Flex FX1272 vs FX1271: When the Upgrade Makes Sense
Compare Flex FX1272 and FX1271 speed, torque, size and reported drilling tests—and decide whether to upgrade or buy the older model.
Buy the FX1272 if the two drills cost about the same with comparable batteries and chargers. Keep a working FX1271 unless repeated drilling makes the extra speed valuable. The newer model’s biggest specification gains are high-gear Turbo speed and hammer rate—not a dramatic increase in torque or a large reduction in size and weight.
This is a manufacturer-specification and published-test comparison, not a Drill Review hands-on test. Specifications were checked on October 30, 2026.
What actually changes
Flex’s listings use FX1271T for an older-model kit and FX1272T-Z for the newer drill included in its combo kit. These are the models behind the FX1271-versus-FX1272 comparison; check the full package number before ordering.
| Manufacturer specification | FX1271 | FX1272 |
|---|---|---|
| Turbo no-load speed, low/high gear | 700 / 2,500 RPM | 700 / 3,000 RPM |
| Turbo hammer rate, low/high gear | 11,200 / 40,000 impacts/min | 11,200 / 48,000 impacts/min |
| Maximum torque | 1,400 in-lb | 1,500 in-lb |
| Chuck capacity | 1/2 inch | 1/2 inch |
| Listed tool length | 7.2 inches | 6.96 inches |
| Listed tool weight | 3.8 lb | 3.63 lb |
Sources: Flex FX1271T specifications and Flex FX1272T-Z specifications. These are tool-only weights, not weights with batteries attached.
Calculated from those ratings, the FX1272 gains 20% in maximum Turbo RPM and hammer rate, but only about 7% in maximum torque. Low-gear Turbo speed and hammer rate remain unchanged. Neither maximum torque nor no-load speed tells you exactly how fast a particular bit will cut under load.
Both retain Turbo selection and anti-kickback technology. The newer tool is slightly shorter and lighter on Flex’s specification sheets, but those small differences alone are not a compelling replacement reason. Battery choice still matters to the working package.
What the published drilling tests show
Pro Tool Reviews reports shorter times for the FX1272 in all four of its tests:
| Reported test | FX1271 | FX1272 |
|---|---|---|
| 8-inch GRK RSS screw driving | 2.22 sec | 1.72 sec |
| 1-inch spade bit in stacked OSB | 2.42 sec | 1.85 sec |
| 3/8-inch masonry bit, 3 inches deep in 4,000-PSI concrete | 5.66 sec | 4.24 sec |
| 2-9/16-inch self-feed bit in a 2×4 | 1.84 sec | 1.37 sec |
The reviewer describes averaging timed trials. These figures represent roughly 23–26% less elapsed time in that test sequence, not a guaranteed improvement for every material, bit or battery. Source: Pro Tool Reviews’ FX1272 review.
There is an important battery limitation: the FX1271 baseline results identify a 6.0Ah Stacked Lithium battery. The FX1272 review discusses its 5.0Ah kit batteries but does not clearly specify the battery used for each timed test. Treat the results as evidence favoring the newer drill in the reviewer’s setup—not a battery-controlled measurement of the drill upgrade alone. They also do not establish runtime or long-term durability.
Choose by the work you repeat
Repeated wood drilling: The FX1272 is the stronger purchase for rough-in work involving many spade-bit or self-feed holes. The published results support a practical speed advantage in those tasks. For a few holes per project, the savings are less persuasive than the cost of replacing a functioning drill.
Occasional masonry anchors: The higher hammer rate and shorter reported concrete time favor the FX1272. That narrow test does not establish performance with larger holes, deeper drilling or reinforced concrete.
Metal drilling and controlled screw work: Do not buy the FX1272 simply to run at 3,000 RPM. Choose speed for the material and cutting diameter; maximum RPM is not the target for every bit. Our metal drill-bit guide explains the bit and speed choices that matter more here.
Compare the package before paying more
The older FX1271T Stacked Lithium kit lists one 6.0Ah Stacked Lithium battery and a 280W charger. Flex’s French-Canadian FX1272T drill-kit listing lists two standard 5.0Ah batteries and a 160W charger—the same configuration described in the Pro Tool Reviews review. Those are different packages, not just different drills. Check the actual seller’s contents rather than comparing model names or adding up amp-hours.
For a new buyer, favor the FX1272 when the premium is small after accounting for the included batteries and charger. A substantially cheaper FX1271 remains reasonable for intermittent use. For an existing FX1271 owner, upgrade to solve a repeated drilling bottleneck—not merely to replace a lower number on the specification sheet.