Last year it was buy a kit and another tool and save $150. What some would do was order the kit and tool, get the discount and return the kit. By doing so you could get a bare tool for cheap. That may be why they changed.
I have the ridgid. It is awesome. I use it after a shower while getting ready in the morning when it is too humid to cool off. I also used in in the attic when I was installing a security system. And I have used it in the garage when woodworking. It is quiet and effective. You can get ridgid batteries for a good price and they occasionally go on clearance for a better price.