Ridgid has announced their new generation of 18V cordless power tools – GEN5X. When the new product family launches, there will be just two products, a 5pc combo kit (R9652), and a random orbit sander (R8606).
Right now details are sparse, but we hope to gather more details and info in coming days and weeks.
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There are two points I wanted to emphasize first.
1) Ridgid makes some very strong claims about their new permanent magnet motors, but the new Gen5X tools are NOT brushless. Maybe a couple of new brushless tools will be released later on, but there hasn’t been any indication of this.
2) Ridgid’s Gen5X tools and batteries will be compatible with all of their other 18V X4 tools, batteries, and chargers.
Ridgid Gen5X 5pc Combo Kit (R9652)
Ridgid says that the new Gen5X 18V cordless tools will outperform the competition in a number of ways. The tools have been engineered with new motors that provide best-in-class power, performance, and runtime, and the tools themselves are said to offer best-in-class extreme weather performance.
Combo Kit Contents
- Hammer Drill (R8611503)
- Impact Driver (R86035)
- Circular Saw (R8652)
- Reciprocating Saw (R8642)
- LED Flashlight (R8693)
- Charger (R840095)
- (2) 4.0 Ah batteries (R840087)
- Auxiliary handle
- (2) Bits, circular saw blade, blade wrench, reciprocating saw blade, (3) belt hooks
- Carrying bag
- Operator’s Manuals
Price: $499
Available Now
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
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Gen5X Hammer Drill
- Torque: 780 in-lbs.
- 0 – 450/0-1,600 RPM no-load speeds
- 0 – 7,200 / 0 – 25,600 BPM
- 1/2″ chuck with carbide locking jaws
- Integrated “Chuck Light” LED for unobstructed and shadow-free illumination
Gen5X Impact Driver
- Torque: 2,000 in-lbs.
- 0 – 2,750 RPM no-load speeds
- 0 – 3,200 IPM
- 3 speed settings for adjustable power and speed
Gen5X Circular Saw
- 7-1/4 inch blade size
- 3,700 RPM no-load speed
- Corded-like performance
Gen5X Reciprocating Saw
- 1-1/8 inch stroke length
- 0 – 3,000 SPM no-load speed
- On/Off orbital action; orbital action for wood-cutting and demolition, non-orbital for cutting metal
Gen5X LED Flashlight
- Over 40 hours of runtime with the included 4.0 Ah HYPER Li-ion battery
Gen5X Random Orbit Sander
There will also be a new sander available as a bare-tool add-on (R8606). As with the circular saw, it’s said to be powerful enough to provide “corded-like performance.” The Gen5X sander is compatible with Ridgid’s other 18V slide-style battery packs.
- 7,000 – 11,000 OPM variable speed
- 1/8 inch orbit diameter
- 5 inch pad size
- AIRGUARD technology collects up to 90% of dust for a cleaner work area
- Over 40 minutes of runtime when paired with a 4.0Ah Hyper Li-ion battery
Price: $70
Available Now
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Here’s a teaser video that doesn’t really show anything except the built-in LED worklights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqdfV3WvAIM
First Thoughts
There really are too few details for me to form much of an opinion about the new Gen5X tools, but a couple of things do stand out.
First, 780 in-lbs peak torque for the drill and 2,000 in-lbs peak torque for the impact driver? Those are pretty impressive specs.
Also, the impact driver has 3 speed and torque settings. I don’t think I’ve seen this feature on a brushed-motor impact driver before.
Hopefully we’ll see some more innovations and developments as part of the Gen5X lineup.
Aellynh
Pretty interesting idea for the keyless chuck on the drill, although I wonder how durable the chuck is. Has to be some kind of plastic for the LEDs which isn’t going to hold up as well as an all-metal chuck. Still, innovative stuff and good idea for improved lighting.
Impact driver with 3-speeds and brushed? Metabo SSD18 LT. They’ve been doing it for 2 generations now.
KL
Hmm, can’t totally see how the battery goes on the sander? I guess that’s a dovetail at the front right of the tool in the picture?
Stuart
Looks to me like the battery goes onto the back, with the dust port being offset to the left side.
That narrow front gripping area looks like it could be useful.
mikeh
it’s hard not to be impressed with a brand that keeps proving itself with solid innovation – these may not be the highest end tools available but at their price points and with their warranty these are very impressive and reliable tools, they would definitely satisfy the typical HD customer at a very reasonable cost, maintaining connectivity with current equipment that’s out is a huge help to most wallets
mnoswad
cordless palm sander. wish more companies would do this. good for quick tasks with no cord to get in the way.
mikeh
i agree – I’ve been looking for this for awhile, will definitely make me buy into their 18v platform
mnoswad
check out makita first. but if milwaukee puts out an 18v sander and a planer………’im ready to go all in on another battery platform.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/makita-cordless-sander/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Jerry
More choices for upgraded tools, how is that not a good thing?
Jason
Little disappointment at it not being brushless, but Home Depot wants a $499 price point so you have to make compromises.
Tom hoglan
Gen 5 is brushless I own a set it says it right on the side of the tool
Stuart
No it’s not. Only the new Gen5X brushless tools are brushless. Ridgid also makes non-brushless Gen5X tools.
Tim
How can you tell if brushless or not. HD has the 5 PC combo kit with (2) 4.0 batteries on sale for 399.99? I’m writing this May 17, 2016.
Also, is there going to be a difference in how long battery charge will last for the “brushless” vs X4 non brushless?
Thanks
Stuart
Brushless would be described as such.
These are described as having “permanent magnet motors.”
The brushless line consists of a hammer drill, impact driver, and circular saw, and there are combo kit options.
Without actually comparing runtime, I can at least tell you that brushless tools have more efficient motors and that they *should* run for longer, with everything else being constant or comparable.
mike
who cares. true lifetime warranty once its registered. anything happens they fix or replace.
Chris
Love the idea of the integrated LED light but I worry about the quality of the chuck thats left behind. Did they have to make room for a battery in it? Did it start off as a good chuck (Jacobs, Rohm, etc) or is it more like a gimmick piece?
Other than that the tools look good. Ridgid has always been solid for me, but I went Milwaukee to convert to lithion mostly because of the power in the Fuel line (and now of course Ridgid comes along and matches it at presumably less cost)
cody
Craftsman has had a brushed 19.2 volt 3 speed impact driver for about a year. And Milwaukee released a brushed 2 speed m18 impact driver about 4 months ago.
Dave E
I purchased all DeWalts 20v’s and after a year of work the impact driver will not hold bits, a small drill is burnt up, sawsall does not like to hold blades, and have two batteries that are paper weights. I can assure you I spent more than $499. This new set from Ridgid may be an option, since DeWalt was suppost to be great but nothing of mine that have issues are under the three year warranty and wouldn’t you know I just missed the one year but two weeks…thanks DeWalt
Guy
Personally, I have thrown to garbage about 15 DeWalt’s tools that lasted about a year(professional daily use)and I’ve never been impressed. We had to switch to full Hilti which considerably increased the price but havent had any issues after 2 years now except one dead drill chuck that got replaced through the representative at the shop.
Todd
With the combination of quality and warranty, Rigid seems to be the best line for me.
Jon
Is it just me or does Rigid now understand the purpose for a left side circular saw. Exactly why I will not buy any of their tools. They are a sub company of Milwaukee and they like to keep the good stuff for their strong brand. And Milwaukee has the best warranty, 5 years. Rigid is 3 Years and only service agreement IF they still have the parts for your tools. Not impressed.
Pablo
I don’t think you have a single fact right in your post. They’re not a subsidiary of Milwaukee, they’re owned by Emerson and TTI is their primary manufacturer. Warranty is is lifetime on tools and batteries.
And to buy that combo kit as a Milwaukee would cost you more than double.
Nathan
while his comment is misworded. both Milwaukee and Ridgid are under the TTI umbrella. and if I recall correctly Emerson wasn’t involved with ridgid – GE was. but either way.
Stuart
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/tool-brands-corporate-affiliations/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
TTI and Emerson have an agreement where TTI will design, produce, and market power tools under the Ridgid brand in North America.
skfarmer
a new platform that works with the old stuff ???????????
they say it isn’t possible and yet someone does it !!!!!!!!!!!
are you listening dewalt ??????????????
Jason
Ridgid/TTI was smart enough to go with a slide pack style battery at the start. Almost everyone else has had to go through a stem pack to slide pack conversion. It would have been nice if Dewalt did atleast allow and adapter from the 20v max to the 18v xrp tools, but Dewalt wants you in a totally now platform. Dewalt 18v was just so dominant when they changed it was going to be painful either way
Nathan
isn’t there an aftermarket adapter that allows the new slide in dewalt battery work in their post battery tools – but you still need a new charger? I swear I’ve seen such an animal.
Nathan
Glad to see something new out of them. brushless isn’t the end all be all – so not so much worried about that, if the tools do as advertised then they’ll be a good advancement.
mike cherrington
Hi,
I, m over here in Northern Ireland (UK)..T New ridgid looks good stuff but check out AEG ‘S Next generation, it’s BRUSHLESS….SO FAR A HAMMER DRILL, GRINDER, IMPACT DRIVER AND NOW THE CIRCULAR SAW. Also 5.0ah batteries..All AEG and RIDGID are identical tool battery and chargers ..to see more go to AEG.COM.AU. .
adam
I think you mean http://aegpowertools.com.au/
Wonder why Ridgid is even bother with this non-brushless Gen X5. I mean we know the answer is $$, but seems advertising & educating customers would be cheaper in the long run if they just went brushless & charged a tiny bit more.
James
Why, and I do have an old Milwaukee and dewalt, but here’s why. You saw the torque et al. A brushless Milwaukee drill/driver (brushless mind you) model # 2603-22ct has
a 2 speed powerstate brushless motor with 650 in. lbs. of torque. Rpms 0-550 (low) and 0-1850rpm (high). You get a 2.0 Ah battery and charger, 2.0 sucks at this price level which is
$230.00 plus tax. The Ridgid has more power, better batteries and battery warranty
and for an other $270.00 you get way more tools with lots of power and a better warranty,
for the DIY at home, which is what all these forums are about. If you are a pro, and I did some construction work for a small business I didn’t pay for a tool and the tools are a write
off for the business. So in the end these new Rigid tools with the power and inexpensiveness and great warranty, well the average Joe can’t go wrong. Remember a lot of companies provide the tools. Unless you move from job to job.
Also, I have seen some drills go for $300 and $400 for one drill. When I get a chance I am going out
and buying this Rigid set instead of one of Milwaukee, Makita, Dewalt, Bosch, Panasonic and many, many others. For me, an average user now, this is a steal of the Last 5 years. If I wait til Christmas they may even come down another 50 or 60 dollars.
Thanks Brothers
James
Glenn Gossett
Everything I’ve read about permanent magnet motors describes them as brushless technology. Why do you say these will not be brushless? Is it because Rigid does not specifically describe them as such? Or are there brushed forms of permanent magnet motors?
Stuart
Truth is, we won’t know for sure until tools hit the market. There are brushed permanent magnet motors.
Brushed vs. brushless depends on which aspect of the motor features permanent magnets, and which have electromagnetic coils.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/power-tool-brushless-motors/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Since Ridgid used “permanent magnet motor” language and not “brushless,” then it’s reasonable to expect that these are all brushed motor tools.
These days, no brand will offer brushless tools without highlighting that they’re brushless.
There are brushless AEG tools, and so we will probably/hopefully eventually see these in Ridgid branding, but not before the tools can be competitively priced.
Glenn
Either way, it looks to be a very nice set for a homeowner DIYer. With the LSA, they really will be hard to beat. I wish they would have the option to preorder.
Tom hoglan
Rigid is lifetime they are brushless
Stuart
No, these tools aren’t brushless.
Austin
I am a field rep for TTi, and just tried these 5x tools out yesterday… They seemed to live up to the claims… endured everything I put them thru, and I don’t “drink the kool-aid.”
On the “chuck light”… This thing is sick!! I asked them if they got the idea from the game & movie ‘Tron.’ It is in fact powered by the 18v battery, has LEDs behind thchuck, and has fiber optics relaying the light as the chuck rotates in front of the LEDs… it was unreal.
Alex D
Any word on the new 18v nailers and the sander can’t find a way to buy them?
Stuart
The Ridgid brushless Hyperdrive nailers (https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/ridgid-hyperdrive-brushless-nailers/%3C/a%3E%29 don’t seem to be widely available yet, and the sander hasn’t hit stores yet either. Only thing to do is wait.
azjohn
Any word on when home depot will get these In stock? I’ve been stopping in for the past 2 weeks. Nothing yet.
Stuart
All they would say is: “Samples will be available in a couple weeks starting with the combo” and “The new tools will become available as bare tools as inventory of the current sell through.”
Even if your Home Depot gets these in stock, they might not be able to put them out immediately. That’s often the case for new tools. If I want a new release, I often have to ask an associate to climb the stacks and dig into an unopened shipping carton.
John
Thanks for the reply. I was kinda thinking about that when I see the X4’s still on the shelf. I’ve hit about 6 different home depots in the East Valley area of Phoenix over the past few weeks hoping for some luck.
Adam
My local HD still has the X4 stuff out as well. No sign of anything X5.
Alex D
Do you have a really busy Home Depot in your town I went to the one you cant park at from 7-5 they had like 15 in stock Nashville TN.
John
one other thing that i think is odd, is that last week the 5X (or is it X5) combo set was listed on the Home Depot website but now its not on there.
Jon
It is funny that TTI can figure out to put a left sided circular saw into the Milwaukee lineup but Rigid gets left out. That along with six batteries dying in less than 1.5 years I gave them up for a 5 year warranty with Milwaukee and more tool options. New Rigid mean new disappointments.
DastokVandorat
In any case, it seems to be an extremely pleasant set for a property holder DIYer. With the LSA, they truly will be difficult to beat. I wish they would have the alternative to preorder.
Aaron
Permanent magnet is brushless
Stuart
Nope. Brushed and brushless motors both have permanent magnets. Difference is in where they are located.
Mike Harvey
Got my Gen5 setup at in Early May at my local Home Depot store here in Belleville. Had asked the tool section guy at HD about a week earlier when they might be getting them and it sounds like most stores have to clear the large majority of the X4 line before HD Corp will send out the Gen5 line to that store/region.
Great set of tools.. Hard to believe each tool improved from the X4 line.. more power, features, etc..
Scott Gedling
Hey guys I’m a custom deck builder here in the South using a lot pressure treated southern yellow pine. Been using Ridgid for years but actually went to Ryobi on impact drivers because earlier Ridgid wasn’t holding up. Bought the 5th generation set a couple of weeks ago and it has very much impressed me. Notching and cutting 6x6s with the skilsaw and sawzall without a problem, its heavy but the power of a corded. And the impact torque has been unreal on lags and deck screws. We’ll see how they hold up but so far so good.
Scott Gedling
Well been using the 5th generation for about 5 months now. Built several large decks a carport and boathouse/dock. Still impressed with circular saw and sawzall but not so with the Impact. Had to turn it in for repair and that was 6 weeks ago, they sent me a new x4 last week that I sent them back for the 5th generation. Ridgid still hasn’t got the impacts right this was my fourth to include two of the first ones and one X4 that was terrible. All of them including the x5 overheat under heavy use to the point you cant hold them without gloves. The x4 gear housing came apart, x5 overheated and smelled like it was on fire. I hate to say it but the Ryobi impacts with the 4ah batteries keeping on driving day in and day out with 3″ deck screws. Just wish ridgid would get them right I have too much in batteries to go to something else. Scott
Rocky
Just bought the gen 5 set today hd has it for 399 right now very impressed with everything except the circ saw I wish it had more balls
Grant
Is the Ridgid R8606 orbital sander
available?
I contacted Ridgid and they didn’t
have any information about it.
You shouldn’t review tools that aren’t going to be made available for purchase.
Stuart
It’s not out yet.
I’m confused. Are you talking about this post? Do you see the words “review” or “tested” anywhere? Or any wording at all that suggests this is a review? I choose my words carefully to avoid such confusions.
Premo
Stuart does not work for the retailer. He has access to information that he relays to those that use said information to purchase or plan their future purchases.
Home Depot does some strange things with tools on their website that appear but cannot be purchased. For example, the hyperdrive nailers were on their website for a short period and then disappeared.
Just bought this set for $399. I am pleased with the power and performance of the new motors in these tools. Now I am holding off buying 2 x4 grinders for the 5x are bound to be better suited for a pro user.
Giovanni Jonas
Super cool. -NAME
http://www.folkd.com/ref.php?go=http3A2F2Fdavewirth.blogspot.com2F20162F072Fstrip-sander-easy-free-build-plans.html
R Smith
Why can’t the consumer purchase an individual hand tool such as the model R8642 Gen5X reciprocating saw at Home Depot or other licensed outlets?
Stuart
Because there’s limited number of shelf space. They can’t carry every tool at every Home Depot store.
TONY modzelewski
Why can’t I buy the 5th gen ridged reciprocating saw by it self
Bill
When they coming out with a gen 5 1/2in impact brushless