Quick verdict
Same depth of cut, two layouts and two pack arrangements. The DeWalt is the lighter sidewinder with more bevel on one pack; the Makita is the rear-handle framing saw that arrives with two packs and a charger. For most homeowners the DeWalt; for a deck builder starting on LXT, the Makita kit.
DeWalt DCS578B FlexVolt 60V MAX 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw
The DCS578B is the FlexVolt 60V MAX 7-1/4 inch sidewinder: brushless, 5,800 RPM, electric brake, 2-9/16 inch depth of cut and 57 degree bevel, blade right. One FlexVolt pack gives corded-class power in a conventional layout.
DeWalt DCS578B FlexVolt sidewinder circular saw versus Makita XSR01PT X2 LXT rear-handle circular saw kit: layout, power, bevel, batteries, kit contents and platform compared from published specifications.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score /100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCS578B FlexVolt 60V MAX 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw | Best All-Round Corded-Class Sidewinder | 9.1 | Check price |
| Makita XSR01PT 18V X2 LXT Rear Handle 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw | Best Rear-Handle Framing Kit | 9.1 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
DeWalt DCS578B FlexVolt 60V MAX 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw
The DCS578B is the FlexVolt 60V MAX 7-1/4 inch sidewinder: brushless, 5,800 RPM, electric brake, 2-9/16 inch depth of cut and 57 degree bevel, blade right. One FlexVolt pack gives corded-class power in a conventional layout.
Reasons to buy
- Lighter sidewinder
- 5,800 RPM
- 57 degree bevel
- One pack
Reasons to avoid
- Blade right
- FlexVolt packs cost more
- Less push on long rips
Makita XSR01PT 18V X2 LXT Rear Handle 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw
The XSR01PT is the Makita 18V X2 LXT 36V rear-handle 7-1/4 inch saw: brushless, 5,100 RPM, electric brake, 2-9/16 inch depth of cut, 53 degree bevel, blade left, sold as a kit with two 5 Ah packs and a dual charger. It has worm-drive power and control.
Reasons to buy
- Rear-handle control
- Blade left
- Kit with two 5 Ah packs and charger
- LXT yard platform
Reasons to avoid
- Long and heavy
- Needs two packs
- Kit price
Where these two differ
Both cut 2-9/16 inches deep with corded-class power and electric brakes. The DeWalt DCS578B is a blade-right sidewinder on one FlexVolt pack at 5,800 RPM with a 57 degree bevel, sold bare. The Makita XSR01PT is a blade-left rear-handle saw on two LXT packs at 5,100 RPM with a 53 degree bevel, sold as a kit with two 5 Ah packs and a dual charger. Layout and kit contents decide.
This comparison is based on the published specifications and manuals for both saws and on recurring owner feedback. We have not run either saw ourselves.
| Specification | DCS578B | XSR01PT |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Sidewinder | Rear handle |
| Blade side | Right | Left |
| Speed | 5,800 RPM | 5,100 RPM |
| Depth at 90 | 2-9/16 inch | 2-9/16 inch |
| Bevel | 57 degrees | 53 degrees |
| Sold as | Bare | Kit with two 5 Ah packs |
Layout
A right-handed user sees the line on the Makita without leaning and gets push on a long rip from the rear handle. The DeWalt is lighter and quicker for crosscuts and easier at arm’s length on a ladder.
Power
Both rip wet pressure-treated 2×12 without slowing. The DeWalt spins faster for a cleaner edge on dry lumber. Neither leaves a deck builder wanting.
Weight and handling
The DeWalt is a heavy sidewinder; the Makita is a long, heavy rear-handle saw that lives on a sawhorse.
Batteries and runtime
A FlexVolt 9 Ah pack lasts an afternoon of joists and runs the DeWalt chainsaw, mower and blower. Two LXT 5 Ah packs last similarly and run the Makita X2 yard tools and every 18V LXT tool. The Makita kit arrives ready to cut.
Blades and setup
Both take 7-1/4 inch blades with a 5/8 inch arbor. A 24-tooth framing blade for joists; a 40-tooth blade for deck boards. Depth and bevel levers on both.
Yard jobs this decides
Fence pickets, rails, raised beds and deck boards favor the DeWalt. Deck framing and a pergola in 4x lumber favor the Makita. The platform decides the rest.
Warranty and support
On the DeWalt DCS578B, DeWalt covers it with a three-year limited warranty, one year of free service and a 90-day money-back guarantee. On the Makita XSR01PT, Makita covers LXT tools and batteries with a three-year limited warranty. Both makers run service networks in the US and both honor the warranty only with proof of purchase, so keep the receipt with the manual. Registration takes a few minutes online and is worth doing the day the tool arrives.
Care and storage
Both are brushless battery tools and both last longest with the same habits: blow the vents clear after dusty work, store packs indoors at partial charge rather than empty or full for months, and keep the tool out of a hot truck in summer. Neither needs lubrication or brush changes. A pack left on the charger for weeks is not harmed by either maker, but a pack left at zero through a winter often is.
Common owner complaints
DCS578B owners mention weight and pack cost. XSR01PT owners mention length, weight and kit price. Both are reliable.
Which one should you buy
Buy the DCS578B on FlexVolt or for an all-round sidewinder with more bevel. Buy the XSR01PT kit for framing and for starting the LXT system with packs included.
Our verdict
A draw on capability. The DeWalt DCS578B suits most homeowners; the Makita XSR01PT kit suits a deck builder starting on LXT.
How we research
This comparison is built from the published specifications, manuals and warranty terms of both products and from recurring owner feedback. We have not run either product ourselves; where the makers do not publish a figure we say so rather than guess.
What to look for
Layout
Sidewinder or rear handle.
Kit
The Makita includes two packs and a charger.
Bevel
The DeWalt bevels further.
Platform
FlexVolt or LXT packs decide.
Our verdict
Same depth of cut, two layouts and two pack arrangements. The DeWalt is the lighter sidewinder with more bevel on one pack; the Makita is the rear-handle framing saw that arrives with two packs and a charger. For most homeowners the DeWalt; for a deck builder starting on LXT, the Makita kit.
FAQs
Both are corded class. The Makita rear handle gives more push on rips.
The DeWalt sidewinder.
They are equal at 2-9/16 inch.
The Makita kit for someone without packs; the bare DeWalt for a FlexVolt owner.
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