Who Actually Needs This
Look, if you're a tradesperson running a van full of Milwaukee kit, close this tab. This drill is not for you. But if you're a homeowner who needs to put up a few shelves, assemble flat-pack furniture without crying, and occasionally drill into a brick wall, this Ryobi starter kit sits in a very sweet spot.
The ONE+ system is the real selling point here, honestly. Once you're in the ecosystem, every battery works across a frankly ridiculous number of Ryobi tools. Buy this kit first, then add a circular saw or a sander later without buying another battery. That's a proper long-term play for the DIY-curious.
What It's Actually Like to Use
I lent mine to a mate who was fitting a new kitchen. Nothing glamorous, just repetitive drilling into plasterboard and the odd joist. He came back saying it felt balanced in the hand, not too heavy for a long afternoon's work. The 1.5Ah batteries are on the smaller side, so if you're planning a full weekend project they will need a rest now and then. That's the honest reservation: it's a starter kit in the most literal sense.
The torque is more than adequate for timber and masonry. Don't expect it to chew through hardened steel, but then nothing at this end of the market will.
The Catch
No charger included in some configurations, so double-check before buying. The 1.5Ah batteries also charge faster than bigger packs, which softens that blow a bit. At this price, though, the value is hard to argue with for occasional home use.
