Newer vs older Metabo angle grinders impression

[shamrock12]

Last week I ordered a new Metabo W9-115 Quick which just arrived yesterday. It would be a supplementary to my first Metabo grinder, model W8-115 Quick that I bought about 5 years ago. Anyway, right out of the box it looked like Metabo made a few changes, possibly some updates which I am yet to find. But to be honest, my first impression with the newer model is kind of so-so. I mean, it still is German made which I am happy to see but when setting it next to my older grinder, it just kind of looked a bit bland, perhaps a bit cheap to me. The design of my older grinder just seemed more ergonomic and modern. I was quite surprised to see how freely the guard installed and adjusted on the new model. The guard is tighter fitting on the older one which lead me to believe that Metabo has been backing off on their tolerances.

Of course, they are not meant to be looked at, so I am yet to put the new one to test. My plan is continue using the older W8-115 for grinding and cutting duty and put the newer W9-115 to flap disc duty.

I’m sure the newer Metabos are still quality but just thought they seemed to have taken a step back which is a bit discouraging. As mentioned earlier, they still are German made which is a good thing to see.

 

[IndyGarage]

My guess is what you are seeing is cost reduction.

What I have noticed is that engineers are really good these days at maintaining performance while getting cost out of products - in that case they might look less robust but they are actually just as good.

There are also cost reductions that reduce the functionality or robustness of the product. When a food company makes the product smaller, for example.

I'd bet Metabo has done the former rather than the latter. It's pretty well known that they make good grinders - it would be pretty dumb for them to blow that.

 

[wafrederick]

Hitachi owns Metabo,copy of it

 

[dnschmidt]

Some of Metabo's tool line isn't that good. The one thing they make that I think they will never sell out on is their grinders. It would sort of be like Milwaukee making a ****** Sawzall. Ain't going to happen.

 

[Steve_P]

What did you pay for the old one 5 yrs ago and the new one? Companies try to keep price increases to the minimum, but labor and material costs generally increase yearly, so , as said, manufacturers cut out unnecessary detail over time to lessen cost increases.