Makita has come out with a new 18V sub-compact cordless drill, model XFD11. There’s also a new sub-compact Makita brushless impact driver, XDT15, and combo kit CX200RB.
Over at the Home Depot product page, it describes how this is a new class of tool, characterized by offering the smaller size and lighter weight of lower voltage tools (presumably 12V), but with the “performance, power, and compatibility of 18V.”
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In other words, Makita is saying that this is an 18V tool that feels like a 12V tool.
Upon looking at the specs, it looks like the new Makita sub-compact XFD11 drill performs like a 12V Max tool as well.
We’ve asked Makita USA for confirmation about the specs, but they have not yet gotten back to us.
- 350 in-lbs max torque
- 1/2″ chuck
- 6-3/8″ length
- Weighs 2.8 lbs with compact battery (not included)
- 0-500, 0-1700 RPM
- LED worklight
Price: $119 for theXFD11ZB bare tool, $229 for the CX200RB combo kit that includes the similarly classed sub-compact XDT15 impact driver. The bare tool impact driver, XDT15ZB, is also $119.
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Home Depot)
Buy Now(Impact Driver via Home Depot)
Buy Now(Combo Kit via Amazon)
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Compare(Makita 12V Brushless Drill)
First Thoughts
These days, many compact 18V-class tools are small enough to where they’re nearly as small and lightweight as 12V-class tools.
Take the Milwaukee Surge hydraulic pulse driver and Hitachi triple anvil impact driver. On the brushless drills side of things, consider the Dewalt DCD791, which is slightly longer and heavier than this new Makita.
The largest part of these and other compact 18V tools rests in the battery pack area. You can shrink the handle, chuck, gearbox, and motor, but you can’t shrink that battery pack or the size of the connection zone.
To me it looks like Makita took their FD07R1 12V Max CXT brushless drill, slapped on a 1/2″ chuck, added some new circuitry, tweaked the battery connection, changed the housing and/or overmold slightly and ended up with a 12V Max-sized tool that can be powered by an 18V battery pack. The LED worklight looks to have been upgraded as well.
Here’s a look at the two drills:
One of the questions I asked Makita USA, and am still waiting for a response for, was if these tools would replace their white compact tools, often considered to be aimed at homeowners.
Why are these tools – the new drill and impact driver – black instead of teal?
I found it both interesting and concerning that this new sub-compact 18V drill is matched in peak torque by Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel model. The M12 Fuel brushless drill has been on the market for around 4 years now. It’s appreciably longer than the Makita XFD11 sub-compact 18V brushless drill, and 0.1 ounce heavier.
Another question is this: is 350 in-lbs enough power for a compact cordless drill?
The bare tool price isn’t too bad, but for around the same money or a little more, you can get a higher powered compact brushless drill or a premium brushless 12V-class offering.
Right now, you can get the Makita 12V Max CXT compact brushless 3/8″ drill in a kit for just $160.
While I love the idea of a compact and lightweight 18V drill, the on-paper specs give rise to hesitation.
What do you think? “YESSS I love how compact and lightweight this is!” or “I’ll keep my compact brushless or brushed motor 18V drill.”
Nathan
makes a lot of sense – especially with decent runtime when using a compact style 18V battery.
I see no real reason to own 12 v tools. course I started on 18/20 – yes it might be smaller but I’ve never needed smaller and I don’t think the compact drill and compact battery is that heavy or larger to muster.
bravo on makita for trying to make a yet smaller – but still capable 18V device.
Sam
I started with 12V (Hitachi), moved up to 18V (also Hitachi) for the added power, then moved BACK to 12V because Makita’s CXT kit is so much smaller & lighter while still having plenty of power for my needs. With Milwaukee’s Red Helix drills & a box of DeWalt #2 Phillips bits, Makita’s 12V impact covers almost all my power tool needs (low voltage).
I keep hoping they’ll come out with a 12V SDS rotary hammer, even a small-capacity one, for the 1/4″-5/16″ anchor holes I need sometimes. So far my Chicago Electric unit’s worked beautifully, but running an extension cord gets awkward.
Tim
I embrace the black
Their teal doesn’t age well. The white not well at all.
It seems like everyone else is working to create new tools while makita is trying to create new sub classes of existing tools.
It reminds me alot of the pistol/firearms industry. Soon we’ll have compact, sub-compact, pico, and nano drills to add to our arsenal.
Seems some companies could benefit from trying to make their 12v tools smaller than their 18 or 20v max tools.
I’ll pass on this as I find it unnecessary.
BonPacific
The Teal doesn’t age well? I have to disagree. I’ve seen some seriously abused tools, and they hold up as well or better than Yellow (don’t see a lot of Red around here).
Satch
I look at this similarly to complaints about Bosch’s 10.8v drivers and impacts not being torquey enough. Power, power, and more power. But do you need it for the task to hand? If you need a compact drill for removing fasteners from enclosures and panels, you don’t need 1100 inch pounds of torque.
This new model may fit well for a repair tech who doesn’t want a whole new batt system but could use a super compact driver that uses their current battery. Horses for courses.
Dominic Van Lievenoogen
350 in-lb is enough for 90% of all tasks out there.
It’s smaller and lighter then the Milwaukee 12V on a bigger platform. Most likely a better runtime, and alot fasdter charge times. This is the most compact 18V drill out there and even more compact then most 12V drills out there.
Whats not too like?
Are you really reaching to find something negative to say?
Stuart
Not at all. I have my doubts about the target audience. Makita has all but dumped their 12V Max lineup in favor of the 12V Max CXT tools.
If the tools were $119 for the kit, that would be amazing. If they were even $149, that would be great.
If it were a CXT tool that could somehow work with 12V Max or 18V batteries, that works be even better.
But to release a non-teal compact drill with low torque, at $119 for just the bare tool?
And you can use it with the batteries you have, but then you lose some of the compactness and weight benefits.
This is one of those tools that could be made to look amazing. But a lot of users will look straight at the torque and rule it out.
Can it handle hole saws? Self feeding bits? Spade bits? Lag screws?
I’ve bogged down compact drills on common jobsite tasks.
If this was your only drill, it might be lacking.
But pair it with a corded drill or heavy duty cordless, then it might soar.
But many users don’t head out to work with 2 drills, they carry 1 that’s expected to be able to handle everything they throw at it.
My intent is not to be negative. With these no-hands-on previews, I think aloud. The on-paper torque is going to be important to nearly everyone.
That said, there is definitely a market for this. I just can’t figure out who. Electricians? Plumbers? Residential contractors?
Steve
Electrical apprentice here (ICI) – the vast majority of the time, all we use a drill for is 1/4″ holes, ~1″ step bits/unibits, and hole saws (7/8- 4″)
HOWEVER, 99% of the time, there is a hydraulic punch set (or two) in the job box; the smaller of which does (IIRC) up to 2″, and the larger does holes for up to 4″ EMT connectors.
If you use a punch set, all you need is a 1/2″ knockout or a 7/8″drilled hole in metal, so you don’t NEED to use big hole saws.
All that being said, this drill would be a great fit for my sector.
Matt
1/4″ holes? As a pilot for a KO or unibit?
The only thing I can think of that I’ve used a 1/4″ hole for was running some data cabling. Majority of stuff around here is wood frame tho.
I have the original Fuel 12 and 18V kits and an assortment of other tools to compliment them. I could see replacing my 18V Fuel hammer/driver with a Fuel Holehawg and using my 12V for almost everything. I don’t think it would have any issues with occasionally running a 4″ cup thru drywall. The Surge would be nice – especially in 12V. The 12s fit in my hammer loops tho the 18s have far more go.
Like others have said the price seems a little high. The drill head is compact but I think I’d be able to get my M12 into more spots because of the compact battery and handle. On more than 1 occasion that has been the limiting factor and a puzzle to get the hole where I needed it to be.
I was a Makita guy before the Fuel but went to Milwaukee because Makita didn’t seem to have an answer. Starting all over if I had to go with green I think I’d give Hitachi a solid look over Makita as they sadly don’t have anything that stands out to me.
Dewalt has the framing nailer which is awesome and the FlexVolt looks promising. Milwaukee has their new miter, Hawgs, and 9ther Fuel goodies. The seem to have swung and missed with the nailers? Is that true? They’re really pricey in Canada. Hitachi has that new impact and hopefully that’s a sign of things to come. And Bosch outside their axial glide saws really doesn’t grab my attention either. Nothing cordless that comes to mind. I mean the clutched drill that clutches on binding is cool but that’s just one thing. They do make awesome beastly hammer drills and drill bits tho.
Steve
1/4″ hole for 1/4-20 screws/bolts for mounting anything that doesnt require threaded rod or #10 screws wont do. or as a hole for a #10 and a washer for a bit of wiggle room to adjust a box
Sam
Hitachi makes very solid tools. Unfortunately they ARE solid, with weight to match. I shaved over 2 pounds off my belt by changing out my Hitachi 18V impact for a Makita 12V CXT (brushed).
I’m pretty close to tossing the matching Makita drill out of my bag as well, since the convenience of 1/4″ quick-change bits (Milwaukee Red Helix & Bosch Daredevil spades) has me using my impact to MAKE holes as well as filling them. Never had a problem with those bit brands except when someone “borrows” them. Red Helix 1/2″ in the Makita impact even put nice, clean anchor holes through a 2″-thick steel-backed cement board/drywall/plywood/I-beam sandwich!
I REALLY wanted to go with the M12 tools for the rotary hammer, grease gun, ratchet, inspection camera, &c., but the basics (impact & drill) are nearly as heavy as my Hitachi 18V kit & the grips are too thick for my hands.
Andrew
I’ve got both 12v cxt BL and 18v BL sub compact. They are both amazing drills. I work with steel, both these drills can handle 13mm dia drill bits in to 10mm plate no problem. I rarely pull out my the bigger BL dhp481 now
Mario Corbiciero
and its brushless as well
Cody
Yes these are replacing the white makita 18 volt models. Makita has already discontinued them on their website.
Bremon
I would like to have a Milwaukee or Dewalt this small in the M18 or 20v Max lines, and that’s coming from someone who owns a 2701, 2704, DCD796 and DCD996. If the “Surge” has a place I don’t see how one could argue this doesn’t. I only run M12 for accessories for the most part, and M12 Fuel isn’t very compact these days, comparatively. I’d be excited to see a drill this small that uses batteries I already own.
Frank
I think it’s a fantastic drill, and was honestly shocked that it took your site so long to notice it, since it’s been in stores for over a month. Heads up: Home Depot has this in a combo with a subcompact impact driver, batteries, a charged, and bag for $229.
It is just like the Milwaukee m12 fuel except shorter and lighter, BUT since it’s using essentially the same amount of power from 18v battery, the runtime is incredible. I was excited when I heard about the m12 fuel drill and sorely disappointed once I got it in my hands. I do low voltage work, and have to get into tight spaces, so Milwaukee’s 12v line is useless. With a drill, length is the only dimension that matters when space is a concern, and the m12 fuel drill is longer than makita’s full size 18v! I really suggest getting your hands on this tool before you make up your mind about it, the feel is great. In the big picture, I think that this is a pretty innovative tool, because it represents a tool company taking a break from the max torque arms race and designing something so useful, and, more importantly, that doesn’t require buying into another platform, new batteries, Chargers, etc.
Congrats to Makita for coming out with another great, innovative tool. Just like the impulse driver they came out with a year and a half ago. Good for Milwaukee for finally having gotten their rip-off on the shelves!
Jay
Right on time. Was thinking the other day that it would be nice to have a smaller lighter drill for those times that a beast drill isn’t required. My Makita XPHO3 is great but it weights over 5 lbs. with battery. This new little 2.8 pound sub-compact drill would be nice to have and is the exact same weight as my Makita XDT11 impact driver and I guess it can use the exact same batteries.
That 2.6 lb. XFD11 sub-compact driver doesn’t offer all that much in terms of weight reduction over the very capable XDT11 driver but that new drill looks promising.
Robert
I have 18v makita and 12 v Milwaukee. Charger on the Milwaukee set quit at less than a year, I am returning and would consider this instead, no reason to run two battery types. The Milwaukee is about the same size as the makita.
Toolfreak
I’ll still be keeping my Bosch 12V Max drill and other tools.
While I can appreciate the benefits of having an 18V drill in a slightly more compact form, it’s only compact in the sense it’s slightly shorter from the front to the back, and lighter due to there being less body material overall.
It’s still NOT a completely compact drill like a Bosch 12V Max/Milwaukee M12, which is smaller overall due to the more compact 10.8/12V Max battery over the larger, rectangular 18V pack.
This makes a difference.
I can get the 12V compact drill and other tools in places a tool with a larger, rectangular pack will not go. It’s also easier to handle overall, especially in situations where you’re trying to hold the workpiece, keep the screw in place, and position the drill to drive the screw in cleanly.
I get that some people like the 18V drills or those with rectangular battery packs. Some like it just because they can set the tool down on the battery pack. Some like the extra no-slip/grip security the body shape gives.
I like 18V/20V Max drills just fine, they are good when you need them, but the compact 12V Max drills just do it all and then some, and they have a lot of benefits to them.
I do like the black of the Makita for sure, though.
Dan
Looks great. I have a Metabo BS 18 Quick which is only slightly longer and 425 in-lbs. It’s a great drill for DIY and I imagine this Makita would be the same.
ChrisP
Makita have recently launched a new compact the DHP484 in some markets. It’s the replacement for the DHP480/XPH06Z. Compared to the previous model RPM is up to 2000 (was 1550), torque up slightly to 60NM. Length reduced to 182mm (was199)
http://www.makita.co.nz/products/model/DHP484
Makita really needed to do something in the compact class, hopefully this can compete with the DW796
Jay
“Price: $119 for theXFD11ZB bare tool”
Gadzooks! Compaired to the Makita XPHO3Z hammer drill at $118 this little drill does seem a bit pricy.
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-XPH03Z-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Hammer/dp/B00R3HB0PC
Gomer pyle
The XPHO3Z is brushed, which explains why the new drill is priced higher than one might expect.
Nathan
to my other comment: if I could have a dewalt handle full size with a smaller narrower brushless motor – or even decent brushed motor – using the 18v battery – might even ditch the speed selector – but leave the slipper clutch – with the torque/speed of about 70% of the “compact brushless drill driver in high gear”
and the cost bare was cheap – I’d most likely pick one up.
Now I feel this tool is about that for the makita line up. I mention dewalt because that’s what I have – you could easily interchange whatever your favorite color is.
I would want a compact type drill/driver – but I want the full size tool handle. don’t go cutting that down or etc. I don’t care if that means it weighs a little extra – so what. I have compact batteries, and big ones. but they are all the same voltage.
Oleg Kuperman
Many professionals, given the context, will say that Makita, having lost all shame and taste had decided to sell more of the same tools by calling them “new” instead of “compact”, like they did for years, but it’s not true! Also not true is the fact I mean the conclusion one can draw from this story that Makita’s advertising department had come up with a whole new level of selling lies, when they announced that Makita is unveiling a whole new class of tools that are smaller than their normal-sized counterparts but, get this, they’re also weaker and, somehow, also tools that had never been made before by anybody else! Amazing if you don’t think about it! To anyone with common sense it still might sound like a compact version of their bigger siblings, the class of tools that all other companies make for those customers who don’t need all the power the bigger tools provide yet want to use the battery system they are invested in but, Makita has one important distinction other companies don’t have: their tools are all BLACK. See? They are not just a regular, garden-variety demagogues who use their powers of confusion by enormous amounts of bullshit to sell more stuff, no, by painting their smaller-than-normal tools black they become innovators!
Gordon
Maybe you should pick one of these up and tighten your lose screws.
The idea is pretty simple. This is a DIY Homeowner designed tool. Light, and easy to maneuver it builds not only brand loyalty, but battery system loyalty. When the time comes for the homeowner to add to the collection, they already have at least one 18v makita battery pack. So a bare driver, saw, radio, ect will stand out as an obvious choice. At this point the homeowner already likes the Makita brand, and they save money by sticking to one system and not buying new batteries and chargers.
On the flip side. If all homeowners were pushed towards the 12v system, it would make an easy jumping off point when they upgrade to 18v. Why stay with Makita when you have to spend money on batteries and chargers any way?
This seems like a pure business decision. And honestly one I love. 6 months ago I only needed a 12v set for minor fixes around the house. Last week I bought a Land Rover to fix up. You can bet your next paycheck that I spent 3 days drooling over a new 18v driver to deal with some narsty bolts. If I already had a Makita 18v sub-compact drill, I would immediately buy an oil-impulse driver. That keeps my money going into Makita’s pockets, AKA good business decision.
(and that isn’t even talking about how I believe they will kill off the 12v lineup after this year.)
Aaron
I’d love to see other companies that haven’t made significant technological improvements or updates to their 12v products (like Hitachi and ESPECIALLY DeWalt) follow suit. In DeWalt’s case they’ve been sitting on their hands for years regarding sub-compact products.
James Davis
I bought two CX200RB kits, and am very pleased. They are smooth and have enough features and power to warrant the price. The control with the impact is super. If more power than this is needed daily, then an impact wrench might be necessary. Huge auger bits and large diameter saws might tax the drill, but cabinet installers, electricians, and maintenance workers will love these tools. Most chores, even for pro users, can be accomplished by this set.
BRIAN QUAN
Nice Review.
This has been on my wish list for some time now. As of this month their last addition/edition are the Sub compact “Hammer drills” — XPH11ZB and DHP483ZB. I was speaking to a national rep (Canada). and they told me that this drill will be available in a kit-form (with impactor) later this year. Excited!
Scott Sena
Just setting back up into construction after a good stretch away. (Tools, products and marketing sure changed in twelve years…)
This tool’s biggest strength is decent power combined with superior ergonomics and light weight. Having set up with Milwaukee already? Sure won’t pass up a good deal on one of these little jewels Milwaukee or not in the box…..the most nimble drill I’ve ever held. (Cabinets, hardware and woodwork little tough guy I suspect.)