What happened to KAL-2 SysLite II and SysLite Duo Plus?

[Festdewalkita]

Wayyy behind on cabinetry project. 

Getting ready to do finishing.  I know I'll need good light, and knew it might be likely I'd need something portable.

I've been keeping an eye on SysLite II (500732 or 500721) and SysLite Duo Plus (574657), but it looks like they've been discontinued and all that is left is Inspection Light SysLite STL-450 (201938 or 202192 set).

Probably better for my intended use, but I'm still wondering what gives?  Did Festool discover flaws?  Was the market just not there?

 

[squall_line]

Festool is releasing two new lights this fall:
https://www.festool.com/blog/news/syslite-kal-kbs-c

 

[Festdewalkita]

Hmm.  Thanks for the reply.

Both cordless (so...another battery system).

I still wonder what was wrong with the SysLite II and SysLite Duo Plus?

 

[squall_line]

Nothing inherently wrong with the KAL-II.  It could get bulky with a spare battery attached, but it also wasn't quite as versatile without the additional stand piece, as the hook just let it hang at whatever funny angle it decided to hang at (the stand also isn't that great without something to attach it to).

The Duo... No dimmer, no on/off switch, and a cord.  I don't mind the cord, myself, but the lack of switching can get old.

I have three KAL-II's, so I don't see myself updating any time soon.  The three-angles-from-three-positions method of using it on a floor or shelf was pretty ingenious, if you ask me.

 

[Festdewalkita]

The three-angles-from-three-positions method of using it on a floor or shelf was pretty ingenious, if you ask me.

Had to look this up...I guess you get a different angle depending on which side (H, W, or L) you lay it on?

The new ones better be **phenomenal** to launch in to *another* battery system.

 

[squall_line]

*another* battery system.

If someone already has Festool battery-powered tools, the platform is the same?

I can't imagine lighting is the first entry into most battery platforms, and I don't see Festool marketing this as a gateway to their battery platform, either.

 

[Festdewalkita]

*another* battery system.

If someone already has Festool battery-powered tools, the platform is the same?

I can't imagine lighting is the first entry into most battery platforms, and I don't see Festool marketing this as a gateway to their battery platform, either.

I’m in the Makita 18V system, but will consider a Festool drill with right angle and batteries (if I go this route, I’d definitely test drive at a local retailer) because it’s *not* made in China.

Having said that, this statement befuddles me:

“Compatible: With all Festool battery packs (except Ergo pack)​​​.”

Huh?  So, would I get the screaming CXS12 or CXS18?

(And what’s with everyone hosting their product videos on YT?  We shouldn’t have to feed “the Goog” anymore than we already do.  That’s *my* data, thank you very much.)

 

[squall_line]

The Ergo pack is the one that is used for the sanders.  It is its own special stepchild in the family.

 

[leakyroof]

Nothing inherently wrong with the KAL-II.  It could get bulky with a spare battery attached, but it also wasn't quite as versatile without the additional stand piece, as the hook just let it hang at whatever funny angle it decided to hang at (the stand also isn't that great without something to attach it to).

The Duo... No dimmer, no on/off switch, and a cord.  I don't mind the cord, myself, but the lack of switching can get old.

I have three KAL-II's, so I don't see myself updating any time soon.  The three-angles-from-three-positions method of using it on a floor or shelf was pretty ingenious, if you ask me.

  I have the Duo, I got over the lack of a power/ on-off switch pretty quickly. Stunning amount of light, I tried to get a few Contractors that I knew,  to buy one, instead, their Crews were thrilled to borrow MY LIGHT when forced to work in almost pitch black locations like a basement redo..... [mad] [mad] [mad]
But they didn't have any luck convincing their bosses to buy them on either.... [big grin] [big grin] [big grin]
I think the price, and the needed stand, probably helped keep it from flying off the shelves as well. But, I love mine- I don't use it that often, but no way I'd sell it off

 

[rst]

I just use a remote 15amp switch as an on/off absolutely fantastic light.  I have a 10,000 lumen 18v Makita that also has a plugin cord as an alternative power source and incorporated switch.

 

[Ebuwan]

Does the new larger light have a port on it for a plug at all? (Like the KAL did?). I couldn't find anything about that.

I assume the new larger light will attach to the current stands? I have two, so that would be handy