FlexVolt, Power Detect or FlexVolt Advantage?The three saws are so close together that there are few wrong answers if you’re committed to DeWalt’s extensive wireless platform.We would choose Power Detect because you can use any 20V Max battery and you can start with an 8.0Ah battery pack and get a boost without a FlexVolt battery.DeWalt still has some room for improvement, but of their current wireless options, our favorite is the Power Detect.
The DeWalt 20V Max Power Detect Reciprocating Saw is the answer for DeWalt fans who need a power boost similar to how FlexVolt Advantage works, but without the need for a FlexVolt battery.With the introduction of the FlexVolt Advantage and second-generation FlexVolt models, we’re curious how the three models compare.
What really matters to the performance of this reciprocating saw is the increased power available with the 8.0Ah battery.If you want the lightest weight, the saw will work with any battery pack up to 20V, including 2.0Ah.However, when you get to 8.0Ah, there is a noticeable change.
This extra power was evident when we also used the FlexVolt battery pack.Presumably, 10Ah and 15Ah batteries will also bring benefits.We haven’t tested these packs, and the extra weight adds some fatigue if you want to get that big.
Cutting with a 5.0Ah battery, performance is very close to what we’ve come to expect from DeWalt’s standard 20V Max brushless reciprocating saw.Switch to an 8Ah battery and you’ll feel the extra power when you’re making tough cuts.
Interestingly, we actually saw the 5.0Ah battery cut faster in cast iron.That’s not entirely surprising, though.Hard metals like cast iron and stainless steel generally cut faster when you slow down.That’s one of the reasons we prefer to have a speed control dial, which DeWalt doesn’t include.Of course, you can still pull the trigger, but that’s another thing to manage when you’re trying to control the saw.
Vibration control remains an area where DeWalt could improve.This model is better than some of their earlier cordless designs, but it’s still quite a distance from competitors who have developed more advanced mechanisms.
The three saws we looked at in this review are all very close in weight.The Power Detect model weighs only 7.6 pounds, which is about an ounce lighter.However, that gap widens once you start adding batteries to match the performance potential.The 8.0Ah battery pack brings this model’s total weight to 9.8 pounds, while the FlexVolt battery makes the other models even heavier.
The DeWalt’s main handle perfectly conforms to the contours of your hand, while the overmolding provides a more secure and comfortable grip.The front shell offers plenty of overmolding to help guide you through cutting from various angles.
DeWalt sticks with its blade release design as a lever on the front handle.It’s much easier with this shaft mount, it forces you to make sure the release is far enough forward for a grip.
The other part of the story is that we are missing several features.Adjustable shoe and rafter hooks are minor commissions.Here’s the optional track action, speed dial and advanced vibration control we’d very much like to see in the upcoming model.
The Power Detect Reciprocating Saw is only sold as a kit with an 8.0Ah battery for $279.The reason is simple – they want you to buy the best possible battery for the best out-of-the-box experience.If you want a cheaper bare tool, check out the FlexVolt Advantage for $199.Remember, you need a FlexVolt battery for optimal performance.
FlexVolt, Power Detect or FlexVolt Advantage?The three saws are so close together that there are few wrong answers if you’re committed to DeWalt’s extensive wireless platform.We would choose Power Detect because you can use any 20V Max battery and you can start with an 8.0Ah battery pack and get a boost without a FlexVolt battery.DeWalt still has some room for improvement, but of their current wireless options, our favorite is the Power Detect.
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On the clock, Kenny digs into the practical limitations and comparative differences of various tools.After get off work, his faith and love for his family are his top priorities, and you’ll usually find him in the kitchen, on his bike (he’s a triathlon), or taking people out for a day of fishing in Tampa Bay.
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Now that DeWalt offers two 20v options that almost match their 60v FlexVolt options – and the 2nd Gen FlexVolt is still not as good as other competing supersaws – I think it’s time for the 3rd Gen FlexVolt, which has some Boosted specs and track mode.
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