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:
Cobot XTR KXID 1424A-03 |
Rich R862312 |
|
---|---|---|
top speed | 1950/2600/3400 rpm | 900/2000/3400 rpm |
Maximum impact rate | 4000IPM | 4300IPM |
Maximum torque | 2400 in-lbs | 2400 in-lbs |
head length | 5.6 inches | 5.0 inches |
bare weight | 2.6 lbs | 2.3 lbs |
Weight with test battery | 4.2 lbs | 3.8 lbs |
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.
Cobot XTR KXID 1424A-03 |
Rich R862312 |
|
---|---|---|
RSS spiral average | 10.2 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
Lag screw average | 3.2 inches | 3.3 inches |
crazy total | 5.1 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
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:
Cobot XTR KXID 1424A-03 |
Ritchie R862312 w/4.0Ah max output |
Ritchie R862312 w/6.0Ah max output |
|
---|---|---|---|
RSS spiral average | 10.2 seconds | 9.7 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
Lag screw average | 3.2 inches | 3.3 inches | 2.8 inches |
crazy total | 5.1 seconds | 4.5 seconds | 3.3 seconds |
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)
Cobot XTR KXID 1424A-03 |
Rich R862312 |
|
---|---|---|
bare tool | North America | North America |
kit options | $179.00 (4.0Ah final output) | $199.00 (2.0Ah max output) |
Basic Combo Kit | $299.00 Impact Driver Hammer Drill led light 4.0Ah limit output 2.0Ah battery charger |
North America |
Warranty | 5 years | 3-year lifetime service agreement |
So who is your winner? Let us know in the comments below – bonus points for telling us why!