Pro Tool Reviews ranked the Milwaukee M12 Axis Heated Jacket 203B21 first among six cordless heated jackets, with a score of 94.3, ahead of the M12 Toughshell 202R21 at 91.4, the Makita 18V LXT DCJ206 at 90.0 and the DeWalt 20V Max DCHJ060ABD1 at 89.4. For most buyers in Canada the better question is which battery platform you already own, because the jacket runs on it.
Which heated jacket ranked best?
According to Pro Tool Reviews, the Axis led on comfort and heating times, with the trade-off of a softer shell that is less durable. The Toughshell took the top value rating and is listed at $199. The Bosch 12V Max PSJ120 scored 88.5 and, per the same outlet, reached the highest maximum and sustained temperatures. The Makita DCJ201 camo jacket came last at 76.0 because it heated slowly and had the lowest maximum temperature.
How do the heat zones and settings compare?
The makers’ own pages give different levels of detail. Here is what each one states.
| Jacket | Platform | Zones and settings (maker) | Runtime claim (maker) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita DCJ206ZXL | 18V LXT | 5 zones, 3 settings | Up to 37.5 hours on low with a 6.0Ah battery |
| DeWalt DCHJ060ABD1 kit | 20V MAX | 5 zones, 3 settings plus pre-heat | None stated |
| Milwaukee M12 heated jacket | M12 | 2 adjustable areas | Up to 6 hours of continuous heat |
The DeWalt kit includes a 20V MAX battery according to DeWalt Canada. Makita sells the DCJ206ZXL without a battery.
How long does the battery last?
Power Tools Insider lists runtimes on low, medium and high. For the DeWalt DCHJ060B it gives 5.5, 3.5 and 2.7 hours, with a maximum of 131°F and a weight of 3.64 lbs. For the Milwaukee Toughshell 204B-20 it gives 12, 6 and 3 hours at 125°F and 4.3 lbs. For the Makita DCJ205Z it gives 35, 18 and 8 hours with a 6.0Ah battery at 114°F and 3.8 lbs. Pro Tool Reviews rated the DeWalt lowest for battery efficiency and the Bosch highest.
Where do the sources disagree?
Zone counts differ. Makita lists the DCJ206 zones as left chest, right chest, back and both pockets, while Pro Tool Reviews describes them as the upper back and middle back. Milwaukee Canada says up to 6 hours on its heated jacket page, while Power Tools Insider lists 12 hours on low for the Toughshell 204B-20, which is a different model and battery. The dollar prices in the outlets’ guides are US figures, and none of the maker pages we read showed a Canadian price.
Who it suits
- Someone already on Milwaukee M12 batteries: the Axis and Toughshell have the strongest review scores. Check the shell durability on the Axis if you work around sharp material.
- Someone on DeWalt 20V MAX: the DCHJ060ABD1 kit has 5 zones and a battery included. Expect shorter runtimes than the others, according to both outlets.
- Crews working near traffic: the Makita DCJ206 is the high visibility option, listed at ANSI107 Class 3, and its low setting is the longest runtime claim on this list.
- First time buyer with no platform: compare kit contents, because a jacket without a battery and charger costs more to start.
Next step
Open the maker pages for the exact kit contents and the Canadian price at Home Depot Canada, Canadian Tire or the brand’s .ca store before you buy, and match the battery you already own.
