We reviewed Kobalt’s Hypercoil LED worklight last month, and were actually quite impressed with it. While Black & Decker’s LED snakelight left us more impressed, it’s hard to argue against the Hypercoil’s greater versatility and lower price point.
When we purchased our test sample, it was priced at $30, which seemed like a fair price for what you get. The original price of $40 seemed a little high, and the current $20 sale price is downright fantastic.
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For $20, you get the snake arm, AA battery base, rechargeable Li-ion battery base, and LED flashlight head with focusing lens.
Stan
With all due respect, I think you are better of buying a vintage Black and Decker Snakelight on eBay, as while the light output of the original version may not have the latest and greatest technology, there is a giant difference in quality. I know several people who have bought this who for this to either break, be challenging to use when you need this and or not nearly as bright as one might imagine.
Then again, the original Black and Decker Snake light was American made and fairly bright, so that probably was a factor.
I just bought a vintage USA made Black and Decker Snake light recently and compared to the Kobalt version, I personally notice a difference. But that is just my opinion though.
Stuart
While older B&D snakelights might be better built, they’re going to be 1) hard to find, 2) used and abused, 3) possibly expensive, 4) built with dimmer or more fragile bulbs or emitters.
There’s a reason the older snakelights aren’t sold anymore.
The newer snakelight isn’t USA-made, but I was happy with the quality of materials it’s built with.
As for the Hypercoil, no it’s not USA-made or built with premium materials, but its performance and quality matches and might even exceed the price tag.
Stan
Stuart, again with all due respect, not to say you are incorrect or otherwise, but if I may with my last statement on this matter I do believe I have one last contribution.
1. Vintage American made Black and Decker Snake Light’s can be found on eBay, as well as occasionally pawn shops, thrift stores and garage sales. I bought mine via eBay and I noticed there is at least typically one seller that has a USA made variation for sale. As long as you have an eBay account, this item may be found there.
2. Granted, I’ll give this that finding this product in factory sealed conditions isn’t an easy feat, but again, via eBay you have a better chance. With the BD Snakelight I own, I bought this in brand new condition. But just because an item is “used” doesn’t always mean this was abused or modified. I frequently buy used items and yes some used items have been abused, not all have though.
3. Now as with any item, if you are buying an item via eBay, pawn shops etc, there is a chance the price of the product may be more expensive. But then again, since eBay and pawn shops are traditional retail stores, you are likely to find products for lower prices. I personally only paid $4 for my vintage USA made Black and Decker snake light and while some sellers will charge more, not every eBay seller will do that.
4. Now I can honestly say, I don’t think the older USA made Black and Decker was made with a dimmer, but the light bulb is a incandescent bulb, but if wanted, you could easily replace that with a modern day LED bulb instead if desired.
Stuart, the Snake Light was made during the 90’s, likely between 1994-1995. So I am not surprised the older variation is no longer made anymore, as with technology, there are improvements. But at the same time, this product was originally American made and with the modern day Black and Decker that isn’t the case anymore. Then again, Black and Decker, let alone most manufacturers don’t produce powered equipment in the USA anymore.
But I am not here to judge, if anything try to help others who might check out the older Black and Decker item so they might be able to save some money. Obviously, buying this doesn’t create jobs, as this product has been made overseas for quite some time now. But in my opinion, I honestly don’t think the modern day Snake Light is built to last as the first generation snake light were.
As for the Hypercoil, since this is from Kobalt and has electronical components, this is almost a given this isn’t American made. I can’t speak for the quality personally, but only based of what others have told me and generally what my thoughts are.
But if this works for you and others, that is great. I don’t think I personally would want to pay $20-40 for this, but then again, I already have a suitable flexible flashlight that works for me.
As I mentioned before, I don’t want to cause any issues, so this will be my last statement on this matter.
Will
Thanks for the post I got myself one. For the price it’s great. I like the features a lot.
I just found a old Black and Decker Snake Light’s in my garge to bad the bad messed it all up and is unusable anymore. But I like the Kobalt for the lamp mode.
Thanks again.
david
Great review and informative while using good oratory control…
However, you move constantly and quickly. Gives the impression you’re on lot’s of caffeine while perhaps ocd? It’s very distracting and annoying. Trying to be helpful, at least you dont say, UHHHH, UHHHH like others do.
Stuart
Thanks for the helpful feedback! I do have the tendency to fidget and talk with my hands. If I can ever get my workshop in presentable condition I’ll take new videos with a second camera showing me talking to the camera during times I’m not actively demonstrating something with my hands. Videos are something I know I have to work on.
bill
i bought a Kolbalt hypercoil a few months ago before
the price came way down, it has worked great for me
and i an actually going to buy a couple more now that they
cost less then half what the black % decker unit costs.
great to have when the power goes out, I use mine
in my garage mostly, great for working on my
old cars etc..
John
I like the light it has been very easy to use around the house. Problem the on and off button does not work what can I do to fix it.