"Corded" Underhood Lights Matco vs Astro

[durrrtydan]

Looking for an underhood light that will last me a while. Started looking at Milwaukee as I'm well into their platform but I quickly realized I'd rather have a charging cord connected than change batteries every few hours, plus the color temperature is too warm.

I prefer a long included charging cable over USB-C (Snap-on/Gearwrench options).

The two contenders are the 1510 Lumen Astro Pneumatic light at $84 and 2000 Lumen Matco at $295. Does anyone have either of these and can comment on their experience? Would the 500 lumens make a difference? Particularly in terms of minimizing shadows and lighting recessed spaces, as far as an underhood light can. The Astro is undeniably phenomenal value and unmatched in the segment; but lighting is super important and I do want the best. This YouTube review is making me want to fork out the extra 200.

Noticeable differences to me are: the Astro has padding on the brackets on either side, plus a continuous light setting. Matco has only high/low options for light but does have a movable diffuser in front of the LEDs, and a more robust looking power cable. And lumens. I've never owned an underhood light before so maybe people who have can chime in as to how important these features are. It's hard to tell whether the length of the actual light bar is different, that would certainly be a factor.

 

[vssjim]

No under hood light is worth 300.00 dollars I have a Central tools and the GearWrench Wing lights under hood lights and they both work good but the Astro is a no brainer here plus if you have any problems it's no problem when it comes to customer service. the Matco is just a relabeled something so 300.00 is a big no.

 

[CoogarXR]

I have the rechargeable Harbor Freight under-hood light bar, and it does tick me off that it can't be "on" while charging. So when it dies, it's off until it's charged again. I'm about to open it up and just bypass the battery and power it with a wall wart.

So keep that in mind while shopping- some that have the built-in battery (non-swappable), can't be lit when charging.

 

[Fedwrench]

I've used a central tools pelican under hood light for the last 20 years. It's so old, they no longer make it. What I like about it besides being bulletproof, is that it takes off the shelf florescent bulbs and stays cool.
I also have a Milwaukee M12 Under hood light. It's ok as long as you use the larger M12 battery. I also have the Astro light bar where you can attach two or three 70SL lights. Lately, I've been using the Astro 100SL mini floodlight. It's awfully bright for such a small footprint. Unless you have a great relationship with your MATCO dealer, I'd skip MATCO but, that's just me.

 

[aqr81]

I picked up this modular lighting arrangement from Eastwood a couple of years ago (got great price on a special deal) The lights offer great flexibility, have two light levels and the charge lasts a good amount of hours. You might want to take a look HERE

 

[plinker]

I would skip the Matco, truck brands lights are not what they are average most of the time with less expensive alternatives available that are better/brighter IME, and you pay enough for them. There are exceptions as usual.

My experience with ATD's "Saber" brand lights has been pretty good overall, this one may fit your criteria, no experience with it myself. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Atd-Tool...p.ds&msclkid=b76e41dd9d931f5539d822a27a15e727


I have the M12, the ability to not have a cord and switch out batteries makes it well worth it to me. I use the 3.0 batteries and it works great with those. FWIW, My take of a "corded" light is 120v, no battery involved.

 

[corn chip]

LINE LIGHT C+R - powerful LED inspection lamp with DUAL SYSTEM

LINE LIGHT C+R is an extremely powerful inspection light with DUAL SYSTEM - a new and intelligent function meaning that the lamp can be used with and without cable.

www.scangrip.com

this scangrip is nice qaulity made in denmark if i recall. ive had one a couple years for working under hood. its corded and rechargable so it can be used either way which is a nice feature imo. since i liked the big light i tried one of their small pencil lights but sadly it seems lower qaulity china stuff. but ya their bigger denmark lights ive been happy with

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Corded? I use a $20 harbor freight shop light, and the only complaint is the cord is a little stiff.

I thought it might die hitting the ground or falling in a puddle, but no such luck.

I keep it in my service truck, and it will run a long time on even the smallest inverter.