Bosch Bulldog Extreme vs Bulldog Xtreme Max Comparison

In this comparison post we will have a look at the Bosch Bulldog Extreme 11255VSR and the Bosch Bulldog Xtreme Max RH228VC. Now I’ll be up front with you here, the purpose of this post is not to decide on a definitive winner and loser in the end. The reason being, if it’s a Bosch Bulldog there honestly is no loser in my opinion.

What you will find in this post is a comparison between the two Bosch Rotary Hammers so that you can make a better, more educated decision before deciding which rotary hammer will work best for you and your specific needs and applications.

I remember a couple of years ago I used to work for a guy and he swore by his Hilti rotary hammers. I can’t remember correctly if he was running Hilti TE30’s, maybe it was TE50’s, but what I do remember for sure is these things were not nice to run all day. They were heavy and awkward and despite their size they did not perform like I thought they would.

Long story short I decided to personally buy a couple of Bosch Bulldog Extreme rotary hammers. I’ll be honest I was a little skeptical whether or not the Bosch Bulldog Xtreme would be able to put out as well as the bigger Hilti Rotary Hammers. But at that point I didn’t really give a shit, they were killing me and I wanted to live to write this post for you!

I came across this video, it’s kind of funny because although it is a little different breed of bulldog it does a good job at demonstrating how the Bosch Bulldog Rotary Hammer stood up against the big bulky Hilti Hammers.

Anyways now that we got that out of the way, we can keep our focus on the Bosch Bulldog Extreme Max and the Bosch Bulldog Xtreme rotary hammers. When you have a look at the side by side comparison of these two rotary hammers you’ll notice that there is not too much difference when it comes to their specifications. So how do you know which one is best for you? We’ll get into that shortly…

Product Name:
Bosch 11255VSR BULLDOG Xtreme

Amps:
7.5

BPM (Blows Per Min):
0-5800

RPM (Revs Per Min):
0-1300

Impact Energy:
2.2 Ft. Lbs.

Max Capacity:
1 Inch

Weight:
6.7 Lbs.

Overall Length :
17.25 Inch

Avg. Rating:
5 Star Rating

More Info:

Best Price:

Product Name:
Bosch RH228VC Bulldog Xtreme Max

Amps:
8

BPM (Blows Per Min):
0-5460

RPM (Revs Per Min):
0-1230

Impact Energy:
2.4 Ft. Lbs.

Max Capacity:
1 1/8 Inch

Weight:
6.9 Lbs.

Overall Length :
17.4 Inch

Avg. Rating:
5 Star Rating

More Info:

Best Price:

Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme vs. RH228VC Extreme Max – Does Size Really Matter?

First things first let’s have a look at the size and weight of the Bosch Bulldog Extreme and the Bosch Bulldog Xtreme Max. You’ll notice that I have provided a side by side graphic so that you can compare them.

Bosch Bulldog Extreme Size Weight Graphic

Now I am pretty sure that you will agree with me that the size and weight specs of both of these Bosch hammer drills are so close in comparison that one probably wouldn’t even be able to tell the difference.

In fact if you were to run each of them for a significant amount of time I think it would be safe to say that you would not notice the extra 0.2 Lbs. of extra weight that the Bosch RH228VC Xtreme Max carries.

As I mentioned earlier and proved it with the video above, size does not really matter though as long as you have the power and belief system to back it up. I’m sure that little French Bulldog would have got his ass kicked but although he lacked the power he believed otherwise.

Bosch Bulldog Extreme vs. Bosch Xtreme Max – Will Power Be Enough To Set Them Apart?

Let’s have a look at what most of us are really here for now. We will look at Amps, RPM’s, Blows Per Minute and Impact Energy of both the Bosch Bulldog Extreme and Bulldog Extreme Max. Will these aspects be enough to set them apart?

Bosch Bulldog Extreme Power Graphic Although these specs are very close in comparison if you know anything about rotary hammers and smashing or drilling through concrete you would agree that these numbers will make a difference at the end of the day.

Some people will look at these numbers though and see that the BPM and RPM of the Bosch Bulldog Extreme are a little higher, so maybe it will be able to bust through concrete a little faster than the Extreme Max. Truth be told though when it comes to Revolutions Per Minute and drilling concrete, faster is fact not always better.

Long story short, if I had to pick the right Bosch Bulldog Extreme based solely on these aspects I would have to say I would purchase the Bosch RH228VC Bulldog Xtreme Max hands down.

Find The Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme on Amazon Here

Find The Bosch RH228VC Bulldog Xtreme Max on Amazon Here

Bosch 11255VSR vs Bosch RH228VC – Xtreme Features Compared

Now that we have decided that the Bulldog Extreme Max prevailed in round 2 due to it’s power, let’s have a look now at the different features of each of these Bosch rotary hammer drills.

Bosch Bulldog Extreme Features

What do all these features mean when it comes to picking the right Bosch Bulldog Extreme Rotary Hammer Drill?

Vario-Lock™ – rotates and locks chisel into 40 different positions to optimize working angle (36 positions for the 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme)
HammerHook™ – allows quick tool storage during the job
SDS-plus® Bit system – tool free bit changes with automatic bit locking, dust protection and maximum impact energy transfer rate
Multi-function selector – 3 modes of operation, rotation only, rotary hammer and hammer-only mode
Patented cord turret – 35° pivot for added flexibility and longer cord life
Integral clutch – helps minimize torque reaction
D-handle design – ideal for overhead and downward drilling applications
Metal gear cover – rugged design for maximum job site durability
Counter-balance vibration control – vibration reduction in the hammer mechanism reduces vibration up to 30% vs competitors providing uncompromising user comfort in all day applications

Again when it comes to features you’ll notice that these Bosch Rotary Hammers actually have lots in common. In fact since our first review of the Bosch 11255VSR Rotary Hammer a couple of years ago Bosch actually redesigned and improved what was already an amazing hammer drill for concrete.

On top of adding to the rugged design, the metal gear cover on the Bosch RH228VC Bulldog Xtreme Max has air vents that help the rotary hammer run cooler , which means less chance of overheating and extended life span.

Also the additional counter balance vibration control technology of the Xtreme Bulldog Max is an added benefit over the Xtreme Bulldog 11255VSR. If you’ve ever used any rotary hammers I’m sure that you’ll agree, the less vibration the better.

Our Bosch Bulldog Extreme vs. Bosch Xtreme Max Overall Thoughts

So there you have it our Bosch Bulldog Extreme vs. Bulldog Xtreme Max comparison. We can honestly say that we would not hands down recommend one over the other. What we suggest though is that you really consider how much, and what you plan to use your new Bosch Hammer Drill for.

Are you a contractor who plans on using it on a regular daily basis and really putting it to work, or are you a DIYer who only plans to drill a couple holes and knock off a little tile from the bathroom floor?

If you are the latter then we would suggest that you save the couple of bucks and just go for the Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Extreme (Amazon Link). But if you plan to really get serious with this thing you will thank us later when you pick up the Bosch RH228VC Rotary Hammer (Amazon Link).