aabee

I have both this and the TSTAK, I find both sound equally good in different ways. The TSTAK definitely has more punch and bass, but the Packout has more bass/treble settings and more refined sound. If I were going to a party I'd bring the TSTAK, if I just wanted to chill and relax I'd prefer the Packout.

Looks nice, if borderline comical. Makes me wonder about the usefulness of the Xtreme line moving forward if this is possible.

Since Kobalt no longer has their own designated website (for reasons beyond me), I'd send them a PM on their Facebook page.

Thank you. I honestly don't see myself expanding much beyond the combo kits themselves. Mostly a DIY/homeowner. I do like the fact that Metabo HPT has a converter, just because it future proofs the platform if for some reason batteries don't become available/discontinuation. I already have a Multivolt hammer drill I picked up for cheap bare, from when Lowe's was resetting a bunch of displays and had some pretty big discounts. If it sounds like I'm leaning away from the Kobalt XTR, it's mostly due to Lowe's barely marketing it and their history of flaking out and underpromoting/discontinuing several cordless platforms in the past (Rockwell, for all intents and purposes Porter-Cable, 12v/18v Kobalt, etc.) I'm glad to see they've stuck with the 24v line for the time being and just hope that continues.

Just noticed that both of these kits are on sale (the Kobalt is a New Lower Price, but Lowe's is infamous for bouncing them back up to full retail): Metabo HPT 5-tool kit for $399 (includes 36v Multivolt circular saw, everything else is 18v brushless): Metabo HPT (was Hitachi Power Tools) 5 Tool Cordless Combo Kit in the Power Tool Combo Kits department at Lowes.com Kobalt XTR 5-tool kit for $349: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-XTR-5-Tool-24-Volt-Max-Brushless-Power-Tool-Combo-Kit-with-Hard-Case-Charger-Included-and-2-Batteries-Included/1002274180 Thoughts on either, and/or suggestions on which you'd recommend?

I know it's been a long time since news broke that Hitachi would be rebranded Metabo HPT but I still can't get over the stupidity of this new name. Anything that's 6 syllables long for a tool company is 3 syllables too much. Not to mention that these new Metabo HPT tools won't share Metabo batteries and vice versa. I don't think Metabo is as popular a name in power tools among mainstream users as this forum would have you believe.

She's a beaut!

I know, just being sarcastic. DeWalt hasn't given a crap about 12v for the last 6 years so part of me wonders why they even acknowledge its compatibility.

DeWalt 12v? What's that?

Post of the century right here. It's funny 'cause it's true.

The Milwaukee shills are the easiest to identify. They're the ones who cite the PowerState Brushless Motor (tm), Red Lithium Batteries (tm) and Red Link Plus (tm) technology. There's one in particular who fits this criteria to a T and his show rhymes with Snarky. Oh yeah...this saw looks sweet, too.

Looks just like a yellow trash can.

Looks like a glorified PC 2.0 with nothing that screams innovation or even reaches for it. I'll pass. Made in Murrca only goes so far if you don't have the specs or performance to make anything stand out.

Is it me or does Bosch brighten up their blue when pics of new tools come out? I remember they did the same for the 12v brushless line. You see them in person and they're so dark the blue is barely visible from a distance.

Looking forward to updates...I have lots of corded Bosch and think their quality in general is second to none. Really hoping for them to step up their game in the cordless sector, especially in NA as a lot of their stuff is brushed and at least 5 years old.