Ryobi 18V ONE+ Lithium High Performance Starter Kit with Free HP Brushless Jig Saw

Finding a reliable jigsaw that combines power, precision, and ease of use can be challenging, but the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Lithium High Performance Starter Kit with Free HP Brushless Jig Saw certainly makes a compelling case. As someone who has tested various jigsaws over the years, I was eager to see if this model lives up to its promises. Here’s my comprehensive experience with this tool.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The starter kit arrived well-packaged, including three lithium-ion batteries (2Ah, 4Ah, and 6Ah), a charger, and a convenient tool bag. The jig saw itself boasts a sleek, modern design with a brushless motor, which is known for increased efficiency and longer lifespan. Right away, I appreciated the tool-less blade release and the built-in LED light, features that hint at the user-friendly nature of this jigsaw.

Power and Performance

Powered by an 18V battery, the Ryobi jigsaw offers a range of variable speeds (800 - 3,400 SPM) and a stroke length of 1 inch. This flexibility allows for precise control over different cutting tasks. The tool felt balanced in my hand, especially when fitted with the 4Ah battery, which I found to be the sweet spot between weight and runtime.

The brushless motor impresses with its smooth start and stop, making it easier to control the tool without any abrupt jolts. Cutting through a piece of 25mm plywood was a breeze. The jigsaw maintained a steady, accurate cut line with minimal effort, a stark contrast to my past experiences with less reliable models.

Versatility and Adjustments

One standout feature is the jigsaw’s orbital adjustment settings. These allow you to choose between straight or more aggressive cuts, making the tool versatile for a variety of materials and applications. The bevel adjustment, ranging from 0 to 45° both left and right, is straightforward to use, although I did find the detents to be a bit loose. This means you have to double-check your angles to ensure they are locked in place correctly.

The onboard dust blower is a nice touch, although I found it could be more powerful. It does an adequate job of keeping the cutting line visible, but there’s room for improvement. A laser guide would have been a welcome addition for even more precise cuts.

Battery Life and Charging

The inclusion of three different battery sizes is a significant advantage. For quick tasks, the 2Ah battery is lightweight and gets the job done efficiently. For more extended projects, the 6Ah battery provides ample runtime. I managed to complete multiple cuts on a single charge without any noticeable drop in performance.

Charging is straightforward with the included ONE+ charger. The batteries charge relatively quickly, and the charger’s compact design makes it easy to store in the tool bag. The compatibility with over 280 ONE+ products is a major plus, especially for those already invested in the Ryobi ecosystem.

Ergonomics and Ease of Use

Comfort is crucial when using any power tool, and this jigsaw excels in this department. The grip is well-designed, providing a secure hold without causing fatigue during extended use. The top-mounted speed control is easily accessible, allowing for quick adjustments on the fly. However, users familiar with trigger-based speed controls might need some time to adapt.

The tool-less blade change is a game-changer, making it quick and hassle-free to switch blades. This is particularly useful when working on projects that require different types of cuts. The onboard LED light, while not the brightest, does help illuminate the work area, especially in dimly lit environments.

Areas for Improvement

No tool is without its flaws, and the Ryobi jigsaw is no exception. The absence of a power lockout feature is a safety concern. Unlike other tools that require positive actuation to engage power, this jigsaw can be activated simply by picking it up. This necessitates removing the battery between uses, which can be inconvenient.

Additionally, while the tool is robust for most DIY tasks, it may not meet the demands of professional, industrial-grade use. The blade occasionally jumps out of the slotted guide in oscillation mode, which can be frustrating and affect the accuracy of cuts.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Lithium High Performance Starter Kit with HP Brushless Jig Saw is an excellent addition to any DIY enthusiast’s toolkit. It offers a blend of power, versatility, and ease of use that makes it suitable for a wide range of cutting tasks. The inclusion of multiple batteries and a charger adds significant value, especially for those already invested in the Ryobi ONE+ system.

I would recommend this jigsaw to anyone looking for a reliable, user-friendly tool for home improvement projects. It performs admirably for its price point and includes features that make it a pleasure to use. While it may have some minor drawbacks, the overall performance and convenience it offers make it a worthy investment for any DIYer.