I used to have Ridgid Nicad. I liked their lifetime warranty. Around 2007, I wanted some tools Ridgid did not have and found a CPO Milwaukee impact on sale and that started me down the Milwaukee road. I got 2 batteries and a charger with the tool and started buying bare tools, new or CPO or on sale. I now have about 20 Milwaukee tools -- 18V, Fuel, Brushless, M12, etc. I think they are pretty good and getting better and the selection is good for my needs and the cost is in my budget (versus Hilti or Snapon or IR or Matco).
Were I on a tighter budget, I would look at the Ryobi. I think Ryobi is a great value and has an excellent variety.
My needs are hobbyist, not professional. I have a lift and do all my own car work as well as some property maintenance, but am definitely not a full time pro beating on my tools every day all day.
The latest Milwaukee I just bought is a mid torque compact 18V Brushless 1/2 impact that does up to 450 lbs forward and 600 lbs reverse. It came out recently. I have bigger 1/2 impacts and a smaller 3/8. I got this from toolup during the current Milwaukee promotion. $189 for the bare tool, but if you buy one of a few other tools, you can get a free 9AH battery and charger and tool bag. I bought another 9AH battery as my other tool, so I got the 18V impact, two 9ah batteries, fast charger and bag for $358 shipped. The 9AH batteries are big but I already have a bunch of smaller batteries and want some long run time for my tripod light, vacuum, grinder and future SDS rotary.
The new 60/120 Dewalt stuff is worth a look if you are just starting and need big power. I am too far down the Milwaukee road to change and don't really need anything stronger right now. Battery tech is changing and whatever you get now won't be state of the art in 5 years.
