This review delves into the Milwaukee M18 6.0Ah Forge battery, a new contender in the power tool battery market. We conduct a comprehensive comparison against Milwaukee's existing high-output 6.0Ah battery, focusing on design, construction, performance, and charging characteristics. Both batteries offer extended capacity, but the Forge boasts a revolutionary design promising improved efficiency and durability. This in-depth analysis examines the differences in their internal components, materials, and overall build quality to determine which battery reigns supreme.This comparison explores the key distinctions between the Forge and High Output batteries, from their external casings and internal cell configurations to their charging speeds and discharge performance under heavy load. We analyze the implications of using different cell technologies (cylindrical vs. pouch cells) and materials (glass fiber-reinforced nylon vs. PC/ABS plastic). Ultimately, we aim to determine whether the Forge battery's faster charging capabilities and unique design justify any trade-offs in runtime compared to its established counterpart.
Pros And Cons
- Charges significantly faster than the Milwaukee M18 High Output XC 6.0 (50% quicker).
- Lightweight (950g vs 1100g of the High Output)
- Faster charging from 80% to 100% compared to the High Output.
- Unique pouch cell design, different from other Milwaukee batteries.
- Improved battery attachment method addressing a previous safety concern.
- Higher power output initially in high-current drain test.
- Shorter runtime in a high-current drain test compared to the Milwaukee M18 High Output XC 6.0 due to earlier RPM reduction.
- Heats up significantly during charging and discharging.
- Higher price ($150 vs $135 for High Output in a two-pack).
- One of the reviewer's favorite batteries.
- Lasted longer in a high-current drain test than the Milwaukee M18 Forge XC 6.0, maintaining RPMs for a longer period.
- Similar thermal performance to the Milwaukee M18 Forge XC 6.0 during charging and discharging.
- Charges slower than the Milwaukee M18 Forge XC 6.0 (50% longer charge time).
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A Detailed Comparison: Milwaukee Forge vs. High Output
This review focuses on the Milwaukee M18 6.0Ah Lithium Forge battery, comparing it directly to the high-output 6.0Ah battery. Both are extended capacity batteries, but the Forge boasts a unique design and construction. We'll delve into the differences in build quality, materials, and internal components.
The external casings showcase the first major difference. The High Output battery uses a PC/ABS plastic, providing rigidity. In contrast, the Forge utilizes PA66 GF25, a glass fiber-reinforced nylon, resulting in a significantly stiffer and more premium feel. The Forge also boasts a fire resistance rating of 52, suggesting enhanced safety features.
Internal Construction: Pouch Cells vs. Cylindrical Cells
The internal cell configuration marks another key distinction. The High Output 6.0Ah battery uses ten Samsung 30T cylindrical cells arranged in a series-parallel configuration (five series, two parallel) to achieve the 6.0Ah capacity and 18V output. This is a relatively standard battery design.
Conversely, the Milwaukee Forge 6.0Ah battery utilizes five pouch cells within its housing. This novel approach leads to a different form factor and potentially different performance characteristics. The video explores the arrangement of these pouch cells within the casing. The exact cell type remains unidentified in the video.
Performance Benchmarks: Charging and Discharging
Testing revealed significant differences in charging speed. The Milwaukee Forge battery charges considerably faster, achieving 80% charge in approximately 17 minutes compared to the High Output's 24 minutes. This speed advantage is attributed to the new dual-bay supercharger used in testing.
Discharge tests, using a blower consuming around 550 watts, showed surprising results. Although both batteries have a similar watt-hour capacity, the Forge provided a slightly shorter runtime despite its faster charge time. The Forge maintained its RPMs for 10 minutes, while the High Output lasted 8 minutes.
Thermal Performance and Overall Assessment
Both batteries exhibited similar thermal performance during charging and discharging, staying relatively cool (around 95°F). The Milwaukee Forge’s significantly faster charging time is its most striking advantage. Despite a slightly shorter runtime under high-load conditions, the superior charging speed may outweigh this for certain users.
The Milwaukee Forge 6.0Ah battery is an impressive advancement, offering faster charging and similar power output to its High Output counterpart. The pouch cell technology offers a unique design and improved manufacturing process. However, the High Output battery demonstrates a more consistent power delivery under high load.
