
Makita
Makita 40V XGT GRJ01 Reciprocating Saw
Makita's full-size 40V XGT recip saw, rated for 145 cuts in 2x10 SPF per 4.0Ah charge. Two speed ranges, an electric brake, and Makita's crank-balanced drivetrain aimed at all-day demolition.
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓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.
Cons
- ✗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.
Compare the Makita 40V XGT GRJ01 Reciprocating Saw
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