Quick verdict
The FLEX is the stronger, better-built impact and the kit includes two batteries; the Ryobi is the cheap, surprisingly capable tool on the biggest big-box platform. For a deck and a yard full of ONE+ tools the Ryobi is enough. For maximum power and a pro-grade tool the FLEX wins.
FLEX FX1371A 24V Quick Eject Impact Driver
The FX1371A is the FLEX 24V brushless impact driver with roughly 2,500 inch-pounds, four modes and a compact body, sold in the 2B kit with two batteries and a charger. It is one of the strongest compact impacts made and the FLEX platform includes outdoor tools.
FLEX FX1371A-2B 24V impact driver kit versus Ryobi PBLID01B 18V ONE+ HP impact driver: torque, modes, build, kit value and outdoor platform compared from published specifications.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score /100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLEX FX1371A 24V Quick Eject Impact Driver | Best Power and Build | 8.9 | Check price |
| Ryobi PBLID01B ONE+ HP Brushless Impact Driver | Best Value for Light Work | 8.4 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
FLEX FX1371A 24V Quick Eject Impact Driver
The FX1371A is the FLEX 24V brushless impact driver with roughly 2,500 inch-pounds, four modes and a compact body, sold in the 2B kit with two batteries and a charger. It is one of the strongest compact impacts made and the FLEX platform includes outdoor tools.
Reasons to buy
- Very high torque for a compact
- Four modes
- Kit includes two batteries and charger
- Premium build
Reasons to avoid
- FLEX 24V is a smaller platform
- Kit price is high
- Batteries cost more
Ryobi PBLID01B ONE+ HP Brushless Impact Driver
The PBLID01B is the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP brushless impact driver with about 2,100 inch-pounds, three modes and a compact body, sold bare for a low price. It shares a battery with the largest 18V outdoor range sold at big-box stores.
Reasons to buy
- Strong torque for the price
- Huge ONE+ outdoor range
- Cheap bare and in kits
- Three modes
Reasons to avoid
- Heavier feel in hand
- Plastic build
- Less refined control
Where these two differ
The FLEX FX1371A is a pro-grade 24V impact with roughly 2,500 inch-pounds, four modes and a kit with two batteries. The Ryobi PBLID01B is a homeowner 18V ONE+ HP impact with about 2,100 inch-pounds, three modes and a bare price that undercuts most competitors. Both drive a deck and both sink lags; the FLEX does it with more refinement and the Ryobi with more friends on the same battery.
This comparison is based on the published specifications and manuals for both tools and on recurring owner feedback. We have not run either driver ourselves.
| Specification | FX1371A-2B | PBLID01B |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | FLEX 24V | Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP |
| Torque | About 2,500 in-lbs | About 2,100 in-lbs |
| Modes | 4 | 3 |
| Sold as | Kit, two batteries | Bare tool |
| Build | Pro grade | Homeowner grade |
| Outdoor range | Growing | Largest at big-box |
Torque
Both have more than a deck needs. The FLEX keeps speed on a long ledger lag where the Ryobi slows. For fence hardware and deck screws neither is near a limit.
Modes and control
The FLEX four modes include a low setting that starts small screws gently. The Ryobi three modes cover most work and its lowest mode handles composite with a careful trigger.
Build and feel
The FLEX is metal where it matters and balanced; owners describe it as a premium tool. The Ryobi is plastic, a little heavier in feel and entirely adequate for homeowner use.
Bits and accessories
Both take quarter-inch hex bits. Impact-rated torsion bits suit both; the Ryobi benefits most from a good bit on composite. The FLEX kit charger is fast; Ryobi chargers vary by kit.
Yard jobs this decides
A deck, a fence and a shed are within both. A homeowner with ONE+ mowers, blowers and trimmers should buy the Ryobi and spend the difference on a second battery. Someone starting a platform who wants pro tools and a growing outdoor range should buy the FLEX kit.
Batteries and runtime
Both last a deck on a mid-size pack. The FLEX 2B kit arrives with two packs; the Ryobi assumes ONE+ packs already in the shed.
Setup tips
On the FLEX, mode one for small screws, mode three for deck screws and mode four for lags; the kit charger brings a pack back in under an hour. On the Ryobi, mode one for trim, mode three for lags; it starts composite screws best with a torsion bit and a gentle trigger.
Noise and vibration
Both are loud hammer-and-anvil impacts and hearing protection suits a full deck on either. Owners describe the FLEX as smooth across its modes and the Ryobi as buzzier in the hand on long lags. Neither is a hydraulic impact.
Common owner complaints
FLEX owners mention kit price and battery cost. Ryobi owners mention weight and a plastic belt clip. Neither has a reliability pattern.
Which one should you buy
Buy the Ryobi if you are on ONE+ or want the cheapest capable impact. Buy the FLEX kit if you want pro-grade power and build and are open to the 24V platform.
Our verdict
The FLEX FX1371A-2B takes this comparison on torque, modes and build. The Ryobi PBLID01B is the value pick and enough for any homeowner deck.
How we research
This comparison is built from the published specifications, manuals and warranty terms of both products and from recurring owner feedback. We have not run either product ourselves; where the makers do not publish a figure we say so rather than guess.
What to look for
Platform
ONE+ has the biggest outdoor range; FLEX 24V has a growing one.
Kit or bare
The FLEX comes with two batteries; the Ryobi is bare.
Torque
Both exceed what a deck needs; the FLEX by more.
Build
The FLEX is pro grade; the Ryobi is homeowner grade.
Our verdict
The FLEX is the stronger, better-built impact and the kit includes two batteries; the Ryobi is the cheap, surprisingly capable tool on the biggest big-box platform. For a deck and a yard full of ONE+ tools the Ryobi is enough. For maximum power and a pro-grade tool the FLEX wins.
FAQs
Ryobi rates the HP model around 2,100. Owners report it sinks structural lags without trouble.
Yes, a growing 24V range including blowers, trimmers and a mower.
The Ryobi bare for a ONE+ owner. The FLEX kit for a new platform, since it includes two batteries.
The FLEX with four, including a mode for small screws.
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