DeWalt vs Makita cordless drills - which would you pick for heavy-duty renovation work?

Hey folks, I'm in the market for a new cordless drill/driver combo and can't decide between DeWalt's XR line and Makita's LXT series. I do full-house renovations - framing, deck building, interior finish work, the whole nine yards. Need something that won't quit after six months of daily abuse. Anyone have long-term experience with either brand? Battery life under heavy load is my biggest concern.

I'm just an apprentice but my shop uses Makita stuff exclusively. The LXT drills feel really balanced in my hands (I'm smaller so that matters!) and the batteries charge super fast. My journeyman has had his for 3 years and it still works perfect. Only complaint - the chucks sometimes get stuck if you overtighten. What's the price difference you're looking at, Bob?

Precision is everything. DeWalt's XR brushless motors maintain consistent torque better at low speeds for delicate work. I've measured runout on both - DeWalt averages 0.002" less wobble in the chuck. Makita's ergonomics are superior, but if you're doing cabinetry or anything requiring exact pilot holes, the DeWalt's electronic clutch has 24 settings vs Makita's 16. Have you considered the weight distribution with extended use?

Garage gearhead here - I've torn down both! DeWalt's gearboxes are beefier but Makita's brushless tech is more efficient. Pro tip: DeWalt's 20V batteries actually run at 18V nominal (marketing nonsense). Makita's 18V LXT platform has been consistent for 15+ years - all my old batteries still work. If you're gonna abuse it, DeWalt's aluminum chucks hold up better to concrete dust. Both great tho - can't go wrong!