Price: $530
Capacity: 12 gal.
Weight: 27 lb.
Noise level: 59 db.
EPA compliant: Yes
HEPA filter included: Yes
Filter cleaning: Yes

Features Judging from the advertising, the Xtract Vac is meant to be used with many of Makita’s concrete tools; as such, it needs to be able to work well in extreme conditions. Sure enough, the vac easily handled concrete, drywall mix, sawdust, and other debris during my tests. I periodically checked the filters during testing and was pleased to find that the self-cleaning action—which kicks on every 15 to 20 seconds—does a great job of keeping the filters clear and the suction high. The front wheels are prone to snags, but this vac is light and easy to lift when necessary. It’s also stable, despite its relatively tall, narrow shape. Filter bags were easy to remove, even when filled with 60 lb. of concrete. It’s a minor detail, but I appreciate that this vac came with a cuff adapter to connect my tools and other accessories right out of the gate.

Flaws There are a few things I don’t like about this vac. The first is the noise and operation of the filter-cleaning function. No matter what speed the vacuum is set at, it ramps back up to full speed for a number of seconds to reverse the airflow over the filters. Plus, the noise of the airflow sounds like a tennis ball being sucked up and whacked into the vacuum. That’s a bit unnerving when you’re using a tablesaw or other tool that requires focused attention. Also, the water-level sensor hangs down from the motor inside the body of the vacuum and, invariably, got caught every time I tried to put the top back on after emptying the container.

Bottom line This vac performed toward the top of all the tests and was versatile enough to be used in any situation I could place it in. Even though it’s not as powerful as the Festool, its versatility and ease of use, along with its self-cleaning filter features, made it my choice for best overall.

Behind the scenes. Under an extended roof, custom threaded-rod brackets provide off-the-ground storage for kayaks.

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