After years of tool reviewers trying to figure out the difference between Flexvolt Advantage and Power Detect tools, DeWalt is defacto admitting they were the same tools all along by ditching both lines and reintroducing those existing tools as “NEW” 20V XR tools.
The rebranding announcement was quietly slipped into a press release promoting a few actual new tools: the 8 amp hr PowerPack battery, the new DCF860 impact driver and the new DCD1007 hammer drill.
The Rebranding Shift: This rebranding of existing tools as “NEW” XR tools may come off shady, because it is, but it’s a step in the right direction that will simplify product lines and enhance clarity for people investing in DeWalt’s battery platform.
We all speculated that Flexvolt Advantage and Power Detect were a way for DeWalt to sell the same tools at Home Depot and Lowe’s, while giving the stores exclusivity to bring in customers, but all it did in the end was cause confusion and create more distrust between DeWalt and it’s customers.
The question now is: Will DeWalt sell the same XR tools at Lowe’s and Home Depot or will they split the lineup between the two stores?
Anyway, heads up if you’re looking for new DeWalt 20V XR tools because the product pages do not currently distinguish between actual new tools vs rebranded tools.
Identifying the Rebrands: Here are the rebrands we know of so far: We’ll update this post as we learn more.
- DCG410 4.5-5″ Angle Grinder: Aka (Power Detect DCG415) or (Flexvolt Advantage DCG416)
- DCS384 Reciprocating Saw: Aka (Power Detect DCS368) or (Flexvolt Advantage DCS386)
- DCS590 7-1/4” Circular Saw: Aka (Power Detect DCS574) or (Flexvolt Advantage DCS573)
What This Means for You: If you own one of the PreBrand models, congratulations, you’re now the owner of a “new” XR tool. Wohoo!
Atomic Elephant in the Room: In my opinion they need to ditch Atomic next. It just seems like Flexvolt Advantage vs Power Detect part two with a twist. Most Atomic tools are a lame version of XR, which makes me think the point of the line is to sell lesser Craftsman level tools at Home Depot.
The twist is some Atomic tools appear to be actual XR tools.
For example, the (DCF850 Atomic) impact driver in the US is the (DCF850 XR) in the UK. If you look up the difference between XR and Atomic DeWalt says XR gets “enhanced components” but does not list that as a feature of Atomic. I like enhanced components. I like pigs feet! Every time I come in the kitchen you in the Kitchen, eatin’ up all the food.
My guess is the US and UK DCF850 are the same tool with the same parts.
Atomic means Compact
DeWalt has lots of compact, mid and full size XR tools e.g, the recip saws, so they don’t need Atomic as a “compact line.” And many Atomic are the same size as XR, look at the multi-tools. Besides, isn’t compact the whole point of 12V?
Conclusion: Give me 12V, 20V and 60V or give me Milwaukee or Makita.
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