Hey everyone! I'm trying to decide between the DeWalt FlexVolt and Forge tools, specifically looking at the 125mm grinder and circular saw. My main concerns are power and battery run time since I need these for some serious work. The FlexVolt grinder with two 9Ah batteries is about $500, while the Forge setup with two 8Ah batteries costs around $800, which feels way too expensive here in the EU. I've been using a Milwaukee M18 hammer drill and love it, but I'm struggling to justify the higher cost of the Forge. Has anyone here used both systems and can share their experience?
3 Answers
If you plan to use a grinder a lot, I really wouldn’t go for the cordless options. They drain batteries super fast! I was using a grinder with a 12Ah Forge, an 8Ah Forge, and a 6Ah HO yesterday, and they only lasted about 20 minutes combined! If you intend to use it daily, a corded setup with a solid extension cord is the way to go. Based on price, though, both brands are decent; it's often hard to tell the difference in performance.
Honestly, both tools are pretty comparable for the average user. However, keep in mind that the DeWalt FlexVolt tools require their FlexVolt batteries to function properly, even though those same batteries can fit standard 18V models. If you're considering a grinder, also think about if you need it to be cordless, because they tend to chew through batteries pretty quickly. Plus, it's worth noting that if the DeWalt grinder is rated for 54/60V, the effective capacity of the battery really only gives you about 3Ah when marketing it as an 18/20V tool.
I've used both the FlexVolt and the Forge, and I can tell you, the Dewalt 60V grinder is a powerhouse! It outperforms my Milwaukee M18 grinder significantly and even makes my older Metabo grinder seem weak. As for the circular saw, the 60V has such great power that it’s almost impossible to bog it down. Just a heads-up, I once bought a left-handed circular saw by mistake, but when I switch to the Dewalt once I'm ready, I know that the power is going to make a huge difference. For the grinder and saw, I definitely recommend going with the Dewalt 60V because they just perform better.