i have a version of all you posted. if you just want one, id go with the m18 stick light - IMO thats the best compromise of everything..
the m18 pistol grip led light is a spot light (i have 2 of them) - on/off only, and it does not light up a big area, and many people dont know that there is a flip out plastic hook in the rear of the handle.. its good for some things - but your not hanging that light under the hood of your car as a work light. its basically a pistol grip flashlight.
the lantern - (i have the m12) is a good general area light, 4 settings, hi, med, low, strobe. but the light is made to be dispursed over a large as area as possible, like a lantern.... so you can light up an entire room over a 360 degree angle down to a 180 degree plane and anything in between.. good if your working in a large room or prepping for power outages or camiping. the limitation is not being able to direct the light upwards or downwards if you need it- and in that case your gonna have to lay it on its side. it has a hook to hang from a nail, or a peice of wire. your best postion of this will be using it at table height as a work light, in a room.. id imagine this would also be a good choice if you work in confined areas, or as an electrician to work over an entire wall or two in a room.
the m18 stick light (i have this too) is the best mix of everything. it gives you a very wide area flood light, ( there are no light/dark areas. the light it very even) 2 light settings, hi/low, indexible head movement up or down, and also gives you two METAL hooks to hand it from.. one on the top of the head, and a sliding hook on the handle that will let you hang the light to be used as a down light ( hang it under your hood) that will adjust to balance the weight no matter what battery size you use.. it is the most versatile of the what you posted, and the most usefull of the 3. it has the same light fixtures as the m12 stick light (i have that TOO), but gives you more light output, longer rutime (i think) and the adjustable head.. if i could only keep one, thats what id keep.
that hex light is a good light from what ive seen - (i dont have that yet) but thats really made to be a cordless light for a jobsite indoors or outside.. think replacement for a halogen light stand ..you can hang it from wire, or make an improvised stand from emt or pvc.. IMO bigger isnt always better for some stuff unless you need it. gonna hard to work behind the tv with one of those, and even more cumbersome to hang to work under your hood.. its an "entire area" light - not so much a directional work light..
lastly - if you have a dark garage (as in NO lights) and access to a power source, your first order of business should be some 4' light fixtures.. costco has some nice led's for sale in the store. if you dont have power, or cant improve the lighting for some reason then that hex light, AND the m18 stick light might be a good item in your shopping cart..
