We Tested Makita’s 40V XGT Reciprocating Saw Head-to-Head

Makita 40V max XGT Cordless Reciprocating Saw Show What It Can Do Against the Top Competitors

We’ve tested the top cordless reciprocating saws in a series of head-to-head tests to determine which ones help Pros level up their demo game. Today, I’m highlighting the Makita 40V max XGT Reciprocating Saw (GRJ02), a notable contender from a brand that has deep roots in the trades. I’ll show you what sets this saw apart from its predecessors, as well as how it stacks up against the competition.

Where will it land? let’s find out!

Pros

• Top-tier cutting performance in all materials
• Outstanding vibration control
• Full feature set

Cons

• Heavier than average
• Expensive

Read
Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws

Makita 40V max XGT Cordless Reciprocating Saw Performance

• No Load Speed: 3,000 SPM
• Stroke Length: 1.25 in.
• Orbital Action: Yes

Cutting Power

On paper, Makita’s brushless motor is capable of up to 3000 SPM with a 1.25-inch stroke length. That’s exactly the same as the GRJ01 and the 18V X2 LXT XRJ06.

However, one of the big differences the Makita GRJ02 has from those two is a 5-position variable speed dial. The other two models have a simple 2-speed switch. This gives you significantly better speed control when you’re cutting a variety of materials.

Even though there are 5 marked positions, the speed changes incrementally in positions between those marks, so you can really get picky with how much speed you want.

Here’s a quick rundown on the speed settings and Makita’s recommended applications:

These numbers are right in line with what we expect from a top-tier Pro-grade saw and give us high hopes for a solid performance during our hands-on testing (more on this later).

Orbital Action

This updated 40V reciprocating saw has a few useful features that you won’t find on the previous model (GRJ01). One that directly affects performance is the addition of a selectable orbital action. Even though the speed and stroke rates are the same on all three saws, the GRJ02’s orbital action gives it a huge advantage when you’re cutting wood.

Read
What is Orbital Action on a Reciprocating Saw and Do You Need It?

Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT)

Adding to the performance features, Makita also includes an advanced vibration control system on this model. While it adds a little weight, the reduced fatigue you’ll experience from noticeably lower vibration is worth the trade-off for many Pros.

Personally speaking, this is one of the most comfortable reciprocating saws I’ve ever used. It’s smooth cutting action allow us to maintain control during our cuts while simultaneously avoiding excessive arm fatigue, even while cutting tough materials like cast iron.

Read
Reducing Vibration in Reciprocating Saws

Makita 40V max XGT Reciprocating Saw Hands-On Testing

For our head-to-head testing, we ran this saw through a series of four tests ranging from light-duty cutting to serious demo work.

Before we jump into our test results, I want to review our battery selection for testing. In this case, we opted to use a 4.0Ah battery because we feel it offers the best balance of power and weight.

Makita now has a tabless High Power battery for the XGT system. However, we weren’t able to get our hands on one in time for this series of tests. The good news is you should expect to squeeze even more from this saw if you use that upgraded pack. It also gives us a reason to go back and test this saw again in the future.

You can see the full details of each test on our main head-to-head page (linked here), but here’s a quick overview of what we put these saws through:

PVC Cutting

• Material: 4-inch, schedule 40 PVC pipe
• Blade: Milwaukee 9-inch Torch Thick Metal
• Downforce Control: 5-lb weight
• Mode: Full speed, orbital off
• Result: Average of three cuts

Of the four tests, cutting 4-inch schedule 40 PVC requires the least amount of cutting power, so it seemed like a good place to start. Makita finished with an average time of 2.79 seconds, taking pole position right out of the gate.

With that said, this was a tight race with Metabo HPT’s CR36DA on its heels at 2.85 seconds, and the Milwaukee Super Sawzall hitting 2.96 seconds. Furthermore, of the eleven saws we tested, these were the only three models to break the 3-second mark during this test.

Clean Wood Cutting

• Material: 2 x 12 dried yellow pine lumber
• Blade: Milwaukee 5 TPI, 9-inch Carbide Ax for Wood with Nails
• Downforce Control: 5-lb weight
• Mode: Full speed, orbital on
• Result: Average of three cuts

Next, we transitioned into a more demo-related application that requires a little more power by cutting clean 2 x 12 lumber.

Makita powered through these cuts with an average time of 8.29 seconds, falling into third place right behind Milwaukee (8.18 seconds), and Metabo HPT (8.23 seconds).

However, when you consider that Makita was only 0.11 seconds behind the leader, that’s not a huge gap. Plus, the group average was 10.13 seconds, meaning it is still more than 18% faster than the group as a whole.

Wall Cutting

• Material: Three 2 x 4 studs with three nails in each (nine nails total), 7/16-inch OSB, Hardie board siding
• Blade: Milwaukee 6 TPI, 9-inch Nitrus Carbide Wrecker for Multi-Material
• Downforce Control: 5-lb weight
• Mode: Full speed, orbital on
• Result: Average of three cuts

Kicking things up a notch, we set up our mock wall that includes an assortment of common building materials. The purpose of this “wall sandwich” is that it provides a consistent medium for each saw in our lineup.

Once again, Makita held firmly to third place with a time of 18.58 seconds just slightly off the pace from Milwaukee (18.05 seconds), and Metabo HPT (18.11 seconds).

These three models were the only ones in our group to come in under 20 seconds. The next closest was Flex at 22.32 seconds, meaning Makita was nearly 17% faster than its next closest competitor!

But now, our fourth and most challenging test is on the horizon, and we want to know who will take the gold!

Cast Iron Pipe Cutting

• Material: 3-inch cast iron pipe
• Blade: Milwaukee 8 TPI, 9-inch Nitrus Carbide Torch for Thick Metal and Cast Iron
• Downforce Control: Hand control
• Mode: Full speed, orbital off
• Result: One successful cut

Rounding out our tests, we have the daunting cast iron cut. Cutting cast iron with a reciprocating saw isn’t for the faint of heart, yet in some parts of the country, it’s still a common demo occurrence.

For this final test, Makita vaulted ahead of everyone to land first place with a total time of 41.24 seconds. Once again, this was a tight race for the top competitors, with Milwaukee hitting 41.54 seconds and Hilti posting a time of 42.59 seconds.

These results are very impressive, especially when you consider that the average time across the field was 59.31 seconds, meaning Makita was more than 30% faster than the group average.

Makita 40V max XGT Cordless Reciprocating Saw Design Notes

• Model: Makita GRJ02
• Power Source: Makita 40V max XGT battery
• Weight: 8.68 lbs (bare tool), 10.9 lbs (with 4.0Ah battery)
• Tool Length: 17 in.

Size and Weight

Compared to Makita’s other cordless reciprocating saws, the GRJ02 is the heaviest. As a bare tool, it weighs 8.7 pounds and with the recommended 4.0Ah battery it weighs 10.9 pounds. On the other hand, it’s shorter than the GRJ01, measuring 17 inches from tip to tail.

Even though it’s about a pound heavier than its predecessor thanks to its loaded feature set, consider it in context. Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Super Sawzall weighs 12.2 pounds with its beefy 12.0Ah battery and DeWalt’s 60V Max FlexVolt model tips the scale at 10.4 pounds with its 9.0Ah pack, so Makita’s not way out of range here.

Blade Changes

When it comes to blade changes, Makita did everything right in this design. The blade release is a lever on the outside of the front housing. When you pull it up, a spring lightly ejects the blade for you.

Better still, it clicks past a hold point and leaves the clamp open so you can insert a new blade without holding the lever. Your new blade’s insertion trips the clamp to close back, and you’re ready to cut. It really is the best blade clamp system on the market.

Additional Features

• Folding Rafter Hook: Hang the saw on a rafter, ladder, or other material when you need both hands free
• Adjustable Shoe: Easily adjust the length of the shoe without the need for additional tools and use different teeth and extend the life of your blades
• Pivoting Shoe: Ensures good contact with the material you’re cutting to reduce vibration
• Two-finger Trigger: Reduces the amount of fatigue you feel in your trigger finger
• Dual LED Lights: Illuminates your work area better than single LED lights

Makita Cordless High-Performance Reciprocating Saw Comparison

Makita 40V XGT Cordless Reciprocating Saw Price

Makita’s flagship reciprocating saw sells for $324 as a bare tool and $559 as a kit at your favorite Makita retailer. The kit comes with a single 40V 4.0Ah battery, a 40V max XGT rapid charger, and a soft storage bag. Makita covers the saw, battery, and charger with a 3-year limited warranty.

The Bottom Line

After all of our hands-on time with the Makita GRJ02, it’s clear that this is one of the top performers on the market. It delivered confident cutting performance and had the lowest vibration levels in the entire group.

In light of these factors, Makita confidently earned our top spot as the Best Reciprocating Saw in our lineup.

“But wait, Makita didn’t win every test. How can it be the winner?“

Well, there are a few more things to consider. First, the Makita GRJ02 placed first in the PVC cut as well as the cast iron cut, which are arguably the easiest and hardest tests, respectively. While it was third in the other two tests, it wasn’t far behind the leader in either.

Second, Makita’s ergonomics and feature set are second to none. The overall profile is easy to maneuver, plus the grip and trigger design are very comfortable during prolonged use.

Lastly, Makita’s AVT vibration control system is impeccable. The only other model to even come close was the Metabo HPT CR36DA, and that made the race almost neck and neck.

In the end, we crowned Makita the champion because it is the most complete model available. Being the best comes at a price, though. If you want the best, you’re going to have to open your wallet a bit wider. Once you do, we’re confident you’ll love working with the GRJ02.

For those reasons, we tip our caps to the fine folks over at Makita, and we look forward to our next round of testing to see if a worthy challenger will enter the fray.