1/2 cordless impact opinions

I've invested in the Makita 18V stuff over the years--drill/driver, hammer drill, oscillating tool, reciprocating saw, weed whacker, etc. It's just easier than buying into another system. One set of batteries and a couple of matching chargers. I also have the smaller and far lighter Makita 10V drill and impact set that I have used on a ton of projects over the years and have always been handy, reliable tools. So, when I saw a 1/2-inch impact Makita 18V tool on sale a couple of years ago, I jumped at it. In a word, it sucked. It was far, far weaker than I expected. A huge disappointment. I returned it within a week.

Not long after, Home Depot, during one of their regular daily special deals, had one of the Dewalt 1/2-inch impact drivers on sale for even less than I paid for the Makita. I believe it was $149, battery and charger included. It handles just about any need I have when working on the cars. Not being a pro mechanic, I don't need to very best, but this thing holds a charge for a long time between jobs and has always had more than enough oomph for any job I've thrown at it. I am very pleased with it.