DeWalt vs Makita Impact Drivers: Which one's actually better?

Hey guys, been using a old Craftsman impact for years and it's finally dying. I'm torn between the DeWalt DCF887 and the Makita XDT16. I do a lot of decking and framing, so I need some serious torque. Anyone have real-world experience with both? I heard DeWalt has a better trigger control but Makita is lighter. Thoughts?

I've got the Makita XDT16 and it's a beast for the weight. I mainly do furniture and cabinets, but I've used it on some decks too. The assist mode is killer for avoiding cam-outs. My buddy has the DeWalt and he's always complaining about the weight after a full day. But he loves the quick-remove chuck. Honestly, you can't go wrong, but for all-day use, I'd go Makita.

As a pro plumber, I've burned through both. The DeWalt DCF887 is tough as nails and handles abuse. I dropped mine off a ladder and it still works. But the Makita's small size gets into tight spots under sinks. I'd say if you're doing overhead work all day, go Makita. For raw power and durability, DeWalt. I own both and grab the Makita 80% of the time just because of the comfort.

Thanks for the insights! Comfort is key for me since I'm on tools 10+ hours a day. Sounds like Makita might be the way. But what about battery life? I heard DeWalt batteries last longer? I'm already invested in DeWalt batteries from my drill, but I don't mind switching if it's worth it.

Honestly, battery life is pretty comparable these days. My Makita 5Ah lasts all day on a single charge with normal use. If you're already in the DeWalt system, it might make sense to stick with them. But if you're buying new, I'd go Makita for the ergonomics. Try holding both at the store, see what feels better in your hand.