I'm currently trying to decide which vendor/battery system to buy into for the long run. Festool/Hilti are too high end for DIY/Hobby. I'm looking at De Walt/Makita and leaning towards Makita.
They definitely aren't pro-grade, but I've put fairly heavy use on mine over the last 9 years and the only tool that failed was a flashlight. Wore out 3 batteries that I took good care of, but buying $200 in batteries & charger is way better than $1k in batteries+tools.
The only real problem is they look cheap, so if you are into showing off then that is a negative.
I used Dewalt tools at my last mechanic job, and I honestly didn't think they were better enough to justify the price (2-3x ryobi). I haven't used makita, but the Dewalt drills would only survive 2-3 5 foot falls onto concrete, and the chucks were really crappy. My ryobi drill has survived probably 5 falls of the same type, and is still functional. The only real complaint I have is that the plastic absorbs grease, so if you use them in automotive/machine shop environments they start to look really grungy.
I'm sure other brands funnel factory rejects and refurbs somewhere, as well. But I'm not sure where that is.
I borrowed his tools many times over the years, and I've never been let down by anything made by Makita.
I went with Dewalt solely because this device exists:
https://www.dewalt.com/products/storage-and-gear/generators-...
So, you've already got the batteries, and you already need a place to charge the batteries - why not get the added bonus of a true 15-amp portable generator while you're at it ?
It's not true sine wave, but it's quite robust - I have powered decent sized compressors, etc. with it.
Plus, the higher power tools still use the same batteries, just two, rather than forcing you to but yet another set of batteries. I wasn't as impressed with dewalt's tool lineup.
* Looks like DeWalt bundles are priced better.
* Looks like DeWalt has better variety of tools in 20V.
* DeWalt is sold at both Home Depot and Lowes, so you run into more sales and has better chance of picking up required tool (and, importantly, accessories) on the short notice.
* Amazon has good DeWalt sales for the Prime Day, etc.
In particular for corded miter saw DeWalt 779 is just a great deal. I upgraded it with the light kit and got DeWalt portable stand.
Since these tools really last, there is no need to get cheaper versions if you can afford it.
For really rare-use tools or accessories I get cheap Porter Cable (ironically owned by same holding as DeWalt) or chinese knock-offs from Harbor Freight.
The tools in the bundle aren't necessarily the same as their stand-alone look-alikes.
Edit: in Canada. Not sure if they’re the same elsewhere.