DeWalt 20v rotary hammer XR vs Atomic drill

Has anyone used both drills and have any input? I've been using the XR and think it's cheap, powerful, and great but a little heavy. I've just offloaded my XR and looking to replace it with either another XR or the Atomic. I already have a bunch of batteries and other DeWalt tools so not really interested in input about other drills. I can find both drills used and cheap in my location.

I've been bolting mostly 3/8" holes in limestone and granite but possibly do a little harder sandstone here and there (like RRG) and 1/2 holes in softer sandstone. Mostly front country stuff with occasional back country. I haven't bolted anything on lead and don't really see myself doing much of it but could possibly happen.

I was getting about 30 3/8 holes in granite with a 5ah battery with the XR and that was pretty rad but the whole set up was fairly heavy especially after sitting in a harness for awhile. I also plan on doing bolt replacement work so spinning wedge bolts will probably be in this drills future.

XR weighs 5.5 lbs. Atomic weighs 4.3 lbs

XR is 1" while atomic is 5/8“

XR is 2.1 joules while atomic is 1.4

XR has chip mode where as atomic does not 

If I can find both versions cheap enough, I would potentially buy both and compare them.

I haven't used the Atomic hammer drill but I have used the Atomic series multitool and sawzall. I'd have to say that they are definitely lightweight, but underpowered and pretty wimpy. The Atomic sawzall actually overheated easily and I ended up just returning it and buying another standard DeWalt saw. If you bought both I'd be really interested in your take on them

Andy Bennett wrote:

I haven't used the Atomic hammer drill but I have used the Atomic series multitool and sawzall. I'd have to say that they are definitely lightweight, but underpowered and pretty wimpy. The Atomic sawzall actually overheated easily and I ended up just returning it and buying another standard DeWalt saw. If you bought both I'd be really interested in your take on them

I'll second this. XR is industry standard for a reason and I've been using both versions daily for over a year.

Ended up getting a sick deal on a brand new atomic and a pretty beat up XR. I don't have any plans currently to sink any bolts but would be tempted to go drill some holes to see what I think...

Thomas Gilmore wrote:

Ended up getting a sick deal on a brand new atomic and a pretty beat up XR. I don't have any plans currently to sink any bolts but would be tempted to go drill some holes to see what I think...

Well, what do you think?

Just save up and but a Hilti and you'll be using it for years. You'll end up buying two other drills for the life of one Hilti.

Matthew Carpenter wrote:

Well, what do you think?

I've been putting in some mileage on both drills recently in typical density limestone. I'd say I really like the smaller atomic. Both drills seem to perform comparably and drill lots of holes. I'd say the biggest contributor to performance is battery. The 5ah hits way harder and lasts longer (big surprise) than my 4ah. I believe the 4, 5, and 6ah are all the same size (physically) and possibly the same weight so I am considering getting a 6ah battery. The atomic is the clear winner if you need a light drill for drilling on lead. The atomic + the new DeWalt power stack would be perfect for this. 

I have also used the atomic in bullet granite and it performs great. No complaints so far after probably 150-200 holes.

I have the Atomic 20v MAX 5/8, but have not used it.

I’ve been using the atomic 20v max. It is a work horse and a good bit lighter than my 36v Bosch. Great for bolting on lead.