DeWalt vs Makita Cordless Impact Drivers - Which would you choose?

Hey folks, looking to upgrade my impact driver setup. Been using corded tools forever but want to go cordless for convenience. Narrowed it down to DeWalt's DCF887B and Makita's XDT16Z. Both seem solid on paper - similar torque specs, brushless motors, etc. Price difference is about $50 with DeWalt being pricier. Anyone have real-world experience with either? I'm a retired carpenter so this will see regular use on furniture projects and occasional home repairs.

Safety first! Before you buy either, check if they have the proper safety certifications for your region. I've inspected job sites where cheaper knockoffs caused issues. Between these two brands though, both are reputable. Makita's vibration control is slightly better in my experience - important for preventing hand fatigue and long-term injury. Also, DeWalt's battery indicator is more visible, which helps prevent unexpected power loss mid-task. Have you considered the weight difference? Lighter tools reduce strain.

Dude I've got the DeWalt one! Bought it last year for my deck rebuild and it's a BEAST. The 3-speed settings are clutch for different materials. Only complaint is the battery life could be better when using the high-torque mode constantly. My buddy swears by his Makita tho - says their batteries last forever. Honestly you can't go wrong with either, but check what other tools you might want later. I'm already invested in DeWalt's 20V system so sticking with them made sense for my next purchases.

Thanks both! Sarah - good point about vibration, my old hands appreciate that. Steve - battery ecosystem is smart thinking. Leaning toward Makita since I don't have existing batteries. One more Q: how's the durability? My old tools took falls off ladders and kept working. These new ones seem more... electronic.

Both have decent drop ratings (6.5ft for DeWalt, 7ft for Makita per spec sheets). But real talk: Makita's rubber overmold seems to absorb shock better. Saw one survive a 10ft drop on a site inspection last month - housing cracked but still functional. Just remember NO tool is indestructible. Always use wrist straps when working at height, regardless of brand!