Hey everyone! I've been curious about the new 3.5Ah Power Stack batteries that came out a few weeks ago. How do you all feel about them, especially when compared to the 1.7Ah and 5Ah batteries?
4 Answers
I'm curious if there’s much difference between the new 3.5Ah PS and the 4Ah PP? I have both and wonder if they're kind of redundant?
I really like the 3.5Ah Power Stack! It feels lighter than the 5Ah and the form factor is much better compared to the old 3Ah batteries—definitely a solid middle ground. My DCS391 circular saw performs similarly with both the 3.5Ah and 5Ah, but spins up faster and has better power overall. It's slightly small for my DCD999 hammer drill, but it’s great for my DCF860 impact driver. Personally, I think with the new 4Ah PP and 3.5Ah PS, there’s no need for those regular 20V batteries anymore unless they're part of a kit. Here's my battery breakdown: 1.7Ah PS for small jobs, 3.5Ah PS for medium tools, 4Ah PP for power-hungry tools, 5Ah PS for larger high-speed tools, and 8Ah PP for heavy-duty needs.
I agree! The legacy 2Ah and 5Ah batteries are still decent for things like fans and lights, especially since they're cheaper. For high-demand tools, though, the premium batteries definitely shine.
I love these batteries! They’re the perfect balance of size and power. When I tried cutting plywood with them, it felt just like using the 5Ah Power Stack. I really can't complain about them! You’re right, though—size-wise, the 3.5Ah is a lot better than the bulkier compacts.
I haven’t seen the 3.5Ah Power Stack in person yet. Are they smaller than the 5Ah? Or just shorter?
They are narrower than the 5Ah PS, so they’re easier to handle. I can measure them with calipers if you need exact dimensions later!

The 3.5Ah is a bit more compact while the 4Ah PP has slightly higher capacity. They’re similar performance-wise but do have their slight differences depending on whether you prioritize compactness or runtime.