The new series of Bosch PROFACTOR cordless power tools are on the way. We’ve posted about some of these tools before (links below), and I’ve been actively scouring for sources of information.
I came across a new press release, and while it doesn’t tell us anything we don’t already know, it’s interesting to see some of the official claims behind Bosch’s latest efforts.
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As previously mentioned, most of the new Bosch Profactor cordless power tools were announced two years ago, but were delayed for unspecified reasons. Now, those same tools are being launched as part of the Bosch Profactor lineup.
Bosch has not answered any of our questions thus far, saying that a full announcement will take place in February.
The frustrating part of all this is that there’s so much hype, but so little substance – but this is only the announcement, with the promise of more details to come. I want to be excited about the new Bosch Profactor cordless lineup.
PROFACTOR tools feature Bosch BITURBO Brushless technology, which pairs a high-performance brushless motor and drive train system with powerful magnets and optimized in-tool electronics to take full advantage of the additional power generated by the CORE18V 8.0 Ah and 12.0 Ah PROFACTOR batteries.
Okay, so… the tools have brushless motors – which has been true for other brands’ high-performance cordless power tool releases in recent years.
And the tools take advantage of the greater power potential of “CORE18V” 8Ah and 12Ah Profactor batteries. So… just like every other brand’s larger form factor batteries.
Bosch Power Tools, a global leader for power tools and power tool accessories, today announced the release of its PROFACTOR high-powered cordless tools, powered by its exclusive CORE18V battery platform and equipped with Bosch BITURBO Brushless technology. Delivering power that outperforms its corded counterparts, PROFACTOR cordless tools give professionals the freedom to take on the most demanding applications on one battery platform.
This entire paragraph boils down to one summarizing claim: “Delivering power that outperforms its corded counterparts.”
But is this true? Bosch’s new Profactor “connected-ready 5-1/2” cordless plunge-action track saw has a smaller blade size than their corded version and competing saws as well. How does this “outperform corded counterparts?”
At the heart of this new high-powered cordless system is Bosch’s best battery technology – the CORE18V battery platform. It features advanced cell technology, cutting edge design and Bosch-exclusive COOLPACK 2.0 technology. With a design including copper end plates, welded cell connectors and power rails, the batteries provide reduced resistance and greater efficiency, allowing tools to draw higher currents from the battery. With the PROFACTOR-optimized CORE18V 8.0 Ah and the new PROFACTOR Exclusive CORE18V 12.0 Ah batteries, professionals can power the full PROFACTOR tool lineup from a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple battery platforms on the jobsite.
Coolpack 2.0
PROFACTOR-optimized CORE18V 8.0 Ah
PROFACTOR Exclusive CORE18V 12.0 Ah batteries
Aren’t these the same batteries that were previously announced and released? The Bosch 8Ah battery was announced in 2018 and expected to launch in 2019. I posted about the Bosch 12Ah battery in 2019. At the time, Bosch emailed me, saying that had exciting news to talk to me about, but they never elaborated. Was Profactor what they had in mind?
New batteries that allow tools to draw higher current? Nearly every other cordless power tool brand has come out with similar battery tech in recent years. Bosch is late to the party.
Here’s what they’re launching in 2021, with “more coming later in 2021”:
- Bosch GBH18V-36CN 18V Hitman SDS-max 1-9/16″ Rotary Hammer
- Bosch GBH18V-45CK 18V Hitman SDS-max 1-7/8″ Rotary Hammer
- Bosch GBH18V-34CQN 18V SDS-plus 1-1/4″ Rotary Hammer
- Bosch GWX18V-13CN 18V Spitfire X-LOCK 5-6″ Angle Grinder
- Bosch GWS18V-13CN 18V Spitfire 5-6″ Angle Grinder
- Bosch GKS18V-25GCN 18V Strong Arm 7-1/4″ Circular Saw
- Bosch GKS18V-25CN 18V Strong Arm 7-1/4″ Circular Saw
- Bosch GCM18V-12GDCN14 18V Surgeon 12″ Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw
- Bosch GKT18V-20GCL 18V 5-1/2″ Track Saw
(Links are to Amazon preorder pages.)
The only new information here is that the smaller Bosch Profactor rotary hammer, the one that was previously named “The Goon”, has been rebranded as “The Hitman.” Thus, it seems that there will be two “Hitman” sizes of rotary hammers.
Bosch is continuing to hype-up their new Profactor line of cordless power tools, but one big question remains – why should users care?
Higher current batteries? Single platform? Advanced cell technology? High-powered cordless? Take on the most demanding applications? Power that outperfoms its corded counterparts? Cut the cord?
We’ve heard all of this before, when Bosch competitors made – and delivered on – similar claims over the years.
Bosch Power Tools Unveils Highly-Anticipated PROFACTOR Lineup, Bringing Unparalleled Performance to High-Powered Cordless Tools
Unparalleled Performance compared to… Bosch’s current cordless power tool options?
Show, don’t tell.
There’s more to come, with full details said to be available next month. Stay tuned for more.