Quick verdict
Two ways to corded power: two Makita packs or one big Bosch pack. The Makita cuts deeper, bevels further and shares packs with a full yard range; the Bosch is blade-left, arrives as a kit and runs on one pack. For a homeowner choosing a system the Makita wins. For a Bosch 18V owner the PROFACTOR saw is excellent.
Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw
The XSH06Z is the Makita 18V X2 LXT 36V 7-1/4 inch sidewinder: brushless, 5,000 RPM, electric brake, 2-5/8 inch depth of cut, 56 degree bevel and Automatic Speed Change. Two LXT packs give corded-class power and run the broadest 18V yard range.
Makita XSH06Z X2 LXT circular saw versus Bosch GKS18V-25GC PROFACTOR circular saw: power, batteries, depth of cut, bevel, blade side and yard platform compared from published specifications.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score /100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw | Best Power and Yard Platform | 9.0 | Check price |
| Bosch GKS18V-25GC PROFACTOR 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw | Best Single-Battery Pro Saw | 8.8 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw
The XSH06Z is the Makita 18V X2 LXT 36V 7-1/4 inch sidewinder: brushless, 5,000 RPM, electric brake, 2-5/8 inch depth of cut, 56 degree bevel and Automatic Speed Change. Two LXT packs give corded-class power and run the broadest 18V yard range.
Reasons to buy
- Corded-class power from two LXT packs
- Deep 2-5/8 inch cut
- 56 degree bevel
- LXT runs mowers, blowers and chainsaws
Reasons to avoid
- Needs two packs
- Blade right
- Bare tool
Bosch GKS18V-25GC PROFACTOR 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw
The GKS18V-25GC is the Bosch PROFACTOR 18V 7-1/4 inch blade-left circular saw: brushless, 5,500 RPM, electric brake, 2-1/2 inch depth of cut and a 50 degree bevel, with Bluetooth connectivity, sold in the B14 kit with a CORE18V 8 Ah pack. On that pack it has corded-class power from one battery.
Reasons to buy
- Corded power from one 8 Ah pack
- Blade left sight line
- Kit includes pack and charger
- Bluetooth connectivity
Reasons to avoid
- Few Bosch yard tools in the US
- Less depth and bevel
- CORE18V packs cost more
Where these two differ
Both reach corded-class power by different routes. The Makita XSH06Z uses two 18V LXT packs for 36V; the Bosch GKS18V-25GC uses one CORE18V 8 Ah PROFACTOR pack. The Makita cuts deeper, bevels further and is blade right; the Bosch spins faster, is blade left and arrives as a kit with the big pack and charger. Only the Makita battery runs a yard of tools in the US.
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 | XSH06Z | GKS18V-25GC |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Makita X2 LXT | Bosch PROFACTOR 18V |
| Batteries | Two LXT packs | One CORE18V pack |
| Speed | 5,000 RPM | 5,500 RPM |
| Depth at 90 | 2-5/8 inch | 2-1/2 inch |
| Bevel | 56 degrees | 50 degrees |
| Blade side | Right | Left |
Power
Both rip wet pressure-treated 2x without slowing on their intended packs. The Makita Automatic Speed Change holds speed under load; the Bosch 8 Ah pack delivers the current for the same job. Neither leaves a deck builder wanting.
Layout
A right-handed user sees the line on the Bosch without leaning. The Makita line is watched through the shoe notch. Both are sidewinders with similar weight once packs are fitted.
Cut capacity
The Makita cuts 2-5/8 inch, among the deepest 7-1/4 inch saws, and bevels to 56 degrees. The Bosch cuts 2-1/2 inch and bevels to 50. A pergola with steep rafter cuts favors the Makita.
Batteries and runtime
Two LXT 5 Ah packs last an afternoon of joists on the Makita and run the X2 mower, blower and chainsaw. The Bosch 8 Ah pack lasts similarly and runs few outdoor tools in the US. CORE18V packs cost more than LXT packs.
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 board ends. The Bosch Bluetooth module reports tool status to a phone; most homeowners never use it.
Yard jobs this decides
No cut separates them for a deck or fence. The platform does: LXT runs mowers, blowers, trimmers and chainsaws; Bosch 18V runs very few outdoor tools in the US.
Common owner complaints
XSH06Z owners mention needing two packs and blade-right visibility. GKS18V-25GC owners mention pack cost and the thin Bosch outdoor range. Both are durable.
Which one should you buy
Buy the XSH06Z for a yard system and the deepest cut. Buy the GKS18V-25GC kit only if Bosch 18V packs are already in the shed or a blade-left single-pack saw is the priority.
Our verdict
The Makita XSH06Z takes this comparison on cut capacity and platform. The Bosch GKS18V-25GC is a fine saw for a Bosch owner.
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
Platform
LXT runs the yard; Bosch 18V largely does not in the US.
Batteries
Two LXT packs or one CORE18V 8 Ah pack.
Blade side
Left on the Bosch, right on the Makita.
Cut capacity
The Makita cuts deeper and bevels further.
Our verdict
Two ways to corded power: two Makita packs or one big Bosch pack. The Makita cuts deeper, bevels further and shares packs with a full yard range; the Bosch is blade-left, arrives as a kit and runs on one pack. For a homeowner choosing a system the Makita wins. For a Bosch 18V owner the PROFACTOR saw is excellent.
FAQs
Both are corded class. The Makita on two 5 Ah packs and the Bosch on an 8 Ah CORE18V pack rip 2x without slowing.
Smaller CORE18V packs run it with less power; the 8 Ah pack in the kit is the one to use.
A few, mostly outside the US. Makita LXT has a full range here.
The Makita at 2-5/8 inch.
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