Compact “Pouch Cell” Battery Better? Let's Find Out!

Batteries Tested: DeWALT PowerStack, DeWALT 2.0 AH, DeWALT 5.0 AH. Battery performance compared using an impact driver, hammer drill, reciprocating saw, and air blower. Cold temperature performance is tested after batteries are chilled to below freezing temperature for over 12 hours. Batteries also tested for amp hour capacity. Finally, the PowerStack battery is dismantled to look at the build construction. My goal is to always provide accurate and honest test results by avoiding outside pressure from manufacturers. To do this, I always buy all of the products that I test along with the test equipment and supplies used for the testing. So, thank you very much for helping me achieve this goal by your support of the channel.

➡ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):

Videography Equipment:

This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC

[ProjectFarm]

Here’s the list of products reviewed. More details in the video description. Thank you!

[Spaniard]

Not only are you super knowledgeable when it comes to tools, you're also quite well versed in statistics. It's clear that you put a staggering amount of work into every aspect of your videos. Very impressive!!

[JCWren]

At the current pricing, I'd rather have 2 or 3 of the regular 2AH batteries. If one fails, you still have a back-up. Also, I write the date I purchased the batteries on them, and assign them a number. That way if I have a battery that keeps coming up short or develops an issue, I know which one it is. It's too easy to lose track of batteries when you have 5 or 6 and are out in the field with a project.

[jimf.]

I’ve been watching other reviews on the new battery but eagerly awaiting PF’s testing and review. The go-to definitive source for information. Nobody comes close to Project Farm.

[rusgib]

Everyone on YouTube needs to use your format. Right to the f-ing point without talking about what you're going to talk about. Very informative, organized, logically conducted, and, best of all, not once did you say, "but before we get started...". Bravo sir!

[mike]

The drain tests were the most revealing about this "better" battery. If I'm pulling out the cordless I want it to last as long as possible between charges - if the upfront power is higher but immediately drops off it's not really a win. Excellent video as always.

[electronicsNmore]

Fastest notification ever! Love your battery pack testing videos. :-)

[ColeSpolaric]

I would have had a hard time destroying a $120 battery! Thank you for doing it for us!

[ericschleppenbach]

Great work as always. One suggestion for displaying time dependent charts. Set the Y axis minimum to zero or close to it. This provides broader context to the performance and reduces what can seem like large differences in performance when looking at a narrow window.

[kjprice]

I always appreciate PF's hard work in providing proof and keeping these manufacturers accountable for their product claims.
No one else is out their doing what he does in such a clear unbiased manner, and for that we are eternally grateful!

[matthewjordan]

Great job as always. If I could offer one suggestion, I would consider doing the lag bolt tests through a lamination of MDF. It would be a little more expensive but should yield more consistent results compared to the variables that exist in natural wood, knots etc. Keep up the good work. We really appreciate it.

[sebastienbourdeau]

Your work is one of my favorite on YouTube. Thank you for what you do, Sir.

[kcginn]

One thing I appreciate about this channel is how much you engage with the community, even on old videos. That along with the work dedication you have shows how much effort you put into this channel. Even though tool videos aren’t my favorite subject, because of how involved you are in your work this channel is my favorite. Thank you for all you do! It also contributed greatly to my opinion to learn that you donate the tools you don’t use after making the videos. Keep it up!

[-sl]

In my personal experience these pouch cells very frequently start bulging after a few years and become very scary to have around, something I haven't seen with 18650s

[hzmeister]

I wonder how well the powerstack will hold up after 5+years of regular use? Considering how many pouch cells I've seen puff up and fail, my guess is not nearly as long as 18650s...
Seriously overpriced and definitely NOT a battery I'd ever buy.

[FirstLastOne]

This channel NEVER disappoints. It's as if you read my mind and answered the question that I was about to ask.

[Garage]

It's a cool battery, but until the price comes way down, no reason I would buy them over the 5.0Ah batteries I regularly get free with tool deals. Great testing!

[sethsevaroth]

VIDEO IDEA: how about testing different 3/8" rope for strength abrasion, UV resistance, etc ? I came across this blue "marine rope" on spool in home depot that seemed to be of far better quality than the precut sections. I'm curious to see how it would compare to the braided nylon versus rated rope vs climbing rope.

[Martian]

I have worked on making drone batteries and we experimented with both pouch cells and 21700 cells. We definitely found that the pouch cells were lighter and held a bit more power but we ended up changing to 21700s as the pouch cells were much more delicate and we had several suffer thermal runaway after relatively minor crashes. If it is a really hot day and you are using the batteries hard you had better not drop them, the thermal sensors on board just stop the drill from working if they get hot, it won't stop thermal runaway. That is why Tesla won't use them either but some other car brands still do.

[KimFatica]

This was a well-done test with valuable information--thank you! It has given me more confidence in my purchase. I got lucky yesterday and caught the 2-pack of Powerstack batteries on sale at Lowe's for $199--that included a free DeWalt 20v tool (I chose the DCW200). I have three other types of DeWalt batteries including the DCB201 (1.5Ah), DCB203 (3Ah) and the DCB205 (the 5Ah). i'm happy to get rid of the 201s and the 203s and keep the Powerstacks because of the smaller form factor and greater power output. The 203 is a ridiculous pack and I hate it. Keeping the 205 for use on the string trimmer, reciprocating saw, and the circular saw. It's a great heavy-duty battery. Thanks again for the excellent video!