I have been getting some time in with the new Dewalt 20V Max XR cordless reciprocating saw, model DCS384, and it seems to have become my new go-to.
Dewalt sent over a test sample, along with a couple of the new XR battery options, and I’ve been putting different combinations to the test.
Frankly, I’m not too surprised at its quick cutting performance so far – this is my latest go-to Dewalt recip saw, and certain not the first.
Prior to the new XR model, the Dewalt 20V Max with FlexVolt Advantage saw was my go-to for a very long stretch. Before that, I used the XR and 60V Max FlexVolt models regularly.
Other brands’ reciprocating saws have also served me well, but even when I switched for a while, the FlexVolt Advantage model was never far away.
Different Dewalt brushless reciprocating saws have been my regular go-to’s for a while.
For me, it comes down to power, comfort, and convenience. I trust that the new model will be just as reliable as its predecessors.
This saw features a brushless motor, 1-1/8″ stroke length, and 3000 SPM cutting speed. That’s the same as for Dewalt’s older flagship reciprocating saws. So what’s different? Basically, it comes down to the XR batteries.
The new XR recip saw follows the 20V Max XR Power Detect saw closest in spirit. The Power Detect model delivered a performance boost when powered by a higher capacity 20V Max battery, while the 20V Max with FlexVolt Advantage saw delivered a boost when powered with FlexVolt batteries.
I switched between PowerStack 5Ah and PowerPack 8Ah batteries, and couldn’t consistently tell a difference between cutting performance. I could tell a difference, however, when using some of Dewalt’s legacy batteries, such as the non-XR 5Ah battery (which was formerly XR-branded), or the XR compact PowerStack battery.
I don’t consciously choose a go-to saw, it just happens naturally; my “go-to” reciprocating saw is just the one that I tend to always grab first, or never put away.
Honestly, the saw feels very familiar; the only major difference I could tell is that it achieves its top cutting performance with different batteries than previous models.
I believe that the saw delivers the best performance when paired with the PowerPack 8Ah battery, but the PowerStack 5Ah comes close. I am under the impression that the PowerPack 8Ah is the best choice for longer high-demand cutting sessions, but I haven’t had any marathon cutting sessions yet.
All that said… I haven’t experienced any downsides yet, and I feel good about the saw.
I should mention that vibrations seem average.
Dewalt says that this is their fastest cutting reciprocating saw (when cutting 2×12 pine with the PowerPack 8Ah battery and DW4802 wood-cutting blade). I haven’t tested the saw with a stopwatch, but I can tell you that it hasn’t bogged down yet when paired with the PowerPack battery.
Again, I’m not surprised by this, as the preceding models were already well dialed in.
Price: $280 for the kit with charger and 1x XR PowerPack 8Ah Battery
Home Depot has the kit at $349. Home Depot and the other retailers have the tool-only for $249. However, Home Depot also has a tool-only with PowerPack 8Ah battery bundle for the same price – $249.
$280 is a great price for the kit compared to the tool-only price, but if you don’t need the fast charger or tool bag, the bundle might be a better way to go.
I’ll be holding onto this test sample for a while – please let me know if you have any questions! I’ll provide updates should my experiences with the saw change over the coming months, but I don’t expect it to.
My only complaint about Dewalt’s 20V Max saws is that the front grip grooves can fill with mud when used for things like stump-removal tasks, but they’re fairly easy to clean. I’ve done it before – Do You Clean Your Power Tools?.
Thank you to Dewalt for providing the review sample!
