As promised, here's my post going a bit more into the Flex 24V cordless tools -- both the ones I ordered and received, as well as what we know about other tools that will be released.
What's Going On Here?
If you're not obsessed with tools and following tool news... the short story is -- Chervon, the company that manufactures Kobalt, EGO, Skil PWRCore ... and Hammerhead, (which nobody's heard of and appears to only sell on Amazon) -- is introducing a line of supposedly pro-level cordless tools through Lowe's.
Flex is not a new brand, but they're currently known for car detailing polishers and finishing tools, not general power tools. But now, they are offering cordless power tools exclusively through Lowe's. Per their new website, the tools were not supposed to be "launched" until April 12th.
If you didn't see my unboxing of the kit (that I don't think I was supposed to be able to order), check out the video here (and don't forget to like/subscribe, please!):
Deep impact?
First of all, my main complaint with the kit was the lackluster impact driver. However, it looks like Flex is going to offer a higher-end driver with more features:
Images Courtesy Lowes.com
According to the listing the premium FX1371A-2B model (which is the kit number with two 5aH batteries and charger) will have 2,500 in-lbs of torque and 3 speed modes. The one I reviewed (the FX1351) is specified at only 1,800 in-lbs of torque and of course has no speed mode selection.
Let's drill down a bit...
Next, let's look at the drill/driver in the kit I got versus the premium one listed over at Lowe's.
You'll be able to get a version of the drill I reviewed with an added hammer mode (model FX1251-2A). Then, there's a premium version of the drill that looks similar to the impact I showed above that is a kit with two 5aH batteries (model FX1271T-2b). According to the Lowe's product listing, this premium drill features "TURBO MODE - Increased speed for faster results" - whatever that means. It's also spec'ed out at 1,400 in-lbs of torque versus just 750 in-lbs for the model I have in hand.
Cutting to the chase...
Next in the kit was the reciprocating saw. Honestly, I've never owned a full-size cordless recip. I have an M12 Fuel Hackzall and a corded Harbor Freight Chicago Electric $19 special (that works just fine for me, by the way...).
For this tool, there's not much to talk about yet. The only standalone Flex recip saw listing I see is for the same model as the one included in my kit. You'll be able to get it with just the saw and a single 5aH battery plus charger and bag, Model #FX2271-1C / Lowe's Item #2590099.
And the flashlight? Nobody cares about the flashlight. If you do... well, sorry, because I don't. It was fine, it made light. End of story.
Wrapping it all Up
I honestly don't know why I was able to order the kit, or why it was available to order for a couple of days. And if it was an accident, they could've just canceled my order and refunded my money. But they shipped me the kit. If it was supposed to be a marketing stunt, they should've sold the top-end, impressive tools instead, in my opinion. I've considered reaching out to the Lowe's point of contact on the Chervon press release, but for now I'll just do my thing and get the M18 comparison video shot and posted. Stay tuned for that...
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