If looks were everything, Ridgid’s new Fuego and X4 18V Hyper Li-ion drills and drivers (compact, hammer, impact) would trump their competitors’ tools in a heartbeat. After coming across Lowes’ new Kobalt cordless power tools, I wondered about the compact drill/driver that Kobalt compares to their own in their display banner. I wasn’t really looking for it during my following trip to Home Depot, but as I walked through the aisles the snappy-looking R86008K drill caught my eye.
I am almost embarrassed to say this, but the design of Ridgid’s new Fuego cordless drill made me stop, stare, and go “oooh” for a good few seconds. Despite being a much more compact model, the drill itself does not look too different from the previous generation compact drill, at least at first sight. Still, there are noticeable ergonomic changes, more grey textured grip material here and there, a new work light design, and an overall smaller feel. The new battery looks to have been redesigned both functionally and cosmetically.
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Featuring Ridgid’s Hyper-Lith technology, the new batteries are said to have the best run time, recharges (?), and “extreme weather performance.” The batteries have a new power gauge indicator, and overall they look like Ridgid design engineers went out on a mission to create the sexiest tool batteries on the market. When paired with the X4 drills and drivers, the batteries help create a complete and powerful look.
Although it was the R86008K drill’s looks that initially got my attention, its specs and features kept my focus and I made a mental note to pay much more attention to the X4 line in coming weeks. The drill features a 2-speed gearbox with no-load speeds of 0-450 and 0-1650 RPM, and can deliver a maximum 455 in. lbs. of torque with its 1/2″ single-sleeve ratcheting chuck. Charging time for the included compact Hyper Lithium Ion batteries are listed as 20mins via Home Depot’s product page and 25mins via Ridgid’s info page, but we’re happy with either one.
A few years back when many guys scoffed at Hitachi’s “weird alieny” green grip design, I swore that tool appearances couldn’t sway me. While I wouldn’t think my stance has changed much, it is evident that I am not invulnerable to aesthetically pleasing tools. If tools like these can stop me in my paces, they’ll probably have the same effect on others. It’s a good thing that Ridgid built in solid hardware that back up the tools’ good looks, making them very dangerous to their competitors these days.
We’ll be reviewing at least one of these tools, to make sure that they’ve got the brains and brawn to match their striking good looks.
Here’s the head-turning 18V drill via Home Depot
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Update: The R86008K kit was replaced with the R86008P
Kevin
I owned the Fuego compact 18volt, basically the same model as pictured. I loved the feel of the drill, but found the led light placement to not be helpful (tolerable)and the battery life was horrendous (couldnt live with), so I ended up returning it. If they improved the battery life and moved the LED above the trigger this drill would be an absolute killer.
Scott moxey
I work in A/V industry and use my cordless drill just about every day. Currently I am working in a pre-wire and doing allot of drilling to run wires. I have had my new Rigid for 2 days now and have used one battery per day with a full charge to start the day with and have not had to break out the charger yet!! The bottom line is, so far, I am totally impresed with the Rigid and have nothing bad to say about it. Add in the life time service agreement that includes batteries…I’m not missing my Dewalt at all!
Johnny
I purchased this Ridgid R86008K yesterday evening and charged both batteries to use today. The battery went low after 5 mins. of use and it kept shutting off. I don’t know if it’s defective batteries or a defective drill. I will exchange it today and try a new one. If the new one does the samething then I will stay with DeWalt.
Andrew
The X4 set is nice, however if you can afford the hammer drill impact combo with the higher capacity batteries it will be more efficient. I took mine back and got a Makita brushless set, which will be for work, but I might pick up another Ridgid combo since the impact driver did have a lot of power. It’s so difficult to choose these days, but I know I can’t stand DeWalt anymore, especially the heavy hammer drill they have, too big and under powered for it’s size. Their batteries are nothing but trouble too. Makita batteries last forever, their tools as well, if taken care of. The X4 is definitely different than the previous stuff they put out, power, charges, etc, all good if you get the full capacity batteries.
Brad
Dewalt drill are heavy???
I have a Dewalt 20V MAX hammerdrill/impact combo and they are more powerful and LIGHTER than my Ridgid 12V drill/impact.
What’s even more impressive with the new Dewalt’s is their balance and performance. Check them out before throwing words around with no weight to them.
james
they are light and balanced and i have shattered two due to the defective piece of pot metal they use to attach the handle to the rest of the drill… they keep replacing them but they keep breaking….
Robert Pisano
I didnt notice a diffrence in the wieght of the new dewalt. I just bought a new Ridgid drill/driver and impact combo set, and my Ridgid seems better than my Old dewalt, and i like it so much i dont even use dewalt any more. I bought the job max and saw to mach my drills.
chris
Rigid is crap ive got everything and nothing compares to any of the big brand names there gutless heavy slow and all weather effects charging too hot too cold triggers wear out quick just can’t wait to switch to another brand great for home owners not for contractors