I’ve had the Kobalt XTR since it released and like it more than my Milwaukee yet I love Milwaukee. Went ahead and bought a few more power tools on the XTR line. I must say they are built well and strong for the money
if I had a chance again, I would like to pick up the XTR impact driver when it's on sale again. Maybe I would pick it up with the Hammer drill if they came out with a 6.0 amp ultimate output battery because I always felt the thing would cut out on the 4.0 battery. I remember I used the XTR impact at a job where I was taking off a lot of screws from a counter top, it simply felt right for what it was doing.
@@ProxyFinal I use the regular 6.0AH on the XTR Saw Zaw and find it does make quite a difference compared to the smaller batteries.. I have the XTR drill and driver also but I like the 2.0AH lighter weight for them and have never needed a bigger battery. But you've got me curious now!
@@rtgray7 I am just going to be honest with you on the kobalt stuff. I personally feel they are good tools, BUT....they tend to overheat easily hence the earlier cutouts. I am not an expert at this, so maybe someone can shed some light. I find that issue more apparent on the XTR line maybe because they are more powerful, but that requires a good amount of cooling in order to reduce the heat it produces. I love their impact driver and I think the hammer drill is good when it gets the job done. The circular saw feels very well balanced, but it's not perfect. It needs metal in some areas where I feel is required, but I wouldn't change the overall balance of that saw. I don't think I have tried a saw just as balanced on the hands as the XTR 7 1/4.
Totally forgot Metabo HPT doesn't like those big old lag screws. I do agree with you though on that last comment you made about tackling on heavier applications and that's all because of Milwaukee. I have really enjoyed your videos more or so than others because it's the right length. Not too long or too short, but I prefer short videos. Love that retro bit in the beginning, good old times. The Kobalt'....still amazed by the amount of torque it pulls out.
So nobody seems to talk about the Turbo button. Are you running the flex with that on? Or off?? I really want to see a test with it on amd then off and see the comparison?? Or did I miss that part?
I’ve only ever used the Bosch and Metabo 1/4”impact drivers…. I have to say the Metabo was the smoothest and it didn’t get anywhere near as hot driving screws on a metal roof where there isn’t really a break for it for an hour… The Bosch got crazy hot doing the same work
Pretty cool. I have had the Kobalt, Metabo & Porter Cable. And while Lowes stopped carrying Porter Cable - 1/2 the tools I have from them are still running after 14 years and on the same batteries in some cases. I switched to Metabo HPT and Multivolt after Porter Cable - Have to say they run smoother but will have to see in the next decade how they hold up. But some of the 36 volt tools are beefy. Unfortunately - then came flex - which does look promising, but I'm not jumping ship to by a whole new set. Good review!
Thanks for letting us know what’s inside these battery packs. Not just for the testing, but it also let’s folks know which packs they should shop for if they want the increased power.
Yeap it’s not always about the fastest tool on the job, it’s about which one you work with all day and still feel your hand, and still have a working tool… fastest doesn’t mean the best in daily work, I’d be interested to see if anyone has tested these for an hour to see which one did more work in that time and how the person felt doing it, while seeing who’s battery lasted the longest
@@MXvsATV144 Exactly! That's why I love Festool so much. Yeah, they're way overpriced, and yeah they never win the speed tests, but the vibration is so low, you can use it all day with absolutely no problem at all! Such an amazing feat of engineering!
Upgraded from an older 18v kit. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxW1vOBRCMrgTCDEijzpVzDWsgI-Jm2iQv I independently chose the drill and impact tool, before I came across the kit.I like the 3 speed impact gun. It seems more powerful than my older one, and it can be set to be really gentle. The drill is more appropriately sized for my use. I used to have a hammer drill, but I did not like that it was so big and it was not a great hammer drill. I rather have a smaller drill like this, and then get a corded hammer drill for the odd case I need that.
I have every XTR tool since before Thanksgiving. Then when I heard Lowe's was having a new tool platform I didn't really care. I'm loving these Kobalt XTR tools. I even took advantage of a sale buy a battery kit with 2 - 4ah batteries and a fast charger and get a free tool. I got a couple and so now I also have Regular Kobalt 24v brushless tools. I like them also. I don't know if I would do anything different if Flex was out then. I wanted Milwaukee Fuel but I kept looking at the XTR tools and I don't have any regret. I hope they come out with more tools under the XTR line. The impact driver is my favorite tool.
bingster 223: Pretty much the same story here. I noticed how much less expensive Kobalts batteries are than my Makita so I experimented with the regular 24v driver as it was on sale for $99 with the battery and charger. It worked so well I kept trying Kobalt and now I own every tool in the line. I'm as impressed with the recip saw as I am with the driver.
Using a impact gun at the end would have been cool to see the difference in each type of tool and what they do and how they work. For science and all. Great video.
i got the metabo for the IP rating but the 1/2 impact in kobalt and have no complaints, worked for lowes so ive seen it all and choose based on dependability
I thought it would be close (and it was overall), but was superprised at how differently they performed depending on task. Sometimes the differences were pretty large in unexpected ways.
The back out of the screws would be the best test here. driving or drill is not a good test doing it them way he is testing. He can't apply same force each time.
Metabo HPT/Hikoki just released a new generation impact in Asia It's a bit smaller, runs higher rpm but torque similar Tool n stuff did the review today
@@PhillyFixed anything from Japan usually takes a little longer to get out here and don't forget we are in a pandemic. Shipping it overseas is a whole other issue we are having as well.
Yeah It's the only tool that doesn't outperform the Milwaukee and other in the larger fasteners but is good in the hand and good for driving the common screws that I mostly use The Hammer Drill, grinder and recip saw however are more dominant in the 36V line as well as the table saw, rotary hammer and portable band saw-these are true high level contractor grade tools
@Philly Fixed , I was not so surprised. The xtr is really good, I saw VCG put it up against dewalt and Milwaukee and I think it edged out dewalt and was very close to milwaukee. That convinced me to purchase kobalt xtr tools.
Kobalt is definitely a larger impact and has good power-not sure impact drivers should be rated best impact just by the larger fasteners as u wouldn't use these tools to do that on a regular basis as they would break down much quicker-larger fasteners on the jobsite are driven with impacts and hammer drills I like the smaller and lighter heads for driving in screws all day on the jobsite-the Kobalt is a once in a while all in one tool for the homeowner not for an all day contractor
I own a large set of the Kobalt XTR 24volt tools since December. I've been extremely happy with power of tools and build quality. Only complaint is I've had some of their 4amo batteries underperform and overheat quickly. This would be comparing them to my past experience with Ridgid 18volt. Overall feel for cost great value. Hope to see more tools from Kobalt in XTR series. Feel some of the bigger names are putting out more tool on their platforms. Ryobi does this for sure but like build quality of Kobalt over Ryobi. Maybe I just like blue and black over green and grey haha
It seems to me the closer the fastener is to the edges of the material, the easier it will drive because the material being displaced has more room to move. I see this sort of thing on every test channel, better to cut 4x4 or 6x6 stacks and drive through the center for each test
Great tests. The Kobalt XTR seems to be an impressive value. Wish their lineup was deeper. Now I'm really curious how the Makita XGT would do against both the XTR and the Flex. Exciting times, regardless.
@@daleon96 I think he meant the XTR line, specifically, which is pretty limited. Drill/driver, hammer drill, impact driver, 1/2" impact wrench, recip, circ saw... and the obligatory flashlight LOL.
@@PhillyFixed Don't underestimate how much people love that flashlight. You can put their 24v lineup( non xtr ) against the others and you will be surprised again. The one-handed recip outperforms all others and could match most full recips. Angle grinder, orbital sander, and jig saw are top quality and a match if not better than the big 3. All have the 5 year and 3 year warranty.
I love how close xtr is to flex. Both made by the same parent company. I cant help feeling like the timing of xtr line and the acquisition of flex by chervon. Xtr proves to me that flex had input into the xtr line. And flex had input from ego for battery tech.
Fantastic video. I love my XTR impact driver and hammer drill combo. Excellent power and so much value especially when you catch them on sale. Keep up the great work!
Wife just bought me the DeWalt dc840 but I’m going to return for the Kobalt. The more reviews that I read the more impressed I am with the Kobalt and the battery cost being less than half of DeWalt was tipping point for me.
Sorry forgot to finish - I think the DeWalt comes in last for ergonomics. Loud, more vibration. Milwaukee is better than DeWalt, probably on par with the Kobalt and Flex.
I had all three of them at one point before I got rid of Kobalt and Flex, so I kept the Metabo. I liked Kobalt for its assist mode. Metabo for....the price and it feels nice on the hand like the Makita's (it's a pretty well rounded impact driver). Flex....it kinda feels like a beefier, more compact and heavier version of XTR and that could be both good and bad depending on what you are looking for (quick eject....is there, but I find myself half the time pulling the collet out, but it's there when you want to use it). I am rooting....for Metabo just because i haven't seen it go up against the Flex and Kobalt yet. I still like Kobalt.
Recenlty purchased the XTR 3 Kit. Love the tools...Look and Perform great. Price of batteries is also great. Hope they continue to add to the XTR line. I do believe they have a winner on their hands. That said, I took advantage of a Metabo HPT Hammer Drill/Triple Hammer Driver kit for my father for Christmas. Doesn't seem to be quite as powerful as my XTR (though not too far off), but man do they feel nice. I really like them. Dad loves them too, so win=win. I may look to go Blue and Green in the future myself, if I find anything in the HPT line that I just can't live without. Great video & Channel btw.
Thanks for watching! MHPT's 36v recip and circ saw are excellent and currently $99 bare tool. There are some buy battery kit / get free tool and combo kit discounts on MHPT at Lowe's right now. And I have personally used their warranty service, it's hassle free and quick turnaround.
@@PhillyFixed Yeah, I saw that battery get a tool option. I've had my eye on their 1/2 impact wrench as the freebie. Hmm...I do like the look and feel of the MHPT for sure. Thanks for the reply.
I think S mode on the Metabo is for self tapping screws. It uses a lower amount of Impacts per minute (IPM). Power mode (P) might have been a better comparison because it almost doubles the IPM
@@PhillyFixed they had it on clearance but only the floor model was available. The manager just said, he will give it to me for $20 each and I was like, yes! I'm not complaining for only paying $40 for $400 brushless hammer drill and impact driver with 3mah and 5mah battery.lol
I would say it usually takes 2x as long to edit as it does to film, so probably 6 hours total? I do editing a little bit at a time over several days usually. Helps to do some, and then come back later with a fresh set of eyes on it.
@@PhillyFixed I’m going to try that. I get to frustrated when I try to rush and do it all in one night. End up going to bed at 3am then getting up at 6am for work. Definitely need to try that approach. Thanks man
I was rooting for the HPT as well. And, I still like it. Honestly, no bad tools in this matchup, but I'm disappointed in the Flex being somewhat inconsistent across various tasks.
The Kobalt 24v Max line & the XTR line continues to impress me. The 21,700 batteries make a huge difference as this video proves. Keep up the good work, Philly!
My M18 Fuel and M18 Surge shut off like the metabo on very high torque situations the only thing i think it could be is a safety between the battery and the tool (and i have tried with 8.0 high output as well.
Time trials are ok but I would rather see how many fasteners can be driven on a charge followed by how long it takes to charge the battery. Fractions of a second or minutes when driving individual fasteners don't really account for to much in production time because there's time in-between involving getting the fasteners, positioning them, moving to the next location, etc.
First - congrats on the channel!! Every video keeps getting better. Like your over 20 volt category. Second - Why do you think the flex is so inconsistent from task to task?
Thanks, Francisco! I've been talking to a few other people and we think it's something with the brushless sensorless motor controls implementation. My friend Phil is getting ready to start his new channel and will do a deep dive on brushless sensorless tech. I'll post it when he goes live!
Hey man can you do a ryobi hp 4 mode pblid02 vs the xtr impact with like the hp 4hr or compact 3ah with 21700 cells just curious the difference cuz im a cheapass n went with the ryobi hp tools which I basically have all of ..wife's not to happy about lol but love the new mid torque but man ryobi asleep when it come to saws its stupid
I know this video might not be recent but I'm going to go buy that kobalt xtr I would buy the milwaukee fuel but it's just way to much right now I just need a better impact driver
13:11: Why are the Makita and Dewalt so pretty and the fuel looks like it was ridden hard and put to bed wet, haha. I guess we know which is the daily driver.
I don't understand the Kobalt being faster than the Flex in most of these tests. That's like Ridgid making an impact driver that beats Milwaukee's gen 3 Fuel. Chervon makes both of these, so why is the cheaper one more powerful?
@Spencer Leeper My thoughts exactly. And while the Flex battery isn't 21700 cells, its the one they package with the tool. Just like the 4aH ultimate output with the XTR. So the performance is as intended by Chervon for those buying the kit...
@@PhillyFixed I agree. Granted the 8ah battery for FLEX has 21700's in it and a retest would be great but what does that prove? $249 kit PLUS $200 battery can outperform a $180 Kobalt XTR kit? If that's the argument or case anyone wants to make they've already lost.
I've noticed in all these FLEX tests and comparisons that it is faster than most other brands driving fasteners below 6 inches. When it gets to lags longer than 8 to 10 inches, it has lost to Metabo, Kobals, Mil, DW, etc. Almost as if the FLEX engineers designed it to excel in applications most used in the field. And hoped no one would notice it loses power in harder applications,.......because you likely wouldn't be using an impact for 8+ inch 3/8 lags. You'd probably be pre-drilling.
Pre-drill or use an impact wrench. Once I get to thick long screws like that, I will break out my M18 Surge to... oh, wait... my Mid-torque impact wrench to power through them.
Why not pal everything else is considered RACIST. I myself have been dealing with DEPRESSION after finding out that I've been a RACIST ALL MY 50➕ YEAR'S. Not knowing that from the beginning that I was a racist And not just a racist I was born a racist has affected me terribly ;-)
When you use the highest mode on the metabo you need to use the corded battery to get the 36v power just bought it for mine today and it’s amazing you have to use the second mode to use the 18v power didn’t know that until someone at lowes told me to get the 36v power you the need corded battery and also getting another one for free because metabo has a promo for a free battery and corded one
Metabo probably has a protection mode, it’s sensing a lot of stress and instead of continuing to drive a too big of lag screw into wood it stops itself
Not too impressed by the metabo. Little by the kobalt. I have never seen any of these brands in construction.(hvac, framing, plumbing, concrete or finish work) About 95% of the time I see dewalt, ridgid and of course milwaukee. Good vid and review. 👍
@@histguy101 we have a Hitachi framing (air) gun. I guess I didn't make my self clear. When I made the above post I was talking about electric/battery powered units. Our framing nailer is pretty good. Few things I don't like. Our Hitachi Brad nailer and crown stapler the worst we have and never really get used. But still no, I've never seen anyone else use Hitachi. On the last two houses we've done we have tried some new contractors. None of them use Hitachi still. Our garage door guys use Milwaukee. The new framers used 1 dual battery Makita skil saw and a mix of DeWalt and Milwaukee other tools.
@@4673962 Yeah, I've never seen anyone using them either in real life, but I've seen plenty of Hitachi/Metabo cordless nailers and occasional miter saws. They're more prominent outside the US. This impact driver is pretty old, from like 2015. I only see people with red or yellow cordless hand tools, and on rare occasion blue, but it didn't used to be that way. Milwaukee and DeWalt have taken over the US market, so has Home Depot, which is unfortunate imo.
The metabo is linear in it’s action on full power mode. You need to be in setting three in all categories and retry. The metabo is by far the strongest drill out of every drill driver I’ve ever used. I have owned them all!!!
It's been about a year since this video has been posted. Torque test channel has done some testing on the metabo. He did some high speed video and a cutaway of the metabo. It appears that the hammer under load skips the anvil anywhere from one to two times during a rev while under a decent load. So it's not actually hitting 3 times. So when using the metabo it seems low on power and sounds different. Bad design. Still have not seen any of these being used in real life by any contractors. Guess there is a good reason.
@@PhillyFixed but if you apply to much pressure then it slows it down, if you had the same exact pressure then they would be more exact is all i am saying...
🤣🤣🤣 that intro. Haha, did a good job on it man, I appreciate that you're just trying to entertain us. You're doing great man I hope you stick with it and keep posting. I can see the day when you hit 100k subs. It goes faster than you think. May start slow but it picks up
Not surprised that a Chervon tool beat a Chervon tool. 😁👍Stanley Black & Decker gonna get mad at Lowe's for investing so much into one of their competitors. 🤣 So long as the consumer comes out ahead, it's all good in my book.
everyone always straight up and down doing bench tests, maybe someday a channel will do real world tests like a real jobsite because you run into those situations about 10% of the time. My viewpoint with tools going bigger and bigger is who is gonna carry those around all day? Ive switched over to all 12v tools and only break out the 20v when its absolutely necessary. Get up on a ladder with those huge tools and try to work with them thats the real test.
I like my M12 Fuel drill and surge impact. I've toyed with the idea of doing a "test track" similar to Pro Tool Reviews. But then people would complain about the room for human error. There's still room here too, but fumbling with screws, changing bits, etc while timing introduces even more. Maybe a weighted test involving both?
That intro...bro... masterpiece.
Kobalt XTR is ranked very high on torque test channel, if not top 3 on the battery powered impacts. Nice to see those results confirmed by your tests.
I’ve had the Kobalt XTR since it released and like it more than my Milwaukee yet I love Milwaukee. Went ahead and bought a few more power tools on the XTR line. I must say they are built well and strong for the money
Excited for this one! That xtr is a monster
if I had a chance again, I would like to pick up the XTR impact driver when it's on sale again. Maybe I would pick it up with the Hammer drill if they came out with a 6.0 amp ultimate output battery because I always felt the thing would cut out on the 4.0 battery. I remember I used the XTR impact at a job where I was taking off a lot of screws from a counter top, it simply felt right for what it was doing.
@@ProxyFinal I use the regular 6.0AH on the XTR Saw Zaw and find it does make quite a difference compared to the smaller batteries.. I have the XTR drill and driver also but I like the 2.0AH lighter weight for them and have never needed a bigger battery. But you've got me curious now!
@@rtgray7 I am just going to be honest with you on the kobalt stuff. I personally feel they are good tools, BUT....they tend to overheat easily hence the earlier cutouts. I am not an expert at this, so maybe someone can shed some light. I find that issue more apparent on the XTR line maybe because they are more powerful, but that requires a good amount of cooling in order to reduce the heat it produces. I love their impact driver and I think the hammer drill is good when it gets the job done. The circular saw feels very well balanced, but it's not perfect. It needs metal in some areas where I feel is required, but I wouldn't change the overall balance of that saw. I don't think I have tried a saw just as balanced on the hands as the XTR 7 1/4.
@@ProxyFinal Gotchya. I am going on personal experience in real, jobsite situations and have been very pleased with no overheating.
Joe your only allowed to comment and watch my videos!! Your grounded!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣👊👊👊👍
Every intro gets better and better
Thanks, Robert!
I feel like the metabo isn’t been given enough credit, but I’m biased because I ducking love the metabo hpt line
That thing is trash
Totally forgot Metabo HPT doesn't like those big old lag screws. I do agree with you though on that last comment you made about tackling on heavier applications and that's all because of Milwaukee. I have really enjoyed your videos more or so than others because it's the right length. Not too long or too short, but I prefer short videos. Love that retro bit in the beginning, good old times. The Kobalt'....still amazed by the amount of torque it pulls out.
So nobody seems to talk about the Turbo button. Are you running the flex with that on? Or off?? I really want to see a test with it on amd then off and see the comparison?? Or did I miss that part?
No turbo button on the impact driver, just 3 speed settings and 2 screw modes. The hammer drill is the one with a turbo button.
I love my Kobalt XTR tools and I was thinking about swapping to flex but damn I don't know at this point.
Also the intro is amazing
I’ve only ever used the Bosch and Metabo 1/4”impact drivers…. I have to say the Metabo was the smoothest and it didn’t get anywhere near as hot driving screws on a metal roof where there isn’t really a break for it for an hour… The Bosch got crazy hot doing the same work
Pretty cool. I have had the Kobalt, Metabo & Porter Cable. And while Lowes stopped carrying Porter Cable - 1/2 the tools I have from them are still running after 14 years and on the same batteries in some cases. I switched to Metabo HPT and Multivolt after Porter Cable - Have to say they run smoother but will have to see in the next decade how they hold up. But some of the 36 volt tools are beefy. Unfortunately - then came flex - which does look promising, but I'm not jumping ship to by a whole new set. Good review!
That was definitely not what I was expecting, and thanks for the trip back in time with that intro lol
Thanks for letting us know what’s inside these battery packs. Not just for the testing, but it also let’s folks know which packs they should shop for if they want the increased power.
Notice the smoothness on all 3. It seems the HPT is by far the smoothest of them all.
Yeap it’s not always about the fastest tool on the job, it’s about which one you work with all day and still feel your hand, and still have a working tool… fastest doesn’t mean the best in daily work, I’d be interested to see if anyone has tested these for an hour to see which one did more work in that time and how the person felt doing it, while seeing who’s battery lasted the longest
@@MXvsATV144 Exactly! That's why I love Festool so much. Yeah, they're way overpriced, and yeah they never win the speed tests, but the vibration is so low, you can use it all day with absolutely no problem at all! Such an amazing feat of engineering!
Best tool test I've seen in a while.
Thanks, Steve!
I totally appreciate your testing and scoring methods.. It takes into account power and speed, and the chart system is FANTASTIC!
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!
Upgraded from an older 18v kit. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxW1vOBRCMrgTCDEijzpVzDWsgI-Jm2iQv I independently chose the drill and impact tool, before I came across the kit.I like the 3 speed impact gun. It seems more powerful than my older one, and it can be set to be really gentle. The drill is more appropriately sized for my use. I used to have a hammer drill, but I did not like that it was so big and it was not a great hammer drill. I rather have a smaller drill like this, and then get a corded hammer drill for the odd case I need that.
I have every XTR tool since before Thanksgiving. Then when I heard Lowe's was having a new tool platform I didn't really care. I'm loving these Kobalt XTR tools. I even took advantage of a sale buy a battery kit with 2 - 4ah batteries and a fast charger and get a free tool. I got a couple and so now I also have Regular Kobalt 24v brushless tools. I like them also. I don't know if I would do anything different if Flex was out then. I wanted Milwaukee Fuel but I kept looking at the XTR tools and I don't have any regret. I hope they come out with more tools under the XTR line. The impact driver is my favorite tool.
bingster 223: Pretty much the same story here. I noticed how much less expensive Kobalts batteries are than my Makita so I experimented with the regular 24v driver as it was on sale for $99 with the battery and charger. It worked so well I kept trying Kobalt and now I own every tool in the line. I'm as impressed with the recip saw as I am with the driver.
Using a impact gun at the end would have been cool to see the difference in each type of tool and what they do and how they work. For science and all. Great video.
The intro on this video is just masterful!
Love your channel. Appreciate your willingness to do tough tests, and be honest about results.
Thanks for watching!
i got the metabo for the IP rating but the 1/2 impact in kobalt and have no complaints, worked for lowes so ive seen it all and choose based on dependability
A Classic In The Tool Community. These Head To Heads Will Never Get Old!!
I thought it would be close (and it was overall), but was superprised at how differently they performed depending on task. Sometimes the differences were pretty large in unexpected ways.
The back out of the screws would be the best test here. driving or drill is not a good test doing it them way he is testing. He can't apply same force each time.
Metabo HPT/Hikoki just released a new generation impact in Asia
It's a bit smaller, runs higher rpm but torque similar
Tool n stuff did the review today
I'll check it out! I was really rooting for the Metabo. I still like it despite these results.
Also why does the rest of the world get the good tools first?! Makita XGT, now Hikoki....
@@PhillyFixed anything from Japan usually takes a little longer to get out here and don't forget we are in a pandemic. Shipping it overseas is a whole other issue we are having as well.
Yeah
It's the only tool that doesn't outperform the Milwaukee and other in the larger fasteners but is good in the hand and good for driving the common screws that I mostly use
The Hammer Drill, grinder and recip saw however are more dominant in the 36V line as well as the table saw, rotary hammer and portable band saw-these are true high level contractor grade tools
Were you surprised? I actually was! XTR is a beast.
Never had any doubt. 😁
@Philly Fixed , I was not so surprised. The xtr is really good, I saw VCG put it up against dewalt and Milwaukee and I think it edged out dewalt and was very close to milwaukee. That convinced me to purchase kobalt xtr tools.
Kobalt is definitely a larger impact and has good power-not sure impact drivers should be rated best impact just by the larger fasteners as u wouldn't use these tools to do that on a regular basis as they would break down much quicker-larger fasteners on the jobsite are driven with impacts and hammer drills
I like the smaller and lighter heads for driving in screws all day on the jobsite-the Kobalt is a once in a while all in one tool for the homeowner not for an all day contractor
I think the testing is between batteries on the 24V tools 👀 .
Flex & Kobalt are just about the same from Chevon.
Just a guess 💡.
I own a large set of the Kobalt XTR 24volt tools since December. I've been extremely happy with power of tools and build quality. Only complaint is I've had some of their 4amo batteries underperform and overheat quickly. This would be comparing them to my past experience with Ridgid 18volt. Overall feel for cost great value. Hope to see more tools from Kobalt in XTR series. Feel some of the bigger names are putting out more tool on their platforms. Ryobi does this for sure but like build quality of Kobalt over Ryobi. Maybe I just like blue and black over green and grey haha
I do like the look of the Kobalt!
Ive been hearing that about the xtr....I'll wait till it drops down to $149 for the xtr kit.
It seems to me the closer the fastener is to the edges of the material, the easier it will drive because the material being displaced has more room to move. I see this sort of thing on every test channel, better to cut 4x4 or 6x6 stacks and drive through the center for each test
I'm from NC. We've had the Kobalt and Flex lines of tools in our Lowe's Home Improvement Stores for years...3 or 4 at least.
You have not had Flex cordless tools for 3 or 4 years.
Great tests. The Kobalt XTR seems to be an impressive value. Wish their lineup was deeper.
Now I'm really curious how the Makita XGT would do against both the XTR and the Flex.
Exciting times, regardless.
Your curiosity may be satisfied soon...
They have a huge line up dude....just as much as anyone else practically
@@daleon96 I think he meant the XTR line, specifically, which is pretty limited. Drill/driver, hammer drill, impact driver, 1/2" impact wrench, recip, circ saw... and the obligatory flashlight LOL.
@@PhillyFixed OBLIGATORY FLASHLIGHT ---LMAO.
@@PhillyFixed Don't underestimate how much people love that flashlight. You can put their 24v lineup( non xtr ) against the others and you will be surprised again. The one-handed recip outperforms all others and could match most full recips. Angle grinder, orbital sander, and jig saw are top quality and a match if not better than the big 3. All have the 5 year and 3 year warranty.
This is a great matchup , three brands that are starting to stir things up, making it interesting
The kobalt line is great...value and performance.
I love how close xtr is to flex. Both made by the same parent company. I cant help feeling like the timing of xtr line and the acquisition of flex by chervon. Xtr proves to me that flex had input into the xtr line. And flex had input from ego for battery tech.
Love the intro bro awesome work Jim @Philly Fixed
I should be able to make it. I’ll be posting my video on the Recip rundown video after yours 🙂✌️❤️
Nice!
You guys rock!
that kobalt nailed it! and Jim please don't test impact drivers with drill driver courses. they gonna fail or behave strange!
There are people who like to drill with their impacts, gotta include it!
Fantastic video. I love my XTR impact driver and hammer drill combo. Excellent power and so much value especially when you catch them on sale. Keep up the great work!
Dude. That intro made my week.
Glad to hear it!!
Wife just bought me the DeWalt dc840 but I’m going to return for the Kobalt. The more reviews that I read the more impressed I am with the Kobalt and the battery cost being less than half of DeWalt was tipping point for me.
The DCF840 is solid, though. I don't think you can go wrong with either. Also check out the DeWalt battery kit BOGO at Home Depot.
How is the balancing of the tool plus battery , ergonomics? Comparing the flex with dewalt or milwakee
I thought all 3 were good, actually. I particularly liked the Metabo HPT for ergonomics, though. Reminds me of Makita in that aspect.
Sorry forgot to finish - I think the DeWalt comes in last for ergonomics. Loud, more vibration. Milwaukee is better than DeWalt, probably on par with the Kobalt and Flex.
I had all three of them at one point before I got rid of Kobalt and Flex, so I kept the Metabo. I liked Kobalt for its assist mode. Metabo for....the price and it feels nice on the hand like the Makita's (it's a pretty well rounded impact driver). Flex....it kinda feels like a beefier, more compact and heavier version of XTR and that could be both good and bad depending on what you are looking for (quick eject....is there, but I find myself half the time pulling the collet out, but it's there when you want to use it). I am rooting....for Metabo just because i haven't seen it go up against the Flex and Kobalt yet. I still like Kobalt.
Let's go Kobalt!
Recenlty purchased the XTR 3 Kit. Love the tools...Look and Perform great. Price of batteries is also great. Hope they continue to add to the XTR line. I do believe they have a winner on their hands. That said, I took advantage of a Metabo HPT Hammer Drill/Triple Hammer Driver kit for my father for Christmas. Doesn't seem to be quite as powerful as my XTR (though not too far off), but man do they feel nice. I really like them. Dad loves them too, so win=win. I may look to go Blue and Green in the future myself, if I find anything in the HPT line that I just can't live without. Great video & Channel btw.
Thanks for watching! MHPT's 36v recip and circ saw are excellent and currently $99 bare tool. There are some buy battery kit / get free tool and combo kit discounts on MHPT at Lowe's right now. And I have personally used their warranty service, it's hassle free and quick turnaround.
@@PhillyFixed Yeah, I saw that battery get a tool option. I've had my eye on their 1/2 impact wrench as the freebie. Hmm...I do like the look and feel of the MHPT for sure. Thanks for the reply.
Too inconsistent but i would stick with Metabo for durability. The blades can also affect performance.
I think I was more impressed with the rockwell clamp stand. Nicely done.
I love it. Should've spent the money a long time ago!
I think S mode on the Metabo is for self tapping screws. It uses a lower amount of Impacts per minute (IPM). Power mode (P) might have been a better comparison because it almost doubles the IPM
It was in P mode, I misspoke but I added note on-screen at 2:56
I jut got the hpt drill and driver for $40 @ lowes . It was a store model with no charger. Lol
What a deal!
That's sweet! I've never had luck or heard of many people able to buy floor models. How'd you manage it?
@@PhillyFixed they had it on clearance but only the floor model was available. The manager just said, he will give it to me for $20 each and I was like, yes! I'm not complaining for only paying $40 for $400 brushless hammer drill and impact driver with 3mah and 5mah battery.lol
Find a late shift manager to shoot the shit with and they can sell it to u
Got a few of the 18V triple for under $30
Love the video !! 🤙🏼 But much rather hear raw impact noise than the loud music 😩
Thanks for the feedback and for watching, Robert!
How long did it take you to edit this Jim? I’ve seen this one several times. Never gets old. Great job brother 👊
I would say it usually takes 2x as long to edit as it does to film, so probably 6 hours total? I do editing a little bit at a time over several days usually. Helps to do some, and then come back later with a fresh set of eyes on it.
@@PhillyFixed I’m going to try that. I get to frustrated when I try to rush and do it all in one night. End up going to bed at 3am then getting up at 6am for work. Definitely need to try that approach. Thanks man
Good comparison. Glad that I picked up the xtr impact last year for a good deal
That intro!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥👏🏼👏🏼
Bro how much is lowes paying you no milwaukee or dewalt
See round 2.
I was hoping for more out of the HPT but the real winner was that retro intro! I was expecting them to jump into a Ferrari and go bust a drug cartel.
I was rooting for the HPT as well. And, I still like it. Honestly, no bad tools in this matchup, but I'm disappointed in the Flex being somewhat inconsistent across various tasks.
I really want to see that new Makita XGT up against these.
@@lowdermilk89 Hmmm... 😉
@@PhillyFixed I really don't understand because they can simply take what they did right on Kobalt and simply apply it on Flex, but....what happened?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I love how every RUclips tester suffocates the drills by covering the vent holes with the other hand. Lol
The Kobalt 24v Max line & the XTR line continues to impress me. The 21,700 batteries make a huge difference as this video proves.
Keep up the good work, Philly!
I think you should return that Flex Impact Driver , it seems a little off , it should have Smoked those other 2 impacts ...
My M18 Fuel and M18 Surge shut off like the metabo on very high torque situations the only thing i think it could be is a safety between the battery and the tool (and i have tried with 8.0 high output as well.
Very cool set up for testing. Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Time trials are ok but I would rather see how many fasteners can be driven on a charge followed by how long it takes to charge the battery. Fractions of a second or minutes when driving individual fasteners don't really account for to much in production time because there's time in-between involving getting the fasteners, positioning them, moving to the next location, etc.
Yup, some of this is splitting hairs. I will have some battery-centric stuff coming up. Thanks for watching!
Kobalt batteries outlast them all...and they're half the price...i sold all my Milwaukee shit and went to kobalt...and never looked back
As much as I enjoy these videos. You are right.
First - congrats on the channel!! Every video keeps getting better. Like your over 20 volt category. Second - Why do you think the flex is so inconsistent from task to task?
Thanks, Francisco! I've been talking to a few other people and we think it's something with the brushless sensorless motor controls implementation. My friend Phil is getting ready to start his new channel and will do a deep dive on brushless sensorless tech. I'll post it when he goes live!
@@PhillyFixed That would be interesting. Thanks Philly Fixed!
Hey man can you do a ryobi hp 4 mode pblid02 vs the xtr impact with like the hp 4hr or compact 3ah with 21700 cells just curious the difference cuz im a cheapass n went with the ryobi hp tools which I basically have all of ..wife's not to happy about lol but love the new mid torque but man ryobi asleep when it come to saws its stupid
I do have the Ryobi 4 mode, I'll be doing a vid soon!
bravo for that intro man . very cool
I see the intro with retro graphics - I hit like
I have the XTR impact driver, hammer drill, and work light and damn they are beasts🔥
Nicely done ✅
I know this video might not be recent but I'm going to go buy that kobalt xtr I would buy the milwaukee fuel but it's just way to much right now I just need a better impact driver
The XTR is still a very solid choice 👍
I’m telling u metabo hpt is #1
love the intro man
You don't use the turbo on flex wy?
This is the impact driver, not the hammer drill.
Cool video and test - well done sir.
13:11: Why are the Makita and Dewalt so pretty and the fuel looks like it was ridden hard and put to bed wet, haha. I guess we know which is the daily driver.
Nah, bought the M18 kit used when I started the channel. Daily driver is a Makita LXDT01 from like 2015, haha.
I like seeing Metabo HPT as well - more tooltubers need to try them out.
My thoughts exactly!
Is Metabo considered a budget brand?
Nope! The Triple Hammer bare tool is $219.
you keep making intros like that and ill keep coming back! awesome Philly Fixed
Team Blue! Love my Kobalt XTR tools and I still love my old Makita as well.
I don't understand the Kobalt being faster than the Flex in most of these tests. That's like Ridgid making an impact driver that beats Milwaukee's gen 3 Fuel. Chervon makes both of these, so why is the cheaper one more powerful?
Chervon may make them but they are designed differently. Just because it's new doesn't mean better.
@Spencer Leeper My thoughts exactly. And while the Flex battery isn't 21700 cells, its the one they package with the tool. Just like the 4aH ultimate output with the XTR. So the performance is as intended by Chervon for those buying the kit...
@@PhillyFixed I agree. Granted the 8ah battery for FLEX has 21700's in it and a retest would be great but what does that prove? $249 kit PLUS $200 battery can outperform a $180 Kobalt XTR kit? If that's the argument or case anyone wants to make they've already lost.
I've noticed in all these FLEX tests and comparisons that it is faster than most other brands driving fasteners below 6 inches. When it gets to lags longer than 8 to 10 inches, it has lost to Metabo, Kobals, Mil, DW, etc. Almost as if the FLEX engineers designed it to excel in applications most used in the field. And hoped no one would notice it loses power in harder applications,.......because you likely wouldn't be using an impact for 8+ inch 3/8 lags. You'd probably be pre-drilling.
This is true, although the 6" x 3/8" don't seem toooo far out there. But yeah I would pre-drill those in real life applications.
Pre-drill or use an impact wrench. Once I get to thick long screws like that, I will break out my M18 Surge to... oh, wait... my Mid-torque impact wrench to power through them.
Intro was Radical!!!
Why not pal everything else is considered RACIST.
I myself have been dealing with DEPRESSION after finding out that I've been a RACIST ALL MY 50➕ YEAR'S.
Not knowing that from the beginning that I was a racist
And not just a racist I was born a racist has affected me terribly ;-)
When you use the highest mode on the metabo you need to use the corded battery to get the 36v power just bought it for mine today and it’s amazing you have to use the second mode to use the 18v power didn’t know that until someone at lowes told me to get the 36v power you the need corded battery and also getting another one for free because metabo has a promo for a free battery and corded one
I'll reach out to Metabo HPT and see if I can get the full story!
Metabo probably has a protection mode, it’s sensing a lot of stress and instead of continuing to drive a too big of lag screw into wood it stops itself
Not too impressed by the metabo. Little by the kobalt. I have never seen any of these brands in construction.(hvac, framing, plumbing, concrete or finish work) About 95% of the time I see dewalt, ridgid and of course milwaukee. Good vid and review. 👍
You've never seen anyone using Hitachi framing guns or miter saws?
@@histguy101 we have a Hitachi framing (air) gun. I guess I didn't make my self clear. When I made the above post I was talking about electric/battery powered units. Our framing nailer is pretty good. Few things I don't like. Our Hitachi Brad nailer and crown stapler the worst we have and never really get used. But still no, I've never seen anyone else use Hitachi. On the last two houses we've done we have tried some new contractors. None of them use Hitachi still. Our garage door guys use Milwaukee. The new framers used 1 dual battery Makita skil saw and a mix of DeWalt and Milwaukee other tools.
@@4673962 Yeah, I've never seen anyone using them either in real life, but I've seen plenty of Hitachi/Metabo cordless nailers and occasional miter saws. They're more prominent outside the US. This impact driver is pretty old, from like 2015.
I only see people with red or yellow cordless hand tools, and on rare occasion blue, but it didn't used to be that way. Milwaukee and DeWalt have taken over the US market, so has Home Depot, which is unfortunate imo.
The metabo is linear in it’s action on full power mode. You need to be in setting three in all categories and retry. The metabo is by far the strongest drill out of every drill driver I’ve ever used. I have owned them all!!!
So you didn't actually watch the video then.
Nice brother!!!
Flex is the new kid it has lots of power and its just Milwaukee fuel so there comparing
The Kobalt XTR foe me
It's been about a year since this video has been posted. Torque test channel has done some testing on the metabo. He did some high speed video and a cutaway of the metabo. It appears that the hammer under load skips the anvil anywhere from one to two times during a rev while under a decent load. So it's not actually hitting 3 times. So when using the metabo it seems low on power and sounds different. Bad design. Still have not seen any of these being used in real life by any contractors. Guess there is a good reason.
I would like Flex turbo because it has turbo mode
Their flagship drill and hammer drill feature turbo mode. No turbo mode on this impact driver, though.
need it done by weights and not just arm/hand pressure, because can be different and you not know it!!
Impact drivers don't depend on hand pressure in the same way that drills do.
@@PhillyFixed but if you apply to much pressure then it slows it down, if you had the same exact pressure then they would be more exact is all i am saying...
Team blue beast 💪🏼
You have to have some kind of experience in video editing... You're killing it with the intros and picking this up so well!!
Thanks! My only experience is a long history of doing it as a hobby...
1 your intros are amazing
2 kobalt! Flex needs some 21700 cells
The 8.0 was supposed to come today, but... FedEx. Will post a video showing whether it made a difference!
Dang Wanda Vision and back to the 80s love it.
🤣🤣🤣 that intro. Haha, did a good job on it man, I appreciate that you're just trying to entertain us. You're doing great man I hope you stick with it and keep posting. I can see the day when you hit 100k subs. It goes faster than you think. May start slow but it picks up
Great intro !!
They're all great tools
Not surprised that a Chervon tool beat a Chervon tool. 😁👍Stanley Black & Decker gonna get mad at Lowe's for investing so much into one of their competitors. 🤣 So long as the consumer comes out ahead, it's all good in my book.
Dead ass thought I was watching Gladiator's for a sec intro was 🔥🔥🔥
Doesn't make much sense. Flex and Kobalt are made by the same company but Flex is marketed as more powerful so how did it lose?
everyone always straight up and down doing bench tests, maybe someday a channel will do real world tests like a real jobsite because you run into those situations about 10% of the time. My viewpoint with tools going bigger and bigger is who is gonna carry those around all day? Ive switched over to all 12v tools and only break out the 20v when its absolutely necessary. Get up on a ladder with those huge tools and try to work with them thats the real test.
I like my M12 Fuel drill and surge impact. I've toyed with the idea of doing a "test track" similar to Pro Tool Reviews. But then people would complain about the room for human error. There's still room here too, but fumbling with screws, changing bits, etc while timing introduces even more. Maybe a weighted test involving both?