Kobalt 24V Max XTR Impact Driver Review KXID 1424A-03

PTR Review
  • Overall Rating 9.3

The Kobalt 24V Max XTR impact driver makes a compelling case for Pros and serious DIYers with outstanding performance in our tests without bloating its size and weight. While it's not as compact as models from Makita or Milwaukee, it also costs quite a bit less.If you're looking for the most bang for your buck in a high-performance cordless impact driver, Kobalt XTR has you covered.

Overall Score 9.3 (out of 10)

Kobalt 24V Max XTR Impact Driver Crushes Impact Driver Testing

Kobalt’s cordless impact driver is already a solid budget option and we were curious about what the upgraded Kobalt 24V Max XTR impact driver has to offer. So we set up our impact driver testing rigs to see how it compares.


Pros

  • Fastest under load in our tests
  • Strongest breakaway torque in our tests (tie)
  • Big performance improvement without adding bulk
  • Excellent value

Cons

  • Bulkier than premium models

Kobalt 24V Max XTR Impact Driver Testing Results

Speed

On paper, the Kobalt 24V Max XTR impact driver has a 700 RPM advantage over its predecessor, moving to 3400 RPM top speed.

Kobalt XTR Impact Driver

To see how that translates into work, we ran a 1/4-inch ledger screw into glued up OSB subfloor and measured the RPM once all the threads are engaged.

The XTR impact kept its speed up to 670 RPM—272 RPM higher than the standard Kobalt 24V Max.

That’s an impressive improvement, but even more so against the full group of cordless impact drivers. The Kobalt XTR impact driver is now the fastest model under load that we’ve ever tested, taking over the number one spot from Makita’s XDT16.

Torque

Kobalt’s listed torque shifts from 1800 in-lbs of torque to a monster 2400 in-lbs for XTR. That’s now 200 ft-lbs!

We have tests for both fastening and loosening. The fastening test doesn’t tell us how much torque the impact driver has, though. It tells us how much torque is required to break how hard it fastens grade 8 hardened bolts.

In this test, the Kobalt XTR actually showed less torque. Its 1874 in-lbs was well under the last model’s 2278 in-lbs.

While those are the actual numbers we got, we’re also putting an asterisk next to it for now.

The reason is that the Kobalt 24V Max XTR impact driver had a monster performance in our nut-busting test. Using our digital torque wrench and torque multiplier, we set the same hardened nuts to specific levels and tested how much the tool can loosen.

The previous impact driver broke a solid 3300 in-lbs, but the XTR moved the bar much higher to 4800 in-lbs. That puts it in a tie with Ridgid’s Octane as the strongest we’ve tested!

We’re not sure why the fastening results came back so low comparatively, but we’re going to investigate and retest.

Kobalt XTR Impact Driver Ergonomics

Most tools require more weight and bigger size when you see this kind of performance improvement. That’s not the case for the Kobalt 24V Max impact driver, though.

Its bare tool weight is 2.61 pounds—just 0.05 pounds more than the previous model.

Its head length is a touch more compact, moving from 5.64 inches to 5.56 inches.

It’s not the most compact, though. That crown belongs to Makita’s XDT16, weighing more than 1/2 a pound lighter and measuring better than an inch shorter. There are several other models to choose from that are both lighter and more compact as well.

Additional Features

In addition to the standard 3 speed modes, the Kobalt 24V Max XTR impact driver includes an assist mode. This one gives you a controlled start before ramping up the speed.


Other standard features

  • Brushless motor (upgraded)
  • Belt hook
  • LED light
  • Fully compatible with Kobalt 24V Max and Ultimate Output batteries

Missing Features

  • One-hand bit insertion
  • Spring bit ejection
  • Smart controls

Kobalt Cordless Impact Driver Quick Comparison Chart

24 Max Impact Driver24V Max XTR Impact Driver
Head Length5.64 in5.56 in
Bare Weight2.56 lbs2.61 lbs
Top Speed*2700 RPM3400 RPM
Speed Under Load Test398 RPM670 RPM
Max Torque*1800 in-lbs2400 in-lbs
Loosening Torque Test3600 in-lbs4800 in-lbs
Fastening Torque Test2268 in-lbs1874 in-lbs
Impact Rate*3500 IPM4000 IPM
* indicates a manufacturer provided specification

Kobalt 24V Max XTR Impact Driver Price

You can grab the XTR impact driver for $179 with a charger and 4.0Ah Ultimate Output battery (KXID 1424A-03). That’s only $10 more than the standard model runs, making it a no-brainer if you’re trying to decide between the two.

It’s also part of a couple of combo kits:

  • XTR 3-Tool Combo (hammer drill, impact driver, LED light): $289
  • XTR 5-Tool Combo (hammer drill, impact driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, LED light): $399

The Bottom Line

The Kobalt 24V Max XTR impact driver makes a compelling case for Pros and serious DIYers. It showed excellent performance in our tests without bloating its size and weight to get the improvement. While it’s not as compact as models from Makita or Milwaukee, it also costs quite a bit less.

If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck in a high-performance cordless impact driver, look no further than Kobalt XTR!

Want More Kobalt XTR? Check Out These Reviews!

Kobalt 24V Max XTR Impact Driver Specifications

  • Model: Kobalt KXID 1424A-03
  • Motor Type: Brushless
  • Drive Size: 1/4 in.
  • Max Speed: 3,400 RPM
  • Impacts Per Minute: 4,000 IPM
  • Power Output: 2,400 in-lbs
  • Length: 5.5 in.
  • Width: 3 in.
  • Height: 8.75 in.
  • Weight: 2.4 lbs
  • Warranty: 5-year tool warranty; 3-year battery warranty
  • Price: $179

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Armando

189 lb torque super tool for forklift tires

Christopher Bowers

Did you ever find out about the fastening torque apparent discrepancy? Was there an issue with the original sample or test?

Last edited 2 years ago by Christopher Bowers
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