My M12 Surge runs circles around my co workers M12 Fuel Brushless. Ultimately, the M18 is where it’s at, but I wanted something compact and light when the need arose.
I meant the m12 surge fuel, but I wonder if your buddy's impact is broken or the non fuel model.
the m12 fuel impact driver is 1350in-lb the m18 surge is 450 in-lb.
my regular m12 non-fuel non-surge is pathetically weak for anything you need an impact driver for.
it only got 1/4" lag screw about 1" into my stud before pooping out.
broke out the bosch brushed super old impact driver and it was fully done in about 5s.
(hanging a Tv mount on wall)
From what I recall one of the main SURGE benefits is lower noise/vibration
. A buddy had the m12 surge fuel and I thought it was pretty good.
not to the level of recent 18v models but very usable on small(er) lag screws, deck screws etc.
never used a m12 fuel non surge personally.
The surge is not to replace regular impact drivers. Its very much a nicer tool to use if it has enough power.
Edit: fixed some mistakes/typo/clarify.