In the last few years, it seems like the major players in the pro-level Li-Ion 12v market have typically been red or blue in color. However, Makita has recently expanded its line to include offerings that might look familiar if you frequent other expanded lines. It’s funny how standard lineups come about.
Makita’s line has been expanded to offer two driver drills, an impact driver, circular saw, vacuum, and of course an LED flashlight. They’re also getting the jump on the combo kits by making a kit for almost every combination of tools — so many we couldn’t fit them all in our normal graphic.
The lineup was good before, but with the addition of new tools like the flashlight and impact drills, it’s about as duty-oriented as any other system available. The drills come in at around 200 in-lbs. each and the impact drill is rated at 800 in-lbs. The flashlight is rated for 800 LUX with a 9-hour runtime. If these numbers sound familiar, you might be onto something. It seems to be the numbers expected from a 12v platform across the board.
I think my favorite addition has got to be the 12v vacuum that accepts a standard battery pack and converts from upright to dust-buster style, handheld. Every manufacturer seems to have one oddball tool in the smallest Li-Ion class and it’s cool to see something a little different from Makita. At least it doesn’t have a laser on it.
We love to see competition in the 12v marketplace; it’ll ultimately push the entire field to create better products on the whole. For now, California contractors will no doubt be pleased they have a black-and-white version of the tools other guys have had access to for the last year or two. We’re curious to see if they stack up to expectations.
Makita Cordless Power Tools [Makita]
