Old vs. New Milwaukee M18 Rocket Tower Lights

We are comparing the two Milwaukee M18 Rocket lights.  While they might look similar, they are completely different. They both feature 4ft -7ft height adjustment and an impressive 5 second set-up time.  The older style (2130-20) has a single light assembly producing a maximum 2000 lumens of multi-directional light. The new (2135-20) has three different light pods that produce a maximum 3000 lumens of multi-directional light. They both have three brightness settings and have a very similar body and pole set up. The multiple light pods of the 2135-20 allows the user to use it as a up light, down light, and multiple sideways task positions. Whereas the 2130-30 is only an up light or multiple direction task light.

2135-20 Light head with multiple light pods

2130-20 Light head with single light head

The adjustable light pods on the 2135-20 

 The light heads also produce different amounts of heat, which we expected since they produce a different amount of light. When we tested the lights, they had been running on the max brightness setting for 2 hours.  We were using the Milwaukee M12 Thermal Imager (2260-21) for this test.

2130-20 showing 66.9 degree F, after 2 hours running on the high setting

2135-20 showing 88.5 degree F. after 2 hours of running on the high setting.

Run times also vary between the two.  We were constantly getting about 2 hours on high with the M18 5.0 battery with the 2135-20 and about 3 hours with the 2130-30. We got just under 4 hours with the 9.0ah High Demand battery with the 2135-20. At the time of writing this, we haven't tested the 2130-20 with the 9.0ah battery.

The big differences: 1.  The base of the new 2135-20 contains a charger that allows you to plug in an extension cord and charge M18 batteries. You can however run the light on AC power alone making run time a non issue . 

2135-20 inlet on the base

2.  The control panel. The 2130-20 has a single button that you press multiple times to select power level and push and hold to turn off. The 2135-20 has multiple buttons and lights.  The lights indicate what power level you are on, and what your power source is (battery or when the AC power is plugged in). The big button in the middle turns the light on or off, the two side buttons select the power level either up (+) or down (-).

2130-20 single button control

2135-20 Multi button control with indicator lights 

In the end, they are both powerful and bright as well as safer than the old halogen work lights, as they aren't fire/burn or explosions hazards. Both lights are shock proof and water and dust proof. Plus they both feature Milwaukee's High Definition TrueView LED's. At the time of writing this, the 2130-20 was only available as a tool (vs a kit) and is retailing for $249.00 at the Home Depot, whereas the 2135-20 is retailing for $399.00 as a tool and $549.00 with a 9.0ah battery, Rapid Charger and carrying bag.

It is up to you whether or not you already have batteries, or if you want or need the additional features of the 2135-20.  We prefer the 2135-20 due to the flexibility of the light pods and built in charger.

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