This review is from: Makita 6216DWBE 3/8-Inch Cordless Driver-Drill Kit, 2-Speed, Variable Speed, Reversible (Tools & Home Improvement)
I bought this top-of-the-line 12V Makita cordless drill based on my experience with Makita's 12V cordless impact driver. The impact driver is a wonderful tool--light, compact, and very powerful. It is, however, a poor substitute for a drill (even with the drill chuck attachment), so I needed a drill as well. Wanting to use batteries and chargers interchangeably between the two tools, I opted for the 12V drill vs the heavier and bulkier 14.4V or 18V.
The drill, unfortunately, has proven to be mediocre. While the quality is top rate, the unit is heavy and bulky for a 12V. Also, the chuck does not grip drill bits sufficiently, so they spin in the chuck (I have given myself blisters trying to grip the chuck and tighten it on the bits, but to no avail). Finally, I am amazed at how quickly the drill sucks dry the batteries, even the 2.6 amp units. Though I haven't done a quantitative test, it sure seems like the batteries poop out in no time flat.