Get started with XTR's higher performance with the Kobalt XTR 24V 5-Tool Combo Kit
It took us a while to get our hands on the Kobalt XTR 24V 5 Tool Combo Kit (due to COVID-19). But now that it's here, we're wondering how it stacks up against Kobalt's standard 24V Max tool, and how it fits in a wider range of tools.
This review is really the starting point for the combined toolkit, and we'll have a more detailed review of the individual tools later on.
What's included in the Kobalt XTR 24V 5 Tool Combo Kit?
As combo kits go, this Kobalt XTR kit checks the standard boxes and adds a delightful twist. Here's what's in the box:
- Hammer with auxiliary handle, drill bit and hook
- Impact driver with bit and hook
- Circular saw with blade and fence
- reciprocating saw with blade
- led lights
- 4.0Ah battery
- 2.0Ah battery
- charger
The pleasant twist is the box itself. This is a hard-sided rolling box with a gasketed cover to keep moisture out. Most brands toss in a soft case, but getting a rolling case is a nice treat.
Check out our coverage of Kobalt XTR technology for a broader look at what to expect. Here's the skinny one:
- Exists as an advanced option on the standard Kobalt 24V Max tool
- Advanced Battery and Motor Technology
- 50% performance improvement compared to first generation Kobalt 24V max tools
- New features paired with performance to get work done faster, safer and easier
The new 24V Ultimate Output batteries are compatible with all Kobalt 24V tools including XTR. Likewise, you can use standard Kobalt 24V batteries with your XTR tools, and you will get the best performance when you pair your XTR tools with Ultimate Output batteries.
Also, as mentioned above, the XTR line does not replace their existing 24V tools. This is an updated product line aimed at serious DIYers and budget-conscious professionals. If you're wondering what XTR compares to, these tools are comparable in price to Ridgid's Octane, but higher in some of our performance tests.
Kobalt XTR Hammer Drill
The first thing we noticed about the Kobalt XTR impact drill is that, despite the much improved performance, it is still very compact.
In terms of power, the hammer drill can spin up to 2,000 RPM, just like the standard model. Torque, however, is another story. The Low offers 1,200 in-lbs, an 85 percent increase in power compared to the 650 in-lbs we saw earlier.
Even the strike rate in hammer-drill mode has been improved. 26,000 BPM is now 32,000 BPM.
This dramatic change is more than just an improvement, it's a level of performance that rivals some of the best premium rotary hammers.
We like the higher performance, but there's one more important feature to be aware of: recoil control. Kobalt now has anti-kickback technology built in, making it even more powerful and safer to use.
| 24V electric hammer | XTR 24V Impact Drill | |
| Maximum speed | 0 – 2,000 rpm | 0 – 2,000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 650 in-lbs | 1,200 in-lbs |
| Blow rate | 26,000 times/min | 32,000 times/min |
| Weight (bare metal) | 3.2 lbs | 3.25 lbs |
| length | 7.5 inches | 7.75 inches |
Read our full in-depth review!
Kobalt XTR Impact Driver
The Kobalt XTR impact driver has become even more compact and weighs almost the same as its predecessor. Like all the tools we'll see in this combo, it's performance that counts.
Kobalt provided the XTR impact driver with a 700-RPM increase in speed (a 26 percent increase) and a 600 in-lbs increase in torque (a 33 percent increase). Even the impact rate has been increased by 500 IPM (14% increase), which is what we expect by default when the speed is increased.
Torque figures are worth talking about, even compared to premium Pro models. The Kobalt has a torque of 1,800 in-lbs, more than enough for a variety of fastening jobs. At 2,400 inch-pounds, the XTR model takes it to a whole new level beyond what most traditional Pro brands offer.
| 24V impact driver | XTR 24V Impact Driver | |
| Maximum speed | 2,700 rpm | 3,400 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 1,800 in-lbs | 2,400 in-lbs |
| Impact rate | 3,500IPM | 4,000 IPM |
| Weight (bare metal) | 2.43 lbs | 2.4 lbs |
| length | 5.63 inches | 5.5 inches |
Kobalt XTR Circular Saw
The Kobalt XTR Circular Saw went from a 6 1/2" blade to a 7 1/4" blade, adding just 1/16" of cutting capacity. Considering that only a few cordless 7 1/4" models cut deeper, this is actually a great compliment to the 6 1/2" saw design.
It also appears that the 100-RPM speed increase is relatively small. But it's even more important when you consider gear speed. With a tip speed of 119 MPH, the larger blades move each tooth 14 percent faster and have more muscle behind them.
When it goes from 50º to 56º, you get more bevel capacity. The XTR model also has a rafter hook, removable dust port and full metal blade guard.
However, with all the added performance and functionality comes more weight. The 6 1/2-inch saw is a true compact, while the new model has a more traditional weight and feel. At 9.4 pounds naked, it's not obnoxious. In fact, it's in the typical weight range for corded circular saws—even when fully loaded with the 10.9-pound blade and battery.
| 24V circular saw | XTR 24V Circular Saw | |
| Blade size | 6-1/2 inches | 7-1/4 inches |
| no-load speed | 5,400 rpm | 5,500 rpm |
| cutting depth | 2 7/16 inches | 2 1/2 inches |
| Maximum Bevel | 50º | 56° |
| Weight (bare metal) | 6.73 lbs | 9.4 lbs |
Read our full in-depth review!
Kobalt XTR Reciprocating Saw
Taking a quick look at the spec sheet, it seems like the Kobalt XTR reciprocating saw really only adds a little more weight and a longer stroke length.
Hidden away are new motors and batteries that provide faster cutting speeds in tougher materials. It also has an orbital mode that makes cutting wood faster.
One of the less-obtrusive features we really like is the easier-to-use blade holder. It no longer moves within the front housing, making it easier to change the blade no matter what part of your stroke you stop cutting.
It also has better vibration control than its predecessor, making it more suitable for long presentation work.
| 24V reciprocating saw | XTR 24V Reciprocating Saw | |
| journey | 1-1/8 inches | 1-1/4 inches |
| travel speed | 3,100 SPM | 3,100 SPM |
| track mode | No | Yes |
| length | 17.1 inches | 17.1 inches |
| weight | 6.25 lbs | 6.4 lbs |
working lamp
The work light that comes with the Kobalt XTR 24V 5-Tool Combo Kit is a nice touch. It provides a solid 700 lumen output in a compact package. It also has a lower output mode when you're working at close quarters.
The head folds down to the handle and swings straight up 180º from there. It swivels 300º, allowing you to position the light at almost any angle you want.
Two sets of magnets on the back make it easy to work around ferrous surfaces. A hook is cleverly hidden at the top, which can rotate 360º once you extend it.
You can even install a belt hook above the battery if you like.
We like the pistol grip design, which is taken from the basis of this line of drills and impact drivers. It's a familiar feel, comfortable to hold, and easy to stand on its own.
price
The Kobalt XTR 24V 5-Piece Tool Combo Kit is $399 and includes battery, charger and rolling hard case.
To put it in perspective, Ridgid's comparable kit is $100 more expensive, and it's just their Gen5X kit, not the Octane model.
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the bottom line
It's hard to decide whether we're more impressed with the upgrades to these tools or the $399 value of the kit. In the end, both the budget-conscious professional and the serious DIYer are great reasons to consider this combo.
If you've been waiting to join Kobalt's ever-expanding 24V largest range, it's time to stop making excuses.