There’s a wall of battery packs in the hardware store; they all look the same, and you know you need a drill, and you probably know you need 20 volts. Beyond that, it’s a mixture of plastic colors and marketing words. That’s where the Bauer Hypermax comes into play.
It offer high performance without the high cost of name brands. It is a good option for those looking for solid power without paying for brand name. So how well does it work?
Obviously pretty well. How much is it saving me? Is it worth any compromises I might make in resale value, durability or ergonomics?
Buying into this isn’t as simple as one tool. You’re buying into an ecosystem. If you gets the bait on the Bauer battery platform, you’re on board with the rest of their system moving forward.
That’s a bigger decision and warrant some deeper scrutiny different than a glance at the torque specs. Here’s what you’re paying for.
Reviewing Bauer Hypermax Drill Performance
Physical Design and Grip
The first impression is based off physical attributes.
Bauer has gone with heavy, rubbery overmold; it’s solid in the hand. And not only does it look good, but that rubber stay grippy even if your hands are sweaty or covered in drywall dust. When I was driving a long screw into some hardwood without ripping the head off, that snappy trigger response were important.
You can tell there is little to no lag from finger-to-motor. With an exact use like that, it helps make detailed work seem less of a task. The Hypermax has respectable torque under the hood for its class.
It easily handles decking board screws, drywall screw, and light drilling in concrete. It’s not going to help you build a house frame, but for 90 percent of what homeowners do, it’s more than up to the task.
Brushless Motor Performance
The big ticket feature on the Hypermax are its brushless motor.
Because there isn’t any physical friction wearing down the inside components, brushless motors is more efficient and last longer then their brushed counterparts. This means there is less heat buildup, it last longer during use, and there is more run time per charge. So that efficiency pay off in real-world savings over the life of the tool.
Battery Longevity and Charging
Where Bauer attempts to challenge the big boys is in battery longevity. These batteries lasts a long time. Even if you don’t use ’em for a month, that 20 volt lithium-ion pack will keep on ticking.
It hold its charge well. Pull a battery out of the drawer and know it has juice. And they charge pretty fast.
You’ll be back at work soon enough. Just don’t look for the same quick charge times as those expensive pro lines. It is a fair trade-off for their lower price, though.
Build Quality Trade-offs
You get most of the performance at a fraction of cost. So there’s some trade-offs. Chuck isn’t quite as snug as something like a DeWalt or Milwaukee.
Double check your bits before getting to work. The belt clip is functional but flimsy. It hold the tool, but it is not designed for the abuse of a daily jobsite.
Again, not a big deal if you’re a weekend warrior, but if this is your money maker and you use it every day, these thing add up. You’re getting less durability in non-critical places, but you pay less too.
Resale Value and Target Audience
Finally, consider resale value.
The big-name brands retain their values; Bauer tools don’t. Whether you choose to buy them, use them for awhile and then sell them, you won’t recieve full price from Bauer. That’s just how it is with lesser known and private label brands.
However, if you’re going to hang on to this drill until death, that’s not a factor at all. You’re paying based on usage, not as an investment. It could of been a solid financial decision for a lot of people.
Is it worth the price? Well, if you’re a professional contractor you should take a pass on this one. You want big name reliability and the network backing those big names; they cost more, but you get what you pay for.
If you are a hobbyist, a handyman, or a homeowner who wants something powerful without spending too much, then you’ll find the Hypermax from Bauer a nice purchase. It’s strong when you need it, feels good in the hand, and won’t break your bank. Sometimes the right tool is simply the one you can afford to own.