Kobalt vs Ridgid Impact Driver recap

Today's battle royale takes place in the Pro Value division where the advanced Kobalt XTR goes head to head with the next generation Ridgid 18V brushless impact driver. For Kobalt, the introduction of the XTR series a few years ago pushed the value brand into the impact driver performance range, challenging high-end professional dynamics. It's been a rebuilding season for Team Orange, with a focus on a more compact and lighter profile. However, the newest impact driver boasts some impressive numbers on paper.

Our team tested both tools directly and shared our objective findings. The rest is up to you. Some want a smaller footprint, some want higher performance. Sometimes it comes down to the price tag. So let us know which one is the winner for your way of working in the comments below!

Check out our recommendations for the best impact drivers of the year!

Why not use the next generation Kobalt impact driver?

For 2022 comes the new Kobalt 24V Brushless Impact Driver, along with a few other tools. They're great tools, and affordable for a Lowe's exclusive brand. However, XTR remains Kobalt's high performance line.

Kobalt vs Ridgid Impact Driver Specifications

Here's what we were able to learn before actually driving any fasteners:

Kobalt vs Ridgid Impact Driver Test Results

We ran three different performance tests to see what these impact drivers could do. The first was a moderate load test of 6" x 1/4" GRK Fasteners RSS screws into the stacked OSB subfloor. Results are the average of three tests.

The timing of the second test was to see how far each model could drive a 10" x 1/2" lag screw into the same material in 30 seconds. The result is the average of how many screws remained raised over the three tests – the less the better.

The third test was to see how long it would take to loosen a nut set at 150 ft-lbs (1800 in-lbs). The result is the total time for the 5 bolts added together.

The battery selection is close, but not perfect in class. The Kobalt runs on a 24V Max system using 6 lithium-ion battery packs. Additionally, the XTR Series is designed for use with Kobalt's Ultimate Output batteries as their preferred power source. While you can use standard batteries, we paired this impact driver with the 4.0Ah Ultimate Output battery pack.

Fastener Testing

Ridgid uses a more traditional 18V platform based on a 5-cell battery pack. As with the Kobalt, you can use standard batteries, but this model was designed with advanced maximum output batteries in mind. We use a 4.0Ah maximum output battery for these tests.

Kobalt's only battery upgraded to an 8.0Ah Ultimate output pack, which is a bit of a nuisance for an impact driver. However, the Ridgid has a 6.0Ah max output battery pack, not much bigger than 4.0Ah, so it's quite reasonable to use. Here's how it affects the result:

Kobalt vs Ridgid Highlighted Features

Cobot XTR

• Brushless Motor
• 3 standard speeds and an assist mode

Ridgid 18V Brushless

• Brushless Motor
• 3 standard speeds (rear selector)

So who is your winner? Let us know in the comments below – bonus points for telling us why!