Is the CX300RB good for a homeowner?

Yes. Three brushless tools on one battery platform cover drilling, driving and light cutting. It is the lightest way into Makita's 18V LXT line.

Can I use Makita's larger 18V LXT batteries in these tools?

Yes. All 18V LXT packs fit, including 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah and 5.0Ah. Larger packs add runtime but make the tools heavier and longer.

How does it compare with Makita's full-size 18V kit?

The sub-compact tools are shorter and lighter but have less torque and slower cutting. Choose full-size for heavy framing and demolition, sub-compact for cabinets, electrical and overhead work.

The drill-driver, impact driver, recipro saw, two 18V 2.0Ah batteries and a rapid charger. No case is included.

Does the impact driver have a special mode?

Yes. Assist Mode (A-mode) starts slow and ramps up to reduce cam-out and cross-threading on small screws.

Is the recipro saw good for pruning and demolition?

It handles light pruning and PVC, but 5.7 lbs and a 13/16-inch stroke make it slower than a full-size saw in thick lumber.

Makita CX300RB 18V LXT 3-Pc Combo Kit Price History: Lowest $367.78

Q: Where is the Makita CX300RB 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless 3-Pc. Combo 2.0Ah Black cheapest?

At JB Tools, for $367.78, as of our latest check.

What reviewers say

Owners of Makita's sub-compact LXT line praise the light weight and short bodies for cabinet and overhead work, and the brushless motors hold up to daily trade use. The common complaints are runtime on the small 2.0Ah packs and the limited power of the drill and recipro saw compared with full-size tools.

What people mention

WeightPraisedOwners say the drill and impact driver are light enough to use overhead for long stretches.
SizePraisedThe short bodies are repeatedly noted for fitting into cabinets and between studs.
Battery runtimeCriticisedThe 2.0Ah packs run down fast, especially in the recipro saw.
PowerMixedFine for driving and light drilling, but the drill and saw lack the torque of full-size tools.
BuildPraisedBrushless motors and XPT sealing are seen as durable for trade use.

From JB Tools

18V LXT Sub-Compact kit with three cordless tools for drilling, driving, fastening and cutting
Brushless driver-drill weighs only 2.8 lbs. with battery; 6-3/8" long; 2-speed (0-500 & 0-1,700 RPM); 350 in.lbs. max torque
Brushless impact driver weighs only 2.6 lbs. with battery; 5-5/16" long; Assist Mode (A-mode) helps prevent screw cam-out and cross threading
Brushless recipro saw delivers 0-3,000 strokes per minute with 13/16" stroke length; 12-1/2" long and 5.7 lbs.
BL Brushless motor optimizes battery energy for up to 50% longer run time per charge and runs cooler for longer life
Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) for improved dust and water resistance in harsh conditions

Guarantee: 3-year limited warranty on tool, battery and charger; JB Tools 100% satisfaction guarantee and Warranty Program
Returns: 60-day hassle-free return; replacement (subject to availability) or full refund less return shipping costs, at customer's option
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over; cannot ship overnight, 2-day or outside the continental US; international orders not accepted while store is moving
In the box: Ultra-compact 2-speed brushless driver-drill, Variable speed brushless impact driver, Brushless recipro saw, Two 18V LXT Compact 2.0Ah batteries (BL1820B), Rapid Optimum Charger

About the Makita CX300RB 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless 3-Pc. Combo 2.0Ah Black

This kit includes three 18V LXT sub-compact cordless tools for drilling, driving, fastening and cutting: a driver-drill, an impact driver and a reciprocating saw. All three have a brushless motor. The motor optimizes battery energy for up to 50% longer run time per charge and runs cooler for longer life. Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) improves dust and water resistance in harsh conditions.

The 2-speed driver-drill weighs 2.8 lbs. with the battery and is 6-3/8" long. It has speed ranges of 0-500 and 0-1,700 RPM and 350 in.lbs. of maximum torque. The impact driver weighs 2.6 lbs. with the battery and is 5-5/16" long. Its Assist Mode (A-mode) helps prevent screw cam-out and cross threading.

The reciprocating saw delivers 0-3,000 strokes per minute with a 13/16" stroke length. It is 12-1/2" long and weighs 5.7 lbs.

Power source: Battery, 18V LXT lithium-ion
Motor: BL Brushless
Driver-drill speed: 2-speed, 0-500 and 0-1,700 RPM
Max torque: 350 in.lbs. (driver-drill)
Saw speed: 0-3,000 strokes per minute
Saw stroke: 13/16"
Tool weights: Driver-drill 2.8 lbs., impact driver 2.6 lbs., recipro saw 5.7 lbs.
Tool lengths: Driver-drill 6-3/8", impact driver 5-5/16", recipro saw 12-1/2"
Batteries: Two 18V LXT Compact 2.0Ah (BL1820B)
In the box: Driver-drill, impact driver, recipro saw, two batteries, Rapid Optimum Charger