DEWALT20V MAX* Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit (DCS380P1)

After doing a ton of research on several 18V reciprocating saws, I stumbled across this 20V Dewalt DCS380P1 saw kit. My 64 year old right elbow gave out (tennis elbow) after using hand saws exclusively to cut down Brazilian Pepper trees in the wetlands surrounding our Southwest Florida home. I haven't used any of my chain saws because the vegetation is so dense, and the footing so uncertain, that I didn't want to chance having an accident with such a powerful tool. Lots of things can go wrong with a chain saw when used in tight quarters so I decided to be safe rather than sorry.Even though I read some raving reviews about how good this saw kit is, I decided to order two additional 20V batteries so that I would have plenty of power to get a lot done before running out of juice. I also ordered a 5 pack of highly rated pruning saw blades in order to have the best set-up possible. On with the gloves, boots, long shirt, work pants, sunscreen, insect repellent and UV hat, and then I started to cut my latest path into the wetlands.First off, let me say that this saw is well-designed and balanced, and a real pleasure to use. I made cuts at ground level, waist level, and above my head. I cut pepper trees and limbs down that ranged in diameter from 2" to 10", all of them much more quickly and easily than with my high-end hand saws. There was no strain on my arms and I always felt stable and confident. This is one lean, mean cutting machine! But the biggest surprise was the battery. The last battery powered tool I owned was a standard power drill that maybe worked for about 10 minutes before losing its charge. Because of that I really wasn't expecting the charge to last very long with this saw.But boy, was I surprised! This thing just kept on cutting. I would have to pause on occasion to move some of the limbs I cut down and I was constantly picking up all the debris deposited in our wetlands from Hurricane Charley in 2004, but I had to force myself to keep working until at least the first battery gave it up. It is very obvious that battery technology has expanded by leaps and bounds, helped no doubt by the development of more efficient batteries for cars.I wish that I had investigated buying one of these saws about six months ago. The wear and tear that I would have avoided on this worn out body would have been greatly appreciated. It only goes to show that there is always a right tool for each job--you just have to find out what it is.

I used this saw to cut down small trees on my lot. The 20V lithium battery is outstanding.

It’s light to handle and easy to put in blades

A storm came through where I live and knocked down a lot of branches. I use this to cut most branches up. Works like a Dewalt should. Battery has a very long running time it never ran out of power and I used it most of the day.

Great product

I've used this for so many different things already - its an awesome tool. Good and strong for a battery powered unit. The one weakness is the battery life is a little short with my standard batteries that I have (probably just need to buy a larger capacity battery). I like that the head allows for mounting blades in multiple angles - and the quick connect feels really solid while still allowing me to change blades quickly.

After a lengthy search of reciprocating saws I choose the following DeWalt model:DEWALT DCS380P1 20V MAX Lithium Ion Reciprocating Saw KitI gave this unit a 5 star rating after using it for several days around our acreage cleaning up old brush, trimming trees, etc. While the unit is fairly heavy, it is obviously well built and durable. I purchased some "pruning blades" at Lowe's and when installed on this unit, it literally cut like a knife through butter without exerting tons of down force. If it's not, it means you have a dull or bent blade and you should change it out.I put about eight total hours of sawing action on this unit and it never flinched. Only changed and charged the battery once. It only comes with one battery so if you want to cut non-stop, I suggest you get a second battery: GERIT-- Dewalt 20V 4.0Ah Max Premium XR Li-Ion Replacement Battery for DCB180 DCD985B DCB205 DCD771C2 DCB204 DCS355D1 DCD790B DCB200My wife used the unit pruning back some bushes and I doubt she will ever go back to clippers. That said, this unit is heavy but not intolerable to use. I love the feel of a well made, durable product. I highly recommend!

I was completely satisfied with my order . Exactly what I wanted and at a great price .