Blog

Dec 07, 2023

Milwaukee Rover Pocket Flood Light

Rounding out the RedLithium USB series is the Milwaukee Rover Pocket Flood

Rounding out the RedLithium USB series is the Milwaukee Rover Pocket Flood Light. Like the other lights in the series, it runs on Milwaukee's new 4V RedLithium USB battery that consists of a single lithium-ion cell. Taking the lights away from the M12 and M18 lines help keep the lights more compact and affordable while still offering excellent light output and adequate runtime.

The light is only about as wide as a medium size flashlight, so it fits well in your hand and is easy to carry. The slim profile fits well in any of the small pockets in my tool bag, similar to the flashlight and headlamp in the series. In combination, I can carry every light I need to work in nearly any situation and the small amount of space it takes means I can carry all of them with me every day to be ready for whatever the job throws at me.

The Milwaukee Rover Pocket Flood Light battery can be recharged on board via the micro USB port just below the power button. If you need to swap batteries, the access door is below the clip. It's on the tough side to open since it fits pretty tight. It also doesn't slide all the way off like you’d expect. It pulls back about half an inch, then needs to be lifted up. It's more noticeable when you replace the door since you have to seat it in a forward position before sliding it closed.

The battery isn't a standard top/bottom configuration for positive and negative connections. You’ll find them on the side of the battery, so it needs to install perfectly in order to function properly and close the door. There is a centering mark on the battery to help you get it right and you can rotate the battery if you’re a little off. The battery won't seat correctly until you’re aligned and it's really a lot easier than it sounds.

The design of the Milwaukee Rover Pocket Flood Light targets Pros in a variety of locations that need a broad throw in a close space. It's capable of standing up vertically or sitting horizontally on its own. There's also a clip that can go on a shirt pocket or belt.

But what I use the most is the magnet that gives the light the ability to be at a height and angle that's optimal when working around steel. Both the top and side of the clip are magnetized, so it's easy to get light in any direction. The side magnet has trouble holding onto painted surfaces, but I didn't have any issues getting the top magnet to hold fast on them.

There are two modes for the light – low and high. Cycle through them by hitting the power button until you get the output you want. Both cast a broad throw with its 8-LED light set. High will get you 445 lumens while low produces 100.

This is excellent when working around breaker boxes or panels. Where the headlamp and flashlight have a much longer throw, this casts the light over a much broader workspace. Electricians and HVAC Pros will really like it, but it's also a nice fit as a small overhead table light if you’re checking out blueprints or other documents.

In contrast to the flashlight that has a metal construction, using tool plastic for the Rover makes it seem less durable than a similar light that uses metal. But nearly every light in this class uses plastic and it's not the thin, brittle stuff. This should be able to take the same beating your Milwaukee power tools do on the jobsite, so the perception doesn't necessarily match reality.

While the Milwaukee Rover Pocket Flood Light may be the simplest in function the RedLithium USB series, it's arguably the one that helps set the line apart. I have other flashlights and headlamps that as standalone products are better in their own right. But Milwaukee dials in three lights that use the same exact battery with onboard chargers and the option for a standalone charger. And if you’re not sick of hearing me say it yet, it's looking at the group as a whole that makes it so compelling.

Even though the use of tool plastic takes away from a more refined fit and finish, the Rover really is an excellent option for giving you a wide throw for close-up work. If there's anything to complain about, it might only be that the battery door isn't sealed as well as it could be so there's a little greater risk of water intrusion with an IP54 rating.

But what I like so much about the Rover is that it becomes my hands-free, head-free light. It's great on the jobsite along with outdoor activities like camping, night fishing, and gator hunting. With a price of $59, this one fits well in its class along with the rest of the line.