Most of my friends swear by the 14.4v dewalts. I find that I like the new 12v XRP over the 14.4v because it is lighter. I suspect that the new 12v XRP, which has 350 inch pounds of torque is just as powerful as the older 14.4v models. I do not do any heavy drilling, I am more a weekend project guy. I have also read on the internet of problems with the clutch not working in first gear, and the 3 speed transmission difficult to move. Does anyone know it these defects are now fixed?

the new 12v XRP will actually have more power than the older 14.4v models...however you will end up losing runtime on the batteries...if you are looking for a lighterweight drill with plenty of torque and don't want to mess w/ the 3 speed gearbox...give the DeWalt 14.4v compact drill it has 350 in./lbs. of torque 3/8" chuck and weighs about the same as the 12v XRP

also to answer you question about the 3 speed gearbox...i have been selling 2-3 of each voltage 12-14.4-18v per week for the last 4 months and haven't had any complaints/returns

I really like the 12v dewalt XRP. I did test it against my friends older 14.4v 2 speed XRP with some 3" screws into a thick piece of oak. The 12v new XRP had slighty more power.

However, I found that the clutch in 1st gear does not work. I exchanged it for another one, but still the same problem. A woodworker friend has had the same drill for a while, and he complained about the same problem (he also exchanged his and the second one was the same). I read similar reports on the net, and assume it is a design problem, though when I called Dewalt customer service, they denied any problem exists. Any idea whats up?

[This message has been edited by johnnyBgood (edited December 30, 2002).]

With Dewalt, you get what you pay for - a weekenders tool.
Get a good tool from Porter Cable or Makita or Milwaukee if you need to depend on it.