Makita GSR01Z 40V Max XGT Circular Saw Review

Build Quality / Outdoor Protection

The build quality of this circular saw matches its motor performance. It’s rugged and efficient for long-term use. While you focus on cutting, this power tool has all the right features to take care of itself.

Such as the reinforced outer casing, cell holder, die-cast magnesium base, and a dual-fan design to maintain a cool body.

It’s even one-and-a-half pounds lighter than most corded circular saws. With focus on the portability to make it easier for you to use this outdoors regardless of the weather conditions.

Similarly, I also found the dust-, water-, and impact resistance of this circular saw is stronger than ever. It optimizes performance while easing up some of the restrictions that usually come with handling blade changes, etc. when it’s pouring.

One thing that previous circular saws often overlook is how the dust blows up from the sides during use. It can create quite a big mess at the sides.

With this Makita circular saw, however, that is not the case. Even though the dust builds up at the back, it doesn’t blow it all over around the saw so you have less of a mess to clean up afterward. And the dust won’t blow in your face during use which is an amazing feature in the Makita GSR01Z.

So if you need to buy something foolproof that guarantees comfortable and rugged outdoor use, the Makita GSR01Z is the one to get.

Motor / Cutting Capacity

Another impressive benefit of using the Makita is that you get to experience its practical and powerful cutting performance. I’ll have you know that there isn’t just one but many features that complement the cutting capacity of the Makita.

Like the 6,400 RPM motor, automatic torque drive system, 2-9/16 inch cutting depth, electric brake system, and 53-degree bevel angle.

It’s fully equipped at handling tricky, robust, and prolonged projects. I can see the Makita being my go-to circular saw for easy yet advanced operation. It’s really fast and it increases the cutting speed in a single pass 2-3x times as much.

I can see this outlasting my expectations for harsh and demanding jobs easily. Features like the dynamic cutting depth and intricate bevel are a total game-changer.

So this one is definitely a must-try for its advanced yet subtle and easy-to-handle features.

Ergonomics / Ease of Use

From the depth to the level adjustments, everything that you’ll need to navigate through with this circular saw, you can do so easily and quickly.

The ergonomic design makes it really easy to handle the more advanced superiors of the saw. And since it’s lightweight with a sturdy base, it feels safe and comfortable to use.

Makita’s onboard offset wrench can really help you stabilize the way you change your blades. The ergonomic design of the circular saw protects the blade as its top priority. But it also ensures, with its magnesium base, that you don’t feel too stifled while changing the blades on the job.

The ‘XGT’ brings many benefits to the table that makes a cordless circular saw user-friendly to use. And this is exclusive to the XGT series only. The battery monitors itself during prolonged and intense use to avoid overheating, over-discharging, and overloading.

Also, the important parts that keep the circular saw precise and powerful like the battery, for example, have a thicker coating and multi-layer contact interface. What this does is it allows the battery to stay cool and cushioned during heavy use. This complements the self-optimization system that I spoke about just before. To prevent the battery from getting too hot.

Lastly, XGT models also have a built-in chip system that maintains a foolproof, heat-proof, and controlled power current. So no part including the circuit board gets overworked during charging.