Makita XSH03Z vs DeWalt DCS391B

The Makita 18V LXT Brushless 6-1/2" Circular Saw (XSH03Z) and the DeWalt 20V MAX Circular Saw (DCS391) are both bare 6-1/2 inch cordless circular saws. They differ in motor design and in what the manufacturers emphasize.

Motor and speed

The Makita XSH03Z is rated at 5,000 RPM and uses a BL brushless motor, with no carbon brushes. Makita says the brushless design runs cooler and can extend run time per charge by up to 50%. It also has Automatic Speed Change, which adjusts cutting speed and torque during a cut. The DeWalt DCS391B is rated at 5,150 RPM. DeWalt lists the DCS391B motor as brushed. A 150 RPM difference in no-load speed is small, and it does not decide how a saw behaves in wood.

Build and cutting

DeWalt's page lists a magnesium shoe for long-term cut accuracy, a rubber overmolded grip, and a bevel range of 0 to 50 degrees. It includes a 6-1/2 inch carbide-tipped blade. The Makita also bevels to 50 degrees and includes a 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade.

Price and battery

Both are tool-only, so a battery and charger are separate, and each works only on its own platform: Makita 18V LXT or DeWalt 20V MAX. The DeWalt sits in the "$50–100" price tier and the Makita in "$100–200". DeWalt lists a 3-year limited warranty. For help choosing blade size, read 6-1/2 versus 7-1/4 inch cordless circular saws.