Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Before purchasing this dust collector I looked at all the typical competition: Bosch, Mikita, Festool. The differences were more than you'd think and each had a special target market. If you want maximum air flow and static pressure this is the tool for you. Keep in mind though that while it is the highest in both these stats, all the manufacturers are faking the numbers. Whether they specify or not, the CFM numbers are at the blower and with no resistance. That means that after a filter, collection bag and hose you'll likely get no more than half the rated CFM. The Bosch and Mikita were lower cost initially but not when you add in the HEPA filters sold separately and there were restrictions on the HEPA usage that basically made them useless. The ratings on the included plugs are a function of the unit's cord limit of 15 amps and how much the unit uses internally, with the leftover current available for the plugged in tool. Realistically the Festool and Fein are about the same loudness but different pitch so it's more of a personal choice. The comparable Festool is more expensive but includes more and there are more accessories available for it. The best feature that the Fein has that nobody else has is the separate cooling for the motor that will still work when the hose air flow is reduced or cut off. Shortcomings: The plastic used in the body and hose are not anti-static so they do attract a great deal of dust. The Festool has an anti-static hose, if you think this isn't a big deal then think about how much extra time you'll spend cleaning up the hose every time you use it. A significant difference from the Festool is ergonomics. The Festool has a nice foot locking mechanism and great storage integrated. The Fein has standard caster locks and no plan whatsoever for accessory storage. You can't store all the accessories on the tool rack, there is no place for the cord and the two hose holders in the back corners are pitiful. Just look at the sales picture, they don't use the hose holder for the hose (which isn't even shown), they just loop the cord over one of the hose holders. The manual is no better, no where do they show how to store all the accessories on the included holders so you just have to pile things on top. With the Festool you adjust suction by lowering the blower speed which also lowers noise and leaves more power for your plugged in tool. The Fein runs at maximum all the time and has a bypass vent on the hose accessory mount end. Something else to consider is the cost of the consumables, that is the bags and filters. The Fein has a resealable bag available for it while this one doesn't. And HEPA filters for the Bosch and Mikita are more expensive. Both the Fein and Festool have a lot to offer that the Bosch and Mikita don't but consider that the Bosch really is really intended for concrete dust and will accel in that target market compared to everything else. For the price, an anti-static hose should be included and the cost of the accessory pack should be lower ($100 more when included and slightly more when bought separately) and tool/cord/hose storage should have been thought out.