Shout out to @Joe the Tool Guy for lending me the DeWalt and @Belts and Boxes for giving me their Flex instead of throwing it away because it resembles a D-Handle!
I love my Metabo HPT Rear Handle circ saw, due to its lighter weight, lifetime warranty, AND the option to plug it into a wall outlet with their battery adapter, which works on ALL Metabo battery-powered tools, even their nail guns, (of which I now own ALL of Metabo’s battery-powered nail guns)!
@@emanuelvasquez1897 I use the adapter on my 36 volt table saw and the metaboo vacuum , I also luv the fact some of there tool are ip56 rated so if the can be used in wet conditions
I love the milwaukee one for its line of sight. Built a 7x10 shed with a single hip roof, and the cuts were so easy and precise to make. Might not be the most powerful or lightest of them all, but it’s amazing for 45° bevel cuts
I was a little worried about installing the blade after reading a couple of reviews. But it was amazingly easy. Took about 1 minute. Works great th-cam.com/users/postUgkxjpBI8OOeUXib_iT7UomCrQ-uauwZJ62c . Cuts easily and is perfect for pocket cuts I needed to make for replacing some old deck boards.
Thank you for very honest, straight forward review. My experience w/ Dewalt 60v is that the saw is very powerful, but ungainly, heavy, cumbersome, not very ergonomic. Milwaukee 18v doesn't have the power, and is not well balanced. Makita is definitely has the best balance and feel. It would be nice to put the 40v Makita vs. Flex. My money is on Makita.
If your just ripping stock on ground at a station then the more beefy saws are fine Why we have replaced our Milwaukee,, Dewalts and even the Makita with the Metabo HPT for our carry around(on roofs, framing windows and other over the head/shoulder cuts is because if it's beautiful low weight and site lines We use these saws for many cuts we would have used a smaller saw for in the past We converted the DeWalt to the Prazi beam saw because of it's raw power and weight which we like for those applications The Makita is the station saw and no one touches the Milwaukees anymore
I've owned the makita since 2020 and did a lot of roofs and framing with it, great saw. I don't use it as much these days because I'm doing more finishing work but, I do enjoy it when it comes back out to play
Most excellent review!!! I got a couple of the rear handles and will never own all of them. Good to see folks like you doing comparisons with what you do have. Thanks Jim
I’m using the Makita to frame my own house right now. It’s working great, and with a 2-9/16” depth of cut it can cut cleanly through the 2x3 chords on my floor joists in a single pass. Not sure about some of the newest saws, but when I got this one it was the only one able to do that as far as I know.
The dewalt has notches in the front of the shoe for you to follow the line. The notch is further from the saw so you're able to cut a straighter line. Once the front edge of the shoe passed the end of the wood, you switch to the notch by the front of the blade to finish the cut.
Always used DeWalt, as they always made the most reliable saws. But professionals follow the blade, not the gimmicks. Flex wins strictly due to performance. MT and Milwaukee have the best eyesight.
Flex for me. I am a bridge carpenter and often use my saws as fast as they can make the cut. Time is money. Higher production puts more food on my family's table. Lost seconds at work add up fast.
@@teamsilva7563 I was making two distinct statements, so I did a little editing. My production drop using the Metabo is because it is slower, much slower. Where this saw fits perfectly is when you are lifting or over head cutting because it is light weight.
@@rickyperkins232 it's _not_ slower than the Milwaukee rear handle. I own the Fuel sidewinder, and it def cuts a lot faster than that, and I'm pretty sure the rear handle uses the same motor. But who knows, I've only ever used it for framing with a diablo framing blade. Just the other day we used it to rip a 22.5° bevel down 16' 2x8s several times. It just glided down smooth. That's the kind of cut that will drain a cordless table saw dead. It never bogged down, and never stalled(it's never stalled on me period). I just can't imagine production times being impacted negatively by this saw, even if you were using one of these fractionally faster saws in the video like maybe the DeWalt. Of all the dozens of things that commonly impact production time on a jobsite, marginal differences in cutting speeds on a skilsaw is not one of them.
@@redknight2470 Metaboo is such a great brand special their ip56 line up I was at a job site was pouring and lots of water all the other guys tools died because of water damage , I showed I could use my drill under water without any issues , pretty sure I convinced some to consider them plus the value to cost is amazing
I own a DeWalt and a Makita - the exact model numbers tested here. Years ago I bought the Makita because that was all that was available in my area, then very recently I went for the DeWalt. I agree that Makita is lighter and more ergonomic, but the DeWalt is more powerful. All considered, Makita edges the DeWalt by a slight margin.
Just a bit of nostalgia here , I have built countless houses over the last 30 years or so with only a corded Makita 1050 watt 7 1/4" saw ,weighing about 8 lbs . If you plan your work you can be efficient just with basic tools without breaking the bank .
Good test. I use the DeWalt. I put a dab of fluorescent green paint on the rear protrusion for the cut line. Dewalt also makes a sawdust port you can add use with or without a vacuum and it helps get the sawdust away from you a little better when not using a vacuum.
I have3 of those, the Mikita is closest to the original Skil corded worm drive. But the Metabo is the lightest and my goto saw now. It weighs 1/2 of what the others do. I also have the 48 volt beast cordless Skill worm drive. Love it, its just heavy.
Metabo HPT all day for this guy. Best overall bang for the $, best warranty. Makita is always nice too. FLEX looks strong as usual, but hefty, also as usual. Ketchup 1st place meh. Mustard is stout as well, better be with 60V, 2nd place meh.
Just purchased makita drill impact 6.5 and 7.25 . After trying out the makita the smoothness won me over. I was about to get the metabo framing nailer when Makita announced it’s own framing 18 volt gun. Air spring tech like metabo. I had the dewalt flex volt and yes its a monster but heavy too.
Awesome video! The power tests are great but I just cannot prioritize that over how lightweight the Metabo HPT is. That to me makes up for and surpasses any difference in cutting power. Also the option for the corded adapter is great.
It's definitely the lightest! I bought a cordless MHPT miter saw because of the AC adapter option in case I want to put it in the garage semi-permanently
@@PhillyFixed and for the table saw, SDS Max rotary and grinder it really extends work time and saves battery life and longevity-belt sander would be a great tool to add to 36V line w/AC adapter
I honestly don't find the Metabo HPT being lighter to be a good thing, or even noticeable carrying it. I consider HPT's rear handle saw the worst saw I own, and doesn't live up to the standard their top handle 7 1/4" has set. I'd rather use my Milwaukee, Makita 18x2, or Flex rear handle, they all track straight (largely due to the weight) and they'll deliver a cleaner cut at any speed. But those aren't my first choice either, my first choice is the HPT top handle because it cuts fast & clean, straight, is pretty well balanced for bulk cutting 2x4/6/8s, and its low RPM mode is also pretty good.
@@reaperreaper5098 huh? Its my favorite because of how easy it is to wield around the jobsite for all kinds of above the shoulder/head applications that I used to grab smaller saws for-iver a day on a roof and in awkward spaces it really makes cutting a joy-if your just talking about using it at a cutting station then I guess for me that is where weight doesn't matter as much, however even in that application I really like the way it cuts, site lines and the easy feel- and our crew all prefer them as well-the other saws rarely get touched
@@baseballdude8491 I’m not talking about station cutting. There’s nothing this saw does that Metabo HPT’s 36V top handle doesn’t do better, and it being lighter than other rear handles is a double edged sword and a bizzare tradeoff for anyone looking for a rear handle specifically.
All I use is Makita. ........but after 12 years I finally decided having 2 platforms doesn't make me a bad person. So I bought into Flex for its special tools and it has been best of the only 2 worlds im gonna be in!
Yeah, kinda makes ya feel dirty at first crossing platforms, like you're cheating somehow. Then you realize you're a grownup and can do whatever you want. It's nice to just get what you feel is the best tool for you for a given application. It all sorts itself out in the end.
Awesome intro and editing. Very well done Jim. Loved it man✊🙌. Dewalt was my go to after the Milwaukee. Then Flex came along and WOW. The power is unreal. Preferred the Metabo Hpt for all day use at work cause weight. Now the XGT goes everywhere I do. Hands down my favorite
Hey bro, got the saw man, in a few weeks I starts a massive framing job, I will pull it out the box for that job. You twisted my arm in buying Flex with your Video, lol. Thanks
@@rickyperkins232 happy to hear you got it bro. That thing is a bad mother😎. They really did do an awesome job designing that saw. Only minor gripe is the arbor lock button but I’m just being picky😆. Let me know how it goes Rick. You take care bud✊
If you need a saw just buy the kit the flex is still cheaper than Milwaukee but if you have one then don't buy one. But why stay one tool brand especially just Milwaukee there tools are good but overpriced.
Keep your Milwaukee tool don’t wast you money on black and decker tools. And the 60volt 9 amp batteries is only a 2 amp batteries when using 60volt it’s written on the back of the batteries a 9amp at 20 volts and 2amp at 60volts something along those line
@@alpicard4932 a 9ah battery @60v will be a 3ah, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will have a shorter runtime, because it would be running at 60 volts.
Just picked up the makita xgt rear handle after a bad experience with the flex rear handle crazy stiffness to adjust. The xgt is lighter then the 36v makita and more powerful with all the smoothest makita is known for. Easily my favorite saw at the moment. The flex 6.5 inline circular saw however is a beast of a compact saw and for some reason they made that one smooth unlike the big brother🤷🏻♂️
Love my makita and if you know you know regarding the refined smooth operation. Wish they’d come out with a new one, well 36 volt but they did come out with the 40 volt.
I am huge Makita fan but when it recently came time to go deep into cordless...I went metabo hpt because of the price difference between them and Makita xgt...I am not disappointed at all. Currently have 8 metabo hpt tools all have been great and love the pricing you can find on em... Also batteries are some of the cheapest. The rear handle may not beat the Makita or the flex but it is very light and for framing, that exactly what I want. 1 more second to make a cut?.... Not important.
The corded option is unfortunately falsely advertised. Haven’t used it much on the mitre saw, but it has over heated multiple time(in a row) while ripping 2x material on the table saw. Then you have to stop and let it cool down for a couple minutes before continuing. Very annoying when it’s advertised as ‘all day runtime’. The table saw also had a manufacturing defect that (long story short) it now permanently damaged, its not a big thing and it could’ve easily just been the particular saw I bought. As for the mitre saw, its ok. There’s a couple things that aren’t a great design, but my biggest probes with it is that the positive mitre stops are sloppy do to to much plastic and pivoting points that aren’t tight. I had high hopes for hpt do to positive reviews of their tools, but now I’m hesitant to invest any further🙁. Remember this is just one persons experience, I don’t want to completely discourage you from investing in them…
The Metabo is just as fast as the original corded worm drive Skil, that is enough for me, I also have the Milwaukee and the makita, but the Metabo is the best when considering its weight.
I used to run the Milwaukee because I got hooked on brand. Then started getting makitas that were better than Milwaukee. . Makita Rear handle being one of em. Now I'm looking at the flex . Looks good and I like the ending review. I think ima try the flex out
Other considerations is vibration, accuracy/efficiency. Also the Metabo is even lighter than the Makita. I have the Makita but have been intrigued by Flex and Metabo.
I have been rocking the 60V Dewalt for about 4 years. It is bulletproof, and the beast of my saws. I have no reason to replace it, but I really want the FLEX saw too. What should I do?
Great review! I'm a retired guy with no power saw experience. I just bought this Makita 18v tool only (with blade and wrench) for $95 NEW not refurb. Looking forward to receiving and using it. You confirmed that I chose wisely. THANKS for this video!!
I’ve had the Dewalt the Milwaukee and the makita. Run all of them a lot. The makita is by far the smoothest of these saws. Table holds up nicely, and the bevel and depth adjustments are incredible. The Milwaukee has the light, and I did like that. The Dewalt has a lot of power. I’ve never lacked power on any of these saws. The Milwaukee also has a problem when it stalls, you have to pull the trigger I think 5 times for it to fire up again. Flex still just seems like a giant joke to me. It’s cool and all that they want to get in the ring with the big boys, but power is not the most important thing. Nobody ever does torture tests of flex, and I know there is no way they would hold up like my Milwaukee Dewalt and makita stuff.
I wouldn't be so sure about Flex. This stuff is coming from the same company that makes Ego outdoor power equipment, and they're killing it with that line. Skil and Kobalt aren't bad either, especially some of the new Skil 40v stuff. Only time will tell, but Chervon has a good track record.
Very well said. I think of flex like an attempt to bridge the gap between boutique power tools like festool and regular name brands like makita/dewalt and Milwaukee. But at big box store prices. Not one brand makes the best of every cordless tool. I love makita for there smoothness, ergonomics and efficiency. I love Milwaukee for their power/ selection of 12 v tools and they are durable. They also have good promotions throughout the year. They all have there pros and cons. Personally I run Milwaukee. But that’s because I’m an electrician and they make a lot of tools designed for us in mind.
Not sure what it's like in person, but that little triangle protrusion for the cutline on the DeWalt looks really hard to use. That side ejection on the FLEX looks really cool! In the end I don't always expect Makita to win power/most extreme type lineups - but they're generally rated as the most enjoyable to use, which can be pretty important if it's in your hand for hours on end.
Makita is a great brand, they don’t strive for gut wrenching, wrist breaking power they aim at the task and user comfort for goals and I feel they hit them. Not saying it’s the brand for me cause I do require that power on tap however credit where credit is due.
I went with the Milwaukee solely based off the fact that my work van is stocked with Milwaukee M18 tools, so I will always have batteries charged and on hand ready to go.
I do like the FLEX, Makita & DeWALT. Yet, I am collecting my personal work tools and they are Metabo HPT. So, that's my choice for the rear handle. Thanks for the comparison Jim. 🙂✌❤
@@PhillyFixed question, why is all the FLEX motor twice as small as the competition but so much more powerful? Example, the Milwaukee is more than twice the size of the FLEX not as powerful?
I find it impossible to change my Makita 5ah lxt tool platform. Makita Rear handle saw with 2 18v 5AH batteries and a double charger $400 cad. That added more batteries and another double charger to everything I already have. As for shop vacs, miter saws and all the other 40v stuff i can't get in an 18v setup i got a generator to run my corded tools and when it comes to lawn tools I like firing up the old gas powered everything.
From the title I wasn't expecting all of them to be cordless. For framing,..I still lean to 120vac...and porter cable 423 mag (lightest and best....but discontinued and as a result,...very expensive. . At my age, I can't deal with heavy batteries all day...even if they would rip 2x4's all day long without going through all my batteries. If I could lift it all day, I would probably still use my makita hyphoid. It has always run smoother than all my worm drives...from day 1.
The Metabo HPT is pretty light, but if you have power available on the jobsite and you're doing a ton of cuts, 120V tools still have their place for sure.
Great video. The flex is pretty impressive but they're depth of line isn't as good as the other and I wonder if they'll still be around in 5 years. I'll stick with my Dewalt.
@@PhillyFixed yes and it's a brick I already have enough of those If U really needed another heavy stick saw I might consider the FLEX but not for all day use when I can use the Makita's and Metabo HPT. At a significantky lower weight
I want to buy the Makita 36v or 40v saw.I have only one Makita 18v tool, so I am open to jumping to 40v. But, will Makita ever have as many 40v tools as their huge 18v lineup? Any ideas or opinions from everybody about 18v or 40v are welcome. Thank you for the helpful & concise review Jim!
The 40V is targeted at contractors, and they are focusing development on breaker hammers, rotary hammers, large cement saws, etc. Most of the smaller tools are just LXT designs slightly modified to accept 40V batteries. The 18V stuff continues to be much cheaper, especially on promo/sale. I'd stick with 18V as a homeowner or light/medium-duty contractor.
@@PhillyFixed That clarifies my decision. Makita 40v line will generally not be as cheap & broad as 18v. And most importantly, will never make 18v obsolete. I’ll basically ignore 40v unless I really need the power for a few tools. Thanks for the helpful perspectives.
They extended the XGT lineup with a smaller recipro saw, smaller mitre saw, and they already had the smaller drill and hammer drill with plastic chuck - good for starters as they can be bought quite cheap with 2pcs 2.5ah batteries and a charger in a MakPac box. Also theres a compact 1/2" impact wrench with lots of power. No 6.5" circular saws yet. If you want smaller you should stay with LXT, its not so sure subcompact tools will be available on XGT before it becomes mainstream.
@@steffendetrick9403 I strongly advice against M12 since they got the battery inside the grip, compared to Makita the ergonomics are seriously lacking. Makita LXT has great subcompact tools and has enough voltage to power circle saws and angle grinders, plus the other advantages that makes Makita the best choice, their tools are made for real life usage and not for paper performance.
I'd have like to have seen the Bosch and Skilsaw included but that's just me. Still a solid video from It's always broke in..... 🤭🤭 I mean Philly fixed🤣🤣👍👍
I used someone flex for a day and now when i use my makita 40v it feels so weak. I feel like makita probably has better longevity but i now wanna buy a flex
gotta do a best outta 3 test. we have makita metabo and milwaukee on my jobs and the metabo stalls the least but doesn't push like a skilsaw, makita has fastest cutting but is bulky, and milwaukee pushes the best especially in awkward positions but if you stall it it has a horrendous delay before coming back on. Thus I do have to say milwaukee is #1. If you know how to use a skilsaw then you'll very rarely stall it and they are still only 18v yet keep up with everyone else who went for higher voltage. Best brushless technology IMO.
Yeah, the black one is a project truck. New rust-free bed sitting behind it, also need to pull the engine and do timing cassettes and will do a general overhaul.
But give it a hot day with extensive use, will it do a typical Flex and need frequent cooldowns? The Makita can keep going all day, not needing 30 minute cooldowns will make up for the lost second per cut, there are 1800 seconds in 30 minutes, which is REALLY the more effective saw then?
@@pflaffik Well considering the fact that just cause you can run with that saw not stalling doesn’t mean your gonna do it, who on a hot day is gonna be running back and forth making cuts? Certainly not you Makita fanboys, y’all like slow and smooth. The average flex users enjoys having that power on tap… just cause you have a lambo doesn’t mean your high revving it all the way to work and back.. y’all act like you pushing your tools to the max all day… lying to yourself and everyone else…
@@athannaelanderson3806 never had a cool down period for tools. Just keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible, like set them under the sawhorses when it's scorching out. If I had flex tools, I wouldn't even use those stacked batteries outside on hot days. I'd just use the regular ones.
It actually does, and it's in a similar location to the Flex, but it comes with a rubber plug in it from the factory and when you remove the plug the port clogs up anyway 😐
@@PhillyFixed Good point. I think I’ve been watching too many Festool videos, and just assume that everyone brings a HEPA dust extractor as part of their standard kit :)
Looks like all those cut line indicators have a basic fault, which is they're oriented to the "inside" of the blade. Unless that's just an optical delusion from the camera angle? The DeWalt also suffers from being less well lit than the others. Painting the top of the shoe white might help.
100% agree, the color of the DeWalt's shoe is a big part of the problem. I think it may have just been the camera angle, the cut line is generally on the outside.
I refuse to purchase any more saw that doesn't have a light on it, I have worked on many jobsite where it is poorly lit and even with a jobsite light the saws with the lights increase production. I can't wait to test out my Flex, would like to run it solo for a month straight.
How could it not be oriented to the inside of the blade? You would want the reference point to change with changing blade thickness? It has to be on the inside, theres no other way.
@phillyfixed great review brother. Question looking into getting a new circ saw and want to get a flex, were u able to test the flex saw with a 6.0 or 3.5 stacked lithium for those times u dont need too long of a run time but want less weight? If so does it bog down with any of those batteries? Thank u in advance!
I don't have the 6.0 handy, I do have the 3.5, I'll let you know if I can give it a try before I send it back to Belts and Boxes (I've been holding it hostage for months!)
@@PhillyFixed thank u i would appreciate that, so after having it for a couple months now do you recommend it over all the others? Which is your favorite? I need to buy one today lol. Your opinion is much appreciated
I ha e the Makita here, I like it but the xgt is the same but lighter. Corded skilsaw worm drive is still far better to use if you can deal with a cord
Nice!! It's a project, frame was immaculate which is impossible to find in the Northeast. And it has the manual transmission and manual transfer case combo. But needs timing cassettes, it has the death rattle. In the meantime the red '02 in the background is the truck for getting work done, automatic though and pretty beat up looking.
That FLEX saw isn't a bad price seeing how it comes with a top of the line battery. That Milwaukee as of 9/22 @ da Depot is running at $275 bare tool only.
As someone with the Milwaukee, Makita, Metabo HPT, and Flex rear handles, I've been let down by only one: The Metabo. It's completely outclassed by the other 3 in every regard AND M-HPT's 36v top handle. It's the slowest of nearly all my saws (only one slower is a Makita subcompact), it leaves the worst cut of my saws when using Diablo fine or ultra fine finish blades, performance with the stock blade is a joke, the dust collection is bad, and it is the most prone to wanting to wander and bind. That last point is largely due to the idiotic decision to make their saw the lightest in a form factor where weight helps performance, and if someone is looking at it for the lightweightness, they're frankly buying the wrong type of saw. It's the saw that now gets left at home. There's nothing it does that isn't done way better by a different saw I own. Which is sad, because their own top handle is probably the best saw I own.
Thanks. This really put things into perspective and I read your discussion with another person under the comment section of this video. I decided the subcompact Makita is better suited for my needs of lightweight, compact, and light duty projects at home.
![เจ็บที่ยังฮัก - ม่อน วรวิทย์ [ Official Mv ] จอนนี่มิวสิค](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KALIGSRSjFs/mqdefault.jpg)
Shout out to @Joe the Tool Guy for lending me the DeWalt and @Belts and Boxes for giving me their Flex instead of throwing it away because it resembles a D-Handle!
Thanks for the video Brother, quality production. You sir have yourself a good Thursday, a great Friday and the best weekend!
I have all kinds of d-handle-ish tools in our trash. Just let me know what you need. :)
@@ToolShow Milwaukee fuel M18 D handle Jigsaw. I’ll pay shipping Rob😎
D-Handle for life baby.
@@ToolShow is it possible to get the D handle Flex Jigsaw? Please and thank you!
I love my Metabo HPT Rear Handle circ saw, due to its lighter weight, lifetime warranty, AND the option to plug it into a wall outlet with their battery adapter, which works on ALL Metabo battery-powered tools, even their nail guns, (of which I now own ALL of Metabo’s battery-powered nail guns)!
So , can you work with the adaptor connected to the power, like using corded saw?
@@emanuelvasquez1897 Yes, it can become a corded saw with that adapter.
The corded adapter works with all their 36v tools.
@@emanuelvasquez1897 I use the adapter on my 36 volt table saw and the metaboo vacuum , I also luv the fact some of there tool are ip56 rated so if the can be used in wet conditions
I love the milwaukee one for its line of sight. Built a 7x10 shed with a single hip roof, and the cuts were so easy and precise to make. Might not be the most powerful or lightest of them all, but it’s amazing for 45° bevel cuts
Makita It's like the 80's music, never gets old...
I was a little worried about installing the blade after reading a couple of reviews. But it was amazingly easy. Took about 1 minute. Works great th-cam.com/users/postUgkxjpBI8OOeUXib_iT7UomCrQ-uauwZJ62c . Cuts easily and is perfect for pocket cuts I needed to make for replacing some old deck boards.
Nice video but I can tell you pushed harder on the one I regret not buying that one time it was on sale, so now I hate it /s :P
Thank you for very honest, straight forward review. My experience w/ Dewalt 60v is that the saw is very powerful, but ungainly, heavy, cumbersome, not very ergonomic. Milwaukee 18v doesn't have the power, and is not well balanced. Makita is definitely has the best balance and feel. It would be nice to put the 40v Makita vs. Flex. My money is on Makita.
If your just ripping stock on ground at a station then the more beefy saws are fine
Why we have replaced our Milwaukee,, Dewalts and even the Makita with the Metabo HPT for our carry around(on roofs, framing windows and other over the head/shoulder cuts is because if it's beautiful low weight and site lines
We use these saws for many cuts we would have used a smaller saw for in the past
We converted the DeWalt to the Prazi beam saw because of it's raw power and weight which we like for those applications
The Makita is the station saw and no one touches the Milwaukees anymore
Great comment Dude!
Got the Metabo HPT and I love it.
👍👍
I think we all have that Makita, lol. Nice to see it still stacks up well.
Love that skeeter rear handle….I call it “the smooth operator”
I just bought one on a killer kit deal plus a free tool so I'm stoked as hell.
I've also been wanting it for years now so it was about time haha
I've owned the makita since 2020 and did a lot of roofs and framing with it, great saw. I don't use it as much these days because I'm doing more finishing work but, I do enjoy it when it comes back out to play
Most excellent review!!! I got a couple of the rear handles and will never own all of them. Good to see folks like you doing comparisons with what you do have. Thanks Jim
I’m using the Makita to frame my own house right now. It’s working great, and with a 2-9/16” depth of cut it can cut cleanly through the 2x3 chords on my floor joists in a single pass. Not sure about some of the newest saws, but when I got this one it was the only one able to do that as far as I know.
I appreciate the time you devoted to the sight-line and notch vs ledge.
we love the hybrid Metabo 36v and Flex rear handle saw 👍❤️🙏
The dewalt has notches in the front of the shoe for you to follow the line. The notch is further from the saw so you're able to cut a straighter line. Once the front edge of the shoe passed the end of the wood, you switch to the notch by the front of the blade to finish the cut.
They all have notches in the front as well
And dewalt you can’t follow the notch because it doesn’t follow the line haha
Dewalt sucks
Always used DeWalt, as they always made the most reliable saws. But professionals follow the blade, not the gimmicks.
Flex wins strictly due to performance. MT and Milwaukee have the best eyesight.
I’m currently running the Milwaukee rear handle saw love it has great power and great runtime as a concrete construction worker
Wwhatt battery you run it with?
Flex for me. I am a bridge carpenter and often use my saws as fast as they can make the cut. Time is money. Higher production puts more food on my family's table. Lost seconds at work add up fast.
I love the Metabo HPT! It's so lightweight!
I found overall my production drops with the Metabo compared to the Milwaukee.
Metabo you couldn't make a place for the saw wrench on the saw, really.
@@rickyperkins232 how often are you changing blades for that to lower your production???
@@teamsilva7563 I was making two distinct statements, so I did a little editing.
My production drop using the Metabo is because it is slower, much slower.
Where this saw fits perfectly is when you are lifting or over head cutting because it is light weight.
@@rickyperkins232 it's _not_ slower than the Milwaukee rear handle. I own the Fuel sidewinder, and it def cuts a lot faster than that, and I'm pretty sure the rear handle uses the same motor. But who knows, I've only ever used it for framing with a diablo framing blade.
Just the other day we used it to rip a 22.5° bevel down 16' 2x8s several times. It just glided down smooth. That's the kind of cut that will drain a cordless table saw dead. It never bogged down, and never stalled(it's never stalled on me period).
I just can't imagine production times being impacted negatively by this saw, even if you were using one of these fractionally faster saws in the video like maybe the DeWalt. Of all the dozens of things that commonly impact production time on a jobsite, marginal differences in cutting speeds on a skilsaw is not one of them.
@@redknight2470 Metaboo is such a great brand special their ip56 line up I was at a job site was pouring and lots of water all the other guys tools died because of water damage , I showed I could use my drill under water without any issues , pretty sure I convinced some to consider them plus the value to cost is amazing
I own a DeWalt and a Makita - the exact model numbers tested here. Years ago I bought the Makita because that was all that was available in my area, then very recently I went for the DeWalt. I agree that Makita is lighter and more ergonomic, but the DeWalt is more powerful. All considered, Makita edges the DeWalt by a slight margin.
Just a bit of nostalgia here , I have built countless houses over the last 30 years or so with only a corded Makita 1050 watt 7 1/4" saw ,weighing about 8 lbs . If you plan your work you can be efficient just with basic tools without breaking the bank .
Very true. 6 years ago I remodeled my last kitchen with a Chicago Electric / Harbor Freight miter saw, corded recip, and some very barebones stuff.
Good test. I use the DeWalt. I put a dab of fluorescent green paint on the rear protrusion for the cut line. Dewalt also makes a sawdust port you can add use with or without a vacuum and it helps get the sawdust away from you a little better when not using a vacuum.
I have3 of those, the Mikita is closest to the original Skil corded worm drive. But the Metabo is the lightest and my goto saw now. It weighs 1/2 of what the others do. I also have the 48 volt beast cordless Skill worm drive. Love it, its just heavy.
Metabo HPT all day for this guy. Best overall bang for the $, best warranty. Makita is always nice too. FLEX looks strong as usual, but hefty, also as usual. Ketchup 1st place meh. Mustard is stout as well, better be with 60V, 2nd place meh.
That Flex saw is an absolute beast. I love mine
Just purchased makita drill impact 6.5 and 7.25 . After trying out the makita the smoothness won me over. I was about to get the metabo framing nailer when Makita announced it’s own framing 18 volt gun. Air spring tech like metabo. I had the dewalt flex volt and yes its a monster but heavy too.
Awesome video! The power tests are great but I just cannot prioritize that over how lightweight the Metabo HPT is. That to me makes up for and surpasses any difference in cutting power. Also the option for the corded adapter is great.
It's definitely the lightest! I bought a cordless MHPT miter saw because of the AC adapter option in case I want to put it in the garage semi-permanently
@@PhillyFixed and for the table saw, SDS Max rotary and grinder it really extends work time and saves battery life and longevity-belt sander would be a great tool to add to 36V line w/AC adapter
I honestly don't find the Metabo HPT being lighter to be a good thing, or even noticeable carrying it. I consider HPT's rear handle saw the worst saw I own, and doesn't live up to the standard their top handle 7 1/4" has set.
I'd rather use my Milwaukee, Makita 18x2, or Flex rear handle, they all track straight (largely due to the weight) and they'll deliver a cleaner cut at any speed. But those aren't my first choice either, my first choice is the HPT top handle because it cuts fast & clean, straight, is pretty well balanced for bulk cutting 2x4/6/8s, and its low RPM mode is also pretty good.
@@reaperreaper5098 huh? Its my favorite because of how easy it is to wield around the jobsite for all kinds of above the shoulder/head applications that I used to grab smaller saws for-iver a day on a roof and in awkward spaces it really makes cutting a joy-if your just talking about using it at a cutting station then I guess for me that is where weight doesn't matter as much, however even in that application I really like the way it cuts, site lines and the easy feel- and our crew all prefer them as well-the other saws rarely get touched
@@baseballdude8491 I’m not talking about station cutting. There’s nothing this saw does that Metabo HPT’s 36V top handle doesn’t do better, and it being lighter than other rear handles is a double edged sword and a bizzare tradeoff for anyone looking for a rear handle specifically.
Flexing on all the competition.
All I use is Makita. ........but after 12 years I finally decided having 2 platforms doesn't make me a bad person. So I bought into Flex for its special tools and it has been best of the only 2 worlds im gonna be in!
Yeah, kinda makes ya feel dirty at first crossing platforms, like you're cheating somehow. Then you realize you're a grownup and can do whatever you want. It's nice to just get what you feel is the best tool for you for a given application. It all sorts itself out in the end.
I have the Milwaukee and I love it but in my trunk is a new Flex rear handle saw still in the box because I just picked it up.
Great information thank you for sharing. I have the Makita it's a great saw. I use it all the time. Now I'm looking to get the 40 volt.
All XGT saws are next level, expensive but feels like very good value for the money.
I've been buying up Flex. That saw is a beast.
Awesome intro and editing. Very well done Jim. Loved it man✊🙌. Dewalt was my go to after the Milwaukee. Then Flex came along and WOW. The power is unreal. Preferred the Metabo Hpt for all day use at work cause weight. Now the XGT goes everywhere I do. Hands down my favorite
Hey bro, got the saw man, in a few weeks I starts a massive framing job, I will pull it out the box for that job.
You twisted my arm in buying Flex with your Video, lol.
Thanks
@@rickyperkins232 happy to hear you got it bro. That thing is a bad mother😎. They really did do an awesome job designing that saw. Only minor gripe is the arbor lock button but I’m just being picky😆. Let me know how it goes Rick. You take care bud✊
I'm getting really impressed with the flex tool line. If I wasn't already invested into Milwaukee I'd give them a consideration.
If you need a saw just buy the kit the flex is still cheaper than Milwaukee but if you have one then don't buy one. But why stay one tool brand especially just Milwaukee there tools are good but overpriced.
Keep your Milwaukee tool don’t wast you money on black and decker tools. And the 60volt 9 amp batteries is only a 2 amp batteries when using 60volt it’s written on the back of the batteries a 9amp at 20 volts and 2amp at 60volts something along those line
@Al Picard I was talking about flex not dewalt
@@towboatjeff i agree flex are pretty impressive tools!
@@alpicard4932 a 9ah battery @60v will be a 3ah, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will have a shorter runtime, because it would be running at 60 volts.
Just picked up the makita xgt rear handle after a bad experience with the flex rear handle crazy stiffness to adjust. The xgt is lighter then the 36v makita and more powerful with all the smoothest makita is known for. Easily my favorite saw at the moment. The flex 6.5 inline circular saw however is a beast of a compact saw and for some reason they made that one smooth unlike the big brother🤷🏻♂️
I just got the XGT myself on HD Black Friday sale. I'll post a follow up video with some tests alongside the footage from this vid 👍
@@PhillyFixed thats awesome brotha, can't wait to see it. When u planning on posting that video? I appreciate what u do👍🏼
Love my makita and if you know you know regarding the refined smooth operation. Wish they’d come out with a new one, well 36 volt but they did come out with the 40 volt.
Great video! Very detailed comparison and stress test. Im impressed with the results. 💪💪
I am huge Makita fan but when it recently came time to go deep into cordless...I went metabo hpt because of the price difference between them and Makita xgt...I am not disappointed at all. Currently have 8 metabo hpt tools all have been great and love the pricing you can find on em... Also batteries are some of the cheapest. The rear handle may not beat the Makita or the flex but it is very light and for framing, that exactly what I want. 1 more second to make a cut?.... Not important.
What cordless tools do you have from HPT? I have the 10” mitre saw and 10” table-saw and am not as impressed as I’d like…
@@apennings8803 what don't you like about them. I was thinking about getting those two because of the power cord option.
The corded option is unfortunately falsely advertised. Haven’t used it much on the mitre saw, but it has over heated multiple time(in a row) while ripping 2x material on the table saw. Then you have to stop and let it cool down for a couple minutes before continuing. Very annoying when it’s advertised as ‘all day runtime’. The table saw also had a manufacturing defect that (long story short) it now permanently damaged, its not a big thing and it could’ve easily just been the particular saw I bought. As for the mitre saw, its ok. There’s a couple things that aren’t a great design, but my biggest probes with it is that the positive mitre stops are sloppy do to to much plastic and pivoting points that aren’t tight. I had high hopes for hpt do to positive reviews of their tools, but now I’m hesitant to invest any further🙁. Remember this is just one persons experience, I don’t want to completely discourage you from investing in them…
The Metabo is just as fast as the original corded worm drive Skil, that is enough for me, I also have the Milwaukee and the makita, but the Metabo is the best when considering its weight.
@@apennings8803 My adaptor overheated when I had it on a skinny extension cord, I went to a 12 guage extension and never heated up again.
I’m back from hiatus. Good to see you’re still making videos!
19 down, 18 to go. Go Birds 🦅
I used to run the Milwaukee because I got hooked on brand. Then started getting makitas that were better than Milwaukee. . Makita Rear handle being one of em. Now I'm looking at the flex . Looks good and I like the ending review. I think ima try the flex out
Other considerations is vibration, accuracy/efficiency.
Also the Metabo is even lighter than the Makita.
I have the Makita but have been intrigued by Flex and Metabo.
I have the Skilsaw 48v and it is a monster, no discernible power difference from corded worm drive. Downside is weight
Metabo HPT all day, very light and has never failed me.
I have been rocking the 60V Dewalt for about 4 years. It is bulletproof, and the beast of my saws. I have no reason to replace it, but I really want the FLEX saw too. What should I do?
It's your money -- if you want new toys, buy new toys!
Great review! I'm a retired guy with no power saw experience. I just bought this Makita 18v tool only (with blade and wrench) for $95 NEW not refurb. Looking forward to receiving and using it. You confirmed that I chose wisely. THANKS for this video!!
This was Great! Alot of hard work, it shows !
Not many can be fair and objective. Well done.
Was gonna say those OSB times are within margin of error, but then the last two showed up and made it a moot point.
I have all Flex circular saws. They work very well.
How is the 6.5" in line Flex saw? Looking for a 6.5" with more power/finesse than my M18 Fuel 6.5" 2730-20
The metabo is what i use as it has a feature you left out it can be plugged into a outlet as well and the lifetime warranty
Gotta say the Flex dust port is something the test should copy
I’ve had the Dewalt the Milwaukee and the makita. Run all of them a lot. The makita is by far the smoothest of these saws. Table holds up nicely, and the bevel and depth adjustments are incredible. The Milwaukee has the light, and I did like that. The Dewalt has a lot of power. I’ve never lacked power on any of these saws. The Milwaukee also has a problem when it stalls, you have to pull the trigger I think 5 times for it to fire up again. Flex still just seems like a giant joke to me. It’s cool and all that they want to get in the ring with the big boys, but power is not the most important thing. Nobody ever does torture tests of flex, and I know there is no way they would hold up like my Milwaukee Dewalt and makita stuff.
I wouldn't be so sure about Flex. This stuff is coming from the same company that makes Ego outdoor power equipment, and they're killing it with that line. Skil and Kobalt aren't bad either, especially some of the new Skil 40v stuff. Only time will tell, but Chervon has a good track record.
@@PhillyFixed I think I would like to see some torture tests. Let’s make that happen mr TH-cam man
Very well said. I think of flex like an attempt to bridge the gap between boutique power tools like festool and regular name brands like makita/dewalt and Milwaukee. But at big box store prices. Not one brand makes the best of every cordless tool. I love makita for there smoothness, ergonomics and efficiency. I love Milwaukee for their power/ selection of 12 v tools and they are durable. They also have good promotions throughout the year. They all have there pros and cons. Personally I run Milwaukee. But that’s because I’m an electrician and they make a lot of tools designed for us in mind.
All of these look like capable saws. Could you compare them to a corded skilsaw 77?
No hate here, but ive never seen someone put there hand on the tray while ripping. Can i ask the reason?
It's very common. It's to stabilize the saw. If the blade catches, it'll kick back and not forward
Not sure what it's like in person, but that little triangle protrusion for the cutline on the DeWalt looks really hard to use. That side ejection on the FLEX looks really cool!
In the end I don't always expect Makita to win power/most extreme type lineups - but they're generally rated as the most enjoyable to use, which can be pretty important if it's in your hand for hours on end.
Makita is a great brand, they don’t strive for gut wrenching, wrist breaking power they aim at the task and user comfort for goals and I feel they hit them. Not saying it’s the brand for me cause I do require that power on tap however credit where credit is due.
Ergonomics and balance over power any dau
I have the DeWalt, it's pretty awesome. Nice review.
And even better is the king the skill still on top
I went with the Milwaukee solely based off the fact that my work van is stocked with Milwaukee M18 tools, so I will always have batteries charged and on hand ready to go.
I do like the FLEX, Makita & DeWALT. Yet, I am collecting my personal work tools and they are Metabo HPT. So, that's my choice for the rear handle. Thanks for the comparison Jim. 🙂✌❤
The MHPT is very, very lightweight. If you're using a saw all day, that becomes an important feature!
@@PhillyFixed question, why is all the FLEX motor twice as small as the competition but so much more powerful?
Example, the Milwaukee is more than twice the size of the FLEX not as powerful?
@@PhillyFixed The weight sold us on the Metabo. Its held up great running everyday for several months now.
That flex totally blew me out
Not even worm drive , so powerful
It really is a beast! So is the DeWalt.
I find it impossible to change my Makita 5ah lxt tool platform. Makita Rear handle saw with 2 18v 5AH batteries and a double charger $400 cad. That added more batteries and another double charger to everything I already have. As for shop vacs, miter saws and all the other 40v stuff i can't get in an 18v setup i got a generator to run my corded tools and when it comes to lawn tools I like firing up the old gas powered everything.
Pinch on the cut gets better on all of the cuts I heard the pinch for Milwaukee and makita
From the title I wasn't expecting all of them to be cordless. For framing,..I still lean to 120vac...and porter cable 423 mag (lightest and best....but discontinued and as a result,...very expensive. . At my age, I can't deal with heavy batteries all day...even if they would rip 2x4's all day long without going through all my batteries. If I could lift it all day, I would probably still use my makita hyphoid. It has always run smoother than all my worm drives...from day 1.
The Metabo HPT is pretty light, but if you have power available on the jobsite and you're doing a ton of cuts, 120V tools still have their place for sure.
Great video. The flex is pretty impressive but they're depth of line isn't as good as the other and I wonder if they'll still be around in 5 years. I'll stick with my Dewalt.
For one, I think they need to take the mechanic crowd more seriously; right now they have a mediocre high torque impact and that's it.
@@PhillyFixed yes and it's a brick
I already have enough of those
If U really needed another heavy stick saw I might consider the FLEX but not for all day use when I can use the Makita's and Metabo HPT. At a significantky lower weight
That Flex is so powerful I would be scared to go that fast 😮
Great video. great intro. No fluff just facts
Awsome informative vid 👍
Pleasure as always Sir
That's some big D handles right there! That Flex is a beast!
What battery did you have in the Dewalt ??what amp?
@1:34
The Flex overhearts when used a lot
I want to buy the Makita 36v or 40v saw.I have only one Makita 18v tool, so I am open to jumping to 40v. But, will Makita ever have as many 40v tools as their huge 18v lineup? Any ideas or opinions from everybody about 18v or 40v are welcome. Thank you for the helpful & concise review Jim!
The 40V is targeted at contractors, and they are focusing development on breaker hammers, rotary hammers, large cement saws, etc. Most of the smaller tools are just LXT designs slightly modified to accept 40V batteries. The 18V stuff continues to be much cheaper, especially on promo/sale. I'd stick with 18V as a homeowner or light/medium-duty contractor.
@@steffendetrick9403But I usually use compact tools, and Makita seems unlikely to make compact 40v tools.
@@PhillyFixed That clarifies my decision. Makita 40v line will generally not be as cheap & broad as 18v. And most importantly, will never make 18v obsolete. I’ll basically ignore 40v unless I really need the power for a few tools. Thanks for the helpful perspectives.
They extended the XGT lineup with a smaller recipro saw, smaller mitre saw, and they already had the smaller drill and hammer drill with plastic chuck - good for starters as they can be bought quite cheap with 2pcs 2.5ah batteries and a charger in a MakPac box. Also theres a compact 1/2" impact wrench with lots of power. No 6.5" circular saws yet. If you want smaller you should stay with LXT, its not so sure subcompact tools will be available on XGT before it becomes mainstream.
@@steffendetrick9403 I strongly advice against M12 since they got the battery inside the grip, compared to Makita the ergonomics are seriously lacking. Makita LXT has great subcompact tools and has enough voltage to power circle saws and angle grinders, plus the other advantages that makes Makita the best choice, their tools are made for real life usage and not for paper performance.
I'd have like to have seen the Bosch and Skilsaw included but that's just me. Still a solid video from It's always broke in..... 🤭🤭 I mean Philly fixed🤣🤣👍👍
Look at the chip ejection on the DeWalt vs the FLEX. The dewalt is dumping it right on your feet!
I used someone flex for a day and now when i use my makita 40v it feels so weak. I feel like makita probably has better longevity but i now wanna buy a flex
gotta do a best outta 3 test. we have makita metabo and milwaukee on my jobs and the metabo stalls the least but doesn't push like a skilsaw, makita has fastest cutting but is bulky, and milwaukee pushes the best especially in awkward positions but if you stall it it has a horrendous delay before coming back on. Thus I do have to say milwaukee is #1. If you know how to use a skilsaw then you'll very rarely stall it and they are still only 18v yet keep up with everyone else who went for higher voltage. Best brushless technology IMO.
Look at all that dust blowing in your face. This is why a sidewinder is just a superior setup IMO. Much more ergonomic too
Wow, something flex actually won without cheating! Also, love the Rangers. Front right tire on the black one looks low.
Yeah, the black one is a project truck. New rust-free bed sitting behind it, also need to pull the engine and do timing cassettes and will do a general overhaul.
Lmbo
But give it a hot day with extensive use, will it do a typical Flex and need frequent cooldowns? The Makita can keep going all day, not needing 30 minute cooldowns will make up for the lost second per cut, there are 1800 seconds in 30 minutes, which is REALLY the more effective saw then?
@@pflaffik Well considering the fact that just cause you can run with that saw not stalling doesn’t mean your gonna do it, who on a hot day is gonna be running back and forth making cuts? Certainly not you Makita fanboys, y’all like slow and smooth. The average flex users enjoys having that power on tap… just cause you have a lambo doesn’t mean your high revving it all the way to work and back.. y’all act like you pushing your tools to the max all day… lying to yourself and everyone else…
@@athannaelanderson3806 never had a cool down period for tools. Just keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible, like set them under the sawhorses when it's scorching out.
If I had flex tools, I wouldn't even use those stacked batteries outside on hot days. I'd just use the regular ones.
Makita 36v all day everyday! 💯
Love that intro
Makita all the way
Great review! Love my Makita. Just wish it had any type of port for sawdust ejection. Makes a mess.
It actually does, and it's in a similar location to the Flex, but it comes with a rubber plug in it from the factory and when you remove the plug the port clogs up anyway 😐
The port doesn’t clog up when you attach a shop vac to it!
@@gf2e right, but here my point was that framers are unlikely to have a shop vac hooked up on the jobsite.
@@PhillyFixed Good point. I think I’ve been watching too many Festool videos, and just assume that everyone brings a HEPA dust extractor as part of their standard kit :)
@@gf2e I'm all about dust collection in the garage or driveway! But Festool is way too fancy for me 😅
Looks like all those cut line indicators have a basic fault, which is they're oriented to the "inside" of the blade. Unless that's just an optical delusion from the camera angle? The DeWalt also suffers from being less well lit than the others. Painting the top of the shoe white might help.
100% agree, the color of the DeWalt's shoe is a big part of the problem. I think it may have just been the camera angle, the cut line is generally on the outside.
I refuse to purchase any more saw that doesn't have a light on it, I have worked on many jobsite where it is poorly lit and even with a jobsite light the saws with the lights increase production.
I can't wait to test out my Flex, would like to run it solo for a month straight.
How could it not be oriented to the inside of the blade? You would want the reference point to change with changing blade thickness? It has to be on the inside, theres no other way.
@phillyfixed great review brother. Question looking into getting a new circ saw and want to get a flex, were u able to test the flex saw with a 6.0 or 3.5 stacked lithium for those times u dont need too long of a run time but want less weight? If so does it bog down with any of those batteries? Thank u in advance!
I don't have the 6.0 handy, I do have the 3.5, I'll let you know if I can give it a try before I send it back to Belts and Boxes (I've been holding it hostage for months!)
@@PhillyFixed thank u i would appreciate that, so after having it for a couple months now do you recommend it over all the others? Which is your favorite? I need to buy one today lol. Your opinion is much appreciated
@@247Combat I haven't actually used the Flex on projects, just for the testing on the vid. But I do use the Makita and it's still my favorite!
I ha e the Makita here, I like it but the xgt is the same but lighter. Corded skilsaw worm drive is still far better to use if you can deal with a cord
Nice FX4 Level ll Ranger.
I've got one exactly like it.
Nice!! It's a project, frame was immaculate which is impossible to find in the Northeast. And it has the manual transmission and manual transfer case combo. But needs timing cassettes, it has the death rattle.
In the meantime the red '02 in the background is the truck for getting work done, automatic though and pretty beat up looking.
Great video! Thanks
That FLEX saw isn't a bad price seeing how it comes with a top of the line battery. That Milwaukee as of 9/22 @ da Depot is running at $275 bare tool only.
Спасибо за сравнение)
The makita is the first to make it in my toolbox but not a rear handle 🤫
I'm pretty sure Makita beat everyone to the punch in 2017 when it came out - just talking cordless
What about flex vs skil??
I love my milwaukee rear handle
They all seem alright. Those couple miliseconds or even seconds won't make you pick a tool outside your battery platform. Simple as that
I just got the Makita saw kit at Home Depot for $250
I might get the XGT from Makita🔥
As someone with the Milwaukee, Makita, Metabo HPT, and Flex rear handles, I've been let down by only one: The Metabo. It's completely outclassed by the other 3 in every regard AND M-HPT's 36v top handle. It's the slowest of nearly all my saws (only one slower is a Makita subcompact), it leaves the worst cut of my saws when using Diablo fine or ultra fine finish blades, performance with the stock blade is a joke, the dust collection is bad, and it is the most prone to wanting to wander and bind. That last point is largely due to the idiotic decision to make their saw the lightest in a form factor where weight helps performance, and if someone is looking at it for the lightweightness, they're frankly buying the wrong type of saw.
It's the saw that now gets left at home. There's nothing it does that isn't done way better by a different saw I own. Which is sad, because their own top handle is probably the best saw I own.
Thanks. This really put things into perspective and I read your discussion with another person under the comment section of this video. I decided the subcompact Makita is better suited for my needs of lightweight, compact, and light duty projects at home.
@phillyfixed did u review the xgt rear handle yet?
Not yet, working on impact drivers at the moment
It's DeWalt for me, the cost is not important at all on a saw that's used regularly for years. I am impressed with the Flex but DeWalt is my choice