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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

Excellent review! You saved me from buying this light and regretting it!

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.

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!?

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.

Hello again Catus Maximus and Tiny Thank you for another Great Video 👍

Gotta love watching Chinese companies competing and battling each other like there is no tomorrow. Used to be that way.

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

Sometimes brighter isn’t better. Sometimes the light will wash out what you are trying to see. I’ll keep my Braun. Ty

I think the Braun is the better choice with being able to angle the light and swap out the 18650 battery.

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.

There is a new bruan 500 item: 59536 for $25.50

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,

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.

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

ICON!!!! I CON YOU AGAIN! 😁😜🤪🤨🤣🤭😆🏴‍☠️✌

The icons going for $28. I flipped the direction of the main light. The bruan 500 is agreat light too.

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.

$40? Maybe with a nice coupon or on sale but that's a little much considering I already have a TON of flashlights.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="118">1:58</a> you said Pittsburgh when you meant icon 🤪

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!!!!!!

Related... I've been noticing a disturbing trend towards products with non replaceable 'built in' batteries. Dirty pool in my book.

I’ll take the icon

The Braun light seems better plus it’d cheaper

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.

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 just got 1 for $30

Bottom line is that anyone that prefers the Braun likes to swing both ways

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.

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.