Hello, first-time poster here.
I gotta admit, Ryobi makes some good tools. They used to be known as the bottom of the barrel 20+ yrs ago but they've really stepped up their game ever since the 18V line came out.
I'm an electrician, been so for 25+ yrs. About 12yrs ago I picked up an 18V drill/circular saw combo from HD, it was really cheap, probably a loss-leader deal. I really didn't need it since I had Milwaukee's entire 18V set but I figured I'd use the Ryobi at home. I started using it around the house and couldn't believe that it was basically functionally equivalent to Milwaukee. Next time I visited HD I bought the Ryobi impact driver and a few more NICADs batteries, went home and tried out the impact and the Ryobi's immediately were removed from my home and put on the service truck. The Milwaukee set slowly was replaced by Ryobi and I haven't looked back. I use and abuse them every day, other guys chuckle but I get the last laugh with the money I save.
Lately, my eyes have been straying from Ryobi because of all the brushless tools that have appeared. I know all about the power/advantages brushless motors can bring. I started using brushless motors when they first appeared 15yrs ago for High-performance RC aircraft, in that hobby the change to brushless was a huge step, in most cases, they beat gas/fuel motors by a large margin. I even have rewound many dozen motors with larger gauge wire for even a better power increase. Anyway, I was really getting impatient with Ryobi on the brushless front.
Finally, a few months ago I spotted the Ryobi 18V brushless hammer drill online. Only one HD had it in stock in the DC area I drove straight there and got it. It was a steal at $149 for the drill, P108 large capacity pack, and 30min charger. Holy Cra# , what a difference brushless makes!

As soon as I got home I didn't even charge the battery, chucked up an 18"x7/8" ship auger and went to town on an oak tree I just cut down. I drilled five holes 18" deep without the drill or battery breaking a sweat. I've used it every day since and it works great, the torque is incredible!

The chuck they put on the drill is good as well, not sure if it has carbide inserts but its all metal and grips well.
I'm looking forward to more brushless tools, hopefully, a brushless impact is next!
