Lowe’s launched a new Kobalt EDC Multi-Light flashlight, and it looks to be a monster.
I can’t tell if the new Kobalt flashlight is destined to be a holiday season flagship deal and gift item, or if it’s simply a new product Lowe’s came up with.
To me, the flashlight screams “gift for Dad’s junk drawer!”
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The Kobalt EDC Multi-Light flashlight features a multi-mode front emitter, and also a wide flood light on its side.
The flashlight is powered with a rechargeable battery, and is charged via USB-C (more on this in a bit).
Its body is made from aircraft aluminum, and the front bezel features blue-anodized crenellations.
There are no added details about the “focus and wide beam modes” feature mentioned in the above product image.
Here’s a chart showing the flashlight’s brightness settings and respective runtimes.
- Low: 200 lumens, 8 hours
- Medium: 500 lumens, 3 hours
- High: 1000 lumens, 2 hours
- Turbo: 2000 lumens, N/A
- Area: 300 lumens, 3 hours
Got that? 1000 lumens of brightness at high, and 2000 lumens in “turbo” mode, which is likely intended for short durations.
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Lowe’s says the Kobalt light features CREE LED technology.
The Kobalt flashlight has 2 USB-C ports, one for power in, and one for power out.
This suggests that the flashlight can double as a USB-C battery power bank, but there’s no mention of this being a feature.
On top of all of that, it comes with a removeable rechargeable battery, and also a 3AAA battery sled.
The included battery, model 18650C, features a 2500 mAh capacity, and built-in USB-C charging port.
It looks like Lowe’s went with a proprietary or customized 18650 Li-ion battery.
The front of the packaging says that it features “upgradeable power,” and encourages customers to see the pack of the card for details.
There’s a QR code on the back of the card, but at this time it only leads to Lowe’s homepage.
The blurb says that the “upgradeable power” refers to an optional runtime rechargeable battery that can deliver longer runtime.
Looking at the user manual, you can buy a higher capacity “21700C” battery for longer runtime.
They also show that you can charge the battery directly, via one of the USB-C ports built into it. The other port is an output, presumably so that the battery can be used as a power source. Again, there are no details about this being a feature.
So can it double as a battery power bank, or is the “out” port simply a pass-thru? One would think that a battery power source feature would be pointed out in the online product page, images of the card packaging, or the online user manual.
Price: $29.98
Discussion
This brings to mind the Kobalt Triple Cut, which I reviewed here 11 years ago. Some might have called the Triple Cut feature-rich, but I really think Lowe’s and the Kobalt team went completely overboard with it. It was a monstrosity of a tool.
The new Kobalt EDC Multi-Light is feature-packaged, but is it too much?
There are dual USB-C ports on both the flashlight and the proprietary (heavily customized?) 18650-style battery, but not a single mention about whether the flashlight can serve as a power bank.
They do say that it has USB In/Out to charge the unit and devices, but I have seen pass-thru configurations like that before.
With no images showing the flashlight recharging devices on-the-go, and no clarification on the product page, packaging card, or user manual, I cannot confirm whether it’s a power bank or the port is pass-thru.
Closeups of the flashlight say “5V/2A” for both the IN and OUT USB ports. I cannot make out what it says on the included battery’s built-in USB-C ports.
Assuming it can work as a power bank and charging source, 10W is kind of low, but better than nothing. It’s also not too unreasonable for a single 18650-sized battery.
The 2.5Ah charge capacity for the included battery seems reasonable. I’ve got higher capacity 18650-sized flashlight batteries – up to 3.5Ah, but lower capacity cells handle higher output a bit better and tend to produce less heat.
Lowe’s doesn’t explain the “focus and wide beam modes” part, neither do the online instructions. Is a wide beam mode for the front really needed, given that there’s an area floodlight on the side?
The form factor looks clunky to me, but it might still be pocketable.
From the product images, it looks like there’s a removable pocket or belt clip. I don’t see any lanyard holes.
The flashlight has front and side lights, dual USB ports built into the flashlight and battery, a [backup] 3AAA battery sled, and an 18650-size rechargeable battery that can be replaced with a 21700-sized battery.
(The batteries look proprietary/customized to me – let’s discuss if you believe otherwise.)
Do you think this is the perfect EDC flashlight? Or is it a monstrosity?
Dave P
Looks HUGE in the first pic of your post. Way too big for EDC. I’m a Streamlight Microstream USB guy. Simple, durable, and small…
Scott K
I don’t think this is a monstrosity, but it does seem gimmicky. There isn’t a bottle opener, blade, or compass built in, but the form factor is a bit odd and clunky looking. It doesn’t seem like this can be used as a light and devices charger given the included battery capacity (or am I incorrect here?). When I think of “device” I immediately assume it’s considering a smartphone. It’s cool that it includes a USB C cable- I wonder if it’s A to C or C to C.
Stuart
In the pics it looks like USB-C to USB-C with a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
Scott K
Yes- I see that now. That’s a thoughtful touch. I think it’s fair to assume that most people have a USB A wall block, but a USB-C wall block isn’t as common.
Stuart
Agreed. I think it’s a very inexpensive way to reduce the number of returns.
Spearhead91
It’s a ripoff of the Sofirn IF 23 & 24.
Dan A
The Sofirn is hardly the first flashlight to have a worklight built in to the side. I’ve seen similar lights by Nitecore and Fenix I think for years, and i have keychain lights from years ago that also have auxiliary area lights on the side.
This is hardly a ripoff of that specific light.
carl
I had the same thought, very similar layout. With the bonus of using some weird proprietary 18650. I want to see the other end of it, are both terminals at one end? It’s a very strange choice.
Ric
18650 is not proprietary. Is used in high capacity led flashlights. I’m pretty common and universal.
Stuart
Look at the pics. That’s not a regular 18650 cell.
TMedina
It doesn’t have strobe, and it’s not using an integrated battery.
Those two facts alone make me want to take a look at it. Depending on the price, I might never carry it in my pocket, but I can absolutely see the potential as a work light in my tool bag.
Stuart
Could be made for Kobalt by Sofirn?
Jp
Yeah I own the sofirn ones and they are both gimmicky and useful. I really hate the way pushing the buttons switches modes….worse than my olights. But if you can deal with that they are nice. I don’t think it’s a waste of money, but I don’t thinks it’s a good buy. It’s sure to be a temporary product. Then where to get special batteries? I learned the hard way by using thrunite products. Never again! Just buy a good headlamp for focus and a non proprietary lantern for area. I like the sofirn light build quality, but it doesn’t excel at anything. I got them for 75% off a few hrs back so I fell for it. No regrets, but I’d never pay full price.
JR Ramos
No. Sofirn is an actual factory and Sofirn is the primary brand (they make a handful of other brands as well, like Wurkkos, which was an offshoot project started by a Sofirn employee). They are not large enough or geared up to handle large production and packaging such as would be needed by Kobalt/Lowe’s. There are lots and lots of “unknown” flashlight manufacturers that churn out mass market lights and can introduce new designs pretty quickly as well as factories that side load flashlight manufacturing around other machining products (the way they can pivot internally to accomplish this is rather amazing).
There are enough that I wouldn’t even venture a guess as to who is making the Kobalt models but they look pretty cheaply made/designed in several ways (surely totally capable lights, though).
Peter D Fox
I came to say the same thing. Definitely very similar to the IF23 and IF24
I have been very impressed with the Sofirn and Wurkkos flashlights I have. They are definitely listening to what people want and are continuing to improve.
Would not even consider something sold in a local retail setting especially a house brand like Kobalt.
Champs
The USB-C out is data-only.
But in all seriousness, I’ve seen lithium ion cells with direct charging ports, and I’ve seen USB power banks with tiny LEDs for light. This is decent at both.
Frank D
It probably is not bad for size.
But how to switch between flashlight and area light?
Last thing I want to do is click five or eight times to get go through all modes on one and then the other … and get blinded in the process.
Stuart
From the online user manual, you have to press the mode selection button a bunch of times.
It shows that the modes cycle in the following order: high -> medium -> low -> flood -> off. When on high, a 2 second press shifts to turbo.
So, unless it retains mode memory after power-off, it’ll take 4 presses to get to the flood light mode from the off state.
Mike
Yeah, I already have $5 HF lights that require multiple pushes to get to the mode I want, I’m not paying $30 if it doesn’t have at least two buttons, one for main light, the other for the work light.
Stuart
The Streamlight Dualie – https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/best-emergency-flashlight-streamlight-dualie/%3C/a%3E – has separate power buttons.
But for pocketable lights, one button for power and mode selection seems to be typical, even with multiple emitters.
Mode selection tends to range from basic (start from the same mode after every power-off) to sophisticated with built-in memory, hidden interfaces, and customizable settings.
MM
It’s too big for an EDC light in my opinion, no way would I want to carry that in my pocket every day. It’s not a terrible light–it has reasonable power settings and run time, I like the combination of an area light and a standard flashlight. It wouldn’t be bad as a general purpose around the home sort of light to toss in the kitchen junk drawer. But honestly there are many other lights that are just as good if not better for that. For that kind of use I prefer lights that have clips, hooks, or magnets.
The USB in/out thing is vague and confusing. Is the extra USB jack just a passthru or can the light be used to power or chage other devices?
Jared
I had similar thoughts. Not an EDC light, but seems fine for around the house.
1000 lumens for 2hrs at at hardware store with two modes for $29? Seems fine.
Plain+grainy
State of charge meter would have been nice. If you had two people both running lights in different modes, you could then boost the dead light(via second light).
Stuart
There’s a multi-color LED indicator between the power/mode switch and flood light.
Plain+grainy
Can also be charged with a Dewalt 20v battery/ with USB-C adapter. Carried in your backpack(tool bag).
Stuart
You can charge most rechargeable LED flashlights with a USB-C PD power source and appropriate cable.
Bonnie
Overbuilt and over designed. An actual EDC flashlight (vs mall-ninja type stuff) should be small and simple.
MM
I agree, an EDC light needs to be compact and ergonomic above all else. Something that’s slim and easily carried in a pocket is much more important than any other factor or feature. For EDC lights I prefer the flatter rectangular shape design because it fits more comfortably in a pocket, i.e. things like the Nitecore EDCs, Nebo Edge, Olight Arkfeld, etc.
Irving
Too gimmicky – “press once for X lumens, press twice for 2X lumens, press three times for area light, press four times to order pizza (six times for extra pepperoni).” A simple “on/off” for each of two modes would have worked, and the multi-modal USB ports are….well, why?
An area light with no way to anchor it; bump it and the light will disappear somewhere into the depths of whatever you’re working on. Even Milwaukee is smart enough to install magnets on their lights. I’ve got a couple Milwaukee Rover area lights and, other than the price, I like them. But I also carry a 1000 lumen Elzetta with an on/off only switch in a belt holster so I always have a light even when the big DeWalt 20V floods and the smaller Rovers are back in the truck.
Doresoom
That is way too big for an EDC flashlight. I carry a Nebo Slim Mini, and it’s so thin I forget I have it in my pocket until I need it.
Rzorrok
Too big for EDC, but otherwise looks like a nice flashlight. Having to cycle between modes to turn it on or off would drive my nuts though. I had a toothbrush with the same issue and ended up replacing it with one with a second button for modes. If the light had separate buttons for power and modes I would probably pick one of these up. I really like that it has a built in charger for the battery.
David
Has anyone tried to buy this? It doesn’t exist 😔
Stuart
There’s a purchase link in the post.
If you’re searching directly on their website, it’s listed as a “mulit light.” They title typo could be messing with their search results. Or use the model number, KFMULT1000PP.
BigTimeTommy
I’ve seen this white label monstrosity under a few different brand names on Amazon. Way too big and goofy for “edc” but might be useful for traveling or leaving in a glovebox.
Jager
Would suck as edc so if they’re packing all this stuff in there they should have at least made it magnetic so the side light is actually useful.
Evadman
I do not like that the 18650 or 21700 batteries are non-standard, and that’s enough for me not to pick one of these up. I don’t want to bother with keeping this one specific battery charged, when I have 18650 and 21700 cells all over that are charged.
A regular 18650 or 21700 can just be tossed into a power bank or similar if you will be away from power for a while. Empty power banks cost a dollar or 2, and batteries can swap just like a AA battery.
18650 cells are becoming ubiquitous just like AA and AAA cells, except can supply 30+ amps at 3.7v. that’s why most flashlights that can take a 18650 will have an adapter for 3 AAA batteries, which will be around 3.6v nominal. Huge difference in wattage available though.
@kobalt, please make this take regular 18650’s, I really want that area light for emergencies in the car.
Stuart
18650 are not becoming ubiquitous.
Safety bodies and government regulators very strongly frown upon products that can work with loose 18650 cells.
Farkleberry
I think this tack is counterproductive.
I know there’s a push to eliminate everything from school but teaching the 3 R’s (or whatever nonsensical acronyms they’re using for them now) to the lowest common denominator.
Teaching the population that these batteries are quite dangerous and will burn anything around them if things go wrong seems like an important message.
Reassuring the populace that as long as it’s approved by regulators, it’s all perfectly safe, lends a false sense of security.
I’m really not sure how much safer loose cells are than in packs. Obviously there is some level of physical protection and shorts should be less likely, but if either gets hot or dunked, I imagine you’ll have a problem.
According to the first internet site I found:
Teslas have ~7000 18650’s.
An e bike has 65.
How many are in all the other products we have laying around?
The reality is Li Ion, as pointed out, have much higher energy than alkaline, and are probably not any safer in general with regard to heat, shorts, etc.
Watching the news, politicians are warning people not to park their fully insured electric cars where they might get flooded by the hurricane, lest they cook off.
I read another article about how a new Tesla road tractor took 50000 gallons of water to extinguish after it crashed.
Teaching people they must carry loose Li Ion in devices or in ubiquitous and laughably cheap battery cases doesn’t strike me as a big ask. Technology marches on, and people hear PSA’s about running their generators and hibachis indoors, and we all learn from an early age not to touch the stove top.
I’m not going to give a kindergartener any loose 18650’s, but somehow most of them have figured out not to stick any butter knives into light sockets.
I believe consumers should have the choice of loose unprotected, protected and Li Ion packs, and should determine their own level of risk.
There are many dangerous things in the vewwy vewwy scaawwy world, but taking away everyone’s choices just leads to a disinterested and incapable populace.
Stuart
The problem is that 18650s store a lot more energy than alkaline AAs and similar, and they can release that energy much faster.
If someone doesn’t know any better and carries a loose battery in their pocket, and their keychain accidentally shorts the contacts, they’re going to have a very bad day.
There’s also an issue with batteries being removed from assemblies and being resold as individual cells. That’s causing problems too.
This doesn’t mean I agree or disagree, I’m just explaining why consumer safety organizations don’t want 18650 and 21700 battery cells treated in the same matter as AA batteries.
Farkleberry
These are important considerations and well stated.
I’d like to highlight a phrase and a sentence from your response:
“If someone doesn’t know any better”…
I think the consumer safety organizations, the media, schools systems, elected officials, manufacturers etc., should focus on making sure people know how to safely use and store Li Ion, along with any power or fuel source, rather than wishing them away or bullying (or cheerleading) industry into making everything proprietary and disposable.
“I’m just explaining why consumer safety organizations don’t want 18650 and 21700 battery cells treated in the same matter as AA batteries.”
I certainly don’t think consumers should treat them the same way, as they’re more dangerous, as pointed out.
Should regulators, etc. treat them the same way? Requiring 18+ I.D. seems reasonable. If adults can be trusted to vote, buy drugs and alcohol, gasoline, automobiles, aircraft, firearms, fireworks, etc., this loose Li Ion hysteria seems a bit silly.
JimM
What is “aircraft aluminum”?
MM
Vague marketingspeak that nearly always refers to 6061-T6 because that happens to be among the cheapest, easiest to machine, and most widely available aluminum alloys alloys and it does get used for some aircraft parts. The irony is that 2000 and 7000 series alloys would be more properly called “aircraft” grade but they aren’t using those. When someone uses a premium alloy like 7075 they are usually quick to advertise the fact specifically. It’s like with knives: if they use a premium steel like Magnacut, S30V, etc, they will specify that instead of using a vague term like “alloy steel” or “stainless”.
Stuart
Marketing buzzword.
JimM
Thanks, I’ve always seen that term as marketing BS that shouldn’t be repeated unless an actual alloy number is given. It falls into the category of “bank grade” or “military grade” encryption claims in software. Absolutley meaningless.
tim Rowledge
A moment’s googling found 18650 cells with USB c charge ports on sale.
For example, https://www.batteryjunction.com/nextorch-18650-3400-usb-c
Stuart
That’s a button top battery with a SIDE USB port, designed for flashlights that work with button top 18650 cells.
Are you positive that your linked-to battery will definitely work with THIS flashlight, where the included battery has dual end-mounted USB ports built into what looks like a plastic housing?
Tdot77
Guess not, huh!
I agree these batteries are not the normal 18650Li-Ion with a plug in the side. I’ve never saw a 18650 like this one with 2 ports on the ‘top’ with 1 being an IN, & the other an OUT. All the odd ones I’ve seen just have the charge port on the side near the ‘top’. And none that I know of have outputs on the battery itself(never searched for one either tho). I’m puzzled on where the ‘top’\+ post even is with a plastic top like this one has. These are definitely oddball weird ones, I gotta say.
Side note: Tesla’s have ~7000 18650’s in their battery packs! Wow! Crazy to think a bunch of lil round batteries are powering the vehicle like that. What happens when 1, 2, 3 or 7 cells goes bad out of the bunch? *Check battery* light comes on? Kinda like what happens with (Milwaukee)powertool batteries making them stop working\charging when one cell goes bad. Does the whole battery pack need replacement at that point? I know there are companies that do E-car battery ‘rebuilds’ nowadays, but that’s not OEM certified stuff and they just replace bad cells, then ship it iirc. Sounds crazy to me! Then again, I’m wasn’t really an EV fan to begin with, anyways! I’ll stick with my 24 year old reliable 7.3 diesel power, with a zf6.
Sorry got off track slightly!
mikedt
The in/out ports on the battery are a neat idea. And the price is reasonable for what you’re getting. As for size, I EDC an 18650 flashlight now so I’m guessing the hand shot is badly AI’d.
Dan
It’s too big for EDC. I’ve always liked pen lights and single AAA lights for that. I’m currently using a rechargeable Thrunite Archer Mini, which I think is a home run. Almost perfect, the only thing that it lacks for me is the firefly mode used on my previous Thrunite lights and the charging port not opening quite wide enough for my Anker charging cords that I have all around the house, vehicles and work.
As far as a work light, the apparent lack of a magnet is a minus for me. My current favorite work light is a Harbor Freight Braun folding blade style light. I bought it on a whim and I love it. Great battery life and when it does go down on a job, I connect it to a portable battery bank that I keep in my tool case, The light functions while charging.
Bill
Did not see that it has a magnet. That would be a must for me on something like that.
Stuart
I didn’t see any mention of a magnet in the product listing, and assume it doesn’t have one.
JV
I own a FL that looks a lot like this light I own which is considerably more expensive, but has some better integrated PCB parts like the on/off switch and specs (2800 lumens in turbo, 21700 5000mah battery included)and it’s from a Chinese company called Rovyvon that they released I think about four years ago. They don’t claim their model to be EDC, but more of a work flashlight. I found them by accident on Amazon 7+ years ago and I found myself buying more of their new models as they continued to release higher lumen’s and UI features. Most of their models had two LED types to choose from: one with a higher lumen value, and the other containing a high CRI light output (91+), and using the best Cree LED’s available at the time of a models release. They also toy around with adding tritium vials on some models if you like and they used a lot different metals like brass, titanium, aluminum, and a few others which is cool. Rovyvon is based in China so I’m not claiming they’re the best out there, the best bargains, or they were the first to make a certain form factor and didn’t “borrow/copy” designs from others. They don’t believe in copyrights like the west as we all know. In my opinion they make some cool form factors including rail lights w/ lasers for firearms and lumen ratings of 10,000+. Here’s a link to the light I own for comparison. (URL- https://www.rovyvon.com/collections/7th-anniversary-flash-sale/products/e700s) cheers
Arthur Pitcher
Looks bulky. No magnet. No strobe or color function. Not EDC but maybe a good toolbox torch.
firefly
Someone mentioned the Sofirn IF24. I have that flashlight. I highly recommend it. I would spend a little extra to get the Sofirn since I believe the user interface is 10x better than this.
Here is why I love the IF24. It have a dial that enable you to quickly select the mode. Inside each mode you can select the brightness and it does remember the last brightness. I can also turn on and off the light on whatever mode which allow me to turn it back on to the last mode/brightness with a single click. Just search for review of the Sofirn IF24 on youtube and you’ll see what I mean.