Best Cordless 7-1/4 Circular Saw

Cordless Circular Saw Head To Head Testing
www.toolboxbuzz.com/head-to-h...
Purchase Links:
----------------------------
Dewalt DCS578B - www.acmetools.com/flexvolt-60...
Makita 40v GSH02Z - www.acmetools.com/makita-xgt-...
Makita 36V XSH07Z - link not working - no sure who had this one.
Metabo HPT C3607DAQ4M - www.acmetools.com/multivolt-3...
Dewalt DCS574B - www.acmetools.com/dewalt-20v-...
Milwaukee 2732-20 - www.acmetools.com/m18-fuel-7-...
Kobalt KXCS124B - www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-XTR-2...
Ridgid R8657B - www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-18...
Ryobi PBLCS300B - www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE...
7-1/4″ Cordless Circular Saw | Testing Format
Accuracy / Line of Sight-
Performance [Power / Speed Test]-
Features-
Weight -
Noise -
Price-
Best Value -
The following is a list of all the 7-1/4″ Circular Saws that the ToolBoxBuzz crew examined in this Head-2-Head:
DEWALT - Model: DCS574B
Volts: 20V
No Load Speed: 5,500 RPMS
Max Cut Depth at 90°: 2-9/16″
Max Cut Depth at 45°: 2″
Bevel Capacity: 57°
Weight: 10.15 LBS
Bare Tool Price: $179.00
Mfg Link: Dewalt DCS574B
#dewalttough
DEWALT - Model DCS578B Flexvolt
Volts: 60V
No Load Speed: 5,800 RPMS
Max Cut Depth at 90°: 2-9/16″
Max Cut Depth at 45°: 2″
Bevel Capacity: 57°
Weight: 10.2 LBS
Bare Tool Price: $189.99
Mfg Link: Dewalt DCS578B
Hilti - Model: SC30WR-22
Volts: 22V
No Load Speed: 4,700 RPMS
Max Cut Depth at 90°: 2-5/8″
Max Cut Depth at 45°: 2″
Bevel Capacity: 50°
Weight: 8.30 lbs
Bare Tool Price: $279.00
Mfg Link: Hilti SC30WR-22
#hiltitools
Makita - Model: GSH02Z
Volts: 40V
No Load Speed: 6,000 RPMS
Max Cut Depth at 90°: 2-3/8″
Max Cut Depth at 45°: 1-11/16″
Bevel Capacity: 56°
Weight: 10.4 LBS
Bare Tool Price: $339.00
Mfg Link: Makita GSH02Z
#makitapowertools
Makita - Model: XSH07ZU
Volts: 36V (x2 18v)
No Load Speed: 6,000 RPMS
Max Cut Depth at 90°: 2-5/8″
Max Cut Depth at 45°: 1-13/16″
Bevel Capacity: 56°
Weight: 10.5 LBS
Bare Tool Price: $289.00
Mfg Link: Makita GSH07ZU
Metabo HPT - Model: C3607DAQ4
Volts: 36V
No Load Speed: 4,300 RPMS
Max Cut Depth at 90°: 2-7/16″
Max Cut Depth at 45°: 1-7/8″
Bevel Capacity: 55°
Weight: 9.7 LBS
Bare Tool Price: $119.71
Mfg Link: Metabo HPT C3607DAQ4
#metabohpt
Milwaukee - Model: 2732-20
Volts: 18V
Load Speed: 5,800 RPMS
Max Cut Depth at 90°: 2-1/2″
Max Cut Depth at 45°: 1-7/8″
Bevel Capacity: 50°
Weight: 9.05 LBS
Bare Tool Price: $219.00
Link: Milwaukee 2732-20
#milwaukeerools
Ridgid - Model: R8657B
Volts: 18V
No Load Speed: 5,400 RPMS
Max Cut Depth at 90°: 2-9/16″
Max Cut Depth at 45°: 1-7/8″
Bevel Capacity: 56°
Weight: 8.3LBS
Bare Tool Price: $179.00
Mfg Link: Ridgid R8657B
Ryobi - Model: PBLCS300B
Volts: 18V
No Load Speed: 4,300 RPMS
Max Cut Depth at 90°: 2-7/16″
Max Cut Depth at 45°: 1-3/4″
Bevel Capacity: 56°
Weight: 6.5 LBS
Bare Tool Price: $99.00
Mfg Link: Ryobi PBLCS300B
Kobalt - Model: KXCS 124B-03
Volts: 24V
No Load Speed: 5,500 RPMS
Max Cut Depth at 90°: 2-1/2″
Max Cut Depth at 45°: 1-3/4″
Bevel Capacity: 56°
Weight: 9.4 LBS
Bare Tool Price: $149.00
Mfg Link: Kobalt KXCS 124B
#kobalttools
#BestCordlessCircularsaw

[@ToolShow]

"Value" fits so much better than "Price", because something that is cheap, but doesn't last more than a month, isn't a very good value. You can spend $500 on a saw, and if it does the job, accurately and reliably for 10 years, that's a hell of a value. As usually, a SPECTACULAR review. Well done, and high fives to your entire crew.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thanks R&S

[@CorwinBos]

Right on with this comment! There are times where a cheap tool is a good enough answer when it only sees occasional use. But there are times where the tool that costs twice as much is the answer because you use it day in, day out for years and years and it pays for itself.

[@IMPACT-NATION]

Well said! They are top shelf testers

[@williamwright3735]

As a professional I agree with that statement, however, for someone who may just their tool as much in a year as I do in a week price sometimes matters more than value so value can be much more subjective

[@spencerp7048]

The amount of effort put into all your videos is hard to match, thanks for allways raising the bar for tool-related content!

[@Kevinrichardsonministries]

Agreed... I've always enjoyed and learned from his/their videos. I wish I would get notices like I've subscribed for. Just reset my notification setting to "ALL" yet again. Thumbs Up on the video... you deserve waaayyy more Likes !!!

[@charlesking678]

This is a thorough test. I love project farm. He does a great job putting tools to the test, however I feel this head to head (and most of the h2h videos) is more real world test. These are things tradesmen in the field will actually see. 5 star video.

[@sloanNYC]

Agreed, the tools are being used by humans who adjust pressure and speed to get the most out of a saw. But really, so many are so good now compared to 10 years ago... we are picking among amazing options.

[@sgxdeathxcrowd]

This exact comment is on the jigsaw video….. how bizarre

[@steffendetrick9403]

@@sgxdeathxcrowd Maybe it’s being planted intentionally?

[@tangodown2721]

I agree was disappointed with project farm test of circ saws. The little 2x4s didn't really show anything that makes a good circ saw.

[@charlesking678]

@@tangodown2721 I won't go so far as to say I'm disappointed, just that the head 2 head test are more what the tradesmen will see in real life. I like what project farm does as well

[@ToolHombre]

While I pretty much watch every channel, I tend to align my purchases off of your advice more than any other. Very thorough and I like that there is a team that you rely on to reduce individual biases.

[@wildgoose6596]

Well done! You guys really did a great job. I am amazed by the time you have invested in your tests.

[@jamesgoens3531]

Another great, detailed review. Even though I’m mainly a DIYer, I sprung for the Makita 36v saw last year when I cut the cord on my old saw. Super impressed with how smooth it is and just feels good to hold and use. Plenty of power too, it zipped right through 3/4” ply when I built my work bench, both ripping and cross cutting. Got it from Acme Tools too 😀

[@Giblitzky]

It’s honestly a fantastic saw! Got one half a year ago switching from a Dewalt Flexvolt to it and never looked back

[@2chipped]

What I love about TBB, more testers, and more data. It's nearly impossible to not have a bias, one person may have a larger hand that does not fit a grip/trigger. Circular saw's job is slowly being taken by tracksaws, and bulk cutting... possibly as low as 5-10% currently. But will always have a job, just like the table and miter. In 2005 I bought 36v 7 1/4 Dewalt to cut 4x4's,and switched to m18 platform because of the 1st 7/14 18v platform for fencing. For cabinet installs I use all cordless, in order... tracksaw, omt, router, mitersaw. I hope to be mitering trim with a tracksaw within the year. Times change and tools evolve, but competitive companies building better tools is great for us all. Well done guys!

[@LoCon.MCS13]

Amazing intro! I usually just skip to the parts I want to see but that intro really was interesting and informative. Good to know some of the history and evolution behind the amazing tools we have now.

[@jandusek882]

I have DeWALT DCS578 and it is a beast! Perfect video comparison as always, thanks.

[@rileytaylor1206]

Love watching these videos from you guys! Always so well done and informative

[@jaysoncarlos8651]

You guys amazing! Thank you for doing all of this test. More power to your channel 👍👊

[@MrArcticPOWER]

Great head to head and I'm not surprised by the winner. Dewalt lunch the flexvolt saw almost 6 years ago and there is still no other saw that come close in performance.

[@yup3398]

Thanks for all your effort here. Really appreciate it!

[@1hammily]

Another good video guys! Thanks for taking the time to make this.

[@akinfadairo1084]

You guys are true engineers! The scientific method is near flawless

[@garyprice6651]

I think this channel is the very best at tool testing I have ever watched

[@stephenbailey3496]

Best tool reviews out there, great work! Thank you 👍

[@specialistjj]

Another great video! Before I buy a new tool I always check you guys out first. Keep up the great work!

[@IMPACT-NATION]

This is how you review and test something. This should be the standard. Great job guys

[@rossb5593]

I can vouch for the DeWalt 60v Flexvolt. That saw is incredible in power and accuracy.

[@Netbug]

It's different than the DCS575 if that's what you have. Both are very powerful though.

[@rossb5593]

@@Netbug I have the 578. The one that was tested.

[@igorzvak8526]

Great testing and reviews. I like that the info is well structured on website as well. Keep it up!

[@ThaddeusVilain]

With a video this impressively detailed and thorough, how can I not Like and Subscribe

[@ivogoede6145]

Truly impressive testing and setup!

[@endgovernmentextremism]

I have the DeWALT and the very first thing I did with it was trim the door of the chicken coop I was building... 1/2" ply sandwiched onto 2x4. It didn't even care. It has more power than any corded circular saw I have used.

[@blackbear92201]

Love the historical info. Great job as always. thanks for posting! :D

[@weldonpinder7295]

another great head to head. thanks for all of your hard work and for this up to date head to head. These head to head videos is y I subscribed to this channel. I speak for many of us when I say we'd love to see a new impact driver and hammer drill head to head

[@Scrambler85]

I had just bought the Dewalt, thanks for the video confirming my choice. Definitely a thumbs up for the video 👍

[@olgajoachimosmundsen4647]

Very good review! The DeWalt flexvolt is also sold as dcs576 and dcs579 in Europe, both track-compatible saws

[@tryonco]

Very nice analysis and comparison, as always. Thank you.

[@jeffalan6339]

The two tester I watch and trust from reviews to testing,this is one of them. Being a finish carpenter need a reliable tool, accurate and durable. To buy a entry level tool have low power output, us far from accurate leaving poor cuts, lastly fails while building the project. Would not be seen as a pro by the client. I watch these videos to help.narrow the field from Bosch, Hilti Makita to mikwaukee. Thanks Rob abd staff for all your hard work.

[@Fictitious_Character]

I'm one of those unicorns. For tool batt platform I use DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee. For sidewinder circ saw I run the Flexvolt and it's a great saw that has never let me down. As always very thorough h2h and I appreciate the time and effort you guys do for the h2h videos.

[@checkavilatility]

Another great video! Thank you for this work!

[@kathymcq09]

Wow! What a fantastic review! I read the article on your website first and then watched the video. Your controls to make sure that the testing conditions for all the saws was consistent is impressive and much appreciated! I feel confident that I will make the right decision for me when I buy my replacement saw. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to make this information available. I'm looking forward to learning more from ToolBoxBuzz.

[@mrboom4570]

I have the flexvolt Dewalt saw. Very happy with it.

[@jncn1490]

Solid review, not including opinion tests or scores, I said it when they came out and it’s still true today. There is no better framing saw then the dewalt Flexvolt 578. ( and older 575) In every category, hands down , not even close, especially with a 12ah on it . Same for the Flexvolt mitresaw , tablesaw, compressor, grinder( not the sawzall) No company has matched what Flexvolt tools can do. Game changer then and still!!

[@andrewk8636]

Agreed but they seriously need a new reciprocating saw. Also a better multi-colored would be nice. They killed it with the absolute best usability but needs a little better performance. As far as carpentry dewalt is just top of the line

[@jasoningram2006]

DeWalt lost to Milwaukee on the 12" miter saw and 8¼" table saw according to this same channel. Although the table saw on had DeWalt using the 9ah. I haven't heard any other tests with a bigger battery since the DW 12ah was released. I've heard Milwaukee hinted at something bigger than the 12ah. I could see them releasing a 15ah sooner than later though. I have the M18 Fuel table saw and I love it. I've found that there's not much difference between brands these days anymore except features really. It's nice to have the added competition though just for bragging rights on the Jobsite.

[@719vol]

Bigger is usually better, but 12ah is too much for me for everyday carry and use. I’ll just switch out batteries more often and save the weight.

[@charlespetit5410]

You already have the packout shop stuff!! Can't wait for the reviews!

[@mos8541]

HEY, you did this about a couple years ago, you let all sorts of framers etc. use all the saws and came up with a couple winners. In addition to my own checking I bought the best compact circ saw avail. the Makita XSH03 for my overhead/one handed work, STILL have it, still use it and everyone loves it

[@makingstuff242]

Nice work! Much appreciated!

[@helpallofem4428]

Bought 2 makita 36v saws on sale for half price and they came with 2 extra free 5ah batteries with each saw, so 8 batteries total and 2 double chargers. Awesome, powerful saws. Love Makita tools.

[@schmitty69]

Love it!! You need to do a best 7" and 10" wet tile saw review video. Rigid, Dewalt, Kobalt, Harbor freight....well, you know the deal better than I do!

[@BoldWittyName]

As a DeWalt owner one thing you forgot to mention is the 99% worthless depth gauge. It's steel-on-engraved-steel which is hard enough to see. Add saw dust and safety glasses and it disappears. I'm hoping white spray paint will fix it...

[@sladeoriginal]

Should place blade depth directly to material thickness. Never use Depth gauge anyway

[@squirtdaddy3428]

Thanks once again for a great H2H , I always enjoy watching them. I'm in my 60's and a semi-retired millwork shop operator-owner. Back in the olden days, when tools had cords, we had and still have tools from most every manufacturer there was, and bought a particular brand of belt sander (for instance) because it balanced better than other brands and we use belt sanders a lot. Sadly that brand went down the crapper and we were forced to go to another brand of sander, and it was hard to get used to the much different balance of them in all the odd positions we hold them. Now with cordless tools ,its quite an investment to change or add brands. I am not loyal to any brand, just heavily invested in them. Milwaukee was our choice a few years ago after they switched from 28v to 18v just because they had the most tools to choose from, so 80% of anything new we bought had been milwaukee until recently when the makita xgt line came out. We had Festool plunge saws but needed a new one, were all tired of the Milwaukee wait so I bought a xgt saw and everyone likes it better than Festool so I've decided to get into that line-up now and think most all new tools will be from that line now. As you said, Milwaukee does make a lot of there tools cut-off too soon when pushed a little, hate there hand-planer especially. Just received an xgt model that I ordered from Japan direct and again, its way above milwaukee. I'm actually glad Milwaukee had not released there tracksaw yet or I most likely would not have tried the xgt series and found out how much we like them now. It would be nice to be able to try out all the brands like in your H2H trials and then buy what WE like best. I wish some company at the IWF show would put all the brands and tools in one place so we could try them out without having to walk miles from one booth to the next one (hint, hint Acme or someone) .

[@actionjksn]

I bet that belt sander brand that you liked a lot was a Porter-Cable wasn't it?

[@squirtdaddy3428]

@@actionjksn You guessed it!!! I bet we had 25 to 30 PC360's. They oncs made some really good tools, especially there D handle routers and belt sanders. Hard to believe what they have turned into now.

[@actionjksn]

@@squirtdaddy3428 They always made the best belt sander. In fact I think they may have invented it. I still have an old school Porter-Cable model 738 reciprocating saw. It is 9.6 amps and that thing is a freaking monster. I never use it anymore but I could never get rid of that thing. Plus if I ever got on a job where I needed some insane amount of sawzall work I will load it back in my truck and break that thing out. I will put it up against any cordless sawzall. It's really a shame what happened to them they were acquired by some big company and they just turned them into some low-grade homeowner crap. I bet a lot of young guys have no idea what Porter-Cable used to be like because anybody in their twenties and probably 30s would not ever remember when they were a great company. My wife's rich cousin in Chicago gave me his dad's old Black & Decker belt sander. It's one of those tools with the shiny metal body with no plastic. I put a new Diablo belt in it and set the tracking and that thing is pretty beasty. It's still good enough for professional use, that was when Black & Decker tools were really good. I let my electrician friend use it and the cord went bad so he cut the bad part off and now it has about a 12-in cord or less. But it doesn't really matter because I'm generally going to plug it into an extension cord anyway. Maybe I will replace the old cord with the new one someday. It's not really bothering me enough to get me motivated though. You do not want to touch one of those old metal body tools if it starts raining though, because it will kill you dead on the spot if it gets wet, just picking it up. I've known two people who have seen it happen with the old circular saws years ago. I would still like to get my hands on an old school Porter-Cable belt sander from the 80s or 90s. They are pretty heavy but the ergonomics and balance are good and they're still very easy to control. I don't know what their new belt Sanders are like or if they still make the commercial grade ones. I also used to have an old skill miniature belt sander called a Sand Cat. That thing was great for working in tight spots and awkward positions, where you couldn't lay your work down flat. It was small, lightweight and surprisingly powerful, and you could hold it in just one hand and use it. I don't know why they quit making them, everybody that tried them seemed to like them pretty much.

[@squirtdaddy3428]

@@actionjksn I believe you may be thinking of the old model 505 belt sander that kinda looked like an old steam engine. They were gear driven and very well balanced but quite heavy. We use sanders sometimes for hours at a time and those used 90wt gear oil for lubrication but after about 30 minutes of use that gear oil would get so hot you had to wear leather gloves to keep from burning your hands while holding them. I've still got a few tools that were Rockwell brand before Porter Cable bought them out back in the 70's. I no longer know if PC makes any routers or belt sanders, there quality got so bad I quit buying there tools about 15 years ago. Seems only Makita still makes a belt sander thats much good these days, since Bosch dropped there 3x24 sanders years ago. Love the portability of battery tools but for long term usage in a shop there not much good, but corded tool models seem to be disappearing from most brands more and more these days, guess corded tools are like myself and dinosaurs, were both becoming extinct.

[@actionjksn]

@@squirtdaddy3428 The bad thing about corded tools today is that they are frozen in time. All of the performance improvements that are happening are only happening to battery tools. The new corded tools are the same as they were years ago, only made more cheaply. That is the only reason battery tools have caught up in power. The battery tools keep improving and the corded tools just stay the same now. Plus the corded stuff is really basic it's not even like the really nice corded stuff they used to make. I don't see anything with a cord getting some high performance brushless motor or anything like that. On small handheld stuff I like the batteries. But things like my 12-inch miter saw are corded and I'm not even looking for a battery version, I don't need it and I don't want to pay for the high price. I would like to get a cordless jigsaw and compact router, finish nail gun and maybe angle grinder. But my corded angle grinder is over 20 years old and is a Metabo made in Germany. That thing is really strong. So that would be hard to replace with a battery tool without spending a lot of money. The Porter-Cable belt sander I was talking about was not as old as what you described that has oil in it. I'm just talking about a nice contractor grade Porter-Cable belt sander from the '80s or maybe early 90s.

[@danielq.4371]

Wow thanks for the history lesson!!

[@erictownsend4236]

First Great test! One catagory I would like to see you compare is how easily a blade guard retracts while performing different cuts without requiring the user to manually assist. Thank You for the time and expense your team puts in to provide the tests! Eric

[@PD-we8vf]

Yep. My Milwalkee gets caught up often.

[@noskills9577]

Good review, one of the few channels that put in a huge effort into testing. Looks like you had the old Metabo 18v saw which quite frankly is terrible - a shame you didn’t have the new brushless model to test against the other saws as I would like to know if it was worth buying 😂 Brand loyalty does come into tool buying but I think more important is the cost involved in adding an extra battery platform to your tools - having another charger and enough batteries to make the new tool useful can be a big investment for the little folk like me.

[@ryanjewell9832]

I used a coworkers Metabo hpt circ saw, and I actually liked it so much I went and bought one and put my milwaukee fuel in the garage, I like the fuel a lot, but the Metabo was more comfortable to me, and I seemed to cut more accurate with it.

[@jeremymcintyre7812]

Metabo is becoming more well-known and seems to be every bit in the pro class. They also make some really good impact and drills. Im a framer, i always used dewalt which are good tools but also because of the other cordless options. But when I seen mikita in a worm drive style I got it, been using it for 2 years it works good. It is heavier but its comfortable to me. There is alot of really good cordless options now.

[@jimmyjoe1591]

​@@jeremymcintyre7812as a framer you should try the metabo rear handle. Super light and powerful

[@Backtatt]

Well done 👍 great video and insight

[@amandaclarke4173]

great test review. Many thanks

[@bri_guy508]

Love my makita 36 v saw! Even got it for 180 by returning the free tool when home depot had that deal. The rafter hook (that you have to buy seperate) is well worth it if you frame like me.

[@mhess427]

The 36v makita is currently available for $260 at Home Depot and comes with a bag, dual charger, 2x 5ah batteries, and your choice of a reciprocating saw or oscillating multi tool. You can’t beat that.

[@mhess427]

Also, you can return the reciprocating saw to get $90 back, bringing the total cost to 150!!!!

[@illecebris8709]

Here in the expensive Netherlands you get only two 5.0 batteries for 150 dollar..

[@dawidprzybys762]

Great video as always guy's 👍 thanks

[@vojnikjna30]

I’ve been using Hilti for a long time and I’m really happy with Makita alongside my Hilti tools.

[@travisjazzbo3490]

Makita and Hilti for quality, value, reliability, and service

[@Njao6q4vrv73]

Loved the intro

[@DANMOTYL]

That wi-fi aws looks cool... But I'll wait for that to be perfected. . Thanks for this review. I'm settled on my 60vt decision. I'm east coast , as you. I need a blade right sidewinder.

[@OUTILSCLIPSQC]

Ive got the milwaukee for 3 years now and i still like it a lot , powerfull, reliable have work in all kind of harsh condition have never let me down, i like the 18v systeme all batterie fit in all the tool. In the near future when milwaukee will release pouch cell i will use it in my 18v tools dewalt will not be able to make a 60v pouch cell for theirs tool

[@simonnorton4965]

Love the video! I’d like to see Milwaukee with a high output battery.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

It would probably have come close or beat the Felxvolt

[@projectpinehills]

I like the way this test was setup with all saw blades being the same orientation (blade right) but I was confused to see several saws with blades mounted blade left in the video. Important because line-of-site was one of the test criteria.

[@colinokane3156]

Great vid. No shock the dewalt 60 volt won. I have that saw and it’s the best saw I’ve ever owned

[@Dusty_Bottoms_]

Another well done test, would've liked to see Bosch & Craftsman included

[@therealme613]

🗣hey MACKEATER great video guys!! Well done👍

[@yup3398]

Dewalt is such a beast

[@craiglamb9029]

Disappointed that the New and widely available Bosch Profactor Strong Arm Brushless 7-1/4 saw didn't make it. Amazing saw, super powerful and comfortable brushless saw. especially with the 8.0 "Fat"Core battery. Menards and Lowes locally have it in stock. Bosch StrongArm 7-1/4 SGKS18V-25. Also, thank you for your extensive testing regimen efforts. Great reviews as usual.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

This is the saw Bosch wanted tested

[@codyhagedorn7399]

huge fan love every video your channel puts out. try out the craftsman 7 1/4 brushless v20 side winder. it's comparable to the DeWalt XR 20v sidewinder. it blows the Ryobi and Ridgid out of the water.

[@iamoutofcontrol5352]

Thanks!

[@vetteazul5114]

I have the milwaukee, but this xmas I got a smoking deal on some Metabo stuff, including the circ saw. I haven't messed with it yet, but based on your review it looks like I picked a winner.

[@baseballdude8491]

I've been a red and blue guy for a long time but we have replaced alot of our jobsite tools I er the last 3+ yrs with more Metabo HPT 36V tools-Lifetime.warranty, AC adapter for the longer run tools(saves battery life), batteries backwards compatible with 18V and 36V, durable and priced much better than my other favorites which allows me to outfit more of my crew with pro grade tools w/out killing profits

[@terobb0]

Very thorough testing as always, so thanks for the good, thoughtful content. A bit disappointed not to see any of the Flex offerings included here. Project Farm put out a video a week ago where the older model 7 1/4” Circ saw from Flex bested its competitors. Pro Tool reviews had similar findings as Project Farm when they ranked Circular Saws in 2021, with Flex at or near the top of the list. The new rear handled Flex may not be widely available yet, but it would be nice to see that offering as well.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Flex rear handle saw will be evaluated in our rear-handle H2H

[@shawnames5302]

@@ConcordCarpenter hi Rob. Why did you choose to separate the saws? So far my prediction is 100 I called Dewalt left and xgt righty

[@ConcordCarpenter]

@@shawnames5302 separated the saws by category/size- 6-1/2. 7-1/4 and rear handle They all have a bit different application as well

[@baseballdude8491]

@@shawnames5302 we use the Rear handle Flexvolt, Milwaukee and Makita 36V(2x18) but everyone is fighting over the new Metabo HPT's we have two on the last two months jobsites and guys are fighting over them and some of these guys are red, yellow and red fanboys-the weight and feel is real w/out sacrificing power and accuracy+we do have it plugged in with the AC adapter when making some deep cuts into larger stock which gives unlimited runtime and saves a few cycles on the batteries

[@ParchmentKH77ftw]

I've been saying for years now the best Milwaukee circular saw that was produced was that original 6.5" M18 fuel. Seeing the head-to-head comparisons with other manufacturers, it's clear that Milwaukee has some work to do catching up. I don't think there has been a 7.25 Milwaukee saw i have ever enjoyed using, despite my blood running pretty red.

[@ajmedeiros77]

Fantastic as always! Just can’t beat makita for quality and accuracy. After using Only makita for years, when I grab somebodys Milwaukee or Dewalt I just can’t believe the lack of build quality. Almost every comparison I watch, even cordless chainsaw etc, makita may not be the fastest but there always comments about the build quality and balance in hand. Go Celtics!

[@jonruger]

Makitas were great ten years ago their batteries have fallen off so bad and they are not keeping up with the other brands in tool or battery tech at all. Makitas feel like underpowered tools because they are by today’s standards and their prices are still some of the highest

[@travisjazzbo3490]

@@jonruger That is simply not true. The measure of tools is volts and amps and some tools are geared for more RPMs and some for more torque, depending on the application. A Milwaukee, being only 18V for instance, ends up being a much heavier tool in applications that need power like a big saw, a blower, or a rotary hammer. You will never see a Makita get blown out of any POWER challenge. They are always right up there. However, DW and Milwaukee work hard to make sure the typical American construction guy knows they care about power, whether that application needs that much power or not, while the Makita may cut a lot more boards for the same application for more efficiency, which is really the most important thing. 90% of tool tests on KZbin stress power. No one talks about reliability. If there was an odometer you could put on tools, you would see a Makita goes twice as long as Milwaukee and DW before needing repairs typically, and they also are almost always ergonomically superior. To say Makita's are underpowered is a fallacy. Batteries, as far as Volts and Amps, are within a few % of each other. They are virtually the same technology, and Milwaukee notoriously overheats for instance, because they are desperately trying to get more power out of 18V, and that causes heat issues, but it is not inferior or superior battery tech at all

[@jonruger]

@@travisjazzbo3490 you just rambled the same thing on repeat makitas batteries have ten plus year old cell technology they do not put out good power or last very long. They do not make anything better than a 5 amp hour battery with old cells that’s really more like the other brands 3s. Makitas were cool ten years ago but I gave them up to have tools that can complete jobs on a single charge.

[@travisjazzbo3490]

@@jonruger They have had fast charging for far longer than anyone else which includes cooling the batteries during the charge so they don't cause unnecessary heat so they last longer. They have kept the same battery shape since 2005 so they work on old tools and new tools, given how long the tools last, unlike others who keep making users change tools to accommodate new battery types. They also support the most tools of any company on one true battery platform so the jobsite can have well over 200 different tools literally all running one battery platform. They have had tool to battery and vice versa communication in their tools and batteries far longer than anyone else, to shut down during overheating and overload to protect both the tool and the battery, and also to prevent complete draining of the battery. In fact, they protect their tools and batteries far better than others, which massively extends the life of the battery and the tool, but 99% of construction people don't understand things like this. They call it STAR protection and they have had it a long time: Here is a quick summary... Makita cordless tools are engineered for industrial applications, and for added protection during the most demanding jobs Makita created STAR Protection Computer Controls™. STAR is communications technology that monitors conditions during use, allowing the tool and battery to exchange data to protect against overloading, overdischarging and overheating. If STAR detects conditions that threaten to overload, overdischarge or overheat the tool or battery, the tool will automatically stop. This is why you will see Makita batteries lasting far, far longer than most of the others out there. Battery tech is not very different between batteries for a long time, just protection mechanisms to make the batteries perform more efficiently and last a lot longer. You hear these kinds of conversations all the time with electric cars and how you make your battery last longer and why it does and so forth. Makita builds all of that stuff in for both during usage as well as when charging. If you ever own an electric car, you will care about stuff like this a lot more. Construction people generally have ZERO idea of this kind of thing... Business people who understand things like reliability, longevity, ergonomics, true 1 battery system benefits... business-minded people basically

[@jonruger]

@@travisjazzbo3490 again a long repetitive rant their battery cells and all that tech you mentioned are 10 years old everyone does similar or better now and everyone else uses modern cells Makitas would be just fine if they made modern batteries they revolutionized lithium tool batteries but I’ve done nothing since then.

[@2point..0]

Bravo, and now I am confused as my Brian recoups, ha ha ha!!!

[@Nuclear-Kenny]

I love my Milwaukee fuel rear handle comes with a blade wrench like DeWalt. Plus I played around with the the bevel and height adjustment now I don't have a issue with them agreed you can't beat a DeWalt circular saw. But true enough can be said about Milwaukee sawzall

[@charlschuck6]

I wanted to suggest idk if you have in your channel but do a flashlight test comparison (handheld and or head led) for outdoor working night time usage and weather proof but more which one last more and evaluate the heat they can reach as many get so hot can hold on more than 16mins when lumens go after 700-2000lumens hopefully someone does 😅 love your comparison videos they teach a lot of points . One of the ones I tested reach in 10mins 98degress all over the lamp hmm idk if it was a lamp of a hand warmer 😂🤔 the environment temp was 68 -73 max regular night temp . Can’t say a brand cause you’ll all know which ones I tested 😆 Insane testing you guys do I know it takes time and money for such tests great Job guys !!!

[@straight_to_finish]

Great testing lineup Rob! I use to be a Bosch fanboy 10 years ago but in the past 5 years, it’s been FUELED by team Red since they continue to innovate! 😁 Battery platform is a major factor when it comes down to brand choice, which is why I’ll never own a cordless yellow tool.

[@Miked1332]

I own the Ryobi HP Brushless circular saw and I was really hoping it would come out at least in the mid range... But the only time you mentioned it was when you talked about how unimpressive the bevel stops are.. I gotta agree. I'm not blown away by this saw. But it gets the job done. At least for now until I can get the DeWalt flexvolt rear handle.

[@Therealphantomzero]

Considering that the Metabo HPT saw is probably one of the oldest saws on the list and it did very well. Finding them to be a good backup brand for when I have to send my Milwaukee stuff to warranty Great value great power again just great value

[@baseballdude8491]

The new rear handle has replaced our other worm drive left handed saws on the jobsite

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Agreed

[@michaelnichols7669]

@@baseballdude8491 Just got that saw and love it. I have mostly dewalt tools, but as they wear out ill be replacing them with Metabo HPT. Impressive tools at a great price.

[@baseballdude8491]

@@michaelnichols7669 yep they are priced right and have all the things I'm looking for including the lifetime gaurantee

[@ImpulseAudioSpeakers]

Agreed. If I was an apprentice carpenter right now I’d go metabo. Save a few bucks, great saws and nailers, and their bigger tools have the battery to plug feature. Hard to go wrong.

[@roblee2968]

Excellent

[@samgreig6947]

Great video as always with you guys! My only critique would be, and this is a general point of feedback for the channel, not really this video specifically, but as a British viewer I’d love if you could roughly translate the size of blades etc you’re talking about into metric. I’ve watched your stuff for years now and I’m always happy with the results, and have even made purchase choices based on your content. But I have to say other channels, from all corners of the world, do generally include metric and imperial conversions. It’s not the end of the world I know that I have to get a converter out on my phone 30 seconds into a video but if you guys did it for us, it would save potentially thousands of viewers having to do the same, and they could just sit back and enjoy the video without having to adjust to that slight language barrier! Anyway, like i said, great video, I’ll always be a fan, just a bit of genuine feedback for you. Keep it up guys, thanks again 🍻

[@tommychong1173]

Got my eye on the metabo HPT rear handle saw cuz of the weight and it can be cordless or corded , and can be found on the shelf n bought. But like the idea of using the 60 flex volt on my 20 volt tools .

[@mongocrock]

So through bravo!

[@loucifer4205]

The Bosch is almost a hybrid design between rear handle and sidewinder where it handle is located

[@milkmanfitness]

Love this channel, I wish you guys had used the higher output batteries for Ryobi Milwaukee and Kobalt.

[@brandon152lee]

Great review, I really appreciate all of the effort it took to make. I’m really curious why the cordless skill saw wasn’t included. I have that saw and really like it.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

They were invited and failed to send

[@tedmcdonald3377]

Thanks Rob 😎🛠️😎🛠️😎

[@MtlCstr]

I was surprised that you didn't include the Flex.

[@miken1424]

Darn, was really hoping to see how the bosch profactor track capable saw would fair against the rest. Great saw, nice testing though!

[@hectorcraft6286]

I was waiting for the same thing

[@JB-ot9hi]

They left it out on purpose!

[@scottarnold5215]

@@JB-ot9hi How so?

[@JB-ot9hi]

@@scottarnold5215 By placing two DeWalt saws in the competition.

[@scottarnold5215]

@@JB-ot9hi Inaccurate. Completely fabricated...

[@Ras-wisdom]

Nice review but only one cordless I'm very interested in seeing to compete that's missing was the 24v flex circular saw!

[@jake9705]

Amazing work as always, gentlemen! Your carpentry tool tests are usually more strenuous than Project Farm's tests and I appreciate that. Have only two suggestions for you: 1) Metabo is the ONLY brand in America that has a "cordless-to-corded" conversion kit for their cordless tools and they do not get nearly enough credit for that. Would like to see that feature highlighted in your tests of Metabo tools more often, specifically how much better a cordless Metabo tool does when converted to corded. The power of corded with the option to go portable with cordless is a huge advantage over other brands. 2) No one ever tests the factory blade that comes with these things! Most tool-testers assume that the factory supplied blade is trash and immediately pay $25-$75 for an aftermarket replacement blade. As your final test, you should re-equip the saws with their factory blade and run a quick cut test to see how the factory blades do. If the factory blade is of quality then that is essentially $25-$75 off the retail price of the saw since you do not immediately have to buy a better, aftermarket blade.

[@girthbrooks39]

Obviously the festool hkc55 does not use a 7-1/4" blade however it was designed for an intended use similar to that of 7-1/4" circular saws. Hence I do not believe it would be unreasonable to say that the hkc55 could be considered in the same category. That said I would consider it not only far and away the best saw out of all of these but I would say that due to its capabilities and features the hkc55 is in a class of its own.

[@justAnotherMike82]

I believe the xgt saw without the guide-rail base does come with the rafter hook.

[@simonwever8206]

Grest head to head, great channel. So much good information. I'm looking for a new circular saw. As a DIY'er who builds a lot at home. Is a cordless circular saw like the DeWalt DCS578 worth it or should I stick with the corded version from DeWalt?

[@luisinhoens90]

I wanted to see the newer Bosch PROFACTOR GKS18V-25CB14. It's supposed to get comparable performance to a high performance corded saw and the material quality looks superb. Regardless, it was a great comparison and your testing methods are very well thought

[@kadenblount9446]

I like mine

[@Joyjoiner]

just got the track compatible bosch biturbo, tradedin my 54v flexvolt. very impressed with the Bosch, great line of sight, plenty power,great height of blade adjustment, great feel to it,dont miss the dewalt one bit

[@interman7715]

As a veteran carpenter I will give my opinions on the saws I am familiar with. The Milwaukee, to heavy ,expensive ,bad view down both sides of blade and the motor cuts out under hard rips because the motor is pulling too many amps .Makita, excellent quality but they have moved the motor forward to accommodate the batteries thus the blade view is very poor particularly on the most important left hand side and the saw feels to hunched up and it is to expensive. The Dewalt, most powerful, and excellent sightlines down both sides of blade this is very important to me as I don't rely on the front base notches of any saw to cut accurately, this saw feels familiar to me like my old corded saws ,reasonable price and low weight. I urge potential buyers to test each tool out and purchase regarding your own requirements .

[@Stevesbe]

Makita xsh08z it fits in the rail guide It's the best and cherryd impact drivers are top notch

[@nesteezy4884]

Wish the Dewalt DCS577B was tested as I’m looking to buy that one

[@dbvuong]

Thanks for the great review! I’m seeing both Metabo and Bosch in the clips. Curious why they were left off the evaluation?

[@ConcordCarpenter]

They weren’t unless your seeing the 6-12 and rear handled saw - we will do them individually

[@gcoffey223]

Cool... we are fixing up our rentals every other month. The process is abusing power tools for 2 to 3 weeks. Rigid is all I have. I love them, but I need to pick up many more tools. I'm going Ryobi and expecting the worst, but I'm hoping for good results. Wish me luck.

[@TheBostonstapler]

another great video! im wondering how the milwaukee would compare with a HO battery like a 6.0 or 8.0

[@cav8285]

Y’all should put time stamps for the different categories and the charts so we can go to the tests that mean the most to us. Thanks!

[@jameswells9749]

And Mikita makes the best hands down skillsaw in my opinion.

[@pflaffik]

Got the 40vMax saw, and a 6.5" 18v Makita brushless, both are accurate and feels great, you simply cant argue against Makitas build quality, not objectively at least. The 40v is awesome, very next level, i wouldnt dream of buying the weaker 2x18v with the hassle and bulk of dual battery. Makita XGT 40vMax isnt cheap, no, but good value for money. If i was invested in another battery system like M18 or DW i would still go for Makita circulars.

[@travisjazzbo3490]

I think the convenience of having a true 1 battery system for over 250 tools is vastly underrated. On a Jobsite, having truly 1 battery that does literally everything, is extremely convenient. If you need another battery, just grab one, they literally work on everything, except sometimes you need 2 rather than just 1 depending what tool you are using

[@troybabs]

As much as I like project farm, step aside PF... this is real world testing. Well done! Not sure why you don't have more subscribers? Bit of a head scratcher. 🤔

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Agreed thx