New CXS 18 delivered today

[Fourmi]

This was another early pre-order along with the TSV 60 K, again it arrived much earlier than I expected.

I'll have a better look over the weekend, but first impressions, it's really light, short and well balanced.

I have a CXS and C18 too, so I'm interested to see how they compare in size, weight & balance - it feels like a CXS with a more stable foot (battery).

 

[Coen]

Any chance you can compare it to a Bosch GSR 12v-(15 or 35)?  [tongue]

 

[serge0n]

Can you post pictures holding CXS 18 in your hand and holding CXS 12? Judging by physical dimensions they should be very close in size.

 

[Fourmi]

As hands tend to come in varying sizes, it's not the best reference. I'll try and grab a photo of all three together.

I've just noticed the CXS18 comes in a 'new' Systainer - yes I know it's a Sys³ - but next to the Sys³ of the DWC18, they have changed the handle hold down clip - instead of a couple of side moulds in the handle recess, there is now a single central clip.

 

[darita]

As someone who is somewhat confused about Festool's drill/drivers, how do I tell the difference between the old and new CXS 18?

 

[Cheese]

As someone who is somewhat confused about Festool's drill/drivers, how do I tell the difference between the old and new CXS 18?

There is no old CXS 18, the previous 18 volt model was called a C 18 and it was larger & heavier than the new CXS 18.

The CXS 18 is Festool's latest attempt to bring 18 volt power to a smaller, lighter drill. They're trying to merge the ergonomic advantages of the original small 10.8 volt CXS with a more powerful 18 volt battery. The 10.8 volt CXS is very long in the tooth as it was released in 2011 and it does not have a brushless motor.

 

[Coen]

As hands tend to come in varying sizes, it's not the best reference. I'll try and grab a photo of all three together.

I've just noticed the CXS18 comes in a 'new' Systainer - yes I know it's a Sys³ - but next to the Sys³ of the DWC18, they have changed the handle hold down clip - instead of a couple of side moulds in the handle recess, there is now a single central clip.

Oh wow, so they finally did admit the initial version was wrong. Does it also click down easier?

 

[Fourmi]

A couple of photos showing the old CXS, CXS18 and C18

 

[Fourmi]

... side view

 

[Fourmi]

New style Sys³ showing the central tab for locking the handle down. It is slightly easier to open / close - sure it can be modified with a bit of sanding.

 

[Michael Kellough]

CXS 18 looks like a winner!

 

[Fourmi]

Quick test this morning using all 3 in speed 1 - driving 10mm (3/8") head bolts into 8mm (about 5/16") wall plugs straight into concrete ceiling. A big ask for the old CXS, it managed about 2/3rds of the 60mm (2 3/8") threads.
C18 was a champ - powerful and smooth. CXS 18 came close, it did the job without struggling, not quite as torquey as the C18.
At this stage, if I could only have one, it would be the CXS 18 hands down.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Yea, that new CXS18 looks like a winner to me, too. Only a slightly larger profile than the CSX that I love (I have two...) and more juice for jobs that demand it. Because of how my hands and wrists are, this format of drill/driver is the most comfortable. I may very well have to get a CXS18 to round out my stable and sell off the T15...which is a nice tool...but not nearly as comfortable for me to use.

 

[Frank-Jan]

I bought the c12 Li right before they introduced the T-loc systainer and the original cxs, I think I'll get one when the new cxs 12 arrive. (I also have the 12v protool drywall gun, so I can use those batteries in multiple machines)
I would have liked it more if they kept the belthook in the old location (on the cxs), I don't like the hook on the TID 18 (it's annoying when I need to use it lefthanded)

 

[Coen]

New style Sys³ showing the central tab for locking the handle down. It is slightly easier to open / close - sure it can be modified with a bit of sanding.

If only they didn't produce the initial intern design.

 

[Mapuzo Outpost]

If I wanted to purchase the CXS 18, are there any vendors in the US that currently are offering it or preorders of it?

If not, does anyone know of any international vendors that offer shipping to the US that I could purchase it from?

 

[bwehman]

The times where my CXS' size is an issue is always in the length-wise dimension, so to have that be the dimension it shrunk in is fantastic! I'll take the additional height as the trade off. I've never run into a space issue in that way before.