a systainer. Working on site I want these lights to always have a external battery attached to give me the run time normal jobs take and a case to pack them up in at the end of the day.

(has anyone else noticed that the word "Syslite" comes up spelled wrong here  [poke].)

At this point my work partner has not noticed that his T12 is missing one battery. He is prone to forgetting where he sets things down...so maybe I can score the other battery and the charger...and just tell him he must of left it at his last job site.... [oops]

One downside to adding the battery is that you have to take the hanger clip off so you can't hang a Syslite with the battery attached.

An accessory that I might like to see is a slide on wall mount clip that replaces the Hook clip. This would allow you to mount it on a stud wall or in a location that you need a long term light without the hassle of a tripod or something to hang it on. But that also points to the need to have a different AC/Main cord connection. Also being able to hang or wall mount a Syslite when it has a external battery is a need for me.

One thread talked about the Syslites getting hot. Today I was using one on the internal battery only and I did notice that it did get warm/hot over time as I moved it around. When it shut down I though it was from usage time? and might have been. When I plugged the unit into AC/Main to charge... I did get a solid red light.... that means battery is too hot to charge. Temp on work site was 76F.  It that normal for a Syslite?  I want to test it again to see if the red light overheat will repeat/happen again.

One thing with adding a T12 battery (and any external battery, I think) to the Syslite, is you loose several degrees of the angle setting as the battery does not let the three sides to rest as they would without a battery.

Overall I find the Syslite a winner, as a light that works in small spaces. The light level is fine if you are working in a small areas. One light is not enough to do critical work on 8' x 12' room wall. Or my light is not working as it should...I don't know. At night maybe it is more impact-full  [doh].

I do like that the LED light is cool and won't burn your arm like a halogen will if you if brush against it. Also you can pack up the Syslite without having to worry that it will melt anything it touches like your halogen will.

Well... just some random thoughts...

Cheers,
Steve

 

[semenza]

I could see that Syslite Systainer kit having a compact tripod in it too. I was checking them out and found some that are short enough to put in a Systainer.

Love the idea of swapable mount plates in place of the  hook!

I found the low setting desirable when it is inside a cabinet I am working in.

The bright setting does have more impact in actual darkness. I could literaly hang it up outside for a yard light. The broad even spread works great for that.  Personally I have found that any LEDs I have used have less impact in partly lit areas than than incandecent or halogens.

All in all the more I use it the more I like it.

Seth

 

[Kev]

A 2x syslite systainer bundle was the first thing I wanted after a got my syslite (a while back now here in Oz).

It's such an obvious no brainer, with only a insert to create, I'm holding back on another syslite as I'd happily buy a 2x kit. The "kit" should leverage the "flexi system" thinking, coming in a sysN? with 2 syslites and moulding provision for 2x 3.0Ah batteries, charger, 2x compact tripods and 2x threaded wall stud bracket/hook/clamps kinda things.

A really cool innovation would be to create a "chargetainer" - one that lets you plug the actual 'tainer into the wall socket and it charges 2x syslites and 2x batteries all at once.

 

[Steve R]

A 2x syslite systainer bundle was the first thing I wanted after a got my syslite (a while back now here in Oz).

It's such an obvious no brainer, with only a insert to create, I'm holding back on another syslite as I'd happily buy a 2x kit. The "kit" should leverage the "flexi system" thinking, coming in a sysN? with 2 syslites and moulding provision for 2x 3.0Ah batteries, charger, 2x compact tripods and 2x threaded wall stud bracket/hook/clamps kinda things.

A really cool innovation would be to create a "chargetainer" - one that lets you plug the actual 'tainer into the wall socket and it charges 2x syslites and 2x batteries all at once.

Well we know that Festool reads these blogs....let's hope they hear our needs [poke] [not worthy]

Another local FOG member helped me on a project and he had taken Makita (think) chargers and put three or four in a systainer and had wired it so only one cord had to come out to the main to get all going.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[builderbob]

I was using mine all day yesterday in a large walk in closet. There was only one single bulb ceiling fixture at the entry of the closet and darkness thereafter. The syslite was great!  I hadn't used long term prior, so I left it plugged in all day knowing that I would run the battery down. At the end of 7 hours, I shut the light off, it was still plugged in and I got the red eye as well. I'm assuming that when the light is plugged in its always trying to recharge the internal battery if the light is on. It was VERY warm to the touch. Today, I started by just running the light on its internal battery and then I'll plug in and see what happens when then!

As far as a kit, I'm contemplating a second light but I would love to see a 2x light package!  Here's to hoping!

Bob

 

[hockey_magnet]

I was using mine all day yesterday in a large walk in closet. There was only one single bulb ceiling fixture at the entry of the closet and darkness thereafter. The syslite was great!  I hadn't used long term prior, so I left it plugged in all day knowing that I would run the battery down. At the end of 7 hours, I shut the light off, it was still plugged in and I got the red eye as well. I'm assuming that when the light is plugged in its always trying to recharge the internal battery if the light is on. It was VERY warm to the touch.
Bob

Bob, I'm glad you made the comment about it being VERY warm. I had the same experience you did. I asked a few days ago about this and no one here seemed to think it got hot, very warm, etc. Certainly not too hot too touch but much warmer than I expected. I think having it plugged in and charging the battery at the same time it is running might be the cause for the heat.

 

[builderbob]

I was using mine all day yesterday in a large walk in closet. There was only one single bulb ceiling fixture at the entry of the closet and darkness thereafter. The syslite was great!  I hadn't used long term prior, so I left it plugged in all day knowing that I would run the battery down. At the end of 7 hours, I shut the light off, it was still plugged in and I got the red eye as well. I'm assuming that when the light is plugged in its always trying to recharge the internal battery if the light is on. It was VERY warm to the touch.
Bob

Bob, I'm glad you made the comment about it being VERY warm. I had the same experience you did. I asked a few days ago about this and no one here seemed to think it got hot, very warm, etc. Certainly not too hot too touch but much warmer than I expected. I think having it plugged in and charging the battery at the same time it is running might be the cause for the heat.

I agree that it seems to alway be charging when plugged in. I'm in no way complaining about or flaming the tool, I am making an observation...I'm seeing discussion in other threads about light output = heat dissipation...it's a tool, it hasn't been a problem yet and only time will tell!  I'm very pleased that it carries the 1+2 warranty!

B

 

[Steve R]

Okay, being that I was using the Syslite with external battery attached and needing to keep move quickly. I didn't have the time to figure out a way to hang or lock down the Syslite.  So in the course of work it did go down 7.5' onto cement with a T12 battery attached.  All seems to have survived. Just wish there was a way to hang the light with a hook when using an external battery.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[honeydoman]

good information steve,  and yep a hook would be nice to have with the battery in place.  I have been using the lights now for about 60 days and still find many uses for them and helpful.  and I have found that they do get a little warm, but nothing to be worried about, especially how hot a hooligan gets.

Kreg
youtube:  builtinsbykreg

 

[RC]

How about purchasing a Gorilla Pod camera tripod and use it when an external battery is attached http://joby.com/gorillatorch/flare?

It holds my Canon 5D DSLR with a 200mm lens nicely in place so it should easily take the weight of an syslite.

 

[Steve R]

How about purchasing a Gorilla Pod camera tripod and use it when an external battery is attached http://joby.com/gorillatorch/flare?

It holds my Canon 5D DSLR with a 200mm lens nicely in place so it should easily take the weight of an syslite.

Reiska,

I like the Gorilla pod! Would work as both a hook or a stand. Great solution. I like how they weight ratings. Thanks for the link!

Cheers,
Steve

 

[terrystouf]

Just my 2 cents : I just received my syslite today ,and compared the light output to my 20w led lamps I got from ebay ($40 ea)(corded),after all the "blinded by the light" hype, I was a little disappointed , I would say maybe a little over half the light output (the 20w led's are impressive), but it is cordless , (can't put a price on that)and probably more durable ... I cant see them being powerfull enough to work as "jobsite lamps" unless you had 4-8 of them(4 might equal a 300w halogen) , but good as far as a flashlight goes...I'm sure I will like the quick local light convenience,and it will be great for drywall and finishing spot checks.time will tell...But It is not the sun....

 

[Kev]

Just my 2 cents : I just received my syslite today ,and compared the light output to my 20w led lamps I got from ebay ($40 ea)(corded),after all the "blinded by the light" hype, I was a little disappointed , I would say maybe a little over half the light output (the 20w led's are impressive), but it is cordless , (can't put a price on that)and probably more durable ... I cant see them being powerfull enough to work as "jobsite lamps" unless you had 4-8 of them(4 might equal a 300w halogen) , but good as far as a flashlight goes...I'm sure I will like the quick local light convenience,and it will be great for drywall and finishing spot checks.time will tell...But It is not the sun....

I hear Tom B is selling Syslites in blister packs of 6 and 12.  [big grin]

 

[terrystouf]

I hear Tom B is selling Syslites in blister packs of 6 and 12. 

And live in a jungle of wall-warts and spaghetti,or staff a monkey to keep charging them up. I've seen crazier... [wink]

 

[Steve R]

Now with 14 work days of using these two SysLites, I like them even more. Work mates love them! They find them bright (but we are using them close). I have yet to use the half setting. The size of the light is wonderful as they are small enough to sit on a 4x4 electrical box. Easy to grab and explore a project and check work.

Still have to get a dedicated set of batteries and charger. Really don't understand why Festool doesn't have a package kit that gives you at least a bit of savings on a kit in a systainer.

There is a bit of learning curve to new users as it is not obvious to most people that when the light shuts off when running with an external battery that the internal is still full. Just remove the external and you have another 90min run time on high... more than enough to charge the external.

Still have to order some of the Gorilla Pods for hanging the thing when I steal my workmates T12 batteries and need to hang the light. [big grin]

Cheers,
Steve

 

[peter halle]

Just like Steve said, I have found myself using mine more.  Over the weekend I was finishing off a satin black aquarium canopy.  The lighting in my "shop" is ok, but when you are dealing with black all the light is absorbed.  While spraying the final coats I used the tripod.  When drilling the holes for the euro hinges I used the Syslite out of the tripod so that I could see pencil lines.

I put the case away.  It may never get a chance to go back inside.

Peter

 

[Brice Burrell]

Steve, your feedback has been great.  I have one coming tomorrow.

Also, for the price of two batteries and charger you might as well just get the a drill (another $95 bucks).

 

[Steve R]

Steve, your feedback has been great.  I have one coming tomorrow.

Also, for the price of two batteries and charger you might as well just get the a drill (another $95 bucks).

I have thought of that.... but the first drill I want is the CXS but those batteries don't fit.  I think I want to wait for the impact or rumored hammer drill.

At this time the only one I might buy is the T18 plus as it can compete with my DW's

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Steve R]

Steve, your feedback has been great.  I have one coming tomorrow.

Also, for the price of two batteries and charger you might as well just get the a drill (another $95 bucks).

After more use of the lights, I have been thinking about your above quoted comment. If I could sell the bare drill it might be worth it. But I have two SysLites and find I need both to have External batteries attached all the time as my work day is a lot longer than 90 minutes. Even with external batteries I have to charge them mid day.  If your are working a long day (12 hours) you have to charge externals twice.

Your solution of buying a drill is a nice idea...but would mean the drill has no battery....

I look at USA Festool product and no other tool that Festool sells in the USA that uses a battery does not come with two batteries and a charger. They are talking about in the future selling bare tool... which I find funny as the SysLite is already a bare tool.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[GregBradley]

It might be reaching to say it is a bare tool.

It does have a battery, just not a large removeable one.
It does have a charger - in fact two, one that plugs into mains and one that plugs into an automotive charger.