More and More DeWalt Tools to Feature the FlexVolt Advantage
DeWalt’s 20V line continues to grow in size from its origins with just a 7-1/4 in. circular saw, 1/2 in. hammer drill, reciprocating saw, and 4.5 in. to 5 in. grinder. And, while this 20V expansion is news in and of itself, perhaps the truly interesting bit revolves around the FlexVolt Advantage technology that DeWalt has built into the line.
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Take Full Advantage of DeWalt FlexVolt
The DeWalt FlexVolt Advantage Technology provides a significant power boost to these new tools, letting them reach their full potential. The FlexVolt Advantage tools include updated software and brushless motors that communicate with the FlexVolt batteries. When the tool recognizes a FlexVolt battery, it ramps up the available power output.
The DeWalt FlexVolt Advantage tools will still run on any DeWalt batteries in the 20V collection, but you’ll get the most out of the tool when using the FlexVolt battery line. For demanding applications, this pairing can provide a new threshold for power and performance.
Circular Saw & Hammer Drill Examples
To illustrate the differences, the 20V Max Brushless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw gains up to 77% more power with the FlexVolt Advantage Technology. Paired with the FlexVolt 6.0Ah battery, the saw can reach a no-load speed of 5800 RPM. The DeWalt DCS570 circular saw currently runs at a maximum of 5500 RPM.
The 20V Max Brushless Hammer Drill with FlexVolt Advantage Technology, working with that same battery, has 42% more power than when you run it with a regular pack. It can bang out 1200 UWO and features a three-mode LED light and housing upgrades custom-built for high torque applications. The DeWalt DCD997 hammer drill outputs just 820 max Watts out for reference.
For an explanation of the DeWalt Unit Watts Out system of power measurement, check out our article below.
Recip Saw and Grinder Examples
DeWalt tells us that the 20V Max Brushless Reciprocating Saw with FlexVolt Advantage provides 50% more power when powered by the FlexVolt battery. It achieves over 1400 UWO with a no-load speed of 3000 RPM. With its 1-1/8″ stroke length, this recip saw should cut quickly and efficiently. We’ll need to get this tool in-house to truly see how the new system performs.
Finally, the 20V Max Brushless 4-1/2 in. to 5 in. Cordless Grinder with FlexVolt Advantage delivers up to 54% more power with the right battery. Not only does it feature a Kickback Brake and E-Clutch to keep you safer during operation, but it provides over 1400 UWO. For reference, the DeWalt DCG413B grinder has 850 max Watts out.
Overall Thoughts
Right now, DeWalt has two key battery-centric advances. You have FlexVolt Advantage Tools which detect the presence of a 60V FlexVolt battery in certain 20V tools. You also have Power Detect, which senses advanced batteries like their 8Ah 20V Max pack to deliver more power. Both of these technologies center around 20V Max tools.
Which begs the question: If the difference is just related to software, why have two separate SKUs for essentially the same tool with different graphics? To maximize power in either tool, you need to either purchase a kit or one of the advanced battery packs. From our perspective, it just seems a confusing situation for Pro consumers. We’d certainly welcome some feedback from DeWalt on their thinking regarding these two approaches.
DeWalt FlexVolt Tools Availability
DeWalt FlexVolt Advantage tools come as bare tools, kits, and combo kits. Pricing varies, but you have a lot of options—and the list keeps growing:
- DCS573B 20V Max Brushless 7-1/4 In. Circular Saw with FlexVolt Advantage Technology – $199 (bare)
- DCD999B 20V Max Brushless Hammer Drill with FlexVolt Advantage Technology – $199 (bare), $279 (kit)
- DCD999T1DCS573B 20V Max Brushless 2-Tool Kit w/ FlexVolt Advantage Hammer Drill and Circular Saw – $478
- DCD999T1DCG416B 20V Max 2-Tool Kit w/ Hammer Drill and 4-1/2–5″ Angle Grinder – $478
- DCD999T1DCS386B 20V Max 2-Tool Kit w/ Hammer Drill and Reciprocating Saw – $478
- DCS386B 20V Max Brushless Reciprocating Saw with FlexVolt Advantage Technology – $199 (bare)
- DCG416B 20V Max Brushless 4-1/2-In.-5-In. Cordless Grinder with FlexVolt Advantage Technology – $199 (bare)
- DCB606 20V Max FlexVolt 6.0Ah Battery – $159
All of the tools in the FlexVolt Advantage lineup will come with a 3-year warranty, along with DeWalt’s one-year free service agreement and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
For more information, visit the DeWalt website.
My question which I cant find answered anywhere, is does the Flexvolt Advantage line not still have the software of the Power Detect also? Did it have to be you can only take advantage of flexvolt or you can only take advantage of higher amp 20v? I am picking flexvolt advantage because I assume it still will take advantage of 20v battery tech also? I dont get it, but I hope so because I am going to be investing into the 20v powerstack 5ah when they come out. For multiple reasons, and I am told it does give more power… Read more »
The tool isn’t switching to a 60V mode, but takes advantage of the fact that a FlexVolt battery has 3 parallel strings of cells, not 2 parallel strings as in a 20V battery. Splitting up the load 3 ways (across the three internal strings of cells) reduces the current each string sees and you’ll get less voltage drop under that load. Higher voltage translates into more usable power/speed to the tool. Would be interesting to rig up a test on a tool using two 20V batteries in parallel (creating a 4-string battery).
Certain retailers like Lowes don’t even carry FlexVolt, but they carry Power Detect. I think that is the main reason behind two separate yet similar lines. For separate markets/retailers.
Power Detect is more or less simply the next gen XR brushless for average consumers. FlexVolt Advantage is aimed just above at the pros who utilize both 20v and 60v platforms. That is why you see them being sold as bare tools, they are more for the established pro.
That’s paraphrasing an SBD insider.