DeWalt vs Makita: Which Cordless Drill/Driver Reigns Supreme?

Alright, I'm finally ready to upgrade my old corded drill and get a battery-powered one for around the house and some furniture projects. I've been looking at the DeWalt DCD791 and the Makita XFD131. Both get great reviews. DeWalt is on sale right now for $149 with a 2Ah battery and charger. Makita is $169 with a 3Ah battery. I'm pretty budget-conscious, so the DeWalt is tempting. But I've heard Makita batteries last longer. Can you guys help me decide?

I'm a gearhead, so I've got a bunch of both. Honestly, you can't go wrong with either. But for pure drilling speed and torque, my Makita XFD131 rips through steel like butter. The 3Ah battery lasts forever on a charge. That extra $20 is worth it in the long run. DeWalt is solid, but their 2Ah batteries are on the small side. If you plan on doing any heavy drilling, go with Makita. Plus, if you ever get into impact drivers, Makita's lineup is killer.

I'm just a weekend warrior, but I've had my DeWalt for 3 years now. It's done everything from building a deck to hanging drywall. That DCD791 is a beast for the price. I'd say grab the DeWalt while it's on sale, then buy a bigger battery later when you need it. The 2Ah is fine for most small jobs. Unless you're drilling 40 holes in concrete every day, you'll be happy. Also, the DeWalt is more comfortable to hold for me, but that's personal.

Retired carpenter here. I've used both brands professionally for decades. For a homeowner, the DeWalt at that price is a steal. It's a solid tool that will last you years. But I'll tell you this: Makita's battery technology is a notch above. Their batteries don't lose charge as quickly when sitting in the garage, and they seem to hold up better in cold weather. If you live in a place with harsh winters, that matters. My two cents: if you can stretch the budget, get the Makita, but don't lose sleep if you go DeWalt. Both are top-tier.

Thanks guys, some good points. I didn't think about battery shelf life or cold performance. Here in Minnesota, it gets pretty cold in the garage. Maybe I'll spring for the Makita. Appreciate the input!