DeWalt DCR018 Work Site Radio
DeWalt DCR018 Compact Radio Review
My first impression of the DeWalt DCR018 Heavy-Duty Compact Work Site Radio (its official name), right out of the box, is how stout it is. Weighing in at around 7 1/2 lbs (with a 20V Max battery - not included - installed), this little guy is like a Weeble - and even if it does fall down, it's not likely anything will break! It's built like a short linebacker. As for second and third impressions, read on...
DCR018 Features
This is one of the most anticipated radios to finally make it onto the market. And it's packed with some nice features.
1. Cordless (If you want it to be, that is): The DCR018 can be powered either by AC, or by your 18V or 20V slide pack batteries - and even older stem-packs, as well. Very nice, and probably my favorite feature of all.
2. Auxiliary Input: The DCR018 can play content from your iPod or smart phone. The included 3.5 mm audio cable allows you to connect your device through the headphone jack. Another plus is the storage compartment that is actually big enough to keep your device protected from dirt and debris on the job.
3. Device Charging: Also inside the storage compartment, you'll also find a USB port that will charge your electronic devices, as long as the DCR018 is plugged into an AC outlet.
4. Beefy Controls: All of the buttons and the volume knob have a rubber-coated, non-slip feel to them and are large enough to operate even with fat fingers or a gloved hand.
5. Bright LCD Display: It's very bright, in fact (and a pleasant blue-greenish hue). It's easy to see and read even in sunlight.
DeWalt DCR018 Opinion
I like the overall feel of the radio, its features and its sound. It's amazing how far the technology of sound has come in the past few years. We've seen devices get smaller and smaller, yet sound more powerful than ever. This radio is no exception. The bass is rich and full when I had it turned up about 2/3 of maximum. The highs were clear, as well.
As for run-time on a single battery, the 20V Max I used had only depleted by a third at the 6 hour mark, so DeWalt's claim that it can last up to 10 hours on a battery is probably on the conservative side. Of course, your experience will all depend on the type, age and charge level of the battery you use.
For around $100, this radio has some handy features and premium sound. Plus, it has the cajones to take a fall and dust itself off. For 1/3 less than the DCR012, it would make it a great addition to your work site.
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