Berchtold Podo Q Dust Extraction Drill Review

The Berchtold Podo-Q is the latest model of dust extraction podiatry drill from the German Manufacturer Berchtold.

Following on from the hugely popular Berchtold S35 Micro, the Podo-Q takes a big step forward both in terms of design and function, with some new cutting edge features you’d expect from one of the podiatry industries longest standing manufacturers.

With a smaller, slimmer main unit and quieter brush-less suction motor, the Podo-Q still features the same hand piece as found on the previous S35 micro.

Unfortunately, the hand piece supplied with the Podo-Q is not backward compatible with previous models such as the S30, S35 or Micro.

So what’s new with the Podo-Q?

The main difference in the new Berchtold is in the main body of the drill. The new brush less motor and compact circuitry, means the overall height of the drill has dropped by over an inch, the width is unaffected.

The overall feel is that this is a step towards functional improvements rather than ground breaking advances in dust extraction.

In fact the new Berchtold lacks some of the more advanced sound deadening of the Baehr tech or Hadewe Veloria.

The main new feature is the touch panel suction control, operated on the top left of the display. To operate you have to drag your finger across the scale. It works surprisingly accurately.

Technical Specifications:

• High Level Dust Extraction  
• Touch & slide controls
• 3 Memory functions
• “Bag full” indication
• 3 Levels of suction power
• Hand piece with on/off switch
• Auto-gripping feature to hold bur in place
• 3 layer dust extraction bag – captures fungal, bacterial & viral particles
• Dimensions W x H x D          300 x 110 x 270 mm
• Weight of the hand piece                   approx. 180g
• Total weight                                        approx. 2300g
• Supply voltage                             95-265 V 50/60Hz

What dust bags does the Berchtold Podo Q use?

As with the S35 micro, the Podo Q uses the micro fleece bags. This style of bag has become the norm with most manufacturers and suppliers.

Although fleece dust bags are more expensive they are much better for the drill as well as preventing fine dust getting into the air.

Users with the very oldest S35 Micro’s may require an adaptor to use the new style dust bags.

Berchtold Podo-Q New Features

• Smaller more compact main unit
• Touch panel suction control
• Improved noise control
• Advanced diagnostics

Berchtold Podo Q Pro’s & Con’s

As with many of the top end dust extraction drills, many of the same features, with little difference in quality of component parts. The Berchtold Podo Q does have some interesting pro’s and con’s.

Pro’s

• Control – Improved touch panel speed display. Can be operated with gloves (kind of!)
• Price – Great price to value. Drills can be much more expensive. 
• Support – Part of an established brand that’s been in the market for over 30 years. Main supplier support (Currently sold via Canonbury Healthcare)

Con’s

• Buggy early versions of operating software.
• Lacks top end features found on other brands.
• Not as reliable as older generations.

Summary

The Berchtold Podo Q is arguably the best selling dust extraction drill in the UK and has been for some years. It’s price to feature ratio as well as solid backup and support from an established supplier mean it’s a hard option to overlook.

Overall the price to features along with the support make the Berchtold Podo-Q a good choice over more expensive rivals. It’s all about getting the most from your budget.

With regular maintenance the Berchtold Podo-Q will be quite happy in a busy clinic.

Do you have a Podo-Q? What do you think of it?