Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

It appears that Makita migrated these tools from the 12V Max CXT platform and created a new 18V sub-compact tool class in the process. Seemingly, Makita engineers successfully solved a "what if" scenario about the practicality of retrofitting an 18V LXT battery to their 12V Max CXT brushless tools... and voilà... the 18V LXT Sub-Compact is born! Since these tools have more in common with the 12V Max CXT models than their larger LXT siblings, this review concentrates on a comparison between the CXT and LXT sub-compact platforms. More importantly, from a physical perspective, these 12V and 18V tools – with exception of some minor features and cosmetic differences – are nearly identical. This puts to rest the misleading or downright dishonest tool website reviews that seem to suggest that this new sub-compact class is somehow smaller than the Makita 12V tools; that clearly is not the case, when comparing the 18V brushless with the 12V brushless (instead of 12V brushed). The features and cosmetic differences are subtle at best. With respect to the 18V models, there are slight styling differences with respect to the rubber bumper materials at sides and very rear of motor housings, although the all-black design of the LXT sub-compact platform at first glance makes these appear as totally different tools, when contrasted with the traditional Makita teal/black color scheme. The tool nose protection on the impact drivers varies slightly for some odd reason, as the DT04Z has a clear plastic guard with a luminescent (glow) ring at the front of the nose (similar to the Makita XDT09Z or XDT12Z), whereas the XDT15ZB has only a rubber bumper at the nose tip (similar to the Makita XDT14Z). There is not much regarding the feature set: the 12V tools sport a single LED work light, and the 18V sub-compacts come standard with dual LED illumination, made possible by the higher battery voltage no doubt. The XDT15ZB and DT04Z have identical controls with assist mode (A-Mode), a feature exclusive to Makita, that helps to eliminate screw cam-out and cross threading by driving at low speed until impact begins. The XFD11ZB driver-drill has a 1/2" keyless chuck instead of the 3/8" capacity that comes standard with the FD07Z. For a comparative summary of features, performance specifics and other characteristics, please refer to the tables in the attached photos for CXT models FD07Z (driver-drill) and DT04Z (impact driver) and their LXT sub-compact counterparts, the XFD11ZB (driver-drill) and XDT15ZB (impact driver). Speaking in terms of performance, the two impacts are nearly the same except the 18V XDT15ZB impact has 40 in-lb more torque than its 12V cousin. That being said, it is the XFD11ZB driver-drill that gains the most from the higher voltage, namely 200 rpm and an increase in torque of a rather respectable 70 in-lb. (One of my primary complaints about the FD07Z has always been its lackluster 1500 rpm maximum speed.) Before rushing to judgement, one of the decisive advantages of 12V tools is battery size and weight. In this regard, the 12V CXT models are no exception; these tools weigh 1/2 lb less than the LXT sub-compacts with a 2.0 AH battery and are almost 3/4 lb lighter when equipped with the higher capacity 4.0 Ah option. Succinctly stated, the CXT tools are 2 lb class, while the LXT sub-compacts hover around the 3 lb range. There is also some size disadvantage regarding the 18V LXT batteries, and overall, the CXT batteries are easily one-half the size of the larger 18V LXT power packs. While both LXT and CXT tools have motor housings that have a nominal 2" girth, it is the battery width itself that becomes the governing factor: An LXT battery measures nearly 3", while the CXT is somewhat less at 2-1/2". This means that the CXT models are capable of getting into tighter spaces than their LXT counterparts. In conclusion... No, these tools aren't designed to drill 1/2" holes through 1" steel plate, mix mortar or drive 3/8" x 5" lag screws repeatedly all day long. However, these sub-compacts (including their 12V cousins) have sufficient power when compared to popular driver-drills and impact drivers, and are more than suitable for about 80-90% of common construction and maintenance tasks. If you're a first-time buyer, or currently invested in the 18V LXT platform, you won't be disappointed. In fact, a couple Makita BL1820B batteries go for around $120 or so, meaning you are getting a brushless driver-drill, brushless impact driver, battery charger and tool bag for a little over $100. At the end of the day, this tool combo is highly recommended, especially since there is not a better bargain out there. On the other hand, if tool weight is a primary concern, or if you already have brushless CXT models and are satisfied with their performance, stick with the Makita CXT line. Some final thoughts for the sake of completeness... There are some individuals commenting on tool review websites... even the authors themselves... lamenting (after much hand-wringing no doubt) that this new Makita sub-compact tool class signals gloom and doom for the 12V platform (regardless of manufacturer). This is complete and utter nonsense almost to the point of political rhetoric (just to hear themselves talk), and is analogous to suggesting that 18V and 20V tools obviate the need for 28V and 36V tools or those operating at even higher voltages. This all boils down to simply using the right tool for the task at hand. For example, some may have a Makita XPH07Z hammer drill, but wouldn't even consider using it to install switch plate screws since it's overkill, not to mention awkward and inconvenient; a more practical solution would be to use a small 12V driver-drill or simply a 4V screwdriver. While 18V (and higher) energy sources might be preferable for larger, high-power drain tools, such as angle grinders, circular saws, SDS hammer drills, etc., this is not necessarily the case for smaller tools having lower power requirements. The conclusion here is that one size does not fit all. From my perspective, Makita did not "re-invent the wheel" or create a totally new tool class here; they simply saw an opportunity to migrate some of their newer 12V brushless tools over to their extensive 18V LXT platform.