Should I wait to buy the CXS 18 Drill kit? (new tabless batteries)

[ScoFF]

I was at Lee Valley today and printed out an order to get the CXS 18 Drill set. I'm heavily invested in Dewalt cordless tools and prefer my plug in main tools since I'm not mobile and work in my garage with the CT always attached for dust. I've been resisting getting anything cordless from Festool to this point. I'm willing to try out something new and the compact and balance/feel ergonomics of the 18 volt CSX has me willing to try something new and more specialized over my T grip Dewalt stuff. I have the T-18 impact without a battery that I haven't used yet (got it on sale). There might be small tools I might want on battery at some point.

Anyway, I cancelled my order because since this is my first Festool battery, maybe they will be releasing new CXS 18 kits with the tabless batteries? Do you think? It would be silly of me to wait all this time and get my first battery only to be replaced in two months.

 

[Frnk]

maybe they will be releasing new CXS 18 kits with the tabless batteries? Do you think?

Festool’s press release states that the TBX batteries will replace the current 4/8 Ah models. With similar pricing, maintaining both in the lineup wouldn’t make much sense. The timeline for North America remains uncertain, I suppose.

Personally, I’d go ahead with a purchase now. Maybe not a kit with two batteries but a single battery and a charger. The TBX offers a significant leap in battery performance, yet the current ones won’t suddenly become useless. Who knows—Festool might even use the sets to clear out inventory. I’d buy today and upgrade to TBX batteries later as needed.

The main reason is simple: I wouldn’t want to wait. If you’re fine waiting, though, the TBX is the smarter long-term choice. Ultimately, only you can decide. I think you knew that already.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

If you have a use for the tool, buy it now with the current batteries as that will also get you up and running with the impact driver. (which I also bought off recon for that unbelievably low price) Frnk is correct that it's really going to be hard to ascertain when the new batteries will "arrive". It could be soon or later...and being able to use the tools now can be pretty valuable for most folks. And just because new battery technology becomes available, it doesn't invalidate what exists now and works.

 

[luvmytoolz]

According to the UK site June they're supposed to be available.

 

[mino]

Get the basic package and a pair of the light 3.0 or, better, the older 3.1 BT packs - if available to you.

If you cannot get the 3.0/3.1 packs, get the basic package and a single 4.0 HP pack and an SCA 16 charger. Add TBX4 packs as/if needed later on.

My 2c.

 

[luvmytoolz]

Get the basic package and a pair of the light 3.0 or, better, the older 3.1 BT packs - if available to you.

If you cannot get the 3.0/3.1 packs, get the basic package and a single 4.0 HP pack and an SCA 16 charger. Add TBX4 packs as/if needed later on.

My 2c.

I'd second this!

I'm actually attending a roadshow today and hoping to pickup the CXS18 and KHC18 in basic sets, and get the tabless batteries when they come out as I already have some batteries. If I didn't have the batteries I'd even consider buying a cheap set and charger second hand just to tide over until June for the tabless. They are said to be orders of magnitude better, so worth waiting for IMHO.

 

[Hawkeye0001]

Your CXS 18 will not perform any better or worse based on using a tabless battery, so you might as well go ahead and get it.
Waiting for a bundle with tabless batteries (and that can often be a year or more for NA) will only make sense if you intend to invest in some of their high draw tools like the new single battery saws (TSC 55, HKC 55), the angle grinder or cordless vacs; those tools can make actual use of the battery's increased output / runtime.

 

[luvmytoolz]

Your CXS 18 will not perform any better or worse based on using a tabless battery, so you might as well go ahead and get it.
Waiting for a bundle with tabless batteries (and that can often be a year or more for NA) will only make sense if you intend to invest in some of their high draw tools like the new single battery saws (TSC 55, HKC 55), the angle grinder or cordless vacs; those tools can make actual use of the battery's increased output / runtime.

According to the specs from Festool the new batteries provide significantly more power for longer, with less resistance and heat, so I'd definitely say they're worth planning and waiting for.

 

[onocoffee]

I in the Buy It Now If You Need it camp. While im
It beating on my TID18 or T-18+3 all day long, I have find the battery life of be quite good and recharging speed to be very good. And trying to plan for a purchase in the USA when they haven’t even acknowledged it will even come here - which means we have no idea when it might arrive- just deprives you of enjoying the tool in a timely manner.

 

[waho6o9]

I'd get a drill off the recon sale, more bang for your buck. Festool drills are a joy to use.......
all the Best

 

[luvmytoolz]

I in the Buy It Now If You Need it camp. While im
It beating on my TID18 or T-18+3 all day long, I have find the battery life of be quite good and recharging speed to be very good. And trying to plan for a purchase in the USA when they haven’t even acknowledged it will even come here - which means we have no idea when it might arrive- just deprives you of enjoying the tool in a timely manner.

Looks like the States get them earlier than elsewhere, no pricing yet though like the UK site:

Festool Tabless battery pack BP 18 TBX 8 ASI online

www.festool.com