Metabo HPT MultiVolt C3607DB "The Stud" Circular Saw vs Ridgid 18V Brushless R8657 Circular Saw

Quick take: The Ridgid 18V Brushless R8657 Circular Saw costs $20 less bare; the Ridgid 18V Brushless R8657 Circular Saw is lighter (8.8 vs 10.5 lbs); they live on different battery platforms (Metabo HPT MultiVolt vs Ridgid 18V), so the deciding factor is usually which batteries you already own.

SpecMetabo HPT MultiVolt C3607DB "The Stud" Circular SawRidgid 18V Brushless R8657 Circular Saw
Price (bare tool)$199$179
Kit Price$379$249
Rating4.5★ (380)
CategoryCircular SawCircular Saw
Battery PlatformMetabo HPT MultiVoltRidgid 18V
Voltage36V18V
MotorBrushlessBrushless
Weight10.5 lbs (with battery; 7.9 lbs bare)8.8 lbs (bare tool)
Released20242022
Blade7-1/4 in7-1/4 in
No-Load Speed6,000 RPM (4,300 RPM in Torque Boost)5,400 RPM
Max Cut Depth (90°)2-7/16 in2-9/16 in
Bevel55°56° (positive detent stops)

Pros & cons

Metabo HPT MultiVolt C3607DB "The Stud" Circular Saw

  • Outright fastest in Pro Tool Reviews' 2026 head-to-head — an 84-in rip through double-stacked 3/4-in OSB averaged 10.57 seconds, quickest of twelve saws tested, beating Milwaukee's M18 Fuel by over a second in full-depth rips.
  • Torque Boost mode delivers roughly 40% more torque than the prior generation for wet PT lumber, LVL, and other dense stock — press the button and it trades RPM for grunt instead of stalling.
  • Hybrid power is unique in the class: any MultiVolt battery, or the ET36A AC adapter for unlimited corded runtime on production days.
  • Massive runtime — rated up to 770 crosscuts in 2x4 SPF per charge on the big MultiVolt pack.
  • Kit value undercuts every 36V-class rival: about $379 with battery and rapid charger versus $499 for Milwaukee, $439 for Flex, and $609 for Makita's XGT kit.
  • Electric brake, LED light, folding rafter hook, and a visible cutting-depth indicator are all standard.
  • 55° bevel capacity and clear sightlines to the cut line drew specific praise from reviewers.
  • Lifetime tool warranty — the longest coverage of any major saw brand.
  • No dust collection port, and no adapter available — Pro Tool Reviews called this out as its one real miss for indoor or track-adjacent work.
  • 2-7/16 in cut depth at 90° trails deep-cut rivals like Makita's XSH06 (2-5/8 in).
  • Torque Boost's 4,300 RPM means slightly slower (if unstoppable) cutting while engaged — it's a trade, not free power.
  • At 10.5 lbs with a MultiVolt pack it's heavier than 18V/20V-class saws like Milwaukee's 2834 (~9 lbs loaded).
  • The ET36A AC adapter that enables corded operation is a separate ~$100 purchase.
  • Stamped aluminum shoe rather than the magnesium base some competitors use at this price.
  • MultiVolt is a smaller ecosystem than DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Makita — fewer tools and third-party batteries if you're buying into the platform for this saw.
  • Retail availability is Lowe's-centric in big-box stores, so hands-on comparison shopping is harder than for the big three brands.

Ridgid 18V Brushless R8657 Circular Saw

  • Standout value — $179 bare or $249 with a 4.0Ah Max Output battery and charger, well under equivalent DeWalt/Milwaukee saws.
  • Registered Lifetime Service Agreement covers the tool AND batteries for life — free replacement packs is a perk no other brand matches.
  • Genuine 15-amp-corded-class power: Pro Tool Reviews (8.0/10) found it powers through cuts far easier than the old Octane and fit for professional work.
  • 2-9/16 in depth of cut at 90° and 1-7/8 in at 45° out-cuts most single-battery rivals and clears stacked 2x at square.
  • Full feature set with nothing missing: electric brake, LED light with dust blower, integrated rafter hook, and a vacuum port accepting 1-1/4 in and 1-3/4 in hoses.
  • 8.8 lbs bare is light for the power class, and the aluminum shoe holds up to jobsite abuse.
  • 56° bevel with positive detent stops covers rafter and stair stringer angles.
  • 4.5/5 across 380 Home Depot reviews, with owners repeatedly saying it 'mows through everything' the Octane stalled on — and it runs on every Ridgid 18V battery ever made.
  • Home Depot exclusive — one retailer controls pricing, stock, and clearance timing.
  • Needs Max Output 6.0/8.0Ah packs to deliver the corded-class claims; on small packs it bogs in dense material.
  • Pro Tool Reviews dinged the plastic lower blade guard as feeling flimsy next to metal-guard competitors.
  • The overmold grip has less cushion than the old Octane model.
  • 5,400 RPM trails the 6,000 RPM class leaders slightly in raw cut speed.
  • Lifetime Service Agreement requires registration within 90 days and isn't transferable — miss the window and you get only the 3-year warranty.
  • Ridgid's 18V line skews prosumer, so there's no track compatibility, connectivity, or rear-handle-style torque option in this saw.
  • Resale value on Ridgid tools is weak compared to the big pro platforms.