Bosch 1900-Lumen LED Work Light GLI18V-1900

I’m accumulating a big collection of lighting solutions because I just can’t say no. My humble garage/workshop doesn’t need another drill, impact, or saw, but I usually won’t pass up a new light. I recently hit the Bosch lighting jackpot. I started with the Bosch GLI18V-420 for smaller scale work. Today, I’m looking at the bigger and brighter Bosch 1900-Lumen LED Work Light, the GLI18V-1900. If you’re thinking that’s a good bit of light, you’re right. I’m expecting a lot from it, so let’s see if this is an illuminating experience.

Pros

• Highest output in its class at 1900 lumens
• Aluminum light housing stands up to job site conditions
• 120º of pivoting
• Bluetooth model also available (GLI18V-1900C)

Cons

• High pitched whine on low might annoy some users
• Not as many hanging options as other lights

Design

Bosch goes with a fairly unique design on this light, but it’s functionally similar to other LED work lights in its size. You can pivot a total of 120º around the center with 5 positive stops.

Obviously, you can set it on the floor or any flat surface. You can also mount it to a 5/8-inch tripod or collapse the frame and hang it on a nail.

For power, you’ll turn to any Bosch 18V battery, including their Core18V packs.

Output and Light Quality

I lost of few husband points when I momentarily blinded my wife showing her how bright the Bosch 1900-Lumen LED Work Light is. I should have known that this stuff doesn’t interest her anyway, but we’ve only been married a couple years and I’m still catching on. That and I had to show somebody, right?

Anyway, this light packs quite a punch in a relatively small, rugged package with its single LED chip. 1900 lumens is about as bright as you can hope to get in this size class with the majority of the competition coming in at 1700 lumens or less.

A second setting gives you 1000 lumens to work with and will extend your battery life. I don’t use the lower setting much, but it’s helpful when you’re working in smaller spaces or don’t need to light the entire wall.

My sole complaint about the Bosch 1900-Lumen LED Work Light is the high-pitched whine I heard on the low (1,000 lumen) setting. I’m not the only user who has heard this, either – it seems to be common. That said, there’s no indication that the noise has any effect on the battery or light life.

Runtime

You’ll get different runtimes depending mainly on what battery pack you use. In general, look for roughly 50 minutes of runtime per amp hour of battery on high and 100 minutes on low. If you’re using a Core18V 6.3 Ah pack, that would give you 5 hours and 15 minutes on high or 10 hours and 30 minutes on low. That’s pretty solid for that level of light output.

Price & Value

In its basic form, the Bosch GLI18V-1900N costs $99 or you can go with Bluetooth control for $119 (GLI18V-1900C). Here how some of the competition stacks up:

• Milwaukee M18 Rover Dual Power Flood Light 2360: 3000 lumens, $149
• DeWalt DCL061 with hybrid power capability: 1500 lumens, $139
• Kobalt KFL 124B-03 LED Work Light: 1700 lumens, $89

Kobalt is by far the closest in design and gives you a little lower price with a full 180º of pivoting action. You trade off a couple hundred lumens and their cordless lineup isn’t nearly as deep as what Bosch offers. Milwaukee’s 2360 will give you more light and a hybrid power source, but with a much higher weight and price tag.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to finding the right balance of output and portability, it’s tough to beat the Bosch 1900-Lumen LED Work Light. It’s not as feature-rich as some models, but it puts a lot of light on your work area for such a small package.

Bosch 1K Lumen 18V LED Floodlight Specifications

• Item Number: GLI18V-1900N
• Power Source: Bosch 18V battery
• Output: 1900/1000 lumens
• Height 11.5″
• Length 2.8″
• Width 7.4″
• Material Aluminum and high-density plastic
• Weight 3.5lb
• Price: $99.00