FLEX is adding a jobsite vacuum to its 24V Stacked Lithium lineup. The new FX5231-Z is a 2.5-gallon wet/dry vacuum with HEPA filtration, 63 CFM airflow, and STACK PACK storage compatibility. It’s listed at $229.99 bare tool, with Ohio Power Tool showing a ship window of August 14 to 21, 2026.
The standout feature for trades is the optional FT523 wireless remote, sold separately, which lets you cycle the vacuum from the work area without walking back to the unit.
Specs
| Spec | FLEX FX5231-Z |
|---|---|
| Tank size | 2.5 gallons |
| Max airflow | 63 CFM |
| Suction | 82 inches water lift |
| Filtration | HEPA (99.97% @ 0.03 microns) |
| Modes | ECO / TURBO |
| Runtime (8.0Ah) | 60 min ECO / 25 min TURBO |
| Hose | 1-1/4 in, expands 1.6 to 6.5 ft |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Weight (bare) | 10 lbs |
| Remote | FT523 wireless (sold separately) |
| Storage | STACK PACK compatible |
| Price | $229.99 (bare tool) |
Pros
- 63 CFM and 82 in water lift beat most 2-gallon cordless shop vacs
- HEPA rating at 0.03 microns is tighter than the Makita XCV11Z’s 0.3-micron spec
- Push-button filter cleaning extends runtime between filter swaps
- Optional FT523 wireless remote, uncommon in this category
- STACK PACK compatibility for existing FLEX 24V users
Cons
- Bare tool only, no battery or charger in the box
- FT523 wireless remote sold separately
- 2.5-gallon capacity means mid-job emptying on bigger debris runs
How It Compares
At 2.5 gallons, the FX5231-Z sits between FLEX’s existing FX5221-Z 1.6-gallon compact vacuum ($129) and larger cordless shop vacs from Milwaukee and EGO.
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 0970-20 at 6 gallons is the closest jobsite competitor but runs M18 only and is Home Depot exclusive. EGO’s CV0905 handles 9 gallons on 56V. Neither offers a wireless remote.
For HEPA-grade fine dust, the Makita XCV11Z is still the strongest choice at the same 2-gallon size point. Both meet OSHA Table 1 thresholds for silica dust capture.
Who It’s For
The FX5231-Z targets trades already running FLEX 24V who need a compact wet/dry vac to round out their kit. Cabinet installers, trim carpenters, service plumbers, and HVAC techs are the natural fit: enough suction for sawdust and small spills, light enough to carry up a ladder, and it docks into the STACK PACK stack with the rest of their kit.
If you’re already running FLEX 24V drills, saws, or grinders, this is a clean add to the platform. The same batteries and charger power everything in your kit, and the STACK PACK dock keeps storage simple.
If you’re not on FLEX 24V already, the calculus is harder. Milwaukee M18 users get more capacity from the 0970-20, and Makita LXT users get tighter HEPA from the XCV11Z. The FX5231-Z makes sense for buyers who want wireless remote capability plus HEPA at this size point.
Where To Buy
FLEX tools are now primarily sold through Amazon after the brand exited Lowe’s at the start of 2026.
Ohio Power Tool has the bare tool listed at $229.99 with the August 14 to 21 ship window, and Amazon listings should follow as inventory lands. See our best cordless shop vac guide for current rankings across cordless brands.
For more on the FLEX 24V platform, see our FLEX 24V Mini Grinder coverage and the FLEX 24V 9-Inch Cut-Off Saw review.
Source: Ohio Power Tool News (Aug 6, 2026). Pricing and ship window per Ohio Power Tool listing.