DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit with XR POWERPACK

First impressions and what’s in the box

I put the DeWalt 20V XR recip saw to work on a fence tear-out and a bathroom demo to see where it shines and where it falls short. The kit ships ready to go: the saw, an 8Ah XR POWERPACK battery (DCB2108), charger, a wood-cutting blade, and a kit bag. Having a high-capacity pack in the box is a meaningful advantage—there’s no guessing about runtime, and you’re starting with a battery that can feed the motor under heavier loads.

Build quality feels very DeWalt: dense housing, tight tolerances, and rubber overmold where your hands actually land. At 17.6 inches long, it’s a standard full-size recip saw. The tool weighs 7.7 lbs bare; with the 8Ah battery installed, you’re in “serious tool” territory. It’s not unwieldy, but you’ll notice the mass if you’re cutting overhead or working one-handed for extended periods.

Ergonomics and control

The handle geometry and trigger pull are excellent. The variable speed trigger is predictable from feathered starts up to the full 3,000 SPM no-load speed. That matters when you need to ease into a plunge cut or keep a bi-metal blade from skating on thin metal. The front grip has enough girth to anchor your off hand without feeling blocky, and the pivoting shoe does what it should: maintain consistent contact as you vary angles or ride the workpiece.

There’s a counterbalance mechanism inside that aims to tame the wobble. Compared with older recip saws I’ve used, vibration is notably reduced. It’s not “magic carpet” smooth—no recip saw is—but on long runs in 2x material, my hands didn’t feel beat up, and the tool stayed tracking straight. That’s a meaningful improvement over mid-tier models lacking any counterbalance.

Power and cutting performance

This saw’s brushless motor and 1-1/8 inch stroke give it a balanced cutting character: fast enough in wood, controllable in metal. Some flagship models use a 1-1/4 inch stroke for a bit more aggression in demolition. Here, I found the slightly shorter stroke paired with the 3,000 SPM top-end makes for efficient cuts without the extra kick that can throw you off line.

• Framing and demo: In 2x stock, the saw drives a 6–8 TPI demolition blade quickly. Crosscutting nailed-up 2x4 and 2x6 with the shoe set firmly against the work, the motor never felt like it was bogging. It’s not the absolute fastest I’ve used, but it’s decisively “pro-speed.”

• Nails and mixed materials: With a carbide-tooth blade, it powered through wood with embedded nails without drama. The motor maintains pace under load; you can lean in a bit without stalling.

• Metal: In 3/4-inch EMT and 1/4-inch threaded rod, the trigger’s low-speed control makes a difference. I could keep the strokes slow and let the teeth bite cleanly, then ramp up as the cut established. Heat buildup felt manageable, helped by keeping pressure modest and shoe engagement consistent.

The lack of an orbital mode is the one performance feature I missed. Orbital action can speed up wood-only demo. Without it, you rely on blade choice and pressure technique to keep pace. That said, the controlled stroke here made plunge cuts into subfloor and drywall precise with minimal chatter.

Blade changes, shoe, and visibility

DeWalt’s keyless lever-action blade clamp is still one of the better designs. With gloves on, I swapped blades quickly and securely; the shank seats positively with no wiggle. The pivoting shoe does its job, though it’s not length-adjustable. Keeping that shoe planted is the single best way to reduce vibration and improve cut quality on any recip saw, and this one rewards good technique.

The onboard LED is well-placed at the nose. In a dim bath where I’d killed power, it lit the cut line enough that I wasn’t reaching for a headlamp. It’s not a floodlight, but it’s bright and usable for close work.

Runtime and charging

DeWalt claims up to 102 cuts per charge in 2x12 pine with the included 8Ah battery. In real demo, that number is highly dependent on blade choice and what you’re cutting into. On my fence tear-out, a single charge handled pulling 20-plus pickets free, cutting posts at grade, and sectioning rails—roughly a couple of hours of intermittent cutting—before I swapped packs. On the bathroom demo, a fresh charge got me through cutting out studs, some old galvanized, and a handful of brackets with moderate battery to spare.

More important than a precise cut count is that the 8Ah pack keeps voltage sag in check. Under heavy load, the saw maintained speed and didn’t feel starved. If you’re chasing the lightest setup possible, a 4Ah or 5Ah battery will trim weight, but the tool feels at its best with the included pack.

Vibration and fatigue

The counterbalance and well-tuned trigger help reduce hand fatigue. After a morning of cutting, I wasn’t vibrating for the rest of the day—a good sign. This isn’t the absolute lowest-vibration recip saw I’ve used, but it’s comfortably in the top tier for control. Overhead work is where the weight catches up; switching to a smaller battery for those cuts is worth considering.

Connectivity and jobsite details

The tool is TOOL CONNECT chip ready (chip sold separately), which matters if you’re tracking a fleet. For solo users, it’s not essential, but it’s nice to have the option. The kit bag is sturdy enough for the saw plus a small blade roll and spare battery. Warranty coverage is strong: 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.

Noise and user experience

Recip saws are loud, and this one is no exception. Hearing protection is a must. The tone is more “whoosh and thump” than harsh metallic chatter when the shoe is properly planted—another reason to use the pivoting shoe. With metal-cutting blades, cutting speed plus the motor’s smooth delivery kept squeal down relative to some high-strung models.

What could be better

• Weight with the 8Ah battery: The included pack unlocks performance and runtime, but it adds heft. You feel it in extended overhead cuts or one-handed work.
• No orbital action: Wood-only demolition could be faster with a selectable orbital mode.
• Shoe adjustability: The pivot is welcome; an adjustable-length shoe would add versatility for getting fresh teeth on the blade and setting depth around sensitive materials.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth noting if you have specific needs.

Who it’s for

• Pros who do regular demo and remodeling: You’ll appreciate the runtime, smooth power delivery, and reduced vibration. The TOOL CONNECT readiness and warranty support fleet use.
• Serious DIYers: If you’re tackling fences, decks, bathrooms, or a basement build-out, the included 8Ah battery keeps things simple—charge it and go. Just know you’re buying a full-size saw, not a compact.
• Users prioritizing lightweight tools: Consider pairing the saw with a smaller battery or looking at a compact recip saw if your work is mostly overhead or in tight spaces.

Tips for best results

• Match the blade to the material. A good carbide-tipped demo blade transforms performance in nail-filled lumber.
• Keep the shoe engaged. It stabilizes the cut, reduces vibration, and extends blade life.
• Feather the trigger to start. Slow strokes help the teeth bite in metal and prevent hopping on wood.
• Let the saw work. Excessive force doesn’t speed cuts; it just increases vibration and heat.

The bottom line

The DeWalt 20V XR recip saw strikes a smart balance between speed, control, and runtime. The brushless motor feels strong, the trigger is well-tuned, and the counterbalance noticeably tames vibration. The included 8Ah XR POWERPACK battery means you’re getting full performance and excellent endurance right out of the box. I do miss an orbital mode for maximum wood-cutting speed, and the weight with the big pack won’t be everyone’s favorite, but those trade-offs come with reliable, predictable cutting and a kit that’s genuinely job-ready.

Recommendation: I recommend this saw. It’s a capable, durable choice for pros and committed DIYers who value smooth power delivery and long runtime. If you prioritize the absolute fastest wood-only demolition or need an ultra-light tool for overhead work, you may want to consider an orbital model or pair this saw with a smaller battery. For most mixed-material demo and remodeling tasks, this kit delivers a dependable, well-rounded experience with strong support and warranty backing.