Review on Powerful Makita CX200RB: Sub Compact Brushless with Lithium Ion Technology by Ron Houston

I was looking for my first high-quality drill/impact combination set for private use. Basically, I knew what I wanted: a kit to handle many tasks, from housework to DIY to serious work. In fact, I'm still surprised I picked a Makita kit because that was the last place I looked. Finding the right set can be intimidating at first. I walked in not knowing too much about what to choose and while I love hunting it took almost a month to fix this set. One thing I quickly discovered was that there is no shortage of people recommending cheap and plastic palpation tools because I'm not a professional who uses them every day in the field. I didn't like that advice and I didn't like those options. I do not consider myself disqualified from buying and owning quality because I am not a professional. Cheap tools look and feel cheap and I'm not sure they'll last long. I ignored the bad advice and immediately turned my attention to Dewalt and Milwaukee. I was almost certain that I would end up with one of them. But I decided to weigh all available options. I looked at Ryobi (they look like toys to me), looked at Ridgid and thought of Makita due to their reputation, but still had a feeling my new tools would be yellow or red. I was first attracted to power, speed and torque tests on YouTube. I ended up buying a good quality heavy duty drill and impact tool from Dewalt. They were great tools and all, but the drill was too big and heavy for small jobs. Using it for small jobs like replacing sockets or using it as a power screwdriver seemed ridiculous. As a regular guy, I appreciate the power and speed, but I needed practicality to use it in the real world, so I returned the set. I was so focused on 18 volt tools that I completely neglected the 12 volt options. They're smaller but still powerful, which was more than I was looking for. What I didn't like is that most of them have battery grips, making the grips larger than most 18 volt tools I've tried and tested. I have small hands, so I already squeeze them. Knowing that I would eventually want to have multiple 18 volt saws didn't help either because I would then have to have 2 different sets of batteries and chargers. I really liked the Milwaukee set I found, but the handles were too big and the drill was about the same size and weight as its 18 volt counterparts. They also felt unbalanced and heavy. I don't want anything working against me if I'm in an awkward position or working with precision with small screws. I saw the Makita subcompact kit and started investigating as I narrowed down my options. Upon closer inspection, they felt great in the hand. They had the best grip of any exercise I tried. They are also perfectly balanced and very light. Deceptive, meaning her size and weight make her hard to take seriously. I decided to try them and they quickly removed my reservations. There is a lot of power in both the drill and the impact wrench. The motors are also very smooth and I don't see any fluctuations in the ammunition. They're just fun to use. The first day I replaced some old bolts on the deck and the impact blew those old rusted bits out like they just popped in. Really powerful and fun to use. I also put together a playset for my son and appreciated the variable speed which gave me the ability not to run off or damage it. I also had to get into more difficult parts, but it was easy because they are so easy. This 5+lb Dewalt came to mind and I was glad I returned it. Both tools are packed with features. Indicators that stay on for 10 seconds after the trigger is released Variable speed Sensitive triggers Powerful for many small and large jobs 2 speeds for both 20 drill clutch settings Soft, hard and assist on impact Super compact (less than many 12v options) and only 2 1/2 pounds. each with connected batteries. Also included was a quick charger that charges the batteries in 25-30 minutes and a soft lunchbox style carrying case that kept everything in separate compartments. There seems to be some confusion as to what they are for and who they are for. I know one thing: they are for people like me. I wanted a brushless drill and screwdriver set that was compact, comfortable for my small hand, lightweight, powerful and 18V. There is nothing comparable that meets all these requirements. I didn't really think I would get the Makita but I'm glad I did. I got everything I wanted and more and couldn't be happier with my purchase. I am sure that they will serve me for many years. If I ever need to drill 3" holes on a regular basis I know where to go, but for my current and planned future use these tools will get the job done without tiring me out. Recommended.