Makita XSH03Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6-1/2" Circular Saw, Tool Only

I've used 4 different Makita 6.5" circular saw models on the job site and can confidently say that this unit (XSH03Z) is far and wide better than the rest.Biggest pluses are:1) Brushless motor - runs cooler, longer battery life, and translates in to more power.2) LED illumination - just enough additional light to ensure the cut is on point.3) 5,000 RPM with automatic torque converter - This extra speed makes a surprising amount of difference compared to the 3,000-4,000 RPM models. The blades cut far smoother and there is far less tear out from your material. It makes a battery powered saw cut and feel like a high power corded saw. The automatic torque adjuster kicks in should your material be extra tough...it drops the RPM's down but kicks up the torque to prevent bogging down / binding. Very nice touch!4) 45 degree lock on the bevel - there is a nice flip down tab that allows quick adjustment to a rock solid 45 degree bevel cut... As opposed to eyeballing where the 45-degree mark actually is. Nice time saver that ensures consistency.5) Brake - the automatically engaging blade brake that kicks in after the trigger is released is a wonderful plus. Once you have that feature, you'll never go back.As for negatives, for the price & class of the saw, there really are next to none. However, here are the couple that stick out:1) for a saw that costs in the 175-200 range, it is a bit ridiculous they don't include the $13 Makita 164095-8 Rip Fence with it. It's not a critical accessory by any means, but it's sometimes nice to have and worth the ten bucks or so.2) I wish this model had the blower that puffed air by the front area of the blade to improve visibility (like the finish saw model). Not a big issue, but would be nice.In summary, this is a first rate saw in its class. Other than this item, the next real step-up is the Festool track saw (which I own & love like no other)... however, this saw & vacuum combo runs in the $1,500 range and is like comparing apples to oranges.

I've been a Makita fan for some time, building up my 18v collection, so this was a no brainer. Not to mention the price was the best I found any where. I had some batteries, but bought a new 4Ah battery just for this saw. Good enough reason to buy a new battery, right? Can never have enough.The last cordless saw I used was my dads old 19.2 volt craftsman, and that one was "okay", nothing spectacular. So I was a little hesitant when it comes to cordless saws. Boy was I wrong and missing out. Why did I want so long?Can't say I've used it too much, but everything I cut, it's been very powerful. Lately I've been breaking down some 3/4 MDF sheets and it cuts through it like nothing. No bogging down, just cuts right through, and this is with the stock blade, which makes a pretty smooth cut.I also love the dust collection port, that works very well. Cutting the MDF, there was no dust around, or very little. Works surprising well. Best yet, my hose hooks up nicely.Since buying this saw, I have not used my old corded Makita 7 1/4" circular. Haven't needed it. Plus the old saw has NO dust collection.Adjustments are easy and all there. I could do without the rafter hook, as I am a home woodworker.Before I bought this unit, I was so close to buying the black compact brushless and I am so glad I did not. For one it costs more, but after reading reviews and video reviews and checking it out, it is made so much cheaper.My only complaint is that I had to buy the dust collection port separately, it should come with the saw. Also I had to buy the port somewhere else.Very happy with the tool, glad to cut the cord and real happy to have dust collection on a circular saw. Would buy again without hesitation.

I’ve been a carpenter for over 40 yrs. Bought this one in 2016 and built my home with it alone. Just about got finished and dropped it and cracked the plate next to the blade on the narrow part. Checked it everytime I went to use it and still worked great. It’s a very balanced saw. Love the light. Great for working in late evening of dim lit areas. This saw cut everything-plates, subfloor, rafters, joists. Whatever I cut to build my house, this saw cut it. And very well. I really like this saw. Might finally buy my 2nd one now.

Love this saw….used with a track to make my entire kitchen cabinet set. I never had to change the battery. So glad I did my homework in reviewing cordless saws and ended up with this one.

Awesome tool! I install hardwood floors for a living, its probably one of the hardest job you can subject a saw to. This Makita handles it with flying colors, cuts everything easily so far, great run time, & it weighs nothing. I just make my cuts in the room I'm working in. The most surprising thing is the blade, been using it for 3 weeks now, its still going strong.As in life is nothing is perfect, wish the vac port blew down instead of in my lap, and wish the vacuum attachment was built into the saw and not an extra thing you have to buy. Also if you do attach a vacuum, the hose follows to the left side instead of straight behind. It should also have a case, being made of plastic, I have visions of it being crushed by something heavy in my van.

Light weight. Cuts 2 x 10s and 4x8s no problem. Good battery life

I already had a helical gear driven Skil saw which I bought and used for the last 20 years so I bought this on kind of a whim since I had a bunch of other Makita tools. This thing is awesome. I didn't think that a lightweight easy to grab saw would make such a difference in how I work but this thing is sweet. Rarely use my Skil saw anymore and even use this at times when I would normally use my table saw. It's just so handy and fast and cuts so well that it's my go to tool now. One of my favorite tool purchases.