We’ve had the pleasure of testing quite a few angle grinders over the years, but there are some that really stand out from the crowd. This often comes down to feature sets, ergonomics, or even plain old raw power. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the Makita 40V max XGT GAG11 angle grinder, which ranked as our #1 pick in the 4 1/2 to 5-inch class, to see how it earned that accolade.
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Makita 40V max XGT Angle Grinder: What They Say
The Makita 40V max XGT GAG11 is designed for heavy-duty cutting and grinding applications. It’s powered by a brushless motor that churns out 13-amp equivalent power with speeds between 3,000 and 8,500 RPM, plus restart protection and a soft start to minimize any startup jolting. It’s also built with the X-LOCK quick-change system for tool-free wheel changes that are faster and easier than ever.
For added safety, they equipped this grinder with their Active Feedback-sensing Technology (AFT) which automatically shuts down the tool in the case of a bind up, and an electric brake that can halt rotation extremely quickly. The grinder is also AWS compatible for wireless communication with compatible dust extractors to help keep your workspace clean.
Makita 40V max XGT Angle Grinder: What We Say
The Makita GAG11 is clearly positioned as a Pro-grade cordless grinder with a maxed-out list of premium features that we expect from a tool in this class. In particular, I’m happy to see the tool-free X-lock arbor and AFT systems for the sake of convenience and safety.
As for speed, 3,000 to 8,500 RPMs falls in line with what we expect from a 5-inch angle grinder, though there are some that rate higher. However, with 13 amps of corded equivalent power available, it’s able to shift more of it to torque, making it less likely to stall under load.
That’s a big deal. We’ve used plenty of small angle grinders in the 9,000 – 10,000 RPM range that are great with a cutting wheel, but require you to slow down significantly when you start doing heavy-duty surface prep or grind down welds.
I’m glad that Makita opted for a variable speed system rather than a single speed motor. This grants you a lot more versatility and allows you to adapt the speed to match your particular application. In order to be the best, you have to appeal to a wide range of users, and variable speed is key to that. Moreover, I’m glad Makita went with a physical dial rather than a blister button, as these tend to wear out over time.
A Few Trade-Offs
There are a few minor downsides, though.
For one, it’s heavier than many of Makita’s competitors. As a bare tool, it weighs 5.6 pounds. When you add the 40V XGT 4.0Ah battery, it’s a hefty 7.8 pounds. To put that in context, Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 2986 dual trigger angle grinder is about 1/2 a pound lighter.
Call me spoiled, but I prefer to have three side handle positions. The top one comes in handy when I’m cutting in a vertical orientation. Unfortunately for my preferences, the GAG11 only has the two side positions. That’s pretty standard for Maktia, and it’s not likely to bother too many people.
The other element is the price. As a bare tool, the Makita GAG11 will set you back $319, and there is a kit option for $554 that comes with a 4.0Ah battery, charger, and storage case. This is one of the more expensive models available in the 5-inch class. It’s not a huge surprise, and you get what you pay for. Makita’s battery and charging technology, plus the quality of the build, justify the higher price tag… if your budget can afford it.
Additional Features
- Slide Switch Activation: Lock-on capable for continuous use
- Tool-Free Guard Adjustment: Quickly position the wheel guard to deflect sparks and slag
Should You Buy It?
Overall, I think Makita went with an incredibly holistic design that absolutely screams versatility for Pros across all the major trades. Everything from the performance and adjustable speed to the advanced safety tech and automatic vacuum activation makes this an approachable option across a wide range of applications.
Obviously, this is not a grinder built for DIYers, though there’s no doubt they’d love using it if they have XGT-level tool budgets. Realistically, it’s hard to think of a professional setting where this model isn’t a good fit, aside from when you need a larger, more powerful model. But the good news is, Makita has you covered with other 40V max XGT grinders if that’s the case.
So what do you think? Is this the best option for your crew? Let us know in the comments section down below.
