La dernière nouveauté de Dewalt - pourquoi tout ce bruit autour du DeWALT DXL ?

It's the hot new industry arrival everyone has been talking about. The long awaited DeWALT DXL is now here. We know it's their latest addition to the ToughSystem 2.0 range. As the name suggests this really is XL and is a bit of a beast. But who is this actually for and why do we think DeWALT have developed it!?

At first glance, we think for many this would be more of a good addition to your workshop rather than your every day mobile solution, despite being a modular system. So just who did DeWALT have in mind when they developed a modular box of this size? 

We hunted high and low to lay our hands on one so we can formally introduce you to the new DeWALT DXL and try to figure that out.

Overview of the Dewalt DXL range

Their blurb on release of the DLX tells you that this is "The industry's first modular workstation system. Consisting of 4 independent products that can be arranged to best suit your needs" So yes, the modules presently are quite limited.

There's a dolly and a worktop of course.  Plus to sandwich between there are a deep drawer and a shallow 2-drawer unit to choose from. As you'd expect, the drawers lock to prevent accidental opening whilst in transit. They also have a handy locking bar feature so you can add a padlock to keep your tools secure if leaving unattended on site. Combined, these offer a comprehensive, industrial drawer solution. But the limitation in options ought not be an issue for anyone... read on to find out why.

How the DXL sits within the DeWALT ranges.

These ToughSystem DXL cases do also connect to older ToughSystem cases. That's both the latest 2.0 range and the original ToughSystem. So, if you're considering an upgrade or expansion of your existing system, you can do so with ease.

What's more, as you might already know, you can use TSTAK adapter plates to make your ToughSystem compatible with TSTAK too, so now whichever DeWALT storage solution you have you can potentially make them interchangeable.

That means that it's not just DeWALT users who can take advantage of the DXL, but it's now opened up to Stanley, Facom and Craftsman users too as they can all be made compatible with this system.

The BIG question - what size is the DeWALT DXL

Big indeed. It's a monster in terms of size, for sure. But more specifically it's a really heavy unit. Our combination weighed in at a hefty, unladen 65KG (that's a whopping 145lbs in old money). Of course being a modular system though, your own configuration or requirement could be different.  So here's a little more information on the weights and sizes of each unit within the range.

Who is the DXL actually for?

According to DeWALT's press release ahead of launch, "The TOUGHSYSTEM 2.0 DXL™ Modular Storage System was designed to address user pain points and provide pros a solution that can be customised to their needs on the job," said Dave Veprek, VP of DeWALT Product Management, "Benefits include a waist-high workstation, truck-ready modules, and features to secure tools, all contributing to optimal productivity and enhanced workflow – it's a game-changing system." 

While we don't disagree that this is potentially a game changer, given a) the price and b) the two-man lift requirements for a unit of this size, it's perhaps not for everyone. While they don't directly reference the "pain points" this system is developed to overcome, it does seem to present these two new painful considerations that people will need to think about carefully before purchasing.

DeWALT DXL ToughSystem cost versus benefits

Let's be clear, this isn't a cheap system. Yes, as we've seen, it offers a host of great benefits, but how does they stack up against the affordability of the system? If you're looking to make a big investment like this then here's some important information that could help you make that decision. 

How to organise the DeWALT Tough System DXL

With Shadow Foam of course! Joking aside, the modularity of this system as with DeWALT's other models perfectly lends itself to helping you get organised. But now with the addition of Shadow Foam custom fit inserts for the DeWALT Tough System DXL modules, you really can optimise that organisation. With a choice of vibrant colours and depths, you can make your DXL your own. Plus never lose a tool again thanks to the inherent tool control benefits of the product. 

An honest DeWALT DXL review

If you're considering this system, then you'll be looking for a completely transparent and honest review. As you know, we buy these systems ourselves, so no one is paying us to give our opinion on the systems. We have a lot of tool storage in the course of our work which we use to create our custom foam inserts. So we're potentially well placed to offer you a full and impartial take on what we think of it. 

What demand will be for this "game-changing" system remains to be seen. Yes we love it and are sure many will too, but how will it play out in real-world situations? One to watch over coming months as it's starting to get a bit easier to track down on UK shores.