Introduction
Kobalt, known for its reliable and affordable 24V lineup, has finally added a Hybrid 24V Max Jobsite fan to its range. This new addition comes with a secondary power option, making it an intriguing choice for construction site fan enthusiasts. In this review, we will explore whether the Kobalt Hybrid 24V fan lives up to its promise of superior performance when compared to the competition.
Advantages
- Impressive Runtime: The Kobalt Hybrid 24V Max Jobsite fan offers an incredibly long runtime, surpassing that of its competitors such as Milwaukee and Ridgid.
- Higher Airflow: With a 600 CFM airflow, this fan outperforms its rivals, ensuring a cool and comfortable working environment.
- Versatile Power Options: The Kobalt Hybrid 24V fan can be powered by either a Kobalt 24V battery or AC power, providing flexibility for different situations.
Shortcoming
- Larger Footprint: One minor drawback of this fan is its larger size compared to similar designs from other brands.
Design
The Kobalt Hybrid 24V Max Jobsite fan lives up to its name, boasting a solid and sturdy construction. Unboxing this tool is a delight, and despite its larger dimensions of 12 inches wide, 8 inches deep, and 16 inches high, it remains lightweight at 5.5 pounds. The base and fan arms are designed with thickness and sturdiness in mind. The fan can even be placed on its side without wobbling, allowing air to flow closer to the ground. The fan’s honeycombed plastic reduces weight while maintaining integrity. It’s worth noting that the fan has withstood drops and tumbles during transport without any noticeable damage. However, the honeycomb core does tend to collect dust, which can be challenging to remove without compressed air.
Performance
Airflow
The manufacturer claims that the Kobalt Hybrid 24V Max Jobsite fan delivers an impressive airflow of 600 CFM. While I didn’t feel blown away by the airspeed, it’s important to note that you typically feel the velocity of the air rather than its volume. Despite not having a strong airspeed, the fan effectively cools the room, making it feel airy and comfortable.
That being said, the fan’s 600 CFM airflow is significantly higher than the competition, with Milwaukee offering 284 CFM and Ridgid’s hybrid fan providing 475 CFM.
Runtime
Powered by the recently released 6Ah battery, the Kobalt Hybrid 24V fan offers a noteworthy runtime. On high speed, I observed approximately 14 hours of continuous operation with the 6Ah battery, 9 hours with the 4Ah battery, and 4.5 hours with the 2Ah battery. On average, you can expect more than 2 hours of runtime per amp hour. These impressive battery capabilities ensure that your work area remains cool and breezy all day long, surpassing most competitors. The low and medium speed options are also ideal for camping, as the high amp-hour battery can keep your tent cool for many nights and provide soothing white noise.
Feature Set
The Kobalt Hybrid 24V Max Jobsite Fan offers a feature set that is on par with its competitors. The standout feature is its Hybrid functionality, which allows the fan to be powered by any standard extension cord, providing constant power. While there may not be an immediate difference in charge between a plugged-in fan and a fully charged battery, over time, the fan will benefit from maintaining peak power at all times. Kobalt’s 24V Max batteries have peak power for the initial 10% usage, gradually dropping off until the last 10% where the battery is working at its best effort. By plugging in the fan, you can ensure consistent performance.
The fan head can be rotated 240ยบ, allowing the air to flow in any desired direction. The fan also offers various hanging options, including rafter hooks, screw holes, and two tripod mounts. When suspended or mounted, the fan operates without any noticeable vibration or resonance, even at high speeds.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Kobalt Hybrid 24V Max Jobsite Fan is a valuable addition to the Kobalt range with a few minor drawbacks. Originally priced at $99, the fan now comes at a more reasonable cost of $69, making it a competitive choice compared to its rivals. With its high CFM and long runtime, the Kobalt Hybrid 24V fan offers great value for the money. Whether you’re a professional on the construction site or a camper looking for a reliable fan, this Kobalt fan delivers exceptional performance.
Kobalt Hybrid 24V Max Construction Site Fan Specifications
- Power: Kobalt 24V battery or AC
- Airflow: 600 CFM
- Weight: 5.5 lbs
- Warranty: 5 years
- Price:
$99$69 at the time of writing