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Kobalt XTR Max 24V Review

An impressively strong and fast model with a long-lasting battery
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Kobalt XTR Max 24V Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $220 List
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Manufacturer:   Kobalt
By Ross Patton and Matt Spencer  ⋅  Oct 18, 2022
89
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 11
  • Speed - 35% 10.0
  • Torque - 25% 10.0
  • Convenience - 20% 6.0
  • Battery - 15% 10.0
  • Noise - 5% 3.0

Our Verdict

The Kobalt XTR Max 24V is one of the best models we've tested to date. If efficiency is your concern, this model is a solid choice. It is incredibly fast and extremely powerful. These traits, coupled with phenomenal battery life, put it at the top of the list for those looking to take on heavy-duty tasks. This model is lacking a bit in the bells & whistles department, but many people can appreciate a tool that performs its primary function without the added frills. If you want a model with a magnetic bit holder and bright lights or something more compact, there are lots of capable impact drivers to choose from. See how the Kobalt ranks next to our full lineup in our comprehensive impact driver review.
REASONS TO BUY
Spectacular power
Lightning-fast driving
Great battery
REASONS TO AVOID
So-so light
Two-handed bit insertion

Compare to Similar Products

 
kobalt xtr max 24v
This Product
Kobalt XTR Max 24V
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Impact Driver
Editors' Choice Award
Best Tool-Only Impact Driver
  Editors' Choice Award
Best 12 Volt Impact Driver
Price $220 List
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Bottom Line If you want an ultra-fast and strong impact driver with an efficient battery, this model is the oneThis impact driver offers fantastic speed and torque in a compact packageIf you want a high performance impact driver that can hang with the best, this is a good choiceA solid addition for those that already have a bevy of DEWALT tools, but carries a heftier price tag than mostWhen it comes to 12-volt impact drivers, it's hard to beat the performance of this model
Rating Categories Kobalt XTR Max 24V Milwaukee M18 Fuel... Makita XDT13 DeWalt MAX XR DCF887B Milwaukee M12 Fuel...
Speed (35%)
10.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Torque (25%)
10.0
10.0
10.0
8.0
6.0
Convenience (20%)
6.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
Battery (15%)
10.0
5.7
6.6
5.1
3.6
Noise (5%)
3.0
2.0
3.0
2.0
3.0
Specs Kobalt XTR Max 24V Milwaukee M18 Fuel... Makita XDT13 DeWalt MAX XR DCF887B Milwaukee M12 Fuel...
Average Measured Total Time for Lag Bolt Test 13 seconds 16 seconds 21 seconds 23 seconds 37 seconds
Average Measured Time: Plywood Ledger Screw Test 3 seconds 3 seconds 4 seconds 4 seconds 6 seconds
Average Measured Fastening Torque 300 ft-lb 300 ft-lb 282 ft-lb 238 ft-lb 143 ft-lb
Average Measured Breaking Torque 300 ft-lb 300 ft-lb 300 ft-lb 300 ft-lb 275 ft-lb
Average Measured Time: 3-2'x12' Ledger Screw Test 2.1 seconds 2.0 seconds 2.8 seconds 2.8 seconds 3.7 seconds
Battery Test Screws Driven 117 68 78 62 44
Measured Length 139 mm 116 mm 126 mm 136 mm 132 mm
Average Measured Decibels While Using 96 dBa 99 dBa 97 dBa 100 dBa 97 dBa
Impact Driver Model # KXID 124B-03 2853-20 XDT13 DCF887 2553-20
Quick Bit Insert No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bit Holder No Yes No No No
Multiple Fastening Modes Yes Yes No Yes Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

After conducting a hands-on, head-to-head analysis of the top impact drivers available today, it was clear that the Kobalt XTR Max 24V is one of the best. This model is capable of driving more screws and tightening more fasteners on one charge than any other driver we've gotten our hands on.

Performance Comparison


kobalt xtr max 24v - the kobalt xtr max 24v is powerful, fast, and has excellent battery...
The Kobalt XTR Max 24V is powerful, fast, and has excellent battery life.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Speed


The Kobalt XTR Max 24V is one of the fastest impact drivers we've tested. To test speed, we timed driving 3-⅝" ledger screws into a thick stack of lumber over and over again, then calculated an average. The Kobalt XTR crushed this contest with an average speed of three seconds. A few of its individual trials were under three seconds, and it was the only model to break the three-second barrier.


We then drove a 3" long by ½" wide lag screw into the same 2 x 12 lumber and recorded how long each model took to drive the screw and remove it completely. To drill pilot holes, we employed an 11/32" bit so that the lag screw wouldn't cause the board to split and each screw would have similar resistance.

kobalt xtr max 24v - timing the speed of driving ledger screws is one of many ways that...
Timing the speed of driving ledger screws is one of many ways that we assessed the overall performance of impact drivers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Kobalt XTR Max 24V decimated the other models in this discipline. It took the XTR a mere ten seconds to fully drive the screw and an impressive three seconds to remove it. For the entire group, the calculated average was 30 seconds to sink the screw and 12 seconds to remove it.

kobalt xtr max 24v - the kobalt xtr is ultra-fast at driving large lag screws into lumber.
The Kobalt XTR is ultra-fast at driving large lag screws into lumber.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Torque


If you want to purchase an impact driver, torque is one of the most important elements to consider. The primary benefit that an impact driver offers when compared to a drill is the torque they produce. The Kobalt XTR Max 24V was one of the top models during our tests.


To measure torque, we constructed a testing apparatus by welding ¾" bolts onto a steel beam. Using a torque wrench, we tightened nuts onto the bolts at increasing pressures to see how tight of a nut each model could break loose. The Kobalt XTR Max 24V maxed our torque wrench out by loosening nuts up to 300-foot-pounds of pressure.

kobalt xtr max 24v - the xtr had no problem loosening the nuts off of our heavy-duty...
The XTR had no problem loosening the nuts off of our heavy-duty testing setup.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

We then tightened the nuts back onto the bolts to see how much torque each impact driver could produce. Again, the Kobalt XTR Max 24V maxed this experiment out with a measured torque of 300 foot-pounds.


Convenience


The next portion of our overall score is dedicated to how easy each impact driver is to use. We noted any elements or features that aid in the operation of the tool and anything that may slow you down or make your project more difficult. Convenience is not the strongest suit for the Kobalt XTR Max 24V, but it offers some attractive features.


The Kobalt XTR Max 24V has three speeds to select from and a setting called “ASSIST” mode. This feature feels like it has a slower start than the third-speed setting, but it increases RPMs as you hold the trigger down. This seemingly simple element can greatly reduce the chances of cam-out or cross-threading.

kobalt xtr max 24v - the speed control on the xtr is located at the bottom of the grip...
The speed control on the XTR is located at the bottom of the grip, while the battery level indicator is located on the battery itself.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Kobalt XTR Max 24V's lighting capabilities are one aspect where it fell behind. We found the light to be pretty dim and didn't find that it helped much unless you are using the driver in complete darkness. The light comes from below the handle, which is helpful if you look at the fastener from the right angle; otherwise, it doesn't do much good. We prefer lights that are located around the driver chuck.

kobalt xtr max 24v - the kobalt xtr isn't the most convenient model in our review.
The Kobalt XTR isn't the most convenient model in our review.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

An impact driver with a short front-to-back length is often more capable than bulkier models. We find that we are often squeezing between house frame studs, under tables, and in between shelves with our drivers. The Kobalt XTR Max 24V isn't the longest model in our review, but it didn't earn many points for its size.


Many of the newer models have a quick insert, which is a one-way device that allows you to stick a bit into the chuck with one hand. The Kobalt XTR Max 24V is missing this feature. This may not be a deal-breaker for most people, but we feel that it is worth mentioning nonetheless.

kobalt xtr max 24v - the xtr requires two hands to insert and remove bits from the tool.
The XTR requires two hands to insert and remove bits from the tool.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Battery


Battery life can truly make or break a great tool. We devised a testing process to effectively beat the heck out of each model and gain objective data for this metric. We began by driving 14 3 ½" ledger screws into a stack of douglas fir 2 x 12 boards, then switched to a 3" x ½" lag bolt, repeating the process until the batteries ran out of juice.


If there is one area where the Kobalt XTR Max 24V truly impressed us, it's with its battery life. While most of the impact drivers in our review struggled to complete three or four sets of our testing gauntlet, the XTR completed seven sets and managed five screws on the eighth round.

kobalt xtr max 24v - we almost ran out of screws while trying to run the kobalt xtr out...
We almost ran out of screws while trying to run the Kobalt XTR out of battery.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Noise


The remaining percentage of our total score is dedicated to the loudness of each impact driver. The bottom line is that none of these devices are even remotely quiet. This device is designed to hammer as it twists — thus creating an ear-piercing sound.


The Kobalt XTR Max 24V isn't the loudest model in our review, but the noise levels are pretty brutal. With an average decibel level of 96, you're certainly going to want some ear protection while operating this tool, and you may want to stay away from those evening garage projects if you have neighbors nearby.


Should You Buy the Kobalt XTR Max 24V?


If you're looking for a lightning-fast, super-powerful impact driver with a long-lasting battery, the Kobalt XTR Max 24V is the one. Its overall performance is enough to impress even the most avid DIYer and aficionado of the best tools. The XTR has a few shortcomings. Mainly, it's lacking a bit in the convenience department as it's a bit bulky and is missing a couple of bells and whistles. If you can get over the fact that you need to use two hands to attach bits and the dim LED, we certainly think this model is a sound investment that will not disappoint.

What Other Impact Drivers Should You Consider?


The main factors to consider while shopping for an impact driver are your budget and the tasks for which you will use the tool. There are many projects where a lighter, less powerful model will make the job easier, such as assembling furniture kits or changing out doorknobs. If this sounds more like what you're looking for, check out a 12-volt version such as the Milwaukee M12 Fuel.

Ross Patton and Matt Spencer