When doing a little more pricing research on the new Kobalt LED Neck Light at Lowe’s, I came across 3 nearly identical models from different brands.
What I learned is that 1) The Kobalt model at Lowe’s is least expensive, which increases its appeal, and 2) there are very many positive and some negative reviews for this style of lighting product.
There are other neck lights on the market, but they seem to be advertised as reading lights and appear a bit too dainty for workshop applications.
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If you’re in the market for this type of product, check out the reviews first. Since Lowe’s Kobalt neck light is new for the Black Friday 2021 deals and gift shopping season, there aren’t many reviews yet, and none of them are long-term.
If you’ve used this type of product before, what have your experiences been like?
(Prices are accurate as of the time of this posting.)
Kobalt LED Neck Light
$20
EZ Red LED Neck Light
$24.26
RealTree LED Neck Light
$28.82
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CAT LED Neck Light
$24.99
JoeM
I may actually get the CAT ones… we’ll see… all about visibility in this case. Thanks for finding alternatives for me, Stuart! I owe you big on this!
fred
EZ-Red also has a more powerful and costly model:
https://www.amazon.com/EZRED-Rechargeable-Hands-Free-Professionals-brightness/dp/B07VF9R1PQ/
Cheater at Tooldiscounter (my previous post) – but you need to pay for shipping. Seems to come in other colors for $1 less on Amazon
Eric
Don’t forget the Snap on one. Been around for quite a while. $70 a bargain
Kenneth Stephens
Most of the techs I work with (dealership) have the matco one. Looks exactly the same as these.
Stuart
The Snap-on look different, but the Matco look similar to the Kobalt and EZ Red rechargeable models at more than 50% premium.
George
Anyone have comment of the comfort for the thick necked individual? I wear an 18.5” dress shirt collar.
Micah
I wear an 18 and its very comfortable man. Not too tight at all, I think youd be okay.
Jonathan
Recently came across a flat led headband
While not a neck light – it’s a flat led headband with motion sensor for a spot light. It’s rechargable .
I get the appeal of a neck light for indirect lighting at times – but also of a light that points where one looks is also desirable at times.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DKCDPBC/
David
The fella from EZ Red actually said in a bang on the counter interview with the tool truck dealer in New Jersey that they make the neck lights for most everyone (not sure about the SO model). He also spoke of the advantages of the two different models. I would think that the best option would be the unit with replaceable batteries BUT to use rechargeable batteries in it. This way, if you are using it away from the charger station, you can replace the batteries and have light again.
Nathan
I know people that bought the EZ red version and they are the first set I’m familar with. been around a while. I think they are only really good when you have your head canted downwards most of the time. I don’t know
I didn’t like them and instead am part of the headlamp crowd. Love a headlamp. Yes in the hangar we have to use helmets – so I have headlamp with helmet straps but other wise without helmet it works great too.
Fsprk
Use the EXTED rechargeable every day. Great battery life. What ever one you use get a rechargeable one. Don’t want to be changing batteries.
Ken
George, I have a 19″ neck and my Snap-On fits just fine and not a lot of pressure. I sometimes wear it around my head above the ears and it’s good there too. And man, believe me, I have a 7-5/8 melon… any brand should work fine.
fred
The Kobalt ones bear UPC 008965006860
The OEM is EZ-Red
smithmal
Milwaukee also now has a neck light. Unfortuantely it uses their proprietary 3,000mAh 18650 battery….
Does anyone know of a neck light battery that uses a standard 18650?
Stuart
Milwaukee neck light post: https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-led-neck-light-2117-21/
I don’t know of any other 18650-powered lights. You’re unlikely to find one, brands have been discouraged from offering 18650-drop-in products.