CXS VS TXS

[Russelljwatson]

Hi all,

I'm going to buy a CXS or a TXS drill set. Only thing is I can't decide which one! Any advice with the pros and cons of each design would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers
Russ

 

[Kev]

Hi Russ,

I got the CXS early and love it. I know I wouldn't hate a T either, but the real truth is simply what ever feels best it your hand is best for you.

 

[neeleman]

CXS is smallest of the two
CXS has better bitholder (4 bits)
CXS has better belt clip
CXS has better grip
TXS has better LED position
TXS bitholder is rubbish (2 bits keep falling out)
TXS has T-handle if you prefer

I have both models but still prefer the CXS.

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[Russelljwatson]

Thanks for the advice guys. My only concern is that the shape of the cxs might stop me getting into smaller spaces than the TXS. I'll go and have a look at them in my local dealers I think

 

[Birdhunter]

I only wish the TSX was offered here! I've totally enjoyed my CSX. It's my favorite drill and it seems to always fit even the tightest spaces. I think it was among the first Festool products I bought. I attended a Festool event and walked out with the CSX set, 2 MFTs, Domino 500 set, and the TS55. That's when the insanity started!

Whichever drill you get, I strongly suggest getting the set. I use the right angle attachment far more than I ever thought I would.

Suggest you also look at the T18. I find it is far lighter and more ergonomic than I expected. The T18 and the CSX are the 2 drills I use most of the time.

 

[jacko9]

I have the CXS and the T-18 and use them both all of the time.  The T-18 will give you the extra power when you need it and the CXS is just the perfect tool for cabinet assembly, etc.

Jack

 

[Doug S]

Never held the TXS so can't comment on that but I do have the CXS and it is excellent. The CXS feels more comfortable then any other drill when you use it. You find yourself holding it high up the grip using your middle finger on the trigger so you are pushing directly behind the chuck, it just feels right.

Doug

 

[Zebt]

I've had the CXS for a few years and love it. Bought the larger chuck and with care it drives well. Battery life is still great.

 

[Sjur]

I have the TXS and to me, it fits my hands better. The way I understand it, the C handle on the CXS is for kitchen installers when they drill from below and up into countertops. I don't do this nearly enough to justify the extra weight and the inconvencience I felt it offered.

I tested the light briefly in the store, and I couldn't really tell which had the best lighting.

I reccommend you to go to the store, try the individual drills out, and make an educated choice based on what you do and how you like the drills.

I'm not sure if it's frowned upon, but you could buy both drills and use them for a couple of days, and return the one that doesn't become the favourite?

 

[yetihunter]

I'll throw a curveball into the mix.

Is it the 1.5 aH or the 2.6 aH cxs vs the txs?

Honestly, I'm not too fond of the 2.6 aH battery on the new CXS.
The 1.5 sits flush, the newer battery protrudes out on both sides.
Obviously, you can always get either battery, separately. 

No TXS here, so I won't comment on that.

I will say, if you're considering a T drill.  The T-18 with the newer small 2.6 aH batteries is mighty compact.  Not as compact though.  Almost just as ergonomic.
That said, if you're looking at the CXS/TXS, you're probably using it for the same instances I use mine, the t18 won't do any of the small things better.

The CXS definitely can get into tight spaces. 

 

[amcore]

i have them both and all that i can say that i like the CXS more than the TXS.. the CXS is more comfortable than the TXS becuse of the grip on my hands! try them first

my first TXS drill get broken after one hour but i got a new one from festool. after that i dident like it  [sad] i think it was the gearbox who ripped apart  [mad]

i hope they will get them brushless soon.. and a TiXS version to  [smile]

 

[bertv]

The CXS has a better balance IMO. It’s my favorite drill out of the three Festools I own.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

The CXS - for me. Easily.
The CXS is a great sidekick and has a better beltclip and on board bit storage.

After comparing the T12 with the Compact battery with the TXS there was no competition; the T12 is stronger, drills larger holes and takes up to 13mm drill shanks and is very well balanced while only being marginally larger. You can fit the smaller drill chuck from the CXS on the T12 and not make it awkward  where as the TXS does not feel and do well with the normal size 13m chuck.
The T12 is brushless and the TXS isn't. If the TXS had been brushless then the TXS would have made more sense, to me.

I bought the T12 on a close out sale at a little more 50% discount and it is now my mostly used drill. I was so happy with it I bought another one to have a set version.  I can see why they are phasing out the C12/T12; with the advent of the C18 there is no reason to buy a C12/C15 drill: the C18 is the same size and weight machine with more power and can take all batteries down the range (except CXS of course).

The CXS however is THAT drill/driver that makes for a great lightweight companion; ergonomics, size and clever design. The TXS just isn't it for me. 

 

[Russelljwatson]

I'll throw a curveball into the mix.

Is it the 1.5 aH or the 2.6 aH cxs vs the txs?

Honestly, I'm not too fond of the 2.6 aH battery on the new CXS.
The 1.5 sits flush, the newer battery protrudes out on both sides.
Obviously, you can always get either battery, separately. 

No TXS here, so I won't comment on that.

I will say, if you're considering a T drill.  The T-18 with the newer small 2.6 aH batteries is mighty compact.  Not as compact though.  Almost just as ergonomic.
That said, if you're looking at the CXS/TXS, you're probably using it for the same instances I use mine, the t18 won't do any of the small things better.

The CXS definitely can get into tight spaces.

Hi Yeti,

I was looking at the 2.6. For some reason they are now cheaper here than the 1.5 Ah. I think I'd rather have to charge the batteries less often. I'm gonna go to my local dealer and try them both. The only thing I'm not keen on the cxs is having to use my middle finger on the trigger. I've not had the chance to try the txs yet to see if there is any more room!

 

[pingvinlakrits]

The 2,6Ah battery does not add much weight and I would take a 2,6Ah battery over the 1,5Ah, always. The battery alone has changed the whole user experience for me: the battery lasts so much longer that I don't really think about it. With the smaller battery it would run flat "too often".

I still have a 1,5Ah battery as a "spare" but I haven't needed it yet, two 2,6Ah batteries lasts quite a while.

 

[Russelljwatson]

Right, tried both out now. Going for the txs. Same weight and better balance for me. Plus I can fit my hand on the grip in the traditional way!  Thanks for everyone's help and advice

 

[pingvinlakrits]

You are welcome. It is a good buy. When they make it brushless I am all over it.

 

[NHSP759]

I have the CXS and the T-18 and use them both all of the time.  The T-18 will give you the extra power when you need it and the CXS is just the perfect tool for cabinet assembly, etc.

Jack

Same here. Exact same set up. Love the CXS. Funny that as I had the C15 and ended up returning it as I couldn't get used to the grip. The CXS grip is just better.

 

[Birdhunter]

"When they make it brushless I am all over it."

I understand brushless is the new motor technology, but what would the user of the drill see compared to the motor with brushes? I do realize that, after long use, the brushes might have to be replaced.

 

[AlexThePalex]

A brushless motor is more quiet, more powerful, better controllable and consumes less energy so your battery lasts longer.