Thanks for this info. I've been using the Braun for years and bought extras for myself and my son. I've been curious about the Icon, but the inability to easily swap out batteries is a deal-breaker for me.
The Braun can take a beating. I left it out in the constant rain for a day and a half accidentally. The battery port was filled with water and it still worked filled with water. Then I left it stuck underside on the hood of my 1500 Dodge and slammed it closed, a bit of plastic broke off the hinge but it still works. Have had it for 3 years. Excellent 20$ work light. The rechargeable 1250 Braun is great too. Thanks for the video
I have both as well and I've used the Braun for all kinds of work, it just lives in the truck door. The icon shines, hehe, best when you need to stick it in your pack or pocket to go do some work. I ended to pulling it apart and cutting off the plastic tabs and screwing it together so the large lamp is on the inside. I find it easier to mount this above what I'm working on instead of having the light mounted below and the light shining in my eyes as a try to work. Clearly the engineers didn't have to hold a flashlight for their dad's as kids.
I have several of the Braun lights, and really like them. I got one of the Icon lights when I saw it at HF because the stick folded all the way over. I probably won't get a second one because they cost so much. One feature I like about both lights is the strong magnet in the base.
Flip the Light bar to the opposite side like it should be like all the other bar lights are! Need a H2.0 bit to loosen the swivel and to remove both screws that holds the ICON LED bar. Once loosed pry the side plastics that hold the bar in order to slowly flip the bar the opposite side like it is on the Braun light and like everyone wants it. Once you have switch the bar to the other side (be careful as the wires connected are a bit short and could easily ripped apart as you do this) and carefully push the bar all the way in while the still having the plastic that holds it pried apart a bit. This will help to install it in it's original position and not stay crooked to one side or become long in length because you put the smalls screws in the wrong holes! Yes the bar has two small holes, the bottom holes are to hold the light bar in position because the side plastic cups the hold the bar have two pin dents the protrude out the go in these first bottom holes to hold the bar in position. You know you inserted the screws in the wrong holes because the light bar will be crooked. Once position in the correct holes, then insert the 2 screws which will go on the upper holes and slowly tighten. Test the light bar on all light modes to make sure they work. If the single light at the tip of the bar doesn't light up that means you inserted once of the screws in the bottom hole and is making contact with the chassis of the bar and making bad contact so the light will not work. Found this by accident until I figure it all out. Now tighten all screws and the swivel joint screw that holds the bar as well but to your swivel liking with the H2.0 bit. Tighter screw = stiffer movement, etc.... *** Also I manage to swap the battery to a 3,500mAh Samsung battery and easily solder it so now it lasts way more than advertised!!! Enjoy you modded Icon like it should have been from factory!
I really like the removable 18650 battery for the Braun. I have 3 of these lights and maybe 10 batteries, most having been recycled from when I used to vape. I use them for everything, but mostly for my hobby welding/fabbing. They provide all the light I need. Granted I would prefer some less blue lights, but they get very expensive. Edit - Yeah, that Icon is a piece of junk! I can't believe it doesn't bend over frontward! What!?
My FAVORITE feature of the Braun, and why it’s my second favorite work light of ALL time. I have a dozen Samsung 3500mah 18650’s for various flashlights, and the Braun is a perfect candidate. There is nothing worse than a worklight dying and being out of service for 4 hours while it charges back up. Absurd.
So I went to buy an extra battery for the Braun (I have 5 of them) got them when on sale for $20. the batteries I found online were $15. So I was never going to swap batteries, so the fact you can doesn't matter to me. The Icons just went on sale for $20 50% off one of their best sales ever. I wasn't surprised my local store sold out in the opening minutes of the one day sale...Didn't matter as it was also online and I just received 5 of them. A much better built light. When a battery runs down I just grab another light. They changed the design as the Braun has a weak point , I dropped one and the head broke and flops around. It still works just harder to use. The Icon looks like it can take a beating. In any case wait for the $20 sale for either of them and buy a few. Great stocking stuffers.
Just got mine yesterday on sale for $24.99 and charging it for the first time. The accompanying paperwork says the charging indicator will flash red during charging and then turn green, but mine started out with a single flashing green light and now it's up to 2 flashing green indicators. When yours is fully charged, will it show 3 solid green bars indicating that the light can now be unplugged? I don't want to overcharge it since the paperwork indicates max charge time shouldn't exceed 4 hours.
This is another one of the Icon lines that I just can't see why people would pick it over others that are easily available, along with the pod light. For the same price, you can get an Astro 52SL and 100SL respectively, AND they can be charged wirelessly.
I sometimes don't get what HF is trying to do with Icon. Anything Icon should be better in every way but often it seems like its not any better than their cheaper lines and is often not worth the extra cost.
I've used the Braun for several years in aviation & auto maintenance - it's hard to beat - especially when they are on sale @ 19.99. Haven't tried the Improved 500 lumen version yet, could be interesting to compare
Thanks for the review. After a few years with the Braun, I have a few issues with it: 1) The ON button is always in the way during use, constantly turning the light off, which is super annoying; 2) My lights are routinely dropping as I work on my vehicles, and the Braun has had intermittent problems and finally stopped charging the other day. I'm now trying the Icon and to me the ON button is a big improvement and I hope the durability is better.
Sometimes too much brightness is a bad thing, esp when working in close, tight spots on cars. The light reflecting back makes me miss the old corded 75 watt light bulb lights we used for decades. I can still feel the burns those things gave me,
Love my Braun light. Not even tempted by that icon. When I 1st got the Braun I was annoyed or confused as to why they wouldn't make it so it would close up more like the Icon does, but I like the other features is has enough to put up with that one shortcoming. Thanks for the review.
You don't have to extend the light to use the tip light you can keep it closed like a handheld Flashlight you don't have to open the switch blade that's another Better feature of the icon I felt a lot like you when I 1st got the icon light but when you use it everyday and I have these 2 lights and a dozen more it is clear that the icon is just better day to day
I stopped at 26 secs after you opened the Icon light. I've seen all I need to. Did IQ's at Icon suddenly drop? Drastically drop? The main light can not be set in any downward direction. 90% of my usage with the great Braun light is sticking the base to the engine bay and having the light at 45 degrees. You can only point the Braun upwards. WTF were they thinking, a total fail, unless you are working under your car and have a steel garage floor, then maybe it works there. I'm shocked at Icons incredible blunder and shocked that anyone would buy this. I saw it at HF and was just going to throw it in the basket as I didnt realize this blunder then. Figured I look at some an reviews and as always Catus you do not disappoint. Yeah a crappy little light on the other side can shine down but its a big nothing for auto work. Wow what were they thinking!!!!!!
bought it by mistake before this. ran into all the problems he stated and hate it. but I was able to disassemble the hinge and flip the light bar around, to point down, i use these lights almost exclusively down
@@looking_33 Wow!!! Well Done, didn't think thats possible. I was thinking more about it and the advantage with the Icon is that you can have it on and have a very short light, which has its advantages in certain situations. But I light the typical down light mode using it for auto repair. To-ma-to, to-mat-o to each their own. Great news though, thanks!
@@craigcraigster4999Undo the two little screws at the bottom of the lightbar, then you can pull the lightbar out slightly from the hinge assembly. It still has wires connected, so just a bit, but then you can flip it around in the hinge and reassemble it.
Would you mind explaining how you flipped the direction of the main light? I'm considering buying the Icon since it's currently on sale, but I want to switch the light direction just like you did. 👍
As of late November 2023, the icon 800 lumens is on sale for 24.99 + tax, husky from homedepot is @ 24.99 regular price. (Used to be 14.99 before de pendamic) icon is way better than husky. I owned husky and gave it away (didn't like it. I am more of a headlamp guy but sometimes I need a thin light for work.
Great review and I really like that you compared it to the Braun since that was such a popular flashlight from Harbor Freight as well. Thanks for sharing and cheers.
Hey Catus, I sent you a message to your email with a quick question about a power conditioner you made a video about a while back. Hope you received it and it didn't end up in a spam folder. Let me know if you got it. Thanks.
It's pretty simple. Many people like me use it as regular flashlight folded mostly all the time. That way I have brightest light without folding and unfolding each time
Confusing that you refer to one as "Braun" and the other as "Harbor Freight", "Pittsburgh" and "Icon" interchangeably. Braun is also Harbor Freight. But thanks for posting this -- I wanted to know if the Icon had a replaceable battery before buying one, and it looks like no.
I have had 2 brauns and they both broke. The switch is junk. It's unfortunate cause the magnet is super strong. I'm just a home mechanic so it didn't even have commercial usage.
Seems pretty worthless. I bought a pair of "work pro" lights on Amazon for $25 bucks. You can fold them completely over, or articulate them in a variety of angles. Plus, three brightness settings, and an end light, magnetic base, with a built in hook. The body is plastic, but they take a beating. I'm a maintenance technician and use them all the time.
Thanks for this info. I've been using the Braun for years and bought extras for myself and my son. I've been curious about the Icon, but the inability to easily swap out batteries is a deal-breaker for me.
The Braun can take a beating. I left it out in the constant rain for a day and a half accidentally. The battery port was filled with water and it still worked filled with water. Then I left it stuck underside on the hood of my 1500 Dodge and slammed it closed, a bit of plastic broke off the hinge but it still works. Have had it for 3 years. Excellent 20$ work light. The rechargeable 1250 Braun is great too. Thanks for the video
I have both as well and I've used the Braun for all kinds of work, it just lives in the truck door. The icon shines, hehe, best when you need to stick it in your pack or pocket to go do some work. I ended to pulling it apart and cutting off the plastic tabs and screwing it together so the large lamp is on the inside. I find it easier to mount this above what I'm working on instead of having the light mounted below and the light shining in my eyes as a try to work. Clearly the engineers didn't have to hold a flashlight for their dad's as kids.
I have several of the Braun lights, and really like them. I got one of the Icon lights when I saw it at HF because the stick folded all the way over. I probably won't get a second one because they cost so much. One feature I like about both lights is the strong magnet in the base.
Good video. That battery issue on the icon is a deal breaker for me. I have the Braun with a spare battery and it works out great for me
Flip the Light bar to the opposite side like it should be like all the other bar lights are!
Need a H2.0 bit to loosen the swivel and to remove both screws that holds the ICON LED bar. Once loosed pry the side plastics that hold the bar in order to slowly flip the bar the opposite side like it is on the Braun light and like everyone wants it. Once you have switch the bar to the other side (be careful as the wires connected are a bit short and could easily ripped apart as you do this) and carefully push the bar all the way in while the still having the plastic that holds it pried apart a bit. This will help to install it in it's original position and not stay crooked to one side or become long in length because you put the smalls screws in the wrong holes!
Yes the bar has two small holes, the bottom holes are to hold the light bar in position because the side plastic cups the hold the bar have two pin dents the protrude out the go in these first bottom holes to hold the bar in position. You know you inserted the screws in the wrong holes because the light bar will be crooked. Once position in the correct holes, then insert the 2 screws which will go on the upper holes and slowly tighten. Test the light bar on all light modes to make sure they work. If the single light at the tip of the bar doesn't light up that means you inserted once of the screws in the bottom hole and is making contact with the chassis of the bar and making bad contact so the light will not work. Found this by accident until I figure it all out.
Now tighten all screws and the swivel joint screw that holds the bar as well but to your swivel liking with the H2.0 bit.
Tighter screw = stiffer movement, etc....
*** Also I manage to swap the battery to a 3,500mAh Samsung battery and easily solder it so now it lasts way more than advertised!!!
Enjoy you modded Icon like it should have been from factory!
I really like the removable 18650 battery for the Braun. I have 3 of these lights and maybe 10 batteries, most having been recycled from when I used to vape. I use them for everything, but mostly for my hobby welding/fabbing. They provide all the light I need. Granted I would prefer some less blue lights, but they get very expensive.
Edit - Yeah, that Icon is a piece of junk! I can't believe it doesn't bend over frontward! What!?
I think the Braun is the better choice with being able to angle the light and swap out the 18650 battery.
My FAVORITE feature of the Braun, and why it’s my second favorite work light of ALL time. I have a dozen Samsung 3500mah 18650’s for various flashlights, and the Braun is a perfect candidate. There is nothing worse than a worklight dying and being out of service for 4 hours while it charges back up. Absurd.
So I went to buy an extra battery for the Braun (I have 5 of them) got them when on sale for $20. the batteries I found online were $15. So I was never going to swap batteries, so the fact you can doesn't matter to me.
The Icons just went on sale for $20 50% off one of their best sales ever. I wasn't surprised my local store sold out in the opening minutes of the one day sale...Didn't matter as it was also online and I just received 5 of them. A much better built light. When a battery runs down I just grab another light.
They changed the design as the Braun has a weak point , I dropped one and the head broke and flops around. It still works just harder to use. The Icon looks like it can take a beating.
In any case wait for the $20 sale for either of them and buy a few. Great stocking stuffers.
Love the Icon light just charged mine for the first time since I owned it and I've had it for 4 months now and used it a considerable amount!
Just got mine yesterday on sale for $24.99 and charging it for the first time. The accompanying paperwork says the charging indicator will flash red during charging and then turn green, but mine started out with a single flashing green light and now it's up to 2 flashing green indicators. When yours is fully charged, will it show 3 solid green bars indicating that the light can now be unplugged? I don't want to overcharge it since the paperwork indicates max charge time shouldn't exceed 4 hours.
This is another one of the Icon lines that I just can't see why people would pick it over others that are easily available, along with the pod light. For the same price, you can get an Astro 52SL and 100SL respectively, AND they can be charged wirelessly.
Does the Astro 52SL have an easily replaceable battery?
Interesting, I've never used one of these. I use a corded "droplight" (with 100w LED) for my automotive repair lighting needs. Great review, Ty.
Sometimes brighter isn’t better. Sometimes the light will wash out what you are trying to see. I’ll keep my Braun. Ty
I sometimes don't get what HF is trying to do with Icon. Anything Icon should be better in every way but often it seems like its not any better than their cheaper lines and is often not worth the extra cost.
its just supposed to look cool for the people who care about that
I've used the Braun for several years in aviation & auto maintenance - it's hard to beat - especially when they are on sale @ 19.99. Haven't tried the Improved 500 lumen version yet, could be interesting to compare
Excellent review! You saved me from buying this light and regretting it!
Thanks for the review. After a few years with the Braun, I have a few issues with it: 1) The ON button is always in the way during use, constantly turning the light off, which is super annoying; 2) My lights are routinely dropping as I work on my vehicles, and the Braun has had intermittent problems and finally stopped charging the other day. I'm now trying the Icon and to me the ON button is a big improvement and I hope the durability is better.
Sometimes too much brightness is a bad thing, esp when working in close, tight spots on cars. The light reflecting back makes me miss the old corded 75 watt light bulb lights we used for decades. I can still feel the burns those things gave me,
Love my Braun light. Not even tempted by that icon. When I 1st got the Braun I was annoyed or confused as to why they wouldn't make it so it would close up more like the Icon does, but I like the other features is has enough to put up with that one shortcoming. Thanks for the review.
You don't have to extend the light to use the tip light you can keep it closed like a handheld Flashlight you don't have to open the switch blade that's another Better feature of the icon
I felt a lot like you when I 1st got the icon light but when you use it everyday and I have these 2 lights and a dozen more it is clear that the icon is just better day to day
I stopped at 26 secs after you opened the Icon light. I've seen all I need to. Did IQ's at Icon suddenly drop? Drastically drop? The main light can not be set in any downward direction. 90% of my usage with the great Braun light is sticking the base to the engine bay and having the light at 45 degrees. You can only point the Braun upwards. WTF were they thinking, a total fail, unless you are working under your car and have a steel garage floor, then maybe it works there. I'm shocked at Icons incredible blunder and shocked that anyone would buy this. I saw it at HF and was just going to throw it in the basket as I didnt realize this blunder then. Figured I look at some an reviews and as always Catus you do not disappoint. Yeah a crappy little light on the other side can shine down but its a big nothing for auto work. Wow what were they thinking!!!!!!
bought it by mistake before this. ran into all the problems he stated and hate it. but I was able to disassemble the hinge and flip the light bar around, to point down, i use these lights almost exclusively down
@@looking_33 Wow!!! Well Done, didn't think thats possible. I was thinking more about it and the advantage with the Icon is that you can have it on and have a very short light, which has its advantages in certain situations. But I light the typical down light mode using it for auto repair. To-ma-to, to-mat-o to each their own. Great news though, thanks!
@@looking_33Would you mind explaining a little further how you reversed the light bar via the hinge and whether special tools were needed?
@@craigcraigster4999Undo the two little screws at the bottom of the lightbar, then you can pull the lightbar out slightly from the hinge assembly. It still has wires connected, so just a bit, but then you can flip it around in the hinge and reassemble it.
@@looking_33Thank You!
There is a new bruan 500 item: 59536 for $25.50
The icons going for $28. I flipped the direction of the main light. The bruan 500 is agreat light too.
Would you mind explaining how you flipped the direction of the main light? I'm considering buying the Icon since it's currently on sale, but I want to switch the light direction just like you did. 👍
I want to see their other light by icon.. the one that looks like a scangrip.
Hello again Catus Maximus and Tiny
Thank you for another Great Video 👍
As of late November 2023, the icon 800 lumens is on sale for 24.99 + tax, husky from homedepot is @ 24.99 regular price. (Used to be 14.99 before de pendamic) icon is way better than husky. I owned husky and gave it away (didn't like it. I am more of a headlamp guy but sometimes I need a thin light for work.
They have a newer brighter 500 lumen Braun but it's not quite as bright as the icon.
Gotta love watching Chinese companies competing and battling each other like there is no tomorrow. Used to be that way.
$40? Maybe with a nice coupon or on sale but that's a little much considering I already have a TON of flashlights.
Great review and I really like that you compared it to the Braun since that was such a popular flashlight from Harbor Freight as well. Thanks for sharing and cheers.
Related... I've been noticing a disturbing trend towards products with non replaceable 'built in' batteries.
Dirty pool in my book.
ICON!!!!
I CON YOU AGAIN!
😁😜🤪🤨🤣🤭😆🏴☠️✌
1:58 you said Pittsburgh when you meant icon 🤪
You said icon, when you meant Icon.
7:55 harbor freight 🤪
@@opensage01 you mean ICON©
@@xephael3485 Hahaha touché.
The Braun light seems better plus it’d cheaper
I’ll take the icon
Hey Catus, I sent you a message to your email with a quick question about a power conditioner you made a video about a while back. Hope you received it and it didn't end up in a spam folder. Let me know if you got it. Thanks.
Icon dropped the ball on this one the brightest light is on the wrong side, I don't know what on earth they were thinking.
My understanding is that the light bar can be unscrewed from its mount and rotated 180* but I personally haven't tried to do that yet.
It's pretty simple. Many people like me use it as regular flashlight folded mostly all the time. That way I have brightest light without folding and unfolding each time
Confusing that you refer to one as "Braun" and the other as "Harbor Freight", "Pittsburgh" and "Icon" interchangeably. Braun is also Harbor Freight.
But thanks for posting this -- I wanted to know if the Icon had a replaceable battery before buying one, and it looks like no.
Bottom line is that anyone that prefers the Braun likes to swing both ways
I have 3 of those Brauns and I like them. I see no reason to change yet. The ICON name just means OVERPRICED to me.
I have had 2 brauns and they both broke. The switch is junk. It's unfortunate cause the magnet is super strong. I'm just a home mechanic so it didn't even have commercial usage.
I just got 1 for $30
Seems pretty worthless. I bought a pair of "work pro" lights on Amazon for $25 bucks. You can fold them completely over, or articulate them in a variety of angles. Plus, three brightness settings, and an end light, magnetic base, with a built in hook. The body is plastic, but they take a beating. I'm a maintenance technician and use them all the time.
I have both and think the Braun is alot better all around.