This is the smartest precision electronic screwdriver I have ever tested.

ZDNET Key Points

• Arrowmax SES Max is Available on Amazon for $80 (at the time of writing, there is a 20% off coupon on the page).
• Ergonomic design and well built, motion control is near perfect.
• The app’s features are limited.

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I tested one lots of electric screwdrivers over the past year or so, and there are a few things that I have come to love because they make my life easier. I have found a few absolute workhorses that I have been using for months.

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A few weeks ago I stumbled upon a new screwdriver that is perhaps the smartest, smartest, most precise electric screwdriver I’ve ever used — SES Max Arrow.

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Arrowmax SES Max Specifications

• Automatic motion control feature senses the direction and torque required to tighten (or loosen) a screw
• 32-bit processor and 3-axis gyroscope
• Five adjustable torque settings (up to 3.47 in-lb/4.1kgf.cm torque, plus auto input force detection setting)
• Rotate clockwise and counterclockwise
• A total of 70 different precision S2 steel drill bits
• 500mAh large capacity battery (enough to screw about 900 screws)
• OLED display
• Four shadowless LEDs
• USB-C for charging
• Magnetic charging and carrying case (full charge takes at least 80 minutes)

There are a lot of features on the SES Max that it shares with another screwdriver in the range, SES Super. The SES Max has an ergonomic pencil-style handle that allows for a firm hold for long periods of time without fatigue. There is a single button that controls everything and an OLED display to keep you informed.

Like any decent electric screwdriver, it has a reasonable torque range, providing enough force to remove small screws but not so much that it damages the object.

Also: This 12-in-1 electric screwdriver is my go-to tool and costs under $50.

The 500mAh battery can handle up to 900 precision screws on a single full charge, and the screwdriver can be recharged using the built-in USB-C connector in the carrying case.

There are also four built-in shadowless LED lights to illuminate the workspace, which is very useful.

The kit includes some of the highest quality screwdriver bits I’ve ever seen. The bits are precision machined and fit snugly into the fasteners, greatly reducing the risk of damaging the bit and turning a quick, small job into a lengthy nightmare.

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The better, the easier the job. If you learn anything from this review, take that advice to heart.

There is also a magnet set for loading and demagnetizing bits, making handling difficult screws easier.

The SES Max’s one killer feature is its motion control feature that detects whether you want to tighten or loosen a bolt. Insert the bit into the bolt, press the trigger, start applying torque, and the screwdriver takes over. No more fumbling around for the right loosening or tightening button.

Also: This $20 USB-C cable I recommend comes with a helpful digital display

When turned on, the screwdriver will apply one of four preset torque levels or if the auto feature is selected, it will detect the amount of pressure being applied and increase or decrease the torque accordingly.

This is a great feature that is well designed and works like magic.

The tool also has an Android and iPhone app that can control torque settings and lights. The app is a nice touch, but I’m not sure I’ll use this feature much.

ZDNET Buying Advice

The SES Max Arrow For my needs, this is the most accurate electric screwdriver I’ve ever seen. I like the charging case, the ergonomic design, the quality of the screwdriver bit, and the smart features built into this tool.

At $80 (at the time of writing, Amazon is running a 20% coupon), this is a good price for such a versatile tool that should last for years.

If you don’t want the motion sensor feature, you can get a similar feature set from Arrowmax SES UltraIt costs $60 (this tool also has a 20% off coupon).