DeWalt Reciprocating Saw Review 20 vs 60 volt

To see if the DeWalt FlexVolt 60V Max reciprocating saw is worth its weight, I tested it against the DeWalt 20V Standard, 20V Compact, and my 11-amp corded Makita. The results were surprising—let’s dive into power, weight, and features to find the best saw for your kit.

Rev up your cuts! Jump to our video demo!

Models Tested

• FlexVolt 60V model DCS388: Brushless, LED light
• 20V MAX model DCS380: Brushed, no light
• 20V MAX Compact model DCS367: Brushless, LED light
• Makita 11-amp corded: Reliable workhorse

Power and Speed

Using new blades and fully charged 9 Ah batteries, I made two cuts through a 4×12 Parallam. Both 20V models stalled a few times but still cut faster than the corded Makita—a shocker! The Compact beat the Standard by a second or two, and the 60V outperformed them all by a big margin. Watch the action in our video below!

Weight

The 60V is 2-3 pounds heavier than the 20V models, which can tire you out on overhead work. But for low cuts, the weight and gravity help, cutting vibration and boosting power. The 60V’s build is tougher—shoe, rubber sleeve, and chuck release spring are all better on the FlexVolt.

Features

All saws have variable speed triggers, 1-1/8″ stroke length, tool-less blade change, and pivoting shoes, but only the 20V Standard’s shoe adjusts in or out. They hold blades right-side up or down, with 20V models also holding blades horizontally.

Where’s the Hook?

I’m hoping for a lightweight, brushless, rafter-hooked update to the 20V MAX DCS380 in 2020 to rival Makita’s 18V brushless XRJ05Z, the best all-around recip saw in my book. Check my Makita review on YouTube: https://youtu.be/s3GWRbNOJds.

Bottom Line

I’ve used the 60V for a while with no stalls or issues—it makes the 20V models feel like homeowner-grade tools, no offense to homeowners (I’m one too!). For framers, remodelers, or auto body shops, the 60V is worth the weight. Plumbers, electricians, or DeWalt battery platform users might prefer the Compact.

Update

DeWalt released the FlexVolt 60V DCS389, an updated DCS388 with more power (didn’t need it) but still no rafter hook (bummer). If you grab 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.