Makita 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless 2-piece Combo Kit (Driver-Drill/ Impact Driver) (3) 2.0Ah $229

Are these the lowest end drill/drivers from makita?

I really wished they would through the saw back in this combo deal.... been waiting since xmas. Thanks for this one... but i gonna keep waiting.

Quote from RobD24 : Are these the lowest end drill/drivers from makita?

No these are a really good set. Not the most powerful they have but they are the smallest and lightest and do have plenty of power. I already have a brushless set but I might pick these up anyways.

Quote from dazedxxx : I really wished they would through the saw back in this combo deal.... been waiting since xmas. Thanks for this one... but i gonna keep waiting.

I agree. I actually just bought one of those kits on eBay brand new for $240. They are sold out now but keep checking. Here is the link to the one I bought, in case he gets any more in stock:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Makita-C...2749.l2649

This is a great set. I have a full size but find myself reaching to those all the time. Not the most high-end, but can get 95% of the job done.

Quote from RobD24 : Are these the lowest end drill/drivers from makita?

That's tough to answer/define but in my experience and I've very familiar with Makita, I'd say no.

Assuming we exclude the 12V CXT line, I'd say that the brushed (i.e. non-brushless) 18V LXT drills and drivers that are still being sold would be the lowest tier for performance. I'm not sure if they still manufacture 18V brushed drills and drivers but I still see them from time to time being sold in kits. Again it's all relative because I'd take brushed Makita drills over brushless kobalt, craftsman, harbor freight and most of the other colors/brands.

The reason these look different (black) versus the rest of the Makita line has nothing to do with quality, but it's because Makita wanted to create a "sub-compact" line. If anything these are more specialty and designed for contractors like electricians and plumbers who work in confined spaces and need the power of 18V but a smaller lighter form factor that rivals the smaller size of the 12V line.

In regards to power these will do just about everything fine. If you need a hammer drill this isn't the kit for you, and if you're not put off by heavier weight or you will be abusing your tools (think hundred deck/cortex screws an hr) I'd go with the regular LXT line.

Are these made in Japan? Would love to find a power tool brand made in Japan if it exists.

If you are wanting the kit without the battery, it seems like it would be easier to have the drill set shipped to you, select in store pickup for the battery...and then not go in to pick up the battery.

I own the sub-compact set on sale here and only have good things to say. I had the XR Dewalt drill/driver set that basically got replaced by this set in my every day use. If you check the spec sheet, it seems that the Makita might be under-powered, but its never been an issue for me in all sorts of re-modelling uses (hardwood stair install, framing, fence install, general woodworking), and have yet to find a situation where the larger dewalt tools are needed. Also, the small size of both drivers has been an advantage in home re-modelling tasks, allowing me to get to places where the full size drills simply will not fit (allowed me to install treads from below).

Definitely not the lowest end drill set makita sells, as the driver (XDT15ZB) has the newish assist feature that basically slowly spins the impact until it senses resistance/grab in the screw. Never thought it would be a feature that I would enjoy, but it makes everything easier/more precise and certainly is a good "first set" for folks new to power tools (the assist feature is only found on the newest 18V impacts XDT16. I run mine with 5aH batteries and hardly ever have to worry about battery life. Drill (XFD11ZB) is pretty basic and could use a upgraded chuck for the price, but has performed just fine.

Set is a little pricey, but the tools are useful for diy/specific professional use and offer a good compromise between 12V and the 18V systems without requiring buying into an additional battery system. If you need a set, already invested in makita 18v system and want something a little lighter for 99% of everyday tasks its worth considering. I'd look for something bigger if your application is something dealing with higher torque values (mechanic, shop tech, ect.), as that is not what the system is designed to handle.

Agree with the others.

I have a couple of the higher end models. Bought these 2 years ago thinking for light work or tight areas.

Instead I use these 90% off the time. Just lighter and more comfortable in hand.
My better brush less ones may take 5 seconds to drive a 3" deck screw. The subcompact may take 6 seconds. Not enough difference to matter.

Thanks OP

This or the similar RIGID set fir $199?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGI.../206127587

The kit itself was $199 for awhile. So one way to look at it +$30 for a 2.0ah battery.

I hung drywall for years with the ridgid and dewalt sets, switched to this makita setup and the difference is night and day.

I can go all day with these and the drive and sink is effortless. Wouldn't run any other drill