Makita USA’s hottest new tool is… a “new” Outdoor Adventure heated blanket in olive green.
Did anyone ask for this?
You can also wrap it around your waist to keep your loins warm!
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Makita basically just relaunched the same heated blanket from 4 years ago, but in an outdoorsy green color instead of black.
This seems to be the trend for the company recently.
Retailers recently announced a new Makita 18V blower. Makita USA so far hasn’t said a peep about it.
It’s not a new product; it looks to be an 18V version of their 36V XGT cordless duster/blower.
This is similar to how their new Outdoor Adventure tools are the same 18V tools but in green.
Meanwhile, where are the new cordless nailers that already launched overseas? How about a cordless table saw? What about an 18V cordless air compressor?
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I spoke to an HVAC tech last week. He had a Makita 18V impact but was switching to Milwaukee for everything else. Why? “Makita doesn’t make the tools I need.”
Makita USA enacted a “company-wide reduction in force” recently, laying off hundreds of people.
The layoffs affected factory service centers in multiple states, and resulted in at least one service center closure.
Makita’s best 18V cordless power tool battery, their 5Ah battery pack, came out roughly 9 years ago. They have since updated it with a built-in fuel gauge.
They also have a 6Ah battery, but I wouldn’t use or recommend any brand’s older-gen 6Ah batteries for anything but low power applications. 5Ah batteries are a better choice for higher power delivery.
Makita has not yet brought higher capacity batteries to their 18V system, and at this point it looks like they never will.
Will they jump onto the pouch cell bandwagon? Or, if they are working on pouch cell batteries, will it also only be available in the XGT line?
Makita offered unprecedented promotions and discounts for their flagship XGT cordless power tool products in recent months. They had strong deals last holiday season, and even better discounts and promos earlier this year.
From what I’ve seen, Makita is not selling many XGT 40V Max (36V) tools, which could be what prompted the recent sales.
I purchased into the XGT lineup – one or two tools for personal use and the others to test for review. I have had problems with some of the tools, and while they’re good one-off solutions, I would not recommend them to anyone looking to buy into a system. The XGT system is still too limited, not to mention expensive.
Makita launched a new XGT USB charger and flashlight. Neat!!
But it’s not available here. Yet? Ever? Will there be an 18V version?
Makita USA advertises that they have the “world’s largest compatible 18V battery system.” I suppose this is helped by their selling a bunch of existing tools in “Outdoor Adventure” green.
How will the service center closures affect repair times?
I’d like to ask, but it seems Makita USA has put ToolGuyd on their media blacklist again. They haven’t provided any press information or answered any of our emails since just before I reported on their company-wide layoffs and May 2023 price increases. The most recent price increase was their third such pricing change since around the same time the previous year.
I’m sorry, am I supposed to be a good social media influencer and only parrot the talking points that are fed to me?
A reader comment came in today and prompted me to think about the XGT launch and rollout again. BobBrown wrote:
The XGT range launch was a complete mess and customers struggle to understand the various battery eco-systems.
Yes, and no.
The XGT launch was indeed a complete mess, but that was two years ago. It continues to be a mess, and I think it’s because Makita USA has not defined what the XGT cordless system is supposed to be.
Let’s talk about what Makita’s XGT line really is – a replacement for Makita’s 18V lineup, which hit its peak potential years ago.
If replacement is too strong of a word, how about modern alternative?
I get it – talking about XGT as a replacement or alternative system could alienate existing users. But do you know what else will push Makita’s existing 18V cordless power tool users away and towards competing brands? Price hikes and reduced staffing at service centers.
Makita currently advertises their XGT line as the “most powerful system,” with “in Makita USA Inc cordless systems” in fine print.
That part is amusing. Why couldn’t they simply say “Our Most Powerful System” and skip the need for qualifying fine print?
Makita USA also advertise that their 18V system is suited for “most applications” and XGT for “high demand applications.”
Is this XGT pin nailer supposed to be an example of a “high demand” application?
And let’s not forget about how the XGT cordless blower can be used for inflating beach balls. Is this an example of a “high demand” task that none of Makita’s 18V tools are capable of accomplishing?
What’s the difference between Makita’s new 18V cordless duster and the existing XGT model?
It seems that Makita is bringing some XGT tools and tech to their 18V platform. They can’t offer higher capacity 18V batteries because… well, they never explained why.
Why is Makita bringing certain tech to their 18V line but not others? An 18V version of the XGT duster/blower sounds good. Why does the XGT cordless drill have anti-kickback tech, but not the flagship 18V drill?
After more than two years, Makita USA still has not answered this question.
Other brands have 18V-class cordless drills with anti-kickback safety features. Makita’s XGT drill has this. They could bring this to their 18V offerings, but have not. Why?
An XGT cordless air compressor is coming out at some point. Couldn’t it be outfitted with an 18V X2 interface for 36V operation?
Why aren’t they doing this?
There’s no XGT to 18V adapter to date, outside of a charging accessory that lets 18V batteries charge on XGT chargers. Will that change if or once the XGT line is expanded enough to potentially supplant the 18V platform?
Two years after Makita launched the system here, Home Depot recently stocked their first-ever Makita XGT cordless power tools in stores for the spring promotional season. They were given a bit of back wall space in the seasonal area, behind the Dewalt, Milwaukee, and Ryobi displays. When I last checked, my store still had a couple of XGT outdoor tools in a downsized display.
How is XGT going to gain traction when they are largely absent from what I assume to be Makita USA’s largest retail partner?
Price hikes are hurting the brand’s appeal to potential and existing customers. Reduced staffing at service centers is presumably going to hurt repair or parts turnaround.
Here are the profits that Makita reported for their North America business segment over the past few years:
FYE March 31, 2019: 267 million yen (~$1.98 million) PROFIT
FYE March 31, 2020: 201 million yen (~$1.49 million) LOSS
FYE March 31, 2021: 3,681 million yen (~$27.3 million) PROFIT
FYE March 31, 2022: 803 million yen (~$5.96 million) PROFIT
FYE March 31, 2023: 912 million yen (~$6.77 million) LOSS
USD conversions were done with 5/5/23 conversion rate of 134.80 yen to 1 USD.
Makita’s 18V system is being expanded with new unique solutions at a snail’s pace, and they long-ago reached the hard limit with respect to 18V battery performance. The XGT system doesn’t have the same limits, but it’s expensive and doesn’t seem very popular.
Makita launched the XGT cordless power tool system two years ago, and I would have expected to see interest pick up by now. XGT is not looking to be the flagship system everyone thought it could be.
I bought into XGT, but would not recommend it to most users. I see it as a line of one-off solutions, rather than a broad system.
I’m avoiding Makita 18V tools, as the company has done nothing to convince me it’s not an aging and outgoing cordless platform.
I fully expected XGT to offer more by now, to where it shadowed the 18V system. Basically, I expected XGT to become the prime focus for pro users, and the 18V system to be emphasized for its seasonal values, such as value-priced combo kit “special buys” and similar.
Makita USA isn’t doing the XGT system justice with their current “for high demand applications” strategy. But this approach might not be preserving 18V sales and interest either, as suggested by the recent layoffs and price hikes.
Some users are not concerned with the expansion, advancement, and support of a cordless power tool system, and make purchase decisions based on specific present day needs. But many do not just buy a couple of tools, they seek to buy into a system.
Competing cordless power tool brands’ systems are better defined and differentiated, such as Bosch, Dewalt, Milwaukee, and Flex. They’re not perfect. For example, what’s the difference between Milwaukee M18 and M18 Fuel? Dewalt Atomic and XR? But, those options all work with the same batteries in their respective systems.
With Makita 18V and XGT, you have to buy into them separately. If you want a cordless jig saw, you can’t get that in XGT yet. If you want higher capacity or more powerful batteries, or more premium features such as a drill with anti-kickback, you can’t get that in 18V yet.
Two years later, Makita hasn’t cleared things up one bit. They advertise their 18V LXT system as “one system,” and “the ideal solution for all pros,” but it’s not. The 18V system lags behind both competing systems and Makita’s XGT platform. The XGT system is far from complete and is still missing many core tools, preventing it from being a one-and-only cordless platform for many tool users.
18V and XGT are overlapping flagship cordless systems, which doesn’t seem like an ideal situation.
Is Makita going to launch new 18V tools and accessories two years from now? Five? What about XGT? How many XGT tools launched overseas but not here in the USA yet? Will this improve or worsen, and what does it depend on?
As a consumer, I feel that there are too many questions that Makita should have answered by now. Or rather, there are too many questions tool users shouldn’t have to ask.
When Makita USA announced the XGT brand here, the muddiness between 18V LXT and 36/40V Max XGT was frustrating but perhaps forgivable. I had assumed that this would be short-lived. More than two years later, things aren’t any clearer.
But hey, at least you can now buy their 18V heated blanket in green.
What are your thoughts on the brand today?
Dave
I like Makita. Any given tool I’d much prefer it to be a Makita than a Milwaukee or Dewalt, but their eccentric product development has always made them difficult to run as a main platform. They haven’t, and probably wouldn’t ever say it, but their 18v stuff now seems like their “B” tier product. The new hammer drill is noticeably lower quality than the 40v. The lack of any cross compatability like Multivolt, or Flexvolt makes their stuff a hard sell.
Lance
Makita’s existing line of 18v tools is more than powerful enough for most work, and for the jobs that need more power they have 18v X2. If they would stop pushing the XGT line and put out pouch or 21700 18v batteries, they could literally DOMINATE every other tool brand on power.
Don’t believe me? 18v X2 uses TWICE as many cells as other platforms do, and 1/3 more cells than even the huge triple-row 12Ah solutions from Red and Yellow. More cells, more power.
XGT is limited to either 10 cells or 20, which is why the 20 cell 5Ah XGT battery is so huge… but it’s using 18650’s which limits its power to the same as the 18v X2 system that’s been using 20 18650 cells for over a decade. XGT also can’t do a compact 5 cell battery like 18v can.
I see more builders on YT using Makita 18v than other brands. When I say builders, I mean actual pros who build for a living, the ones I subscribe to anyway. Makita 18v tools are tops in quality, if not power, but they get the job done. Nicely.
Having said that, I see a lot of trades in person using Milwaukee, less using DeWalt.
Makita, WAKE UP! XGT is only necessary for huge tools that need 80v (Milwaukee launched their MX platform for these tools). 18v and 18v X2 easily handles everything else (Milwaukee went there too), and would be future-proof if you released more powerful batteries to support it.
XGT is too expensive and too limited. If someone is going to change brands away from LXT because they need more power, there’s little to convince them XGT is the answer.
A W
“keep your loins warm” made me laugh out loud. 😅
Stuart
Seemed like an accurate way to put it!
Doresoom
Just about made me spit out my coffee when I read that! 😂
Raycr
Stuart when you put a minus sign in front a dollar sign it means a loss in universally accepted accounting language. Brackets around a number can also lean a loss on a balance sheet or income sheet
Nathan
Back 10 years ago or more than. Makita was one of the top choices for a cordless drill and later the first impact drivers. But that’s about all since
I like their coffee maker idea. They made a cordless cooling shirt if I recall but only for Japan.
Today I don’t even look in their direction. Too expensive. Too limited. And once you get into yellow or red batteries there isn’t any reason to look teal
Their miter saw is supposed great as are some of their other items. But again. Dollars for ability and warranty I’m looking elsewhere
madnys
I’m in NZ so don’t know if it is different elsewhere but lately Makita’s promo/redemptions have been way behind other brands.
I also don’t understand why they are still selling a brushed drill new DHP458/XPH03 that is well over 10 years old when they have comparable cheaper smaller brushless drills available. This is the same across the whole line which must be a manufacturing / logistics nightmare.
And the whole 40v is just a marketing stunt as more = better, 18v ( or 18v X2 ) is more than enough to run high demand tools which is proven by every other manufacturer. With the 40v line they are unlikely to make High Demand / High Capacity / Powerstack in the 18v range and these would also not fit on some X2 tools. Also making a 40v powerstack battery would be significantly larger.
I have recently purchased some adaptors to use my Makita tools on Milwaukee batteries and will slowly switch to Milwaukee tools even though I feel they are slightly inferior in the feel ( vibration, tigger action ).
Power wise they are all of a muchness and using the correct bit / sharp bit is more important. None of this 2″+ self feed bits that cut the whole hole but a deep TCT holesaw with a quick release arbor ( spyder / bosch ) that save battery life and last significantly more holes
Lance
Good point! Makita keeps selling old inferior tools just to keep theirs the “largest” platform, but this must cost them a fortune! Now they’re making the same tools in different colors too. They could easily cancel 1/3 of their 18v tools without creating any holes in their lineup. Why do they need 10 drills and 10 impact drivers?
Also, why are they not updating their compact battery? In Canada all we can get is the pathetic 1.5Ah model. In the US it’s a 2.0Ah with a battery gauge. Trash both of those and sell a 2.5Ah with the better cells and a gauge for Pete’s sake!!!
I love Makita tools but they are a strange company, for sure.
Munklepunk
Selling products in different colors is a great marketing technique. Black special edition Europe only DeWalt power tools, black only packout in Europe, camo hunting rifles that animals cannot see, pink guns for woman or anyone else who like color.
As for the volume of redundant tools, yeah that’s just dumb. I think I counted 21 drills and 18 impact drivers. But with different models numbers being used and Japan having their own, they have industrial lines that aren’t available, who really knows.
Rog
I have a large investment in Makita and they’ve always been my favorite of the big three but it’s getting harder and harder to justify continuing with them. Between the absurd price increases and lack of worthwhile updates to the 18v, I don’t know why I would bother. Which really does upset me cuz Makita had a finesse that the other brands don’t but that can’t carry them anymore. They’re falling way behind—and fast—with their nonsensical “marketing” and decision-making.
Jared
Two incompatible systems, where one can never compete in the high power space and the other can’t do compact, makes no sense. Maybe that’s why Makita can’t explain it either.
XGT is too expensive, limited and awkward to compete with the red and yellow offerings as a system. LXT is expensive, dated and already at the ceiling of its capabilities.
It’s too bad, I think Makita makes nice tools.
Lance
The 18v and 18v x2 systems only need better batteries to be at the top of the game. Their resistance on that SINGLE point is holding them back. Sad.
Jim Premo
Try XGT circular saws and then you will be on board.
Certain tools need to be 12v, 18V, 40v and 80v.. Almost always xgt 40v will beat lxt x2. Size weight and power.
Tim D.
That blanket only heats a very small section of the blanket. It makes no sense to me. I would actually consider one for glamping if the entire blanket heated, but whats the point of it as is?
Makita’s XGT lineup is a slap in the face to LXT customers, considering Dewalt and Milwaukee are both able to make their 18v platforms deliver more power, or utilize the same interface and provide backwards compatibility. Makita NA seems to be run by morons. Is the olive drab revamp of tools a North America only thing? What a waste of time and resources. Hopefully they’ll go on sale and I can get their cooler for a steal.
I’ve been in the LXT series for over a decade now. They make most of the tools I need, but I’ve found myself buying in the m12 lineup for hand tools like ratchets, staplers, die grinders, etc. In addition, I’ve bought some Ryobi lately for hot glue guns, sprayers, and the low pressure inflator($35 vs almost $200 for Makita). I might consider paying more for Makita models if I used them to make a living, but they’re occasional use tools for me.
I’ll probably milk the LXT line for as long as I can, since I’ve already got so many of my tools in that lineup, and they’re all holding up great.
In my mind, Milwaukee is doing the best job with innovation.
Lance
Agreed on all points, including the odd Ryobi purchase.
Joe H
Makita is too expensive and too outdated and their selection is lacking so I stopped paying any attention to them really a long time ago. But I admire how eccentric they are in offering oddball stuff.
Ciccio
Makita 12 v CXT line is mostly ” not brushless”
I think they started to introduce some brushless model recently, but, in my opinion, too little, too late.
Gosh their 12 v screwdriver is still the brushed one i purchased 6-7 years ago.
As far as other tools are concerned, on the 18 V line, they seems to be ok few gaps in model line up. Drills, for instance, they have one DIY model, another one with 530 lbs torque and plastic chuck and nothing else except for the big one with 1250 lbs torque. In between some old models brushed, and the compact black line. Nothing in the 750 lbs torque range brushless. Impact seems to find the right spot at 1560 lbs of torque, but too many buttons and controls, when majority of workers out there live in speed 2. Marketing Hype ? Tools seems nice, although quality is not there anymore, but same for some other brands. The new outdoor/adventure line is the new addition that has nothing to do with tools.
Daniel V
Makita really needs to step up their game in basically every area. They don’t have a good Packout competitor, their 12v line is way too little to be worth investing into, their battery technology is way outdated, their stuff is expensive, and we see new products in areas that nobody asked for or wanted (Not to say they aren’t useful, but there are certainly better things they could’ve made), the XGT line is too small, and the list goes on.
Lewis
Makita is my “home” platform, and for 10 yrs of full time remodeling I’ve had no regrets (the impact just feels great and kicks ass). There really are great tools in the lineup, but as I’ve expanded beyond the core set I’ve increasingly found that Makita is either outclassed (finish nailers) or just absent. Now I’m half Teal and half Red, and use the M12 surge at least as much as my beloved, beat up Teal impact. Its disheartening to see a great line fumbling, and I imagine they must be having their lunch eaten by the larger purveyors of (once) lesser gear. I hope they find their footing.
Addicted2Red
Meh
I hate the plastic that they use on their batteries. It feels like a slippery toy.
Rob
It’s polycarbonate
Tim+E.
I went with Makita 18V for my OPE, and I don’t regret that decision at all, and don’t think I will. That doesn’t mean I don’t look elsewhere as well though. I got Milwaukee’s M12 sprayers rather than Makita’s backpack sprayers to upgrade from Ryobi which were okay but you could feel the cheapness. M12 mini hedge trimmer to replace the somewhat underwhelming Makita one. But I had Makita’s coupleshaft system before Milwaukee’s QuikLok existed, and still enjoy it thoroughly. I also use Makita as something of a fill the gap system, their stick vac was around before anyone else I saw made a stick vac, we still have it hanging inside with the cyclone attachment and use it often on hard floors. Same with their inflator, though Ryobi might have beaten them to market there. Track saw. Makita’s commercial vacuum options remain unparalleled, if “commercially” priced.
I use the 18Vx2 couple shaft head mainly, then also have the gas power head option that is fantastic for certain attachments and situations, and have added the single battery head as well which I admittedly like the least by far. Got a non couple shaft 18V x2 string trimmer since I find the balance and feel better with the motor at the cutting head, love it. Picked up the steel deck mower on clearance, 18V x2 again, and it’s pretty nice, only thing missing is a leaf pickup / high lift mode to force it into high speed outside of being bogged down (they have an always stay in low speed “quiet” mode, but no always stay in high speed “leaf” mode, kind of unfortunate, but not complaining for the price I paid). 18V x2 blower, blower/leaf vac, and a chainsaw rounds it out. I’m not a lawn crew running all day, but on a 2 acre property the 5Ah batteries are fine, I can usually get 3+ cuts worth of string trimming on a set of batteries, 2-3 using the blower, and 5+ with the couple shaft edger. I also like in the fall I can use the battery backpack unit to give more runtime for the blower if I really need as well. The mower is just for our smaller fenced area, and though it could replace my Honda for that job, I love the Honda too much. Got all the tools on deal and during their “get 4 batteries on outdoor tools” promotion that ran for what seemed like years, so I have tons of 5Ah batteries. I keep half about 50% charged, use them once a year and charge and down to 60% again for storage, and rotate through the rest which gives me a dedicated set of batteries on every tool except the chainsaw, and usually I don’t keep any in the mower and use those to swap whenever a tool does. The batteries have been rock solid, some are going on 6 years old or so and still work great, haven’t noticed any charge capacity reduction even, and the ones I’m just storing to use as older ones die so far are both holding up fine and haven’t been needed. It’s just anecdotal, but I think the 5Ah 18V batteries were a sweet spot, all my Makita ones have been totally solid, all my M18 5Ahs have been totally solid, no need to fix what isn’t broken. And they can’t do larger on 18V because it won’t fit x2 tools, which has definitely trapped Makita on needing XGT to be able to introduce higher capacity batteries.
Now, in a decade or so when batteries are wearing out, we’ll see what’s still around. I don’t foresee some radical change in OPE so as long as the 18V line hasn’t died or been replaced with something other than LXT, I’d probably find a battery deal and get more batteries and keep going with the same equipment if possible. Something would have to be pretty compelling to justify sinking a few grand at least into all new OPE, and I’d really have to enjoy using it to want to move.
Champs
This probably shouldn’t be anyone’s first choice but I wouldn’t make it my last.
Makita is one of those brands that kinda sorta does its own thing. I’m not sure I need a microwave oven or a coffee maker, but they make them. Who’s got a fan-driven rain jacket for warm weather? You’re either along for the ride or you’re not.
Eliot Truelove
And I love them for that. Articles like this, while informative, seem overly pessimistic. I do appreciate Stuart not towing any company line and saying how he feels however.
I’m mostly all in on Makita, but recognize flaws and gaps as well. I run a Milwaukee 18ga nailer on a battery adapter, I even spray painted it a very close color matched Rust-Oleum Lagoon.
I don’t have any XGT tools yet, but everyone I’ve seen who actually uses them, like for any of the saws, knows they are unparalleled. The initial launch was bogged down by the pandemic, a tough time for any company, and hiccups in the initial offerings are to be expected.
These tools pay for themselves, and if you exercise some self control in other areas of life and don’t spend as much on unecessary things you can easily afford it. I think we lose sight of the fact that these pieces, across all platforms and not just Makitas, are incredible pieces of technology.
As much as I’d hate to see it, I think all tool manufacturers should raise prices. The alternative is to cheap out and skimp in quality and quality control. Makita, at least to my mind, wouldn’t dream of skimping on quality. In the contractors triangle of cheap, fast, and quality, my hope is they are raising the prices so that they can maintain the quality and ramp up production.
To get these in to Glampers hands is a smart move I think. Tiny house living and all that may seem a fad, but many people are dedicated to the freedom, and being cordless is so nice.
Makita may seem eccentric, but often the eccentric start the trends that become the standard.
Stuart
The company downgraded the batteries included with many cordless kits, raised prices 3 times since last year, recently fired service and support associates and closed a service center.
Many Makita tool users are switching or at least looking beyond the brand for professional tool needs.
The launch was not bogged down because of the pandemic, their marketing is flawed and conflicted. One of their initial primary focuses was on the battery size, and how you can use it on an impact driver. That they won’t promote XGT for what it is has and will hamper their efforts.
What reason is there to be optimistic? The brand seems to be falling apart.
XGT adoption looks to have been very poor so far, and 18V looks to be a stagnant. “Outdoor Adventure” is a good concept, but has not been well-executed in my opinion.
How are they going to turn things around? Or are there going to be more corrections that affect end users (such as the closure or staff reduction at more service centers)?
Franco
I am sorry to say, that you are on a rant, possibly because of your frustration of Makita USA.
I was one who was very upset with XGT when it came out. I thought LXT users were being sold out. I still love my LXT tools, 2nd Dewalt. I am now up to 3 failed Milwaukee tools. No failures by all the other brands I have.
You extol many areas Makita is lacking, and I agree XGT does not seem to have lived up to what the initial launch was hoping for. But as expensive as they are, those that use them, the majority like or love them.
The others, DeWalt has been much slower releasing FV tools. Milwaukee, they have pushed their M18 beyond reason. They did come out with MX, but the gap between M18 and MX is just too wide. Their goal seems to be to win races on YT.
Bosch, similar to Makita, look more at global sales. Many in Europe and Asia, as well as many markets around the world, are quick to say comments like, “the world or universe does not revolve around the USA.”
I think we can see this with Bosch and Makita, and many MFR’s outside the tool industry.
Stuart, your frustration with Makita US may be because they get very little from HQ in Japan, because HQ cares more about the markets they are succeeding in and less in a tough US market.
As much as the US is a large market, not everyone can be top dog. So invest less PR & resources in the US, and focus on the areas they do well.
Noah
I’m a carpenter and I have most of makita’s 18v carpentry related tools. I can’t speak to the other tools they make but I don’t feel like they are lacking in any way for me. I don’t know if I would have been any better off with Milwaukee or dewalt, although at the time Makita had the most comprehensive carpentry tool lineup and now it seems like the other brands have caught up. I haven’t gotten into battery nail guns yet but I would probably look at Milwaukee or hitachi. Makita seems to be behind in that area
Lance
Agreed. Makita has carpentry covered with tools that work great. They just don’t win the influencer’s head-to-head races which drive hobbyist sales.
Hans Hauge
They just don’t do nail guns. Why don’t they do nail guns?
Jim Premo
Makita does nail guns. They have the best 23ga pin nailer on the market. 18 ga brad nailer is good. 16ga finish nailer is good.
Franco
“influencer’s head-to-head race”….I gave up on these YT’ers, they are a waste of time. Too much grunt factor. There are many other channels which care less about who wins the race, more about the overall tool performance.
Eliot Truelove
I run a Milwaukee 18gauge with a Makita battery adapter. I even taped off the vents and black rubber bits and spray painted it Rust-Oleum Lagoon to be a close enough color match to my Makita offerings. It works really great. If Milwaukee has a tool that I need, I’m sticking with Makita and running my batteries, unless it’s a high power high volume tool, then I’ll use a dedicated high power Milwaukee battery. I’ve seen too many bricked M18 and DeWalt batteries to want to have them in my tools.
For me the biggest thing is the warranty issues with other brands. I’ve never had to use my warranty, whereas so many guys that run red I know are visiting their local rep almost once a month for batteries, nail guns gas cylinders needing to be recharged, trigger issues, etc. It’s disheartening because I think healthy competition is good, but if too many companies lower there quality and still get the money, it tempts others to lower their quality as well.
I actually appreciate Makita raising there prices, because that appeals to the buy once cry once people like myself in that they are saying we won’t lower the quality to keep the same price due to inflation. My hope is they’ve raised the prices to pay for the Research and development of some incredible innovations in the near future.
Blocky
I have a lot of LXT. The xdt16 impact driver is the best I’ve ever held. The soft impact I prefer to Milwaukees, but it never made it to cxt and it needs an update. The subcompact drill was wildly popular around here but the chuck was poor. The track saw sees a ton of projects and more than pulls its weight. The brushless jigsaw kicks ass. The inflator works well. The blower is excellent. The string trimmer is solid. The chainsaw is good functionally but the batteries can’t really keep pace. The stick vacs are used daily and throughout the day. Palm router with the dust collection hood makes it my most used and I often pair it with the xcv11? HEPA dust extractor, which is a little weak but also just the right form factor for small things. The xsh03 6.5” circ saw really rips. I can run that all day without my arm getting tired or joints getting achey. I can cut true with dewalt and Milwaukee saws too, but the makita has my favorite ergos. Brushless grinder is solid. The stick lights are good. Fan is super quiet and exceeded the quality of several of our home fans. Durability on everything has been excellent. Makita is very good to me. Although I perceive they may be falling behind in releasing useful innovations, my tools that are 5 or 10 years old do not feel outpaced at work.
I’m brand agnostic— I do fill out the range with bosch, Milwaukee, hitachi, and even have a worx maker kit. Most of my battery tools are LXT.
Lance
I feel the same. We’ll put.
Eliot Truelove
Very well put.
Like you said, when you get to using Makita day in day out it’s hard to look at other offerings without first trying them out. When you know, then you buy their offering. I run my 18ga Milwaukee with a Makita battery adapter, I even taped off the black rubber bits and vents and spray painted it RustOleum Lagoon to somewhat match my other Makita tools and so it would get stolen)walk off a jobsite. For most tools though, Milwaukee and DeWalt guys feel they HAVE to work because the tools is faster and more powerful than they are and they feel it in the vibrations and por ergonomics, whereas Makita guys feel they WANT to work because the tool ergos and features make it borderline enjoyable even for the toughest and roughest tasks.
TomD
How do I feel about Makita? I don’t think about them at all.
Matt
I am heavily invested in both Milwaukee M18 and M12 for cordless, with a little bit of Ryobi and Kobalt thrown in. Makita’s cordless platform, even LXT, has always seemed to have no focus or product development strategy. My wife gave me an LXT kit ten years ago to replace my aging Bosch cordless tools. I immediately exchanged them for Milwaukee and haven’t looked back.
That being said, for corded tools I almost exclusively rely on Makita or Bosch. Miter saw, sanders, routers, large saws… You can’t beat this two brands for smoothness and corded build quality.
I feel like Makita decided to get in on cordless lithium ion tools with the LXT system and never had a development strategy. It was all over the place and still is. Now the same is happening with XGT. They need to get someone in at corporate who can cut the vanity flights of fancy and focus development on going toe-to-toe with red and yellow. No more microwaves and coffee makers. No more batteries of a single capacity with outdated cells.
That’s the only way they turn the ship around.
TomD
It’s sad because 15-20 years ago “grab the makita” was how we said “bust out the good tool”. I’ve no real complaints about quality from the ones I’ve used but I’ve just never seen anything remotely interesting.
Amusing, yes. But actually purchase inducing? No.
Harrison
I’m generally a Makita fan, but I’m also brand agnostic, so I don’t let the gaps in any brand’s lineup get to me. I mix it up with a variety of tools to make the most of different platforms. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, ‘platform marketing’ is mostly FUD to keep consumers in line.
Makita is a weird old school Japanese company for all the good and bad that entails.
It’s too bad their international marketing channels can’t be more transparent and communicative.
xu lu
They morphed into Sony before its minor renaissance. While not a dead brand, the level of innovation has slowed to a crawl. They are selling DRM Walkmen and the market moved to ipods. Solid engineering talent but that is a problem as they seem inwardly focused instead of pointed at the user-pro or otherwise. Very little reason to purchase this brand unless you are invested.
Adam
I like Makita, I’ve got several of their corded tools, I’ve got some of their 18 volt tools, I like some of the XGT 40 volt tools like the rear handle saw, but I’m not buying into that system it’s too expensive, maybe I would if the price came down I do think Makita has a bit of a problem with two battery systems, but if you want a powerful cordless saw 18 volt just isn’t powerful enough.
Lance
That’s why they went 18v X2. If they would just release more powerful batteries they could be top of the class.
Adam
I don’t like the 18 volt X2 system, you have to have two batteries fully charged and ready all the time, I could see situations where that would be a pain, that’s why makita bought the XGT 40 system out, it’s one battery.
Travis
My first cordless drill was a Makita and it was a game changer for me. I also purchased some corded tools over the years. Unfortunately for the past 5 or 6 years that has changed. Milwaukee and Dewalt have too many great offerings to ignore. My last Makita purchase was the 18v top handle chainsaw about 2 or 3 years ago. It was a huge disappointment. It cuts out for no reason even under moderate load. The batteries get hot. That was the end of the road for me and Makita.
Lance
A truly great tool lineup being let down by out of date battery tech. Sad.
Eliot Truelove
Chainsaws benefit from more cells or higher voltage. Makitas 18Vx2 36v chainsaws are brilliant and have the best ergos and are the smoothest.
Brand exclusivity is not the best way, and Makita knows that. They partner with Bosch and other companies on many offerings.
Even their batteries circuit board lend themselves to electronics hobbiests and niche applications like powered exosuits and prosthetics because the batteries have overload, over discharge, overheat protect in the batteries instead of in the tool like Milwaukee, Dewalt, and other companies. It’s why their batteries often get bricked and need replacing. Only Ryobi does the same with the onboard battery management, it’s why Ryobi can make the tools so stupid cheap. All the tech is in the battery.
For those who know, they know. I’m more than happy to let the hot rod and utilitarian guys have their hot rod and utilitarian tools. When I need them, I’ll get them. At the end of the day, day in day out, I don’t want to return home with unecessary aches and pains because of super powerful vibrating poor ergonomic tools. I’ll stick with the tools that are much smoother.
fred
I’ve bought 10 Makita tools since 2020. 7 were gifts and were well received. I got positive after-use feedback from the recipients on the two LXTx2 saws (XSR01Z and XSH10Z) that were gifts. I got very positive comments back on the GPS01Z 40V track saw the XOB03Z 18V sander and GSH04Z 40V saw given as a birthday presents last year. For myself – I felt that the best purchase was a XGD01Z LXTx2 earth auger bought in 2021. My wife also like the XMU04Z grass shears – but they were a replacement for an older one that seems to have walked away. I’m a bit less impressed with the AAS001GZ 40V blower (bought from Amazon Japan) – but maybe my expectations on that tool were too high. The last 2 of the ten – were a XCC01Z and a XSJ02Z that were on folks wish lists – for which I don’t recall having gotten any feedback.
Overall, I agree with others’ comments that Makita as a company and with their North American marketing seems to be a bit of an enigma. the days when they were the undisputed leader in cordless tools are long gone and other have overtaken them in terms of breadth and depth of new offerings. But they are still a solid contender. I think it’s a bit akin to the rental car business – where Hertz used to be #1 – but seems to be #3 these days – behind Enterprise and Avis in terms of revenues.
Munklepunk
Tool for tool i will generally choose Makita based upon experience. But they don’t seem to have any type of optics when it comes to marketing or customer service. Ask them a question on Instagram and you get the same exact answer every single time, there is never a human response. That should be an absolute go to for a company, interaction. The local tool distributors know every single tool rep except Makita. Go to home depot, who do you see, Milwaukee and Ryobi.
Makita has always been known as a carpentry first company, but they can’t make a cordless nail gun that works. They built a 40 volt that’s doa. 1.5″ max is useless and that giant battery is obnoxiously large and heavy. The 23 ga suffers the same fate with the battery. Why does the m12 and Dewalt 12 volt work so well and be so nimble but Makita have to have that anchor.
Adam
I bought the second generation Milwaukee 16 gauge finish gun , and it’s very good but some other Milwaukee tools I don’t like, it’s the same with makita it’s interesting how Makita can’t make a good nail gun.
Albert
I really like Makita’s corded miter saws, track saws and die grinders. I like that blower but don’t think much of their cordless tools in general. I wonder how important the US market is to them. Maybe their focus is on their own domestic market, or some other overseas market?
PW
Subjectively, I have a positive perception of Makita tools generally. I don’t have any cordless tools, but have always been impressed with the quality and engineering in what I have. Also I like the teal! Its’s attractive and muted in a sea of bright toddler colors for tools.
I remember seeing Makita’s subcompact 18v tools in store and being impressed with their ergonomics in my hands. I really wanted some!
However, their general pricing and availability made it harder to seal the deal.
Now with their XGT fiasco and price hikes I definitely have little interest. Battery platform longevity and support was my #1 factor in choosing a primary platform. I still think Makita makes tools that are professional and ergonomic but not flashy. But I’m not using them daily and price and support matter more.
Bob
I’ve been impressed with Makita enough over the years to have accumulated 20+ LXT tools and multiple corded tools (miter saw, air compressor, metal chop saw). Sadly their pricing has scaled too fast for me to consider the XGT line and I’ve slowly been collecting more Ryobi to fill in gaps.
Mark M.
If I ran Makita—and clearly I never will—I would divest of the products that will never rule a segment…drivers or inflators or whatever…and focus on a narrower portfolio but make those tools show-stoppers, best in class. Track saw, miter saw, I don’t even know. But it seems like a B-grade brand trying to compete on every front is destined to fail, or just exist in a state of mediocrity.
Bonnie
The core of my tool selection is Makita, in corded and LXT (I also have a handful of Ryobi tools on Dewalt adapters and ended up with DeWalt OPE) and I have zero interest in adding XGT as a line, even for high-demand tools the lack of cross compatibility is a killer, and fuck using a 40v pack up a ladder on an impact driver. But the GXT line existing also makes me leary of buying anything new for LXT.
I think Makita still generally makes better tools pound-for-pound, and it’s not just the specs but the build quality, the feel in the hand, and the longevity (dropped my decade old impact off of so many ladder, barely a scratch, and it’s crazy easy to repair if I do something stupid like snap a bit inside the anvil). But I’m a DIYer, so barring some massive sea-change in tech, I have no reason to buy another drill/impact/circular saw or whatever, and at this point my tool purchases are either corded for the shop (probably upgrade to the makita tracksaw at some point) or OPE where I’ve already got a selection of FlexVolt tools and packs since Makita was behind the curve when I was buying in.
John
It’s funny anytime there is a less than glowing commentary about a brand, most commenters pile on as well. No brand is perfect or anywhere close. I have tools from at least 8 battery platforms because I want a quality tool and in no way can you stay on one platform and get all top tools or unique tools.
Makita has a lot of quality tools on LXT. I use them daily and they never let me down. I have more than 2 dozen 5ah LXT batteries, all work just fine. Maybe not the flashiest marketing battery nonsense other brands do, but the batteries work, the tools work.
I don’t own XGT tools. I understand why they went to a bigger battery line but It doesn’t solve any needs for me.
Too many people are tribal about their tools, just like their sports teams and so much more that is “YETI’d” in their life.
Jim Felt
Wait. What? You think wildly over priced often weird colored coolers are just a fade?
Hmm. I too hope so.
Eliot Truelove
Well said. I really really like Makita, but know their failings. They’ll always be the smoothest most quality tool with the best ergonomics, this often means sacrificing power or speed though. I’m not in a race to the finish. Even on job rates, I put in my 8 hours every day except the last, and even then I stretch it out to dot my i’s and cross my t’s. Anecdotally, the guys who have no brand loyalty tend to be the best tradesman I know.
TomD
Some of the people (even me!) with the most “brand loyalty” are also the same people who would be absolutely aghast if you suggested they pick one or two calibers for guns and stick with it.
But prosumers are always more tied up with their tools than tradesmen are.
Adam
I don’t understand why Makita has a cordless 40 volt microwave , I think that’s ridiculous they should focus on good tools, what’s next a Makita dishwasher, Makita refrigerator.
Bob
Makita DCW180Z
Raycr
I would run a $100. Cheap micro wave off a genset and save the batteries for the tools. It is crazy heating up your hot pockets on Makita batteries
Perry
I own a makita fridge, it’s great to have on a jobsite. I don’t have to worry about icewater soaking my lunch.
Franco
Here again, are people looking at themselves, or believing that this was aimed for their market. I am not sure if it has been released in the US, but I guarantee it was NOT developed thinking of the US market.
There are places like Japan and other countries that have different customs, cultures, and what is considered socially acceptable. There are markets where this microwave is considered a fantastic idea.
But again, this was not developed for you or the US market.
Jason
When Milwaukee was making their big ole metal chuck hammer drills and huge metal nose impact, Dewalt was making big powerful XRP nicad tools but reliable 3 speed gearbox and chucks. Makita’s big advantage was a more compact battery and super light weight tools. Maybe not the most powerful but not boat anchors like the other 2.
Dewalt switched to slide packs and then later launched atomic, Milwaukee had their brushless lines, Makita was still honestly better in ergonomics and size IMO.
Where they went wrong was not forward thinking their electronics packages. When they launched 4.0 and 5.0 even those weren’t compatible with half their tools (source: https://toolguyd.com/makita-18v-lxt-tools-and-bl1840-battery-compatibility/)
I’m sure they want nothing more than to launch 8.0, 12.0 etc. batteries, and there’s nothing keeping them from doing it physically or intellectually. Heck even Ryobi has them now. The problem is if they did it wouldn’t be compatible with half their tools and if it was it would fry older tools. Seriously, props to Ryobi the stick style isn’t great and that 12 AH has got to be massive but you could stick that thing on your original blue “six pack” tools from 20 years ago and it would work.
Nate
I like this comment, Jason. I am a Makita fan, and consider them to have exceptional quality. Makita’s ergonomics and innovation with LXT are great. However, the electronics and electrical engineering decisions seem to be limiting them. Makita’s work on 18×2 was good. I wished they had found a way to scale the line from LXT and XGT on a single battery in the way Hitachi (er, Metabo HPT) had. Breaking compatibility (in the 2020s no less) just seems incredibly short sighted. I bought into Metabo HPT precisely because I liked their electrical engineering solution that allowed me to scale from subcompact 18v to 36v with a single platform, using the MultiVolt batteries. That, and the promos have been awesome.
Franco
I am not sure why people keep harping on the 4 & 5 amp batteries being not compatible.
My first LXT tools were bought in 2008. I am not sure what they did with the initial run of 4 amp batteries, maybe something to do with Energy Star, but when I bought my first 4 amp, it would not slide onto some of my tools. I melted off a piece on the battery and then it fit everything.
Since then, every 4 & 5 I bought, all fit on every tool I have, going back to my 2008 tools, without having to remove or melt a tab of the battery.
MacLean Flood
Love my Makita tools but they’ve priced themselves out of my prosumer market. I wanted a cordless fluid transfer pump…ended buying HF Bauer. That lead to a Bauer heat gun just before Makita released one. I was able to score a good deal on a Makita palm sander…$80. And I just bought a HF Bauer trim router. Hoping it can route out 3″ square washer plates on 4x6s…if not I have a Jurassic era Craftsman plunge router…can always run extension cords.
I need more batteries. Or more importantly Makita needs better ones before I spend $90 plus on a 5a ten year old tech battery. Some of 10 year old batteries are starting to get weak.
I’ll run out all 8 of my batteries in less than two hours running an X2 weed eater and blower. I’ll probably add a solar power station to the mix so I can charge as I go…but that’s bulky and impractical for trail maintenance aka backpacking with tools.
Hans Hauge
I have a boatload of Makita LXT tools. I’ll probably buy a few more. But, I refuse to move forward with the brand. Not facilitating backwards compatibility with the new system ended my love for them. Their decision not to release any new batteries for LXT basically makes me hate them. I don’t usually like my coworkers yellow tools, but I’d go with them if I could turn back the clock. The way Dewalt rolled out flexvolt was honorable. XGT’s rollout in contrast has been petty and incompetent. Hope they get laughed out of the US market.
Munklepunk
The one area you don’t have to worry about Makita is the LXT batteries. They may not be the highest draw whatever but they are they work horses that will last forever. Probably the best built on the market. You just said ten years on batteries like it’s a bad thing. Just because you can’t see the tech doesn’t meant they haven’t updated the guts.
BTW, any high speed spinny thing kills batteries. Doesn’t matter the brand.
Eliot Truelove
This is what people don’t understand about Makita batteries. They didn’t just add a battery gauge when updating the batteries, under the hood the Battery Management is really superb. It may not be multivolt like Metabo HPT or DeWalt, but it offers solid battery protection and longevity. Reliability is a big thing, and while a higher capacity battery would be the bees knees, most tools don’t need it besides extended runtime. And where they do, the 36v double battery versions make up for it in a large way.
Perry
We get it man, you REALLY love your makita tools. You’re practically spamming this page like you work for makitas marketing department
Eliot Truelove
Honestly I wish I did tbh. I’m a big Makita fan, but one thing I can agree with Stuart is that the marketing is all over the place, and that’s because Makita is literally all over the place: they have so many different regional markets to consider. Milwaukee and DeWalt are King in America, but elsewhere they face steep completion.
So many people seem to worship at the altar of Milwaukee, and to each there own, but that lends itself to attacking other brands. Then when those brands point out the flaws in Milwaukee, the Team Red guys get hot and bothered. I’m Tram Teal for alot of things, but I’m very equal opportunity.
In a nutshell: Brand agnostic is the way to go.
Glen Hunsinger
I don’t think there very good tools my corded grinder didn’t last a year won’t buy any more of there tools!!!! Buy Ridged tools they last
JoeM
Direct, simple answer. I “Feel” Makita is throwing too much against the wall, to see what sticks. They’re then taking so much loss that they have too much need to raise prices on what does, in fact, stick. I don’t like this technique of release, but it is what they appear to be doing. Key word there: Appear. I’m not sure if that’s accurate, but you asked feeling, not fact. Fact: I don’t know.
Also Facts: Makita is not a garbage brand, therefore, I don’t “Feel” any need to trash the tools themselves, or the company. Makita also does a lot of innovating, often in parallel lines within their brand, bringing things like the powered snow shovel to market, a first for many tool companies to follow up on.
Ultimately I “Feel” the Facts and Feelings don’t balance out enough to have an absolute conclusion. I understand the “Why” for the price increases, but I also fault their methodology that created the need for that increase. Market Research is done for a reason, and it should really be done to find out what each niche market needs, then release those tools to those specific markets. The “Whatever Sticks” method they “Appear” to be using, is costing them dearly.
Eliot Truelove
One things for sure: it’s got everyone talking. LXT is so reliable to me, and the quirky little-engine-that-could Makita keeps chugging along.
Other companies are bought out like Hitachi and Metabo, while most are absorbed into Chinese megacorp conglomerate like Milwaukee, Ridgid, and Ryobi to TTI; and DeWalt, Craftsman Etc to Stanley Black and Decker.
Makita is Makita. They take forever to release things, and they own their failures (they’ve discontinued their table saws for instance). They get alot of crap for their nail guns, but they are gasless, so if you get one that really works well, it will never need warrantying. Unfortunately their commitment to user serviceability means sometimes tools are not as powerful as other offerings.
Everything Makita I’ve used I like. And when I “don’t”, it’s because it’s underpowered and the first of it’s kind in the lineup.
I really feel their price increases aren’t to right a sinking ship, but to bankroll the R&D for the next few years. Their is no way of knowing though. Until then, I’ll stick with them, and get battery adapters for any other tool I need.
Stuart
To my knowledge, Makita doesn’t do any R&D in the USA, that all seems to be done in Japan.
Raycr
XGT is pulling the whole company down besides the “slap” to the faces of existing customers.
It is likely the reason behind half the recent price increases since it is a classic failure to launch. Areas like service are suffering now
It is a cash drain
The non-compatibility is pure ivory tower management stupidity.
Whatever you do management don’t cheapen the build quality of the 18 volt tools or you will commit corporate suicide.
Improve the 18 volt tools and batteries. My HD trimmer has two 18 volt 5 ag batteries and is very powerful
It came with 2 more batteries as bonuses and that is why I bought it.
Vortex Garage
One other thing I just thought about in addition to the XGT mess is their 12v CXT line.
The fact they couldn’t do barrel type batteries (I’ve read a claim that Milwaukee TTi holds a patent for that) and use the design they do makes their 12v line something no one really looks at.
A cordless ratchet with a big 18v pack or a smaller 12v box pack isn’t as appealing as a smaller unit with a 12v barrel battery as in M12 tools.
And since so many other tools use barrel 12v batteries I don’t know why Makita won’t. CXT prob less see than XGT.
Stuart
Makita had “barrel type” 12V Max batteries for years, but switched to slide-style batteries around 8 years ago.
From https://toolguyd.com/makita-12v-cxt-cordless-power-tool-launch/ :
Makita’s modern 12V Max slide-style batteries are considered an upgrade to their older stem-style battery format.
Perry
I remember the change because it was a complaint at the shop i ran in ft. Worth about the ergonomics of the 12v line. People used to complain about the Milwaukee 12v as well, but it seems to have subsided over time. I like the ergonomics of the makita 12v, they just haven’t expanded it the way i had hoped.
Stuart
The CXT ergonomics are fantastic, and only rivaled by Dewalt’s 12V Max Xtreme.
For core tools, drills, screwdrivers, basic impact, I’d opt for Dewalt or Makita over Milwaukee M12. But for specialty or expansion tools – die grinders, stapler, ratchets, lighting, etc, Milwaukee has everyone beat by miles.
I feel that Makita could further develop 12V Max CXT, but isn’t willing to undergo the financial burden to do so.
I don’t think that Milwaukee could launch half of the M12 tools they do (such as cordless bandfiles) without the line being as broad as it already is. It doesn’t seem easy to sell users on a lower voltage cordless system unless there are very compelling solutions. How many people buy just one M12 tool?
Core 12V-class tools are convenient, but less needed these days given how compact 18V-class tools have gotten. One of the reasons I like Dewalt’s, aside from the ergonomics, is that I can use the same chargers. The same with Milwaukee and their dual voltage M18/M12 chargers. Without that convenience, I probably wouldn’t have purchased any 12V-class drill, impact, or cutting tools.
Vortex Garage
I’ve been using Makita 18v LXT for years in my side business shop. I’ve never had a battery or tool failure so far. I also have really fallen for their tools due to the general balance, longevity, and design. They feel good and they work consistently. And my oldest batteries still work fine with no perceived loss – even near 10yo batteries.
That said, I’ve been watching the market. This site. YT tool reviews. The market is moving amazingly fast now.
TTI is constantly releasing tools. They have more brands across more price points. Aside from some battery and the recent impact issues Milwaukee continues to do well on review shootouts.
Stanley BD is doing the same basically. No to mention the other tool conglomerates – the market is getting EXTREMELY saturated with brands and battery systems. Even the cheapest tools are brushless and powerful these days. (But their longevity and daily use ergonomics is questionable)
For every 10 new tools you see you get maybe 1 new Makita.
I often saw this as Makita not subscribing to constantly churning products or pushing YouTube review-friendly specs but focusing on the longer term quality and daily use aspect.
And that is why I still use it. My small 1/2 impact works awesome, feels great in use, heck even the Makita motors sound better to me. But that impact is now several years old and can’t keep up with raw power of many new ones.
But that doesn’t matter as it will still snap a rusty bolt 😂. Still it makes them feel stagnant to new users.
I hope to continue using Makita for years. I hope they adjust strategy a bit and can keep up.
My fear for them is the final reason I stick with them. They’re one of the few independent tool companies. While still incorporated, they are Makita. There is no “TTI” type parent company like with Milwaukee.
I like that, but it also means they lack the overall financial and r and d power houses that come out of large conglomerates like TTI.
So I hope they continue the focus on quality and use but can get some new products out that continue to be competitive in tool reviews.
Eliot Truelove
Same reason I stick with them. Tried and true, and not a megacorp throwing out products that chase specs but are uncomfortable and need frequent warrantying. Reliability and durability are big to me.
Raycr
They need to do a forensic accounting review of what they did RIGHT in year 2021 to see how they earned 5 times as much profit as other years.
They could be hanging costs from other divisions or R&D costs on North America to make their home division look more profitable or avoid US Taxes
Or justify cuts to North American operations
It is not just statistics that can lie but accounting tricks such as amortization and accelerated depreciation that can turn profits into losses. Individuals can take losses schedule C businesses for 3 years straight before the IRS can deem a business activity as a hobby (Excrptions can apply)
Jason
Pretty simple, their fiscal year started April 1, 2020. Covid had just hit pretty heavily summer vacations got cancelled etc.
People used that time and increased levels of working from home to do remodels, additions, decks, fences, bathrooms, etc.
Nearly every retailer and CPG company boomed in demand that year. Disney for a family is like $5k+ maybe more, that buys a lot of tools.
Ct451
Perhaps the author should have included comparative statistics from other players. The whole sector is riding the same wave.
Trump Gaines
I personally can look at Makita’s lineups more favorably.
The two battery tools are for folks that have been in LXT for years and don’t want to invest in a second battery system.
XGT is an innovative system of tools. The batteries and tools push boundaries that will force other tool makers to catch up and develop along with XGT.
It’s a new ground up system. Give it time. How many years ago did LXT debut? And it’s still an awesome platform.
The best drill driver set, best sawzall, beam saw, best rear handle saw, best cordless cut off saw… XGT is legit as heck.
Stuart
Consider Dewalt 20V Max. When it came out, the brand announced they would support their 18V line for the foreseeable future, and they did. They launched a 20V Max to 18V battery adapter and continued to sell tools and batteries for 10 years.
Canon recently started discontinuing their lines of EF and EF-S dSLR lenses. Their first EF lens came out in 1987. They have been releasing new mirrorless cameras and lenses, and have adapters that allow the use of older EF lenses on mirrorless cameras with RF mount.
Few companies can sustain competing flagship brands.
In my opinion, XGT tool users deserve more solutions, and LXT tool users deserve premium features (such as a drill with anti-kickback tech). That Makita won’t do either can push users towards competing cordless systems.
Hugh
You forgot to mention all the battery issues Dewalt and Metabo hpt have with cross compatibility platforms. Flexvolt and Multivolt have many battery failures because of the crossing of voltages.
I’ve sent many Dewalt 9ah and 12ah Flexvolt batteries in for warranty. I have a few Multivolt batteries that charge up to 2 bars and that is all with moderate use.
Makita saw the crossing of voltages with a single battery and decided to skip the warranty problems.
You also didn’t mention the larger tools on 40v that just won’t be very impressive on 2 18v batteries no matter how they try to build them. The 10 1/4 circular saws would have terrible runtime on double 18v 5ah batteries. A single 4ah 40v max has almost as much watt hours as the double 5ahs 18vs. You yourself said the 6ah lxt batteries are bad for high demand applications and I agree. The Makita 6ah lxts batteries have problems and prone to failure.
The new 40v max reciprocating saw is one of the best I’ve ever used. Trying to go double 18s making for a wide base on the tool would be cumbersome. The 40v max 4ah keeps the tool linear, slim, and supplies plenty of runtime.
You do have valid points with some of the tools you showed that were 18v or 40v max. Makita 18v is about to reach its limits whether going X2 or staying lxt. Not that a lot of work can’t be done with 18v tools, because it can.
Part of the reason they switched to 40v max was the opportunity to re-engineer the batteries.
Stuart
I own the XGT recip saw, but don’t feel it’s better than the FlexVolt, M18 Fuel, or other high performance saws I’ve used. It’s not bad, but I also wouldn’t describe it as exceptional.
I’ve heard of issues with every brands’ batteries, but nothing due to “crossing of voltages.”
In my opinion, Makita needs to do 3 things to propel itself forward – i) launch at least a one-way battery adapter, ii) fill more holes in the XGT line, iii) bring XGT tech (such as a drill press with anti-kickback) to the LXT line.
I don’t understand why Makita won’t launch more core XGT tools. They have a new 18V mini cut-off saw cutting, or at least they’re supposed to – it missed their Q1 2023 launch ETA. They now have have similar 18V and XGT cordless duster/blowers. Why can’t they bring the mini cut-off saw or other 18V tools to the XGT line?
I also don’t understand why Makita won’t bring modern tech to LXT tools. They have yet to explain why their XGT cordless drill has anti-kickback tech, but not their high-powered 18V model.
Philip John
I use flexvolt to the max. I torture the 9/3 amph batteries… decided not to buy a 12/4 or 15/5 amph battery. My work includes both 6 and 7 grinders… I am so impressed with performance since inception …dewalt had room
with battery line …adding 9 in 2800 watt grinder…. that will tax the battery. I also use Milwaukee 6 and 9 in grinders m18… they are the worst. 6 HO is their best battery .
DONAL
I have the XGT 18 gauge nailer I find it. does the job very well for what it is designed. They will be releasing a cordless framing nailer probably at the end of this year and Jigsaw. The cordless compressor they have released is the lightest in its class and a good option to use for staplers and 16/15 gauge nailers. No other brand can compete with the large capacity circular saws Makita have.
Robert Dailey
The XGT line getting the tools that should really be on the 18 or 18×2 line is annoying. I’ve wanted a little 18×2 volt compressor for years for punch outs and trim installs. Using two 18v batteries is a simple and effective solution to the need for more power.
Makita STILL hasn’t produced a good cordless nailer I tried a few of the first gen finish nailers and was disappointed. So a small air compressor and a Brad nailer that works is what I needed.
I recently bought into Milwaukee for the gen 2 fuel nailers that can actually sink a nail consistently. I now have Makita, Festool, and Milwaukee batteries. This makes going to jobs frustrating because i need to make sure I have the batteries I need. The trailer has its own chargers.
Makita needs to stop with the gimmicks and cater to the pros that already have 15 batteries.
Milwaukee is doing a great job of this. The new packout air compressor is peaking my interest.
Franco
As far as 18v (or 20max), Makita has had over the years, more tools on their LXT system than M18, Dewalt or anyone else, and still do today.
Stuart
But are they unique tools?
How many overlapping impact drivers do they have? Stick vacuums? How many “Outdoor Adventure” repaints contribute to the number of 18V tool SKUs?
Can the 18V LXT system serve the needs of plumbers, electricians, and HVAC techs as well as Dewalt 20V Max or Milwaukee M18 cordless systems?
What if a carpenter wants a cordless table saw or cordless air compressor?
What matters in a cordless system isn’t how many tools there are, but whether a brand has the tools one needs.
Franco
Yes, this is true, but once again I find you are really out for Makita, somewhat personal.
Do either DW or M18 have rebar tier and rebar cutters?
Everyone has tools the other does not have. Also, everyone has multiples of tools. Drills and impact drivers, both DW and M18 have tons.
I think it would be smart for any of the top tool MFR’s to (slowly) get into beyond tool, like household items. Or license their battery system to companies that are in these other domains. Example…Hoover. Their cordless electric vacuums. what are you going to use their batteries on? If Makita, Dewalt or Milwaukee license their system, it helps Hoover sell their stick vacs because the batteries can be used on a multitude of tools. Vice versa, buying a product that the batteries are part of a large can help get new users to that platform.
If you have had issues with Makita and frustrated by their PR, I can understand. Having a forum and doing a whole article on all that is wrong, but without objectively doing the same with the other players, seems a bit petty
Stuart
No, I think they’re just running the brand into the ground with bad decision after bad decision.
I don’t see them turning things around with things like “Outdoor Adventure.” Do you?
Apparently something I’ve said in the past few months put ToolGuyd back on their blacklist, meaning there’s no one to talk to about their direction or strategies I see as extremely consumer-unfriendly.
With no one helping me see their corporate/marketing side of things, all I’ve got are my opinions.
I have complaints about nearly every cordless brand. The only thing different about Makita is that no one there cares to explain why things are the way they are.
It might not seem like it, but I’m still biting my tongue.
Stuart
Also keep in mind that I’m a tool user, and feel personally affected by what tool brands do. I started ToolGuyd for the purpose of sharing my personal opinions.
I wouldn’t care as much if we were talking about a brand like Greenworks.
I’m sorry if you feel I shouldn’t have or share my opinions.
Dominic S
I like that Makita isn’t afraid to invest in “niche” tools, like the coffee maker and such, but their product lines and marketing is so confusing I don’t even bother to look at them, and I don’t know how any professional would justify wasting their time with them either. With Milwaukee you have M18 and M12. That’s it, and it just works.
Stuart
Makita USA’s listings have always been confusing – you kind of get used to it.
Around 14 years ago, I was shopping for a cordless circular saw and skipped the brand because of this. It took too much time and sleuthing to learn that their combo kit circular saw lacked an electric brake, and that this feature could only be found in the nearly identical model that was sold by itself.
They’ve gotten a little better about this, but cross-shopping models can still be difficult, such as deciphering what’s different about their many active-SKU impact drivers. A workable solution is to look at their most expensive or premium model and cheapest “special buy” options and ignore everything in between.
Franco
Makita is no more or less confusing than the others. Milwaukee has M12, M18 AND MX. To which Makita has CXT, LXT, and XGT, covering more or less the same markets…that’s it.
Dewalt has 12max, 20max and Flexvolt, again covering the same 3 markets.
If you get more granular, they all have if, ands, or buts. M18 has tools that only work with certain higher capacity batteries…so it is not as straight forward as you say. Makita, similar to M18 has tools that will not work with certain lower capacity batteries. Dewalt, with Flexvolt can also be confusing.
But the confusion is typically for someone who knows little or nothing of the brand. Anyone with a bit if history with any of the 3 brands, is usually familiar with the differences or limitations.
I know basic or a bit more than basic of most of the brands, but still do not know all of the differences. Example…Milwaukee that you state is so simple. They have a brushed line, a brushless line, and Fuel. This I am not sure, but within each line there can be, say a drill, that is almost identical, but slight differences within the brushed line…or brushless, and then Fuel. Then Fuel, are they all “Key” or again broken down to with or without key…I am not sure. This argument can be made for Makita or Dewalt also in the same way, or slightly different scenario. The thing is they all have some confusion.
My point is that it is a very competitive market, and Milwaukee, Dewalt and Makita try to cover as many bases they can by offering the purchaser as many variants as possible. Which especially to someone just buying their first cordless tool, can be very confusing.
Your comment
“With Milwaukee you have M18 and M12. That’s it, and it just works.”
is true to you because that is what you have or what you care about and know…so it is simple. But you did leave out MX, which you probably don’t care about, but then take XGT and Flexvolt out of the equation.
Then Makita has LXT and CXT, that’s it!
Dewalt, same thing, 20max and 12 max, that’s it
Mind you CXT and 12max are miles behind M12, but they are there for anyone wanting them.
That’s it and it just works applies to all of them if you know the breath of their catalog. Or ” their product lines and marketing is so confusing I don’t even bother to look at them” can be said for all 3 if you know little or nothing of their catalog.
Jared
Makita had two 12v systems, I’m not sure if they’re both still available though. A pod-style and a slide pack.
Then they have 18v and 18v x2 tools, 40v max and 64v max.
And a backpack of some sort.
Franco
You got me there on the 12v, I know little or nothing about the 12v line.
The rest, I think you are nitpicking a bit. 18v & 18vx2; what’s the big deal? M18 mower? I think every MFR has 2 battery or 4 battery in one tool. Some use to double the voltage, some use it to prolong the runtime. It is still part of their LXT system and for any LXT user, not confusing. For the outsider looking in, possibly yes, but I think it is nitpicking. By its very definition, nitpicking (pointing out of minor faults in a fussy or pedantic way) can be done with Milwaukee and Dewalt also, just depends who you like and want to defend and who you have a bone to pick with.
The 64v…so true. Completely forgot about that line. But it is somewhat new and extremely limited. It was most likely developed to play with EGO, Ryobi, Greenworks and any other high consumption OPE out there. We need to see in coming years if it expands or exits the market.
Anyway, if you want to find a reason to hate, you can dissect any brand to find skeletons in their closets. If you read through all of the posts, it certainly is that. There are haters and those who love either their LXT or XGT.
Jared, are you a Makita hater or you were just nitpicking to show that I was so incredibly wrong?
Jared
Trolling mostly. 😄
Franco
Good one!
Munklepunk
Don’t forget the 7.2, 10.8, and 14.4 all sold in Japan. Then you have the g series that’s a pure homeowner tool line
SteveP
I gave up on Makita after a number of their 18V batteries just died for no reason and no warranty was offered. I keep the few Makita tools I still have alive with Chinesium batteries off eBay or wherever. I switched to Ryobi (I’m just a DIY guy) as they have an actual battery warranty but ironically five years later I’ve never had one of their batteries fail (and the price is so much better).
Jeffrey
Some uneeded redundancy in the article…
HLEB
feel really bad.
after one month two brushless drills stopped working good. HD said go to makita service. at mmakita service nobbody answering. their bandsaws after one year of working atarted working to slow. after two months their small vaccum stopped cleaning… just impactors are working and sawzall… one battery died after 5 months and just blinkiing 2 reds from right than 2 reds from left…
next will be smth else
Rx9
I’m a fan, but the pricing can be terrible at times. Why is their hydraulic impact so expensive? My m18 surge was way cheaper and is still going strong.
Until Makita gets a hold of their pricing situation, Tti and SBD are going to continue beating them.
Kevin M Smith
I don’t have any “feelings” about Makita. I don’t have any of their battery tools, my main battery platform is Dewalt, mostly because they made the tools I needed at the time I bought in, as well as had a sale going on that made buying in quite frugal. I’ve grown it quite a bit over the years and they have done the job. It’s not that I believe Dewalt is the “best” or anything, I’d be just as happy with any color.
I do own some Makita gas powered tools. The 4-stroke powerhead is awesome as well as the big 79cc chainsaw (Dolmar made).
I’ve considered getting the XGT tools specifically for the rear-handled circular saw and the track saw. I would then probably expand to the XGT powerhead so I can run my current string trimmer/pole saw/broom tools. Price of entry is really the only thing keeping me back and those batteries are ridiculously expensive!
Franco
FYI. which you may already know, but the 3 tools you mention, the rear-handled circular saw and the track saw, followed by the powerhead can all be had on the Makita LXT system, which is going to be less expensive system to get in to, yet plenty capable and powerful.
For that matter, all 3 can be had on the Dewalt Flexvolt.
You didn’t specify, but by rear-handled circular saw you were looking at the 10 1/2″, then you have to go XGT.
Kevin M Smith
The 10″ saw is what I’m after.
Skilsaw makes one as well, but they don’t have any other battery tools in that lineup, so it’s not as attractive.
Dewalt seems to have a strange relationship with their Flexvolt line. I get the feeling it’s just hanging on by a thread right now. I don’t believe they have a powerhead available for it (and no guarantee it would work with my Makita attachments), but will have to look again.
Franco
Your right that the Flexvolt line is not as evolved as other systems, but I believe it is because they share with the 20v. Why make an impact or drill 60v when the 20v are more than powerful enough, and you can always use you 60v battery on them.
XGT has no choice. If they want people to by into there system, they have to make all the smaller tools like drill, impact driver, jigsaw and so on, that do no need the extra beef of the XGT system, except they need to have it for someone just getting into cordless and wants to go only XGT.
BTW, Flexvolt, does have a powerhead. Actually they have a 20v and 60v powerhead and share all the same attachments. Because I am interested at some point going cordless electric for my OPE, I looked at many of the Flexvolt written and YT reviews. It gets very high marks for being powerful and overall quite good…definite difference between the 20v head.
I looked at the Makita also, again great reviews also. Because I have both systems, I lean towards the Flexvolt mainly because the attachments are less expensive to buy than the Makita.
I think you were implying getting the Makita powerhead because you have the gas attachments. I would ask around if they are compatible. They very well could be but would be, but would be surprised as first, I never saw that “feature” mentioned anywhere. Second. the gas attachments were all designed before the battery powerhead existed. So my guess is that with gas they could be more heavy and robust, something that for cordless battery, often the design with being lighter and anything to get the most runtime out of the battery, so possibly not compatible.
Kevin M Smith
I’ve already looked into it, the attachments are the same for both gas and battery powerheads.
TopShelfRemodels
I’m 110% Teal. I have everything x2 or 3, 6 different drills, every circular saw available and x3 on the worm drive, all the chainsaws, blowers, many impacts, 36 batteries and counting. You get it. So here’s my 2 cents from 18 years in the industry:
Makita has slowed its innovation pace to a halt, or possibly backwards. It’s price increases seem nothing more than that. Not a new line, not new tools, just want more money. I don’t feel comfortable buying any more Makita stuff because I’m already buried into the line but need to leave myself an out if their trajectory doesn’t change. The lack of an air compressor, table saw, framing nailer, trim nailers and a couple other benchmark items is insulting honestly.
I’m not worried about the lack of service centers because I’ve only ever used the service once for Makita. A dead battery right from the factory. I build log cabins and decks. Relentlessly tearing through these tools and batteries with 0 issues ever. When I ran with Dewalt
I was on first name basis with the repair guys in my area. My lead carpenter runs Dewalt and he has 2 each of the framing nailers, 18ga and 16 ga because one of each type is guaranteed to be in the shop at any given time. Seriously.
I don’t think I would even consider Milwaukee just because I already have cordless Dewalt miter saws/table saws/trim guns that I would like to match.
So I’m SURE I’m not ready to switch anywhere else. But I’m not overly willing to stay Teal either.
An altered Churchill quote that applies to my feeling lately: “Makita is the worst tool brand, except for all the others we’ve tried”
Franco
I am thinking Stuart may have mentioned this, and you being like myself, lots of LXT and no XGT, but they do have an XGT compressor.
https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/AC001GZ