The Ryobi RE180PL seems to be an excellent product with good, desirable features at a price quite below professional-grade counterparts.

It appeared to perform nicely cutting oak. The unit's electronic control is said to maintain constant speed--variable between 15,000 and 23,000 rpm--under load. The manner for varying the unit's speed is obvious and easy to do via a dial on the face of the tool.

The lever for unlocking/locking the depth adjustment is well placed and easy to manipulate in operation, while an "Accu-Stop" micro-adjustable depth stop allows adjustment in increments of 1/64 inches. Hence, it would seem even a novice could use this tool to easily do routing of a general nature or more elaborate plunge routing--given the user takes the time to read--and understand--the manual and how to set the tool for the depth of cut desired.

Sound output is average. Although the tool's on/off rocker switch is not on the handle--as Consumer Guide prefers--it is within thumb-reach of the right handle. The view of the work surface is wide open. The tool includes a spindle lock--a feature highly preferred by Consumer Guide--so only one wrench is needed to insert/remove bits.

The unit comes with a 1/2-inch collet and includes a 1/4-inch adapter. The unit's design does not include a mechanism for chip/dust extraction, nor does it come with a carrying case. Cord length is 10 feet.

The handgrips on the Ryobi RE180PL are shaped for good grasp, but they lack "grippy" material that helps improve grasp.

Warranty
2 years (limited)