Cordless tools continue to amaze us — and some of the most impressive ones that we test are cordless circular saws.
Not too long ago, any contractor in their right mind would not have considered a cordless saw as being able to get “the job done” — much less thinking that it could replace their corded version that they used on a daily basis. As anyone who used some of the early model cordless saws over the last decade — with the Ni-cad batteries, small blades, and horrible run-times/power levels — having a cordless option that would work on the jobsite seemed unrealistic.
Times have changed….
I was one of the first to get my hands on the RIDGID Gen5X Circular Saw (brushed model) in early 2015….and put it through extensive testing. Having extreme run-times, lots of power, and a solid feel to it. In fact, at that time it got more cuts per battery charge than even the brushless models (from other manufacturers) that we had tested up until that time.
Now RIDGID has come out with yet another upgrade above that one! It is the Gen5X 7-1/4″ Brushless Circular Saw, and it is truly impressive. Size/weight/look-wise, it would appear to be the same as the regular brushed version — but looks can be deceiving. We ran this through the same batch of testing as we did with the regular model (and other brands) and it literally blew all the other 7-1/4″ 18v saws out of the water!
Here are the specs:
- 7-1/4″ Blade
- 18v (compatible with all RIDGID 18v lithium packs)
- Brushless Motor
- 10 lbs
- LED Light
- 0-56 Degree Bevel
- L.S.A. – Lifetime Service Agreement
Two features may take some getting used to, but very quickly you will get the hang of it. The first is the trigger lock, meaning that due to safety concerns you must press down on a tab with your thumb prior to pulling the trigger (releasing the tab once the saw starts). This prevents you from accidentally cutting it on & is not something that you typically will see on a corded verison. Secondly, the blade is on the right — like a standard “sidewinder style” —- and if you are used to using saws with a left-hand orientation (like a wormdrive saw), it may be something that you really hate. If so, I would suggest getting a 6-1/2″ saw, since most of them do have a left-hand blade setup.
The power, cut quality, extreme run-times, and L.S.A. are huge pluses as far as I am concerned —- and RIDGID is really stepping it up with the Gen5X lineup. Basically you are getting pro-grade tools, at pro-sumer prices.
Check out the video to see what this saw can do!
Click here to get the RIDGID Gen5X Brushless 7-1/4″ Circular Saw (kit) at Home Depot!