A reader wrote in, asking if recent rumors about the Dewalt FlexVolt cordless power tool system were true.
They wrote:
I see over on YouTube some folks are saying that DeWalt is doing away with the 60V FlexVolt line of tools and batteries. Their OPT line is strong and I can’t imagine DeWalt would go to the 20V platform for those outdoor items. Can you dig in and do a story on this “rumor”. The other interesting aspect of this rumor is that Lowes is going back to DeWalt OPT.
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I haven’t seen these rumors yet and would have chalked it up to sensationalism or maybe theories about limited observations.
Still, it seemed like a good idea to ask Dewalt to comment about the matter.
Dewalt replied, saying:
The DEWALT 60V and FLEXVOLT battery platform, including outdoor power equipment, continues to be a focus in our product lineup. We have multiple new product launches in the works and are showcasing a full range of 60V tools and FLEXVOLT batteries at WOC this week.
DEWALT outdoor power equipment is currently available at Home Depot, ACE, Tractor Supply, as well as many independent retailers.
There you have it – the Dewalt FlexVolt cordless power tool and battery platform is a continued focus for the brand, and more products are on the way.
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That seems like a pretty clear answer to me.
Doug in PF
“Ace is the place” local to me and I was surprised to see mention Ace as DeWalt OPE dealer and part of that may happen because mine is also the Stihl dealer. I went to the website and checked a few items and they’re all ship to store. Are the DeWalt OPE tools on shelves elsewhere?
Stuart
That part of the answer addresses this question I asked: Are there any official updates regarding Dewalt product availability at Lowe’s stores, specifically with respect to 20V Max or FlexVolt OPE?
There are usually limits as to what can be disclosed regarding retail arrangements, and so they confirmed where you can find FlexVolt cordless OPE. They listed the retail dealers, but there are also independent dealers.
Maybe only some larger Ace stores have FlexVolt tools in-store, or maybe only seasonally. I don’t shop there enough to be able to say.
Jason
In a previous career I worked with Ace quite a bit. They have plenty of planograms and certain items on national promo stores need to buy into but for a lot of product selections independent stores can make their own buying decisions.
That being said, if they’re a large Stihl dealer some get better pricing especially on parts and repair stuff if they don’t stock competitive OPE brands like Milwaukee/Dewalt
Zack
Ace is a co-op business model, most of their stores are independently owned. I also used to do a lot of work with Ace Stores and Ace Corporate, and Stihl has long history of working with Ace owners because they made it super easy to buy and deploy the Stihl planograms in 4 – 8 foot increments. Stihl was also well supported by the network of Ace RSC’s (regional warehouses). Broadly speaking, the mentality of Ace owners is “if its in the RSC, I’ll stock and sell it”. Because they get a resupply truck from the RSC multiple times a week, they can put inventory on auto-pilot with out ordering case-pack quantities. The RSC will happily sell you 1 of something, which ties up less space and cash in inventory.
If Dewalt OPE doesn’t have the same level of RSC inventory support and ease of planogram deployment, then they aren’t going to get the same kind of in-store treatment like the Stihl Wall.
Big Richard
Someone, perhaps the same individual, made a post on the DeWalt subreddit about it, too – https://www.reddit.com/r/Dewalt/comments/1qj2typ/60v_flexvolt/
They didn’t link the video, but I’m fairly confident they are referencing a recent toolswithsoalz video, which immediately discredits the claim. DeWalt just announced an entire new lineup of 60v Flexvolt OPE at EquipExpo in October. The claims are not only unfounded, but easily disprovable, really.
Nathan
I don’t recall Lowe’s ever having flexvolt. It was hd exclusive for a while
All the bigger ope moved to it.
Also glad to see ace getting a mention
Jared
I thought Dewalt might someday move towards Flexvolt advantage – or whatever that other line was that boosted tools when paired with >8ah packs. Power detect?
It seems like the progress in new battery pack tech sort of blurred the reason for Flexvolt’s existence. Of course, maybe they can use that tech in Flexvolt packs and achieve even higher energy outputs, but it didn’t seem necessary.
Nevertheless, my Flexvolt OPE is heads and tails better than the 20v line.
Big Richard
DeWalt has replaced both FlexVolt Advantage and XR Power Detect with the new rebranded XR line. From the press release from 2024:
“…In addition, DEWALT FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE™ and XR® POWER DETECT™ tools will be rebranded as XR®, including the following that are available now….”
Harrison
Lines have been blurred, but you’re right- The strategies that have improved the 20v tools have improved the 60v lineup as well.
I think Dewalt is going to drop the PowerDetect/ Flexvolt Advantage branded drills. Those tools never even used the battery packs in 60v mode, they were just high output 20v. Tabless 20v 8ah packs are more than adequate for a drill.
One thing to consider is that they have released their 12” miter saw in 20v, so it seams likely they are looking to build out a complete line of contractor tools that maintain a single voltage.
That said, there is no way Dewalt could sell a 20” 4hp chainsaw on the 20v platform without going dual-battery. Higher voltages will always have an advantage, technology being equal. If there is one range of tools where 60v has a clear justification, it would be OPE.