If you want to open a can of worms in an auto shop, just start asking which ratchets are the best. You’re sure to get plenty of opinions, but for the discerning Pro, the Sonic NEXT ratchet set might just top them all.
I got my hands on a set, and I’ll share what I’ve learned, including who they’re a good fit for and whether this is the only ratchet set you’ll need.
Pros
- Outstanding strength
- Quality build
- Comfortable grip
- Sealed ratchet heads
- Set comes in custom foam tray
Cons
- 60T design has a larger arc swing
Sonic NEXT Ratchet Handles
Let’s start with what you can see. One of the first things you may have drawn your eyes toward is the handle. NEXT ratchets use a bi-material handle coating of black thermoplastic vulcanizate with red polypropylene insets.
This is likely a dividing factor since so many Pros prefer non-coated handles to make cleaning easier. However, I’m going to make the argument that it’s the right call for this set in a minute.
For now, we’ll note that they offer a legitimately comfortable grip. On the 1/2-inch model, where the grip fills your hand most fully, you can really feel how the ergonomic design helps make better contact with your hand.
Sonic NEXT Ratchet Heads
Tracing the robust shafts up to the ratchet heads, you find they’re reasonably compact. It’s certainly possible to buy ratchets with lower profile heads, but there’s some strength compromise that comes with them, and that’s most definitely not what Sonic is going for with these designs.
Your access is only slightly decreased by the push-button socket release and directional switch. They stay tight to the ratchet head, only adding about a millimeter to their thickness.
Of course, the push-button release is extremely convenient, and I’d much rather have it, especially since the size penalty is so minimal.
| NEXT Ratchet Size | Head Thickness (including release button) | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4-inch | ~ 12 mm | 5 3/4 in |
| 3/8-inch | ~ 16 mm | 7 5/8 in |
| 1/2-inch | ~ 19 mm | 10 1/4 in |
Sonic NEXT Ratchet Internals
Moving on to what you can’t see at first glance, the ratchet heads are sealed. That’s something we expect from any premium flagship ratchet, so it’s no surprise. Still, having the protection from dirt and debris working its way inside is a feature we demand at this level.
The ratcheting mechanism is a 60-tooth design, so you’re looking at a swing arc of 6°. If you’re used to 90-tooth ratchets, you’ll need to adjust in the tightest spaces. However, the set comes with universal joints, extensions, and adapters for each size, so you’ve got what you need to turn the vast majority of nuts and bolts you come across.
Now, I mentioned earlier that there’s a reason I believe coated handles were the right call, and that’s because of the inherent strength of Sonic’s NEXT Ratchets.
Across the board, they’re rated for higher torque than ASME benchmark requirements. They’re built on a chrome-vanadium steel platform, and the ratcheting mechanisms inside are crazy-strong.
Of course, the 1/2-inch ratchet is the strongest, and it’s also the one that has the greatest gap to the base standard. Based on ASME numbers, your 1/2-inch ratchet should be able to handle 375 ft-lbs of torque. The 1/2-inch NEXT ratchet can deliver 558.3 ft-lbs. That’s nearly 50% more strength!
| ASME Standard | Rated Torque | Strength Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEXT 1/4-inch Ratchet | 41.7 ft-lbs | 57.5 ft-lbs | +38% |
| NEXT 3/8-inch Ratchet | 150 ft-lbs | 188.8 ft-lbs | +26% |
| NEXT 1/2-inch Ratchet | 375 ft-lbs | 558.3 ft-lbs | +49% |
With that amount of torque potential, I prefer to have the enhanced grip that comes with a coated handle. You know you’re going to have oil and grease come into play, and if your hand slips while you’re putting that kind of force into your ratchet, it’s going to hurt whether you’re wearing gloves or not.
Price and Included Items
The set runs $270, is backed by Sonic’s lifetime warranty, and includes the following items:
- 1/4-inch, 60T quick-release NEXT ratchet
- 3/8-inch, 60T quick-release NEXT ratchet
- 1/2-inch, 60T quick-release NEXT ratchet
- 1/4-inch universal joint
- 3/8-inch universal joint
- 1/2-inch universal joint
- 1/4-inch x 2-inch extension
- 1/4-inch x 10-inch wobble extension
- 3/8-inch x 3-inch extension
- 3/8-inch x 10-inch extension
- 1/2-inch x 5-inch extension
- 1/4-inch female x 3/8-inch male adapter
- 3/8-inch female x 1/4-inch male adapter
- 3/8-inch female x 1/2-inch male adapter
- 1/2-inch female x 3/8-inch male adapter
- CNC-machined dual-density foam tray
Should You Buy a Sonic NEXT Ratchet Set?
Sonic NEXT ratchets are your everyday workhorse that have the strength to break loose stubborn fasteners, a comfortable grip, and the durability to last your entire career as a professional mechanic.
But it’s not the one set that can replace all your others. You’ll still need your flex heads and extended reach (which would be a great expansion for the NEXT line) at the very least. Realistically, you’ll probably add a few others over the course of your career.
So, consider NEXT ratchets as the foundation of your tool set. They’ll do the majority of the work on your plate, especially when you consider the additional accessories that come with them. Between their strength and comfort, you’ll only want to reach for your other ratchets when you don’t have any other choice.
