Craftsman V20 Brushless RP CMCS351 Reciprocating Saw vs Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRS01 Reciprocating Saw
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Quick take: The Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRS01 Reciprocating Saw costs $50 less bare; the Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRS01 Reciprocating Saw is lighter (5 vs 6.92 lbs); they live on different battery platforms (Craftsman V20 vs Ryobi ONE+), so the deciding factor is usually which batteries you already own.
| Spec | Craftsman V20 Brushless RP CMCS351 Reciprocating Saw | Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRS01 Reciprocating Saw |
|---|---|---|
| Price (bare tool) | $149 | $99 |
| Kit Price | — | $179 |
| Rating | 5★ (76) | 4.6★ (1,753) |
| Category | Reciprocating Saw | Reciprocating Saw |
| Battery Platform | Craftsman V20 | Ryobi ONE+ |
| Voltage | 20V | 18V |
| Motor | Brushless | Brushless |
| Weight | 6.92 lbs (bare tool) | 5.0 lbs (bare) |
| Released | 2022 | 2021 |
| Stroke Length | 1-1/8 in | 1-1/4 in |
| Strokes/min | 0-3,200 SPM (2-speed: 0-2,300 / 0-3,200) | 0-3,200 SPM |
| Blade Change | Tool-free release | Easy-release lever |
Pros & cons
Craftsman V20 Brushless RP CMCS351 Reciprocating Saw
- ✓Up to 75% more power than Craftsman's brushed V20 saws, with a class-topping 3,200 SPM max speed.
- ✓Two-speed selector (0-2,300 / 0-3,200 SPM) gives better control for metal and PVC than single-range budget saws.
- ✓Light and compact — 6.92 lbs bare with a contoured overmolded grip that's easy to work into stud bays.
- ✓Owners love it: 5.0-star average across 76 reviews at Ace Hardware.
- ✓Aggressively discounted — Ace Rewards has run it at $99 (from $169 list), and Lowe's regularly promos the V20 line.
- ✓Tool-free blade release and bright LED cover the everyday conveniences.
- ✓V20 is one of the cheapest big-box battery ecosystems to expand, sold at Lowe's and Ace nationwide.
- ✓3-year limited warranty is solid for a value brand.
- ✗No orbital action — noticeably slower than orbital-equipped saws on wood demolition.
- ✗Shorter 1-1/8 in stroke moves less material per pass than the 1-1/4 in pro class.
- ✗No rafter hook, no electric brake, and no adjustable shoe refinements — the feature list is bare-bones.
- ✗DIY-grade output: it can't match 18V pro flagships (Milwaukee Fuel, DeWalt Elite) in sustained heavy demo work.
- ✗Craftsman recommends 4.0Ah+ batteries for full performance, which adds real cost to the bare tool.
- ✗No kitted version of this model — you must buy battery and charger separately (only the brushed CMCS300 comes as a kit).
- ✗ToolGuyd questioned the Brushless RP line's value at list price — the $169 non-promo price crowds pro-brand territory.
- ✗V20 packs are smaller than pro 18V lines, so runtime on long demo days is limited.
Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRS01 Reciprocating Saw
- ✓At around $99 bare it delivers most of the pro saws' cutting speed for half the money — the classic Ryobi value story.
- ✓3,200 SPM is nominally the fastest stroke rate in the class, and owners confirm it moves through studs and PVC quickly.
- ✓Five pounds bare makes it the easiest saw here for overhead and cramped-position cuts.
- ✓The ONE+ ecosystem spans 300+ tools on one battery — unmatched breadth for a homeowner platform.
- ✓Direct Tools outlet and Home Depot promos regularly put the kit near $100.
- ✓The pivoting shoe and easy blade lever are genuinely well-executed, not cost-cut.
- ✗Under sustained heavy load it bogs where the pro saws power through — thick hardwood and cast iron expose the gap.
- ✗Vibration damping is minimal; extended demo sessions are noticeably harsher than on the Makita or Milwaukee.
- ✗Build plastics and the shoe feel less durable, and pro users report shorter service life under daily abuse.
- ✗No rafter hook and no orbital action.
- ✗Ryobi's 3-year warranty requires registration and its service network is thinner than the pro brands'.
- ✗Lime-green tools hold resale value poorly compared to Milwaukee and DeWalt.