Makita XSR01Z Review: 36V Rear-Handle Circular Saw

The Makita XSR01Z is the cordless version of a worm-drive saw, minus the worm drive. It uses a rear handle and a brushless motor to mimic the balance and cutting feel of a traditional framing saw, but it draws power from two 18V LXT batteries in series rather than a cord. At $218.79 for the bare tool, it sits in an interesting spot: cheaper than a comparable corded worm drive in some configurations, but only if you already own batteries.

That last part matters more than any spec on the box.

What the XSR01Z actually is

Makita’s naming is worth untangling before you spend money. The XSR01Z is the tool-only version. The XSR01PT is the same saw bundled with two 5.0Ah batteries and a charger. If you’re already invested in the 18V LXT platform, the Z version is the one that makes financial sense. If you’re not, the math changes considerably — two 5.0Ah batteries and a charger can easily add $150 or more.

The saw runs on Makita’s 18V X2 system. That means it takes two 18V LXT batteries and runs them in series to deliver 36V to the motor. It’s not a single 36V pack — it’s two standard packs working together. The upside is that you don’t need a separate battery platform. The downside is that you need two charged batteries every time you want to cut something, and when they run down, you’re waiting on two chargers instead of one.

The blade is 7-1/4 inches, which is the standard framing size. Depth of cut is roughly 2-1/4 inches at 90 degrees, and the saw handles bevel cuts up to about 56 degrees. That’s the same range you’d expect from a corded rear-handle saw. For most framing, decking, and general construction work, that’s enough.

Rear handle versus top handle See Today’s Deal on Amazon

The rear-handle design is the defining feature here, and it’s not just about looks. On a rear-handle saw, the motor sits behind and above the blade rather than to the side. That does two things: it puts the weight toward the back of the tool, and it moves the blade to the left of the handle rather than the right.

For right-handed users who are used to a top-handle saw, this changes how you sight a cut. The blade is on your left, so you can see it directly without leaning over the tool. Many framers prefer this because it makes following a line easier, especially when cutting overhead or in awkward positions. The trade-off is that the saw feels heavier in the hand and takes some adjustment if you’ve spent years with a sidewinder.

The base plate is magnesium, which keeps weight down, and the shoe is stamped rather than machined. That’s normal for this class of saw, but it means the base can flex slightly under heavy pressure. It’s not a problem for typical framing cuts, but if you’re doing finish work where a few thousandths matter, a machined base on a different saw might serve you better.

Power and battery reality

Brushless motors are the main reason this saw can compete with corded tools. Makita’s brushless design runs cooler and more efficiently than a brushed motor, which translates to more cuts per charge. The X2 system delivers enough torque that the saw doesn’t bog down easily in dimensional lumber. In softwood framing, it keeps RPM up through the cut.

Hardwood is a different story. Thick oak or pressure-treated material will slow the saw, and you’ll notice the batteries draining faster. This is true of most cordless circular saws in this class — the XSR01Z isn’t uniquely weak, but it’s not a replacement for a corded saw in a production cabinet shop either.

Battery life depends heavily on which packs you use. With two 5.0Ah batteries, you can expect a reasonable number of framing cuts before swapping. With smaller 2.0Ah or 3.0Ah packs, you’ll be changing batteries constantly. The X2 design means you can’t just grab one spare and keep going — you need two.

One practical detail: the saw won’t run on a single battery. If one pack is depleted and the other is full, the tool stops. That’s a minor annoyance but worth knowing if you’re used to single-battery tools where you can limp along on a partially charged pack.

What works well

The rear-handle balance is the standout. Once you’re used to it, the saw feels planted and controllable, especially during long rip cuts. The weight distribution means you’re pushing forward rather than fighting the tool’s tendency to tip.

The brushless motor is efficient and quiet relative to brushed alternatives. It also means fewer parts to wear out over time. Makita’s LXT platform is one of the most established 18V systems, so batteries and chargers are widely available and often discounted.

The 7-1/4 inch blade size is the right call for a saw like this. It gives you real depth of cut without the bulk of a larger blade, and blades are cheap and easy to find at any hardware store.

The electronic brake stops the blade quickly after you release the trigger, which is a genuine safety benefit on a saw this size. The blade guard moves smoothly and doesn’t bind, which is something you can’t say about every circular saw in this price range.See Today’s Deal on Amazon

What could be better

The two-battery requirement is the biggest practical friction point. It’s not just about cost — it’s about workflow. You need to manage pairs of batteries, and a single depleted pack takes the whole saw out of commission. If you’re someone who grabs a tool and expects it to run on whatever’s charged, this will annoy you.

The base plate flexes under heavy pressure, which matters for precision work. The saw is also on the heavier side compared to a top-handle 6-1/2 inch model. For overhead cutting or working one-handed on a ladder, that weight becomes noticeable.

The tool-only price of $218.79 looks reasonable until you factor in batteries. If you’re starting from scratch, the kit version is likely the better value despite the higher upfront cost. And if you only cut occasionally, a corded saw at half the price will do the same job without battery management.

Depth adjustment and bevel adjustment use standard levers that work fine but aren’t particularly refined. The bevel detents are there, but they’re not as crisp as what you’d find on a premium worm drive. For framing, that’s acceptable. For finish carpentry, you might want something more precise.

How it compares

The most natural comparison is against Makita’s own XSH06PT 18V X2 7-1/4 inch kit, which uses the same battery platform but a top-handle design. That saw is lighter and cheaper, but it lacks the rear-handle balance that makes the XSR01Z feel more like a traditional framing saw.

Against the corded [Makita 5007F], the XSR01Z trades unlimited runtime for portability. The 5007F is a workhorse that never needs a battery, but it also can’t go where there’s no outlet.

If you’re deep into the LXT platform and want a rear-handle saw, the XSR01Z is a sensible pick. If you’re not, the corded 5007F will do most of the same work for less money and no battery hassle.

Who it’s for

This saw makes sense for someone who already owns Makita 18V LXT batteries and wants a rear-handle circular saw for framing, decking, or general construction. It’s also a good fit for anyone working in places where running a cord is impractical — roofing, remote job sites, or anywhere you’d otherwise need a generator.

It’s a solid choice for a contractor who wants corded-class power without the cord, and who values the rear-handle layout for sighting cuts.

Who should skip it

If you don’t already own LXT batteries, the total cost of entry is much higher than the $218.79 sticker suggests. The kit version is the smarter buy in that case.

If you only cut occasionally, a corded saw will do the same job for less. And if you do mostly finish work where precision matters more than portability, a saw with a machined base and finer adjustments will serve you better.

If you prefer a top-handle saw and don’t want to adjust to the rear-handle layout, the XSH06PT or a lighter 6-1/2 inch model like the XSS02Z is worth a look.

Final thoughts

The XSR01Z is a well-executed rear-handle cordless saw that delivers corded-class power to anyone already invested in Makita’s 18V LXT system. The 4.5/5 rating across 547 reviews reflects that it does its job well for the right buyer.

The catch is the ecosystem requirement. Two batteries, a charger, and the right blade add up quickly if you’re starting fresh. For LXT owners, the $218.79 tool-only price is fair. For everyone else, the corded 5007F or the XSH06PT kit is probably the more sensible path.

Check the current price on Amazon if you’re already on the LXT platform and want a rear-handle saw that can go anywhere a cord can’t.