There are 2 new promo videos from Ridgid, showing off their new brushless Stealth Force impulse driver. One is a hey check out our new tool intro video, the other is a head-to-head speed comparison where they pit it against a “the competition.”
Ridgid’s 18V Stealth Force driver works by means of a quieter oil-based pulse mechanism, which probably means a sacrifice in max torque delivery, similar to the Makita oil pulse driver. That Makita driver has a max speed of 2700 RPM and max torque of ~355 in-lbs.
The new Stealth Force driver is said to be faster than standard impact drivers.
Specifications
- High Speed: 0-2,400 RPM
- Medium Speed: 0-1,800 RPM
- Low Speed: 0-1,000 RPM
- IPM: 0-1,700
The oil pulse mechanism looks a little different compared to Makita’s.
Here’s the promo video:
And there’s also a comparison video where Ridgid pits the Stealth Force driver against “the competition.”
If you ask me, that’s an unfair video. The Ridgid Stealth Force has a brushless motor and 3 speed ranges. It’s clearly a premium tool, despite any potential torque limits due to the oil pulse motor. The competition, while painted over, looks to be a Kobalt 18V or 20V Max impact driver.
The Kobalt kit sells for $149, and the Ridgid $199. How about comparing it to a top brand’s brushless impact driver? I suppose there are bloggers and YouTubers who have already done that, but I haven’t checked.
And how about comparing the Stealth Force driver and a traditional brushless impact driver with larger fasteners – say lag bolts. Is the Stealth Force still faster?
That said, the video does show quite a difference between the two tools, with the Ridgid Stealth Force driver indeed looking to perform much faster, not to mention more efficiently.
The Ridgid Stealth Force driver launched a couple of weeks ago, in late 2015. It has thus far earned itself very favorable user reviews.
The kit ships with (2) 2.0Ah Li-ion batteries.
Oh, and the product description says it can work with screwdriver bits as small as 1 inch. It can handle 1″ insert bits without an adapter? That’s what I like to see.
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
P.S. Thank you to Matt for the heads-up, and I’m sorry I hadn’t gotten back to you yet! I was only reminded of your tip when scouring my inbox for a fact sheet that might show torque specs.