The new series of Bosch PROFACTOR cordless power tools are on the way. We’ve posted about some of these tools before (links below), and I’ve been actively scouring for sources of information.
I came across a new press release, and while it doesn’t tell us anything we don’t already know, it’s interesting to see some of the official claims behind Bosch’s latest efforts.
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As previously mentioned, most of the new Bosch Profactor cordless power tools were announced two years ago, but were delayed for unspecified reasons. Now, those same tools are being launched as part of the Bosch Profactor lineup.
Bosch has not answered any of our questions thus far, saying that a full announcement will take place in February.
The frustrating part of all this is that there’s so much hype, but so little substance – but this is only the announcement, with the promise of more details to come. I want to be excited about the new Bosch Profactor cordless lineup.
PROFACTOR tools feature Bosch BITURBO Brushless technology, which pairs a high-performance brushless motor and drive train system with powerful magnets and optimized in-tool electronics to take full advantage of the additional power generated by the CORE18V 8.0 Ah and 12.0 Ah PROFACTOR batteries.
Okay, so… the tools have brushless motors – which has been true for other brands’ high-performance cordless power tool releases in recent years.
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And the tools take advantage of the greater power potential of “CORE18V” 8Ah and 12Ah Profactor batteries. So… just like every other brand’s larger form factor batteries.
Bosch Power Tools, a global leader for power tools and power tool accessories, today announced the release of its PROFACTOR high-powered cordless tools, powered by its exclusive CORE18V battery platform and equipped with Bosch BITURBO Brushless technology. Delivering power that outperforms its corded counterparts, PROFACTOR cordless tools give professionals the freedom to take on the most demanding applications on one battery platform.
This entire paragraph boils down to one summarizing claim: “Delivering power that outperforms its corded counterparts.”
But is this true? Bosch’s new Profactor “connected-ready 5-1/2” cordless plunge-action track saw has a smaller blade size than their corded version and competing saws as well. How does this “outperform corded counterparts?”
At the heart of this new high-powered cordless system is Bosch’s best battery technology – the CORE18V battery platform. It features advanced cell technology, cutting edge design and Bosch-exclusive COOLPACK 2.0 technology. With a design including copper end plates, welded cell connectors and power rails, the batteries provide reduced resistance and greater efficiency, allowing tools to draw higher currents from the battery. With the PROFACTOR-optimized CORE18V 8.0 Ah and the new PROFACTOR Exclusive CORE18V 12.0 Ah batteries, professionals can power the full PROFACTOR tool lineup from a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple battery platforms on the jobsite.
Coolpack 2.0
PROFACTOR-optimized CORE18V 8.0 Ah
PROFACTOR Exclusive CORE18V 12.0 Ah batteries
Aren’t these the same batteries that were previously announced and released? The Bosch 8Ah battery was announced in 2018 and expected to launch in 2019. I posted about the Bosch 12Ah battery in 2019. At the time, Bosch emailed me, saying that had exciting news to talk to me about, but they never elaborated. Was Profactor what they had in mind?
New batteries that allow tools to draw higher current? Nearly every other cordless power tool brand has come out with similar battery tech in recent years. Bosch is late to the party.
Here’s what they’re launching in 2021, with “more coming later in 2021”:
- Bosch GBH18V-36CN 18V Hitman SDS-max 1-9/16″ Rotary Hammer
- Bosch GBH18V-45CK 18V Hitman SDS-max 1-7/8″ Rotary Hammer
- Bosch GBH18V-34CQN 18V SDS-plus 1-1/4″ Rotary Hammer
- Bosch GWX18V-13CN 18V Spitfire X-LOCK 5-6″ Angle Grinder
- Bosch GWS18V-13CN 18V Spitfire 5-6″ Angle Grinder
- Bosch GKS18V-25GCN 18V Strong Arm 7-1/4″ Circular Saw
- Bosch GKS18V-25CN 18V Strong Arm 7-1/4″ Circular Saw
- Bosch GCM18V-12GDCN14 18V Surgeon 12″ Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw
- Bosch GKT18V-20GCL 18V 5-1/2″ Track Saw
(Links are to Amazon preorder pages.)
The only new information here is that the smaller Bosch Profactor rotary hammer, the one that was previously named “The Goon”, has been rebranded as “The Hitman.” Thus, it seems that there will be two “Hitman” sizes of rotary hammers.
Bosch is continuing to hype-up their new Profactor line of cordless power tools, but one big question remains – why should users care?
Higher current batteries? Single platform? Advanced cell technology? High-powered cordless? Take on the most demanding applications? Power that outperfoms its corded counterparts? Cut the cord?
We’ve heard all of this before, when Bosch competitors made – and delivered on – similar claims over the years.
Bosch Power Tools Unveils Highly-Anticipated PROFACTOR Lineup, Bringing Unparalleled Performance to High-Powered Cordless Tools
Unparalleled Performance compared to… Bosch’s current cordless power tool options?
Show, don’t tell.
There’s more to come, with full details said to be available next month. Stay tuned for more.
Also Read
Bosch Profactor “Hitman” Rotary Hammer w/ Biturbo Tech & Powered by Core18V
New Bosch Profactor Cordless Axial-Glide Miter Saw (Updated)
Jim Felt
“I don’t care. Do you”?
Who on a job site would ever use these childish names? I’ll wait.
And I’ve got both Bosch 12v and CORE18v mostly brushless tools though nothing recently has been particularly appealing let alone compelling
Stuart
Bulldog
Daredevil
Brute
Starlock
Diablo
10 years from now, the Hitman name might have stuck. I don’t think we’ll be ever be able to say that about “The Freak.”
I can’t say that how Bosch is approaching this product launch has been working for me, but I’ve also been extremely disappointed and frustrated by their seemingly strong emphasis on paid and prioritized influencers over traditional media and press communications.
Tom D
If they had adjectived some of these to encourage people to use the name maybe it would work.
But nobody wants to yell “get the freak” across a job site. Unless they want to talk to the Boss.
PETE
Your boss is a freak? Kinda kinky….
Aaron Harmon
I’m interested in what they are doing only in so far as competition increases ingenuity. I’m already heavily invested in different platform who’s already delivered on these promises and more….
Big Richard
You forgot:
Hole Hawg
Hole Dozer
Big Hawg
Shockwave
Red Helix
Surge
Torch
Axe
Hatchet
Sawzall
Hackzall
Stud
Rocket
Rover
Angler
I get that Bosch is kinda shoving these goofy names down your throat, but Milwaukee has been doing this for years, and no one cares. They name everything seemingly. As long as the tools are good, the names don’t matter (with the exception of Sawzall as it has become ubiquitous with reciprocating saws).
I just wanna know if the tool is any good, they can call it and advertise it whatever and however they want, makes no difference to me.
Stuart
I didn’t forget, I selected 5 Bosch or Bosch Corp. names that came to mind. Otherwise, the list would go on and on.
The Bosch Strong Arm, Hitman, and Surgeon names distract now because of the their unconventional connotation and also the marketing campaign surrounding their original announcement.
It’ll blend into the background eventually, the same way the Dewalt Atomic brand name is rarely talked about anymore.
Skye A Cohen
Ha! Are you quoting the former first lady’s shirt?
I like Bosch but we can probably all agree, or most of us anyway can agree, that they have lagged behind the compotition in the cordless sector for the last decade or so and unfortunately for Bosch it’s been a time period where cordless is really taking over and selling users in on a battery line is crucial to sales of other tools. .
I say better late than never. I hope they can come back to being a major player as they used to be, we as users will all benefit from more compatition. I hope I’m wrong but I think they’re too far behind and won’t be able to catch up.
RayRay
>Who on a job site would ever use these childish names?
I’ll wager that the marketing folks at Bosch picking all the names 1) aren’t American, and 2) learned everything they know about American culture from B grade action movies and nothing else.
Stuart
Bosch North America, the regional Bosch marketing arm covering the USA, is based here.
Tyler
I bought into the Bosch 18v lineup 8-9 years ago with a drill and impact driver combo and then a 12v drill/impact driver/radio combo shortly after. I like the tools and the L-Boxx cases and the quality of tools has served me well. I will say that the constant “Not Available In North America” or hyped up tools that take forever to arrive and then come so high priced has me wishing I had started with the Milwaukee or Makita lineup instead. I’m invested in their battery form factor now, but I’m starting to think I might start acquiring another brand so I can get tools I need/want without waiting and spending so much. It may be a different story for a “pro” or contractor, but home use makes it hard to justify the cost sometimes.
Scott K
Totally agree. My impact driver and drill are great and can handle anything I need them for- but I don’t anticipate buying more batteries when mine “go.” I also regret not buying into Milwaukee or DeWalt from the start. I’ve supplemented with some Ryobi tools which have worked very well for my purposes- that said, I’m not sure who I’ll go with when I’m ready to get a new circular saw (which is at the top of my list).
Aaron Harmon
The M18 Fuel circ is a beast… puts my corded saw to shame…
Robm
The 60v dewalt is unbeatable, the power detect or flexvolt advantage 20v saws are also extremely powerful.
Jorn
This is basically how I feel as well.
I’ve been using Bosch cordless for maybe 3 years and I really enjoy using the tools that I have.
I do find myself looking at Dewalt to fill in gaps in Bosch’s cordless lineup… I haven’t pulled the trigger yet but I’ve come close (and now I have a Dewalt battery and charger).
I’m just a home-gamer so none of this is really mission-critical for me. If I were a professional I don’t think I would invest in Bosch cordless at this time due to the lack of availability and breadth of tool selection compared to the other big brands.
Mark
I’m in this boat as well.
I bought in with a drill/L-Boxx package and recently added a sawzall. I keep wanting to pull the trigger on some other tools but it’s frustrating to see the lack of tools in their 18v lineup compared to other brands. My current tools have served me well but I don’t know if I’m getting any value for what I paid for.
Nathan
The naming thing alone would keep me away from most of it. I mean I know Dewalt gets bashed for the 20V max naming. but that’s really minor.
This is just nuts. I will say of them the hit man nearly makes the most sense for the tool . still useless mind you.
ALso the coolpack thing doesn’t bother me nearly as much as the “biturbo” crap.
Aside from that – take that marketing crapshow off the table and I think they have some purpose.
Ian
From reading Bosch UK website, most of these tools are already available there, but without the silly “nicknames”.
According to the video, the biturbo, comes from dual component of new battery and new cordless motors, which allow you to turbo charge your working day.
Jim Felt
“Biturbo” is such a mostly German ICE auto centric concept I’m almost amazed they went with it. Especially given the newer battery tech is now nearly universal as are the latest brushless motors. Yawn.
What the heck were they thinking?
CountyCork
Stuart no faith in the German engineers that developed these new offerings? Will you be getting some hands on any to test?
Stuart
Good question.
To answer your question frankly but without getting into it too much, I am not optimistic that test or review samples will be available – at least not to anyone outside of Bosch’s paid or prioritized “influencer” partners – and even if they are, I am not sure I will be interested.
fred
My thoughts are that paid influencers may be worse than dyed in the wool fanboys as they have have strong disincentives to ever bite the hand that feeds them or to even suggest that the Emperor’s suit of new clothes (advertising and brand name in this case) is leaving him naked.
Stuart
It really depends on the person or channel.
There is a lot of disingenuousness in the industry today, but also a lot of honest voices (as I try to be).
I got into an argument the other day as to why I have a policy barring the selling of tool review samples. Some people fail to understand that selling samples, whether to friends, on craigslist, or on ebay is inherently wrong. Either that, or they simply don’t care.
Personally, I have come to define paid sponsorships – if or when they pertain to ToolGuyd – as above-and-beyond explorations that otherwise could not be justified in either the desired breadth or timeliness to suit a campaign.
Last week I spoke to a TV producer who asked if I could suggest interviewees for an episode that will be part of a new series. I got a good vibe from them and agreed to help. Normally my stance is to reject unpaid requests from producers or commercial researchers, based on a couple of bad experiences in the past. I put some names together, and sent them over after asking my contacts for permission to share their details. If the producer wants or needs more of my time and effort than I could devote to this for free, it would have to be a paid opportunity.
In a similar way, if a tool brand or retailer wants our participation in a sponsorship opportunity, and it’s something I could ordinarily recommend and speak positively of, I will develop an above-and-beyond plan that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
Some brands are reevaluating how they work with media channels, sometimes cutting them out of the loop. In such cases, they work with influencers to build excitement, while working to reach consumers directly via social media.
The problem for me is that there’s no conversation to be had unless you’re on their list. And on the other side of things, there are a lot of influencers who won’t engage with brands unless there’s money or preferential treatment involved.
Brands, media channels, and influencers have blurred the line between editorial and advertising. Advertising and editorial opportunities will both continue to shrink as that grey area expands.
I’m learning and adapting to changing times, and everything is in experimental stages until I figure out a standard approach. It has been challenging to find a way to adapt or respond that fits in with my methods and practices. I have come to believe that sponsorship is good, as long as it’s authentic.
Regarding my comment to CountyCork:
Bosch talked to us about sponsored campaign ideas when the Misfit tools were first announced 2 years ago. Unrelated, most if not all of my Bosch review sample requests over the 2 years since then were never fulfilled, even those that were said they would be. Recent inquiries were denied or ignored. Recent requests for information or insights were unsuccessful. For recent launches, basic press announcements came after sponsored or unpaid influencer reviews. Based on the trend, I don’t think review samples will be available to us.
I’m not against Bosch having sponsored or prioritized partners, that’s their prerogative, but it has all but precluded my ability to receive editorial support – timely information, insights and timely answers when needed, and samples when appropriate.
I have voiced my frustrations and will see what happens, but I won’t be surprised if there will be “wow this is AMAZING” reviews or sponsored coverage before or at the same time official details are be shared with us.
fred
We had a related issue in two of our businesses. We’d often be asked by employees about purchasing used tools or mobile equipment that we had decided to liquidate. My partners and I had long ago decided that it was a good policy to try to scrupulously separate and conduct these sales independent of our normal businesses – not allowing our employees to be in the loop. We also had a policy about employees helping themselves to the trash or preemptively deciding what got trashed. Some did not understand these policies but we regularly tried to enlighten employees (especially new ones) about our logic and its business implications. Meanwhile – I believe that we had good policies about lending tools and equipment (for personal off-hours – non competitive use) to our employees – going so far as to cover many possible associated liability issues via insurance riders,
Fazal Majid
You mean the same Bosch company engineers that wrote the emissions-testing fudging software VW used to cheat in dieselgate?
aerodawg
that’s smart engineering. no legal but smart lol
CountyCork
Bosch did have to pay for that, hopefully a lesson learned.
Plain grainy
I was looking for an updated router from Bosch.
Stuart
They only have a 12V router, and nothing (yet that I’ve heard about) in the 18V system.
Wyatt
If they’re like me then they’re talking about the corded ~2hp class router kit (their trim routers are up to date). They haven’t updated that particular design in a really long time and it has recently fallen behind where it had been the gold standard for a good stretch. Cordless routers have uses but they are one category that remains very limited compared to their corded counterparts (and don’t benefit as much from being cordless as a lot of tools).
Stuart
They did come out with a new router, but nobody really uses it, that’s why the 1617 is still around.
Not many brands have come out with new >2 HP routers in recent years.
CountyCork
You can always make your own. https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ6fglEDmFO/?igshid=yrgtq41dupty
Aaron
Every year I see articles about phones with titles like “This may be the best iphone yet!” And… I mean, yeah it better be, right? Why else would it be worth making?
There is a theatre company that briefly billed itself as the longest running midsized repertory shakespeare company west of the Mississippi.
The Dodge Dakota was briefly the only pickup designated as midsize and it turns out it was “best in class” on every metric.
These look to me like the best brushless cordless bosch tools I’ve ever seen!
Didn’t Milwaukee have a patent that made it very tricky for other brands to do high amp draw 18v cordless packs? It seems to me they had something that really effectively prevented other brands from getting full power out of those 8ah and 12ah packs until just recently.
JakeJ
I will end up buying the circular saw that runs on the guide rail for a few reasons:
-It’s a blade right and I tend to use my left hand when running a saw down a track (probably not the ergonomically Or correct way, but it works for me)
– I can use a dust bag and be 100% cord free when using a guide when away from a mains power source (I’ll still use my corded track saw when dust collection is a primary factor)
– my other cordless platform (Milwaukee) has nothing similar (Meaning any kind of saw that is track compatible)
– it’ll run on the bosch tracks, which I find the best by far (mostly due to how the rails connect to each other
I think once you get past all the marketing bs, it’s a pretty well thought out tool
One thing I would change however, is a version without the ‘connected‘ aspect for a slightly smaller price tag