Did you look at the pic in the OP? No extra joint or extension to deflect under torsion. They're basically an insert to fill space.
I have some by Grey Pneumatic IIRC. they're fine but I dont use them very often
What BMack is saying is that the extra adapter itself is the extra joint, socket not directly on the tool's anvil. But yeah we all know this will reduce power, now a HUGE power loss with these, maybe not IMO unless they get worn out & fit loose.
For me, it doesn't really make much of a difference, these adapters are increasing drive size. 3/8" to 1/2" is what I'll mostly be using out of the set. If I'm using a 3/8" impact I'm not using it because of power, it's the compact size of a 3/8" impact.
Sure people like to test how powerful their 3/8" is by removing lugnuts & some actually use it for that purpose but I don't think to grab a 3/8" impact for removing lugnuts. 17mm-19mm (head size) bolts/nuts is where I draw the line between using a 3/8" & 1/2" impact. I'm using these adapters for convenience, say in cases where I already have some 1/2" sockets out of the tool box & want to use them instead of going back to the tool box to grab the 3/8" sockets. So again in my case, I probably won't be using them often.
I'm just a home gamer now working on my own stuff. I don't work at a shop anymore. When I did I never used step up adapters, never had a reason to other than not having the right socket available. That's why I never owned any impact rated ones until now.
