Ryobi HP Brushless Impact Driver Continues Trend of More Compact Designs
The Ryobi One+ HP Brushless Impact Driver touts a more compact design. While its performance is up to 25% faster than the P235A, we were more curious about how it compares to the more recent brushless P238.
Pros
- Excellent driving performance in our tests
- Lighter and more compact than the P238
- 3 standard modes plus new assist mode
- Comfortable handle design
Cons
- LED moves off the chuck back to the foot
Ryobi HP Brushless Impact Driver Performance
The Ryobi HP brushless impact driver keeps the same 2200 in-lbs of torque and 4000 IPM impact rate as the previous generation’s P238. However, it drops from 3200 RPM down to 2900 RPM.
To see how that affects its overall performance, we turned to the PTR Impact Driver Test Track. Here’s a quick breakdown of what it entails:
- 20 x 1 1/2-inch drywall screws (2×4 stud)
- 10 x 3/4-inch self-tapping screws (20-gauge steel stud over 2×4 stud)
- 10 x 1/4-inch twist bit (2×4 stud)
- 10 x 1/4-inch x 3 -inch ledger screws (layered 3/4-inch OSB over 2×4 stud)
Along the way, we have to make 3 bit changes.
The P238 already had a very respectable 2:17 effort to complete the track. Despite the drop in RPMs, the Ryobi HP brushless impact driver still managed to come in a little quicker at 2:15.
Ryobi HP Brushless Impact Driver Size and Weight
One of the draws to the Ryobi PBLID02 is that it has a more compact design than the P238. It’s nearly an inch shorter across the head. At 5.5 inches, it shifts from being one of the longest and gets closer to where the premium models are.
There’s a decent weight reduction as well. The updated design is 4 ounces less with a bare tool weight of 2.3 pounds.
Ryobi HP Brushless Impact Driver Design Notes
There are a few things you won’t see on the HP brushless model that were on the previous design. By far what we miss the most are the 3 LEDs that were surrounded the collet of the P238. Now, it has a more traditional foot mounted LED.
There’s also no magnetic plate on the foot anymore, following the HP brushless hammer drill in dropping that feature.
Lastly, Ryobi doesn’t include a belt clip. That’s something we use frequently on our drill and impact drivers, so it’s a little disappointing. It’s certainly not a deal-breaker though, and you can add one separately if you like.
On the positive side, there’s now an assist mode to supplement the 3 standard modes. In forward, it adds control to your start. Once the screw engages, it ramps up the speed to match the fastener. Using drywall screws, it stayed at a lower power level but kicked up much higher using ledger screws.
In reverse, the assist mode gives a kind of pulsing power level, backing the screw out a little at a time until it releases to the point that the hammer and anvil don’t need to impact.
Full Feature Set
- Brushless motor
- 3 speeds plus Assist Mode
- Die-cast gear case
- One-handed bit release and spring-loaded bit ejection
- Foot-mounted LED light
- Battery system is compatible with over 175 other cordless tools
Ryobi Brushless Impact Driver Comparison
| Brushless (P238) | HP Compact (PSBID01CN) | HP Brushless (PBLID02) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 3200 RPM | 2900 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Speeds | 3 | 1 | 3 + Assist |
| Torque | 2200 in-lbs | 1700 in-lbs | 2200 in-lbs |
| Impact Rate | 4000 IPM | 3800 IPM | 4000 IPM |
| Bare Weight | 2.7 lbs | 1.9 lbs | 2.3 lbs |
| Head Length | 6.4 in | 5.3 in | 5.5 in |
| PTR Test Track | 2:17 | 2:39 | 2:15 |
Ryobi HP Brushless Impact Driver Price
You can snag the Ryobi PBLID02 for $119 as a bare tool or $159 with a 2.0Ah High-Performance battery, charger, and soft bag. It’s also part of a combo kit with the HP Brushless drill driver for $199.
Keep your eyes open for other combos and deals as the line continues to roll out.
The Bottom Line
The big deal for the Ryobi HP brushless impact driver is that it manages to drop some weight and make a more compact model without dropping real-world performance. Considering the improvements on the drill, it’s worth grabbing that $199 HP brushless drill/impact driver combo and passing your old set off to someone who can use it.
Ryobi HP Brushless Impact Driver Specs
- Model: Ryobi PBLID02
- Motor: Brushless
- Collet: 1/4-in. hex
- Speed: 0-850 / 0-2,000 / 0-2,900 / 0-2,900 (Assist) RPM
- Torque: Up to 2,200 in-lbs.
- Impact: 0-4,000 BPM
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: $99 (bare tool), $119 kit, $199 drill/impact driver combo
Check out more information on Ryobi’s website.
