Makita 18V X2 LXT XRJ06 Recipro Saw vs Makita 40V XGT GRJ01 Reciprocating Saw
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Quick take: The Makita 40V XGT GRJ01 Reciprocating Saw costs $25 less bare; the Makita 40V XGT GRJ01 Reciprocating Saw is lighter (9.9 vs 10.2 lbs); they live on different battery platforms (Makita 18V LXT vs Makita 40V XGT), so the deciding factor is usually which batteries you already own.
| Spec | Makita 18V X2 LXT XRJ06 Recipro Saw | Makita 40V XGT GRJ01 Reciprocating Saw |
|---|---|---|
| Price (bare tool) | $274 | $249 |
| Kit Price | $429 | $429 |
| Rating | 4.7★ (25) | 4.3★ (12) |
| Category | Reciprocating Saw | Reciprocating Saw |
| Battery Platform | Makita 18V LXT | Makita 40V XGT |
| Voltage | 36V | 40V |
| Motor | Brushless | Brushless |
| Weight | 10.2 lbs (with 2 batteries) | 9.9 lbs (bare) |
| Released | 2016 | 2021 |
| Stroke Length | 1-1/4 in | 1-1/4 in |
| Strokes/min | 0-2,300 / 0-3,000 (2-speed) | 0-2,300 / 0-3,000 SPM (2-speed) |
| Blade Change | Tool-less | Tool-free |
Pros & cons
Makita 18V X2 LXT XRJ06 Recipro Saw
- ✓Corded-class demolition power from two 18V LXT packs you likely already own — no new battery platform buy-in.
- ✓Outstanding runtime — Makita rates up to 155 cuts in 2x10 SPF per charge on two 5.0Ah packs, and owners report cutting for hours with charge to spare.
- ✓Refined crank mechanism noticeably tames vibration and blade deflection — one of the smoother full-size recips to run all day.
- ✓2-speed brushless motor (0-2,300 / 0-3,000 SPM) lets you match stroke speed to metal versus wood work.
- ✓Tool-less blade change gets consistent owner praise for being genuinely quick and easy.
- ✓Electric brake plus an LED with preglow/afterglow are standard, and XPT sealing with Star Protection guards against dust, water, and overload.
- ✓Pro Tool Reviews gave the XRJ06 the top value score in its 'Super Saw' class — near-flagship performance for less money than 36V rivals.
- ✓Retractable tool hook secures the saw between cuts.
- ✗No orbital action — the straight-only stroke gives up wood-demo speed to orbital rivals like Milwaukee's Super Sawzall and DeWalt's FlexVolt saws.
- ✗X2 means two charged packs to run — one dead battery sidelines the whole saw, and packs drain in pairs.
- ✗10.2 lbs with batteries is a workout overhead or in tight crawlspaces.
- ✗Raw cutting speed trails the newest 36V/60V flagships in head-to-head tests — competitive, but not the fastest.
- ✗The design dates to 2016; Makita's newest recip-saw engineering has moved to the separate 40V XGT platform.
- ✗Bare-tool street price has crept from about $219 at launch to $274-$294 in mid-2026.
- ✗Most buyers opt for the cheaper single-battery XRJ05 instead (retailers estimate 5:1 to 10:1), making the X2 premium hard to justify for occasional use.
- ✗Thin retailer review base (25 reviews on Home Depot's bare-tool listing) compared to rivals with thousands.
Makita 40V XGT GRJ01 Reciprocating Saw
- ✓The XGT battery keeps power flat deep into the charge — owners report it doesn't fade under load the way 18V saws do.
- ✓Noticeably smoother than the Milwaukee 2821 in continuous cuts; the anti-vibration design earns consistent praise.
- ✓Two mechanical speed ranges give real control for metal versus wood instead of trigger feathering alone.
- ✓The electric brake stops the blade almost instantly, a safety touch rivals skip.
- ✓145 cuts per 4.0Ah charge is class-leading efficiency for a full-size recip saw.
- ✓Tool-free blade change works smoothly with gloves on.
- ✗At 9.9 lbs bare it is by far the heaviest saw in this comparison — overhead work wears you out fast.
- ✗XGT batteries are expensive, and this saw plus a 4.0Ah pack costs more than a Milwaukee kit with two batteries.
- ✗The XGT ecosystem is still much smaller than M18 or 20V Max, so this is a poor first tool on the platform.
- ✗No orbital action despite the demolition positioning.
- ✗Thin Home Depot stocking means most buyers order online and wait.
- ✗No LXT battery compatibility — longtime Makita 18V owners must buy into a second battery system.