Mike wrote in yesterday, alerting me to the existence of the new Bosch DDS181A 18V compact cordless drill. His email wasn’t exactly about the new DDS181A, but rather what it did or did not represent:
Much like you, I’m a huge fan of Bosch. I find myself surfing the web at least twice a week in hopes of coming across some news of a possible new brushless impact driver (their IDH182 hybrid impact tool is just too impractical for my work due to the socket ready feature)
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While I’ve had no luck, I came across this new version of the DDS181 and couldn’t help but feel just a little let down. It doesn’t seem like Bosch is really trying to work on anything new as far as brushless 18 volt goes in NA [North America]. Do you think they’ll expand their brushless lineup, any time soon or could this be a sign that they’re giving up on it?
Well, Bosch does make a brushless drill, DDS182, and I believe they will soon bring relatively new impact driver models, or perhaps newly designed ones, to the USA market.
Why haven’t they yet? I don’t know.
And while other brands are busy releasing brushless this and brushless that, Bosch’s cordless innovations have been mainly tied to their battery tech. I’m talking about their wireless battery charging system.
Bosch is are working on what seems to be a Milwaukee One-Key-like Bluetooth-based tool customization system, but they haven’t shared any concrete details yet.
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Here is a look at the DDS183, which is definitely different from their DDS182, which looks like this:
It’s the EC on the side of the tool that indicates it’s engineered with a brushless motor.
I had been looking around for news about the DDS183, to see if there was a new brushless drill listed at European or USA dealers, and the sole image of the drill kit came up. Apparently there was a Bosch social media post that had been cached before being deleted.
If you refer back to yesterday’s post about the new brushed motor DDS181A, you should notice a few design similarities. The drill housings are a little different, but seem to have a common overall shape, and both drills have very similar concentric circle overmold grip styling.
The chuck of the DDS183 appears to be metal, perhaps the same one as the DDS181A, whereas both the brushless DDS182 and brushed motor DDS181 had plastic chucks.
We know nothing about the DDS183, aside from good reason to believe in existence (seeing is believing). I would think that it’ll at least match the DDS181A’s 600 in-lb torque level, but that’s not guaranteed.
Meanwhile, we’re also still left waiting for Bosch to step up their game.
Bosch has come out with some new 18V cordless tools recently, a new impact wrench, grinders, compact reciprocating saw (Europe), and a metal-cutting saw. That’s about it for the past 6 months. Going back a year, there’s also a wireless charging dock, Bluetooth radio, LED worklight (Europe), and that’s about it.
There might have been another release or two, but if I generally don’t skip preview posts.
So to answer Mike’s question, Do you think they’ll expand their brushless lineup, any time soon or could this be a sign that they’re giving up on it?:
I hope they will expand their 18V brushless lineup and am not quite sure what could be holding them back. Perhaps they’re waiting to perfect their tool customization technology. Or maybe they’re just not interested in expanding their premium brushless tool lineup.
I don’t think the DDS181A is a sign they’re giving up, and the image of a somewhat matching compact brushless DDS183 helps to support this. It’s also a sign that they’re gearing up for revised tool styling, which could indicate a new generation of brushless drills and drivers beyond just the compact model.
Let’s wait and see what happens. Bosch has had plenty of time to analyze and respond to competitors’ brushless tech, and so they might just surprise us with a big push. I certainly hope so, competition is good for everyone.
mike aka Fazzman
You just gotta know tool folks that live in EU,Bosch is releasing a bunch of brushless stuff for the US market this year. I am waiting for the new Bosch 12v brushless stuff to come out.
John S
I am fully committed to Bosch’s 12v and 18v cordless lineup, but I keep wanting to bang my head against the wall for their slow release of additional tools… especially when many of them are already available in Europe.
Cody
Bosch also has new 18 volt heavy duty brushless drills in the UK. Model GSB 18 VE-EC and GSR 18 VE-EC both of the these brushless drill feature bosch anti-kickback feature for drilling.
Cody
https://youtu.be/Ji_WtX2TDHY
Cody
Bosch also just released in the UK a 18 volt jobsite blower model GBL 18v-120.
Cody
https://youtu.be/snrKxm3v-xA
sp
Bosch releasd in Europe (at least in UK) in the end of April, 8 drills and comby drills in the range of 18V, 14.4V, in the Dynamic and Heavy Duty series: 4 Dynamic (series between light / compact and the Brute Tough series), 4 heavy duty, 4 14.4V drills, 4 18V drills.
That bunch of drills includes the european version of the DDS 183. Its name/model number is the same like the european brother of the DDS 182: GSR 18V EC (Electronicaly Comutated) and it looks just like the drill in the second image from top, above. Also includ in that launch is Bosch’s next premium HD drill in the 18V : the (Erope name) GSB 18VE-EC. Stragely, the most distingguished feature of that comby drill is the max torque of 75Nm (about 670+ lib-in).
All those drills equiped with the Anti Kik Back system (Is that how you write this?)
Stuart, you probably know all this for some time, dont you?
75Nm is OK for me but a lot of Bosch intuthiasts will move for the competition (the 1000-1200 lib-in club) becouse of that..
So may be Bosch leav that high torque for near future (hopefuly) 36V brushless drill.( Bosch didnt released even one brushless 36V power tool so far).
sp
For some reason my credit to Cody for mentioning first the GSB 18VE EC has droped. Sorry.
Sam
I may sound like a jerk
But is Bosch that good?
Todd H.
Actually I have a lots of experience with most power tool brands and Bosch is okay but nothing to sit round a wait for. They are extremely rude when trying to get warranty service from them and they are way behind compared to other brands. Totally unimpressed with they’re tools over many years of professional use.
Sam
Yeah.. im.a Milwaukee nut case lol. So im to the point of no.return now.. as far as other brands
fred
At one time Bosch was synonymous with high-quality (IMO best in class) corded jig saws. Their corded routers also gave Porter Cable a run for their money – and some folks like their Colt Trim router better than others on the market. They once seemed to be trendsetters with their SDS Plus and especially SDS Max RotoHammers – perhaps even competing well with more expensive tools from folks like Hilti. We had used their tools in these categories – plus others like their TEK screwdriver ( SG25MT) , concrete surface grinder (1773AK), corded cutoff machine (1365) – where our engine-driven ones could not go, and some of their RO sanders. So – when we needed/wanted to changeover from NiCad to LiIon we thought to look at Bosch – but there was little to select. We ended up buying Makita 18V and Milwaukee 12V – based on what was available at the time. I think Bosch is still at a disadvantage in the USA based on limited selection compared to folks like Makita and Milwaukee. For the DIY guy – only buying one drill, it may not matter what other tools are available using the same platform – but when you need to support multiple field crews and shop floors – well you know the answer.
Matt
I dont feel as though Bosch is trying to draw new customers or diehards.
These mundane releases lack any wow factor. Milwaukee 2nd Gen m18 kit, Makitas new 12v, and latest oil impact or soft impact as well as their big Hammer drill…. Dewalts 2nd gen 3 speed gear, Ridgids stealth guy, gen5x brushless and their low price point. Now Hitachi will enter the game soon with 6ah batts and a hammer drill to compete with the big guys. Kobalt 24v???
Im more interested in what Hitachi and Kobalt are doing.
Boschs line up seems mediocre in comparison and a redesigned drill at a healthy price point will interest some but not those of us invested or looking to invest in an eco system.
BikerDad
I’m curious as to whether it’s Bosch’s North American folks who are the dolts, or are the dolts over in Europe? (Of course, both sets of management could be dolts!)
Well, the good news is, for all our wailing and garment rending over the tools we can’t get on this side of the pond, there are plenty of products THEY can’t get over there that we have.
(We won’t even mention, oh, okay, sure we will, those poor blokes down in Australia who have to pay through the nose for the few things they can get!)
Chris
I see quite a bit of complains about Bosch’s 18v lineup but for your basic needs I think they hit all the basic areas. I mean what else do you want a drill/impact driver/hammer drill to do? If you buy one drill why would you want invest in a new drill? Will it screw a screw in any better? I understand wanting the Porsche and the latest and greatest of something but for me once I have something that works and just does what it’s supposed to do I happy with it. Of course I drive a Hyundai Accent so that probably says it all.
fred
Basic is OK – I drive a Honda
But if your running a plumbing business – where are the specialized tools like those for PEX and Press fittings like those from Milwaukee?
If your a general contractor – where are the concrete vibrators, drywall screw guns like Makita?
Its not that Bosch makes bad tools – quite the contrary – its just that others like Makita and Milwaukee seem quicker to the market (USA anyway) with innovative and better selection of cordless tools aimed at the trades.
Chris
I guess I’m just making a case for the average home owner who likes to DIY projects and auto work. Although I’m sure there are tradesmen out there in which what Bosch offers works for them.
Matt
Bosch could work for anyone. From home owner to pro. Their build quality is exceptional with decent run time and enough power to drill and drive most anything.
My question is why? Especially with lower priced tools geared to the home owner, what about Bosch stands out amid the myriad of power tools?
Matt
I currently own 4 drills and 3 impacts of varying degrees. Hammer, 12v, compact etc. Each has a designated use and gets put to work at the very least once a week.
I have one dedicated platform for all cordless needs, saws, cutters, lights and at boschs price point, offerings, and array of tools, i personally do not see them fitting into my arsenal as their brushless tools lack torque, their impacts are dwarfed by more updated tools, and im already dedicated when it comes to saws and other cordless gear.
I ask anyone, why Bosch over any other brand? What makes it stand out to you?
Chris
To answer your question I did a ton of research and at the end of the day I wanted to start with a brand that was reliable and would last a long time and ultimately that’s why I choose Bosch to start with. I do a lot car maintenance so I bought heavily into Bosch’s impacts to start with. As you see below some of the models I have are not available in the US but I was able to buy them through Ebay from Korea for a very completive price. I did sell the IDH182 because I liked the dedicated 1/4 hex (GDR 18 V-EC…not available in US………..Bosch what were you thinking not bring this to the US? This impact overall is my go to impact) vs the hybrid although if you were going to go with 1 impact for both applications I would highly recommend the IDH182 when you buy one of wera’s hex adapter that fits it better then the one Bosch provides with the kit (Bosch should have done a better job with the adapter……….too short and can actually get stuck).
To be honest I did almost go with Ridgid or even Ryobi but the reviews I read were a mixed bag.
IDH182 1/2 square or 1/4 hex
Setting 3: 137.5 Ft ibs
Setting 2: 75.0 Ft ibs
Setting 1: 33.0 Ft ibs
GDR 18 V-EC 1/4 hex
Setting 3: 125.0 Ft ibs
Setting 2: 56.0 Ft ibs
Setting 1: 31.0 Ft ibs
GDS 12V 3/8 square (very compact and is brushless)
Setting 2: 85.0 Ft ibs
Setting 1: 39.0 Ft ibs
IWMH182 18V EC 1/2 square (this is also fairly compact and you can actually really feel the power when you press the trigger)
Forward & Revers 184 Ft ibs
Iwht180 1/2 square (not compact at all but is a brute)
variable up to 500 Ft ibs
Bongo
I use Bosch drills/drivers for furniture work, and I’m frequently in tight low-light spaces (e.g. inside a cabinet or in a dark office after hours). Having an LED light positioned at the battery level all these years has spoiled me… when I tried Makita and Milwaukee kits, that was the first thing that annoyed me: shadows cast by the chuck due to LED lights being just above the trigger (as most brands have had for years). Only now do you see Dewalt with LED’s positioned at battery level. It’s funny, you could talk about motors and batteries all day long, but in the end I’m choosing brands based on LED light position! Second, I hear way more talk about Dewalt chuck wobble on brand new drills whereas with Bosch there’s less of that kind of chatter and in my first-hand experience the build quality is just better. Picking up a Dewalt feels like hollow Fisher-Price plastic whereas Bosch feels solid yet still low weight. Overall my concern is more compactness, weight and ergonomics… Bosch is in the top 3 for that. The Makita batteries… what’s up with them? Requires 2 hands, plus some force, to get them on/off chargers and tools. I would seriously consider Milwaukee if they simply put LED lights at battery level.
Varton
Bosch is all about very high quality, durability, toughness, and what is most important, exceptional design and ergonomics. I had tools from Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee and Metabo but the Bosch tools are on top for reliability, quality and precision. They last for a lifetime. And the secret ingredients that Bosch put in their tools is BALANCE. Bosch use the gestalt principles in design which means the whole is sum of their parts.
The exterior and the interior design of the tools is a story for itself. All the tools are elegant and very sleek. A pleasure to use.