RooiValk

So after buying the Ridgid R9205 Combo drill set with free 3rd tool (5Ah battery), I gave them a test run and wow!! I am very happy with it because it completely crushes my Bosch 18v. I've never owned brushless before and the Bosch isn't brushless, but it's the only comparison I have unless you count my prior 18v Hitachi that had the dreaded NiCad batteries. Either way the Ridgid is much more powerful than both and the batteries seem to last forever. Wondering now if I should have chosen a free tool rather than the extra battery given that they last so long . The only downside is a soft carrying case. I think the cost justified a hard case. Even an el-cheapo plastic case is better than a soft carrying case. Anyway, just wanted to return and thank everyone for the suggestions and advice. I think I got exactly what I wanted.

Ok I pulled the trigger on the brushless Ridgid combo, and took the 5Ah battery as the free option. I have electric versions of all the other tools so didnt see the point in them.

Thanks all for the advice. I'll check out the options at CPO, although for recon items my concern would be the batteries since that is, for the most part, what craps out on me in the long run. I don't used the tools enough for them to wear out or break before the batteries do (except the 12v Bosch I mentioned) . HD has a special currently, where I can get the brushless drill/impact combo for $279, with a 3rd tool "free" (impact wrench, circ saw, extra 5Ah battery, radio ... etc). I thought it was a little on the expensive side as I don't know Ridgid tools well, but with the 3rd tool that seems good. I am extremely happy with my Ridgid table router and palm router. Thoughts?

Here's another with the smaller batteries. Still a great deal but with 2A/h batteries instead of 4A/h. http://www.rockler.com/triton-t20tp02-2-0ah-20v-combi-hammer-drill-and-impact-driver-combo-kit?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=pla&utm_campaign=PL&sid=V9146&gclid=CJjZg4_d_tACFcaEswodyKAKiQ

Here is the deal BTW: http://www.rockler.com/triton-t20tp01-4-0ah-20v-combi-hammer-drill-and-impact-driver-combo-kit?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=pla&utm_campaign=PL&sid=V9146&gclid=CN7KpoDd_tACFUpWDQod8nMOhw

Haha, we think alike then because I came close to pulling the trigger and it was the batteries that stopped me. Long story short (or maybe not so short ), I had an 18V Hitachi set that worked great but I couldn't stomach paying for 2 new batteries (the old NiCads) when a new drill set was about $15 more. I had a 12v Bosch for small jobs and it fell apart, literally ... the whole chuck and innards went to cr@p and I had barely used it. Anyway I was lucky enough to switch it at Lowes for the 18V version long after warranty, but they only allowed me to take another Bosch and pay the difference. The 18v doesn't have much torque so needless to say, I'm not sold on Bosch at all, even though I know a lot of people are. The $140 Triton set just looked like a great deal and I couldn't find anything bad about it. or anything good really, since barely anyone uses them. They are expensive though so I was hoping that was because they are quality!

Actually I was going to ask her but then realized she's sponsored by Triton.

I just saw a Triton 20V hammer drill/impact driver combo (T20TP01) for $139.99, which seems like an absolute steal- less than half the price of most places. I have never used or even seen this brand in the flesh, but have heard good things about it. Anyone got first hand experience using Triton tools? How does it compare to the Dewalt, Bosch, Milwaukee ... etc?