We use this tool in a college theater set shop. Students of varying degrees of experience use this drill/driver hours a day every day. It is well balanced, has good battery life, and finally is tough. After a year of use by real stage carpenters and real idiots, it has held up. I bought one for my home.

Nice drill, til you try to buy a replacement battery. Batteries are priced 80-100% more than competitor brands.

Good power and balance. Heavy, well built. The only feature I do not like is the locking collar for the chuck. Without that I would give it a 5.

I have owned several DeWalt drills as well as a few other brands and the Hitachi beats them all. In every catagory the Hitachi is a better drill and a better buy. Although it does not have the same huge torque ratings that some of the other drills do, it is a much more user friendly and high quality piece of equipment. The rare earth motor is extremely flexible for various types of work and performs perfectly. It is light, comfortable, and effective. I would recommend this drill to anyone who is interested in the very best tools.