DeWalt Reciprocating Saw Review 20 vs 60 volt

To see if the DeWalt Flexvolt 60V Max reciprocating saw is worth its weight over the 20V Standard and the 20V Compact I tested them against each other, as well as my 11 amp corded Makita. The results were surprising.

Models Tested

• Flexvolt 60V model DCS388 – brushless, led light
• 20V MAX model DCS380 – brushed, no light
• 20V MAX Compact model DCS367 – brushless, led light

Power and Speed

Using new blades and fully charged 9 amp hr batteries, I made two cuts through a 4×12 parallam. Both 20 volts stalled a few times but still cut faster than the corded Makita, which was a shocker. The Compact beat the Standard by a second or two, and the 60V beat them all by a lot. (See video at bottom of this post.)

Weight

The 60V is 2-3 lbs heavier than the 20 volts. The extra weight can be tiring when doing overhead work for sure. But for low cuts the weight and gravity work in your favor, and with the extra weight you get much less vibration and more power. The 60V also has a more robust build. Everything from the shoe, to the rubber sleeve, to the chuck release spring is better on the Flexvolt.

Features

All have variable speed triggers, a 1-1/8” stroke length, a tool-less blade change and a pivoting shoe, but only the Standard 20V shoe adjusts in or out. They all hold the blade right-side up or down, but only the 20 volts hold the blade horizontally as well.

Where’s the Hook

Hopefully we’ll see a lightweight, brushless, rafter hooked, update for the 20V max DCS380 in 2020 to compete with Makita’s 18V brushless model XRJ05Z. The 18V Makita being, in my opinion, the best all around recip on the market. You can check out my review on the Makita here – https://youtu.be/s3GWRbNOJds

Bottom Line

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I’ve been using the 60V for awhile now with no problems and no stalls. Honestly, it makes the 20 volts seem like home owner grade tools despite the fact that tradesmen make a living using them.

I’d say 60V is worth the extra weight over the 20 volts for framers, remodelers, and auto body shops. For plumbers, electricians, etc., already on Dewalt’s battery platform, the compact might be the way to go.

Update

DeWalt has released an updated version of the Flexvolt 60V DCS388, the DCS389. It has more power, which it didn’t need, but still no hook, which would be nice. Anyway, if you get one of these saws I hope it works as hard for you as mine has for me. See ya.

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Check out this video to see the saws in action.