What's So Great About The Syslite, Huh?

[Maximus]

I recently did some research on LED task lights, and being a certified Festool fan wanted to like the Syslite.  But looking at the cost and performance I couldn't see why I ought to buy it.  Presumably others here have done so, and I wondered what your owners feedback is, from actual experience of using it?  Is it bright enough?  How many hours continuous use does it give you?  Are you happy with your investment?

I ended up purchasing a much cheaper 20V Worx light which has a super bright 20W CREE LED.  I run it off a modular 20V LIon 4Ah rechargeable battery.  It will run for 4 hours at full tilt (as expected from the maths)

Did I make the right decision?  [eek]

 

[tjbnwi]

You made the right decision for you.

I have multiple Syslights, happy with my decision to purchase them. I'd buy more in a heart beat if the need arose.

Bright-very, low is usually all I need.

Internal battery about 1.5-2 hours on high, with a 2.6 ah battery snapped on 4-5 hours, with the charger connected to line voltage-until I shut it off.

It's multiple placement angles help when working in a cabinet.

Tom

 

[Euclid]

If the Worx does what you need of it, then yes, you did!

I'm very pleased with the Syslite - though, to be honest, I didn't do an exhaustive study of alternatives before buying it.

It has been plenty bright enough for me - often on the lower light level, when it's achieved the advertised run time (approx 4hrs) with the internal (2.9Ah?) battery. It's not a 'searchlight' but has an impressive 'throw' compared to LED lamps I've experienced in the past.

It's robust, the adjustable magnetic clamp is very useful (it also has a slot to take a standard Festool table clamp too) and it comes with a metal disc to screw to something wooden to attach the clamp to.
It comes with a 12V in-car charger as well as the mains one.
The instructions say it's ok to run in continuously from the mains and it has a mode in which it can be run from the mains but switches to battery if the power supply is cut (useful if working in awkward spots like attics or places with uncertain supply). Those features may be available with other products though, I don't know.

I've also found the Syslite great when working in, on or under a car, whether in the garage, at the roadside or in the pits at the track - much better than many of the cheaper LED garage lamps I've seen.

Expensive, yes, but for me fairly decent value I feel for a good versatile lamp. I would quite like a second one.

 

[charley1968]

I got the SysliteII and i like it. It's comparativly small size lets one use it inside workpieces, it doesn't get hot, it runs about 3 hours on its internal battery (in the lower setting) and i have to admit: it has grown on me. Initially i thought FT to be catering to the 'merchandise crowd', but now i think it's a nifty little lamp.

 

[NHSP759]

I've had mine for quite some time. I love it. It holds a charge forever, has super clean light dispersement and can also be powered by any 12v and up Festool battery for long run time. I've got the Bosch FL12 too and love that one also but I will never get rid of my syslite. It's my primary work light.

 

[bobfog]

It's one of those products that Festool board members must wet themselves laughing at the fact that people actually pay so much for it.

User reviews aren't overly positive either:

"Not good:

Not as bright as i was expecting takes over 3 hours to charge lasts for 2 then if you put a bigger battery on it you can't hang it up so now you have a light thats not so bright sitting on the floor. You can buy an accessory that attaches to it so you can mount it up higher but why should you you've just paid £123 for a not so bright light it should come with it. Don't buy you can get better lights for 1/4 of the price and this is from someone with a fair amount of festool tools and i must say not impressed with this one."

 

[pingvinlakrits]

It is easy to like: runs off a built in battery, runs off external batteries, runs corded. THREE power options, that is more than most others I know of. I used all three on the latest job: first off the cord, then when power had to be cut: internal and the day after (with power still cut) running on a battery: awesome!

It wasn't cheap. But the form factor and size makes it easy to fit into the "always on board" kit. The spread and the way it can be placed, hung or tilted is great - and it is rugged too.

LED tech is improving very fast and now there are "better" LED work lights out there: as in more light output, even wider beam/light field and still a slim form factor. Even prices are coming down.

I am not sure I would get me another Syslite but I am very pleased with mine. I wish Festool would make a small LED to attach directly to the batteries like Bosch, Metabo and plenty of other has. That would be the best complimentary light to the Syslite II for me. I run a small Metabo (USB/LED combo clip on thingy) and the sparky had a Bosch folding LED which is very handy.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

It's one of those products that Festool board members must wet themselves laughing at the fact that people actually pay so much for it.

Maybe so. Since I know the manufacturing cost of paint and what people normally pay for a small can I am still thinking that we got off easy.

 

[Maximus]

Since you mention it Henrik, he LED tech used in the Syslite was something that did put me off.  I believe it still uses the old style domed LED's?  Flat CREE LED's are much brighter and deliver more light output at a given power according to my understanding and ownership experience.

I approve of the triple power mode option though.  Having said that, I don't understand any need for an encased internal battery which will die in 3 - 5 years leaving the unit with a fault.  Surely better if the power is fully modular with batteries that can be swapped out to charge or replace.  This is why I don't buy smartphones with non replaceable batteries. 

 

[NHSP759]

Yeah, I was hard pressed to buy mine at full retail but 40% off during the last recon fixed that right up. Still love it and for an internal and external battery plus the ability to run ac or DC it's a no brained for me.

 

[Nat X]

I like the color temperature, the size and the insanely strong magnetic mount. If these things are not important to you then there's no real reason to even consider paying the lifestyle brand premium price.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

Spiff: I like CREE stuff, I have some LED lights from CREE, no big lamps though.

I did just check the current pricing on the Syslite and was a bit shocked  [eek] - I am not sure I would have paid full price for it. Given the technology involved, surely it is not the best bang for the buck.  .

I also agree LED tech has, and continues to evolve. Work lights have been very expensive up until a few months ago when it comes to LED but I think they are at a tipping point where a few really good lights in pretty rugged housings have started to surface - and at prices around half of the Syslite.

The built in battery life is unknown for sure. Considering the three year warranty I feel I am covered " well enough". When the battery dies off completely I would have liked if it was user replacable. At that point I can still dedicate a battery for it and that is good enough for me. In three years time there will probably be quite a few awesome work lights to choose from anyway, at fair prices.

 

[7sec153]

I have all but 2 Milwaukee led lights, the latest releases.  It appears they are going after the bigger light market now.  the syslite is priceless for drywall spotting and other jobs where I am holding a light in one hand, working with the other

 

[#Tee]

syslite2..ive found its one of my most used festool. the not needing to swap battery platform is a plus! the magnetic mount for it is WAY worth it. its durable as hell, the angle of lighting positions is underrated as its so useful. well worth it for me. i would want another one and leave it in the car.

 

[rst]

I have Milwaukee 12 and 18v flashlights, the 1000 & 3000 lumen floods and use them regularly.  I have a Petzl headlamp for confined spaces.  When the Duo came out...talk about "blinded by the light"!!  I just bought a Syslight off Ebay and it is great for the highlighting that 7SEC153 mentioned, much better than a flashlight.

 

[DB10]

I've noticed somefolks can get a bit wrapped up in all the specs when it comes to lighting and other facts can get over looked Like the durability of the unit. These sys lights are very well designed tough units, mine has survived plenty of accidental drops often from heights. I've had it three years and still works like new, cheaper Led lights I've owned have bitten the dust with far less abuse.

 

[bobfog]

I've noticed somefolks can get a bit wrapped up in all the specs when it comes to lighting and other facts can get over looked Like the durability of the unit. These sys lights are very well designed tough units, mine has survived plenty of accidental drops often from heights. I've had it three years and still works like new, cheaper Led lights I've owned have bitten the dust with far less abuse.

But then you have the Milwaukee lights that are cheaper, brighter, good colour temperature and highly durable. If you're going to charge a premium product price, it has to offer premium performance in all areas.

 

[Mort]

I have an M18 flashlight. With a 4ah battery it'd probably last all week. Great light, and with the battery it stands itself up nicely. My only complaint is that the beam is very focused, so outside of it it is completely dark. Hard to explain but my old incandescent flash lights aren't like that. Maybe it's an LED thing.

 

[P2P]

LOVE my Syslites.  I have two of them and will be ordering a third when the bonus money starts coming in next month! 

Agree that they are among my most used tools.  Very rarely use them on full power.  Great battery life.  Very rugged.  I too have had my fair share of knocking them off onto hard surfaces.  They're both a bit scuffed but they power on.

 

[grbmds]

The only reason I bought a Syslite was I got it reconditioned a couple of years ago. However, I use it in my woodworking shop and many other places around the house. I agree it is too expensive new though and, if another LED light works for you and your needs, then you are just that much money ahead. Back when I bought mine, though, there weren't nearly as many options from other manufacturers. There are many more portable LED lights available now and at lower prices.