After years of tool reviewers trying to figure out the difference between FlexVolt Advantage and Power Detect tools, DeWalt is ditching both lines and reintroducing existing tools from each line as “new” 20V XR tools.
So, if, for example, you own a FlexVolt Advantage or Power Detect 7-1/4″ circular saw and are looking to buy the new DCS590 7-1/4″ 20V circular saw, heads up—you may already own it.
We all speculated that FlexVolt Advantage and Power Detect were a way for DeWalt to sell the same tools at Home Depot and Lowe’s while giving the stores exclusivity to bring in customers.
The claim that 20V FlexVolt Advantage tools had a special power to take advantage of 60V FlexVolt batteries in a way that Power Detect tools did not—and that Power Detect tools had a special power to detect 8Ah XR batteries in a way that FlexVolt Advantage tools could not—seemed dubious.
The announcement that certain tools from both lines are now being rebranded as XR tools seems to be a de facto admission that they were in fact the same tools all along.
The Rebranding Shift
This rebranding of existing tools as “new” XR tools may come off as shady—because it is—but it’s a step in the right direction that will simplify product lines and enhance clarity for people investing in DeWalt’s battery platform.
The rebranding announcement was quietly slipped into a press release promoting a few actual new tools: the 8Ah PowerPack battery, the new DCF860 impact driver, and the new DCD1007 hammer drill.
Identifying the Rebrands
Here are the rebrands we know of so far. We’ll update this post as we learn more.
- DCG410 4.5–5″ Angle Grinder: a.k.a. (Power Detect DCG415) or (FlexVolt Advantage DCG416)
- DCS384 Reciprocating Saw: a.k.a. (Power Detect DCS368) or (FlexVolt Advantage DCS386)
- DCS590 7-1/4” Circular Saw: a.k.a. (Power Detect DCS574) or (FlexVolt Advantage DCS573)
What This Means for You
The question now is: Will DeWalt sell the same XR tools at Lowe’s and Home Depot, or will they split the lineup between the two stores?
Anyway, heads up if you’re looking for new DeWalt 20V XR tools because the product pages do not currently distinguish between actual new tools and rebranded tools.
If you own one of the pre-rebrand models, congratulations, you’re now the owner of a “new” XR tool. Woo-hoo!
Now Ditch Atomic
While we’re on the topic of DeWalt’s confusing product lines, let’s talk about Atomic.
Atomic is supposed to mean compact power, but many are the same size as XR tools. And other Atomics are just weaker versions of XR tools.
Some Atomics sold in the US that do not have an XR equivalent—like the DCF850 impact driver, which does represent the compact/powerful concept well—are sold as XR tools in the UK and Australia.
This mixing in of XR tools with weaker tools makes it hard to determine what’s what. My rule of thumb is, if a tool is only available as an Atomic and it’s something I want, maybe I’ll give it a try.
But really, Atomic is just putting me off the DeWalt brand. We have 12V for less powerful compact tools, and plenty of XR tools are compact, so why confuse things?
Conclusion
Give me 12V, 20V, and 60V or give me Milwaukee or Makita.
Proof of Concept: Spec Comparison for DCS590 Circular Saw Rebrands
| Specification | DCS590 (20V MAX XR Brushless) | DCS574 (Power Detect) | DCS573 (FlexVolt Advantage) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blade Size | 7-1/4″ | 7-1/4″ | 7-1/4″ |
| Speed (RPM) | 5,500 | 5,500 | 5,500 |
| Max Depth of Cut at 90° | 2-9/16″ | 2-9/16″ | 2-9/16″ |
| Max Depth of Cut at 45° | 2″ | 2″ | 2″ |
| Bevel Capacity | 0° – 57° (stops at 22.5° and 45°) | 0° – 57° (stops 22.5° and 45°) | 0° – 57° (stops 22.5° and 45°) |
| Arbor Size | 5/8″ | 5/8″ | 5/8″ |
| Motor Type | Brushless | Brushless | Brushless |
| Voltage | 20V MAX | 20V MAX | 20V MAX |
| Weight (Bare Tool) | 8.3 lbs | 7.9 lbs | 8.2 lbs |
| Battery Compatibility | 20V MAX, enhanced with XR PowerPack | 20V MAX, detects and boosts with higher Ah (e.g., 8Ah) batteries | 20V MAX, boosts with FlexVolt (60V) batteries |
| Other Features | Electric brake, LED light, rafter hook | Electric brake, LED light, rafter hook | Electric brake, LED light, rafter hook |
Real Differences Breakdown: All three models are essentially identical in core specs and features. The main variations are in the power boost technology tied to specific batteries—but this is largely fabricated, as all of these tools receive a boost from larger batteries.
Ultimately, the DCS590 is a direct rebrand with no functional upgrades over the others, proving the whole Power Detect and FlexVolt Advantage having separate special powers thing wasn’t true.
If you found this information helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more updates from the world of tools. See ya!
