Advantage: Comfortable Ergonomics, Impressive Cutting Speed, Enhanced Visibility, Deep Cut Capacity, Vacuum Hose Adapter, Extended Warranty
Flextronics enters the professional cordless power tool market with an impressive lineup of first-generation tools. While these tools meet the essential requirements of every professional, the Flex 24V 6 1/2-Inch Inline Circular Saw stands out from the crowd.
Performance: Putting the Flex 24V Inline Circular Saw to the Test
First and foremost, let’s talk about performance. We pushed this circular saw to its limits, subjecting it to rigorous tests in our shop and on the PTR circular saw test track.
Test Track Parameters
For those unfamiliar with the setup, let me explain the test track:
- Crosscuts: Five crosscuts (2 x 10)
- Bevel Cuts: Five 45º beveled cross-cuts (2 x 10)
- Miter cuts: Five 45º miter cuts (2 x 10)
- Compound cuts: Three 45º miter/45º bevel compound cuts from each side of the wood (6 cuts total, 2 x 10)
- Power drive: One 4′ breach (double 3/4″ OSB subfloor)
While the Flex 24V Inline Circular Saw is not as powerful as its 7 1/4-inch counterpart, it holds its ground commendably. It completed the test track in 2 minutes and 10 seconds, slightly slower than the 7 1/4-inch rival at 1 minute and 36 seconds. Other circular saws preceding the inline model required larger batteries to achieve similar strength. Thus, the Flex 24V Inline Circular Saw strikes the perfect balance compared to more traditional single battery models.
Rest assured, this saw is up to the task. It performed all our cuts with confidence, although for miter and compound cuts, you may need to slow down slightly to maintain RPM. Nevertheless, this saw is fully capable of handling any 7 1/4″ saw job.
Design Notes: Unleashing the Power of Inline
We find the concept of an inline circular saw intriguing. While it may resemble a backhand saw during use, it operates quite differently. Inside its slim profile lies a sensorless brushless motor that powers the saw’s unique belt drive.
The belt drive not only affects the feel but also the cutting depth. Despite its 6 1/2-inch blade, this saw boasts an impressive 2 9/16-inch depth of cut, equivalent to many 7 1/4-inch saws. It can make three cuts in one go.
In addition to the cutting depth, the shoe of this saw is slimmer than other designs. While it features the typical left side sight of a left blade saw, it offers noticeably improved visibility on the right side. It’s the closest we’ve seen to a circular saw that caters to both preferences.
It’s worth mentioning that this saw has a maximum bevel range of 47°, slightly less than some models that reach 56°.
While compact in size, this saw is not to be underestimated. It feels just as capable as most professional brands we use, making it ideal for onsite use.
Size and Weight: Compactness without Compromise
Due to its smaller size, we anticipated that this saw would be lighter than its full-size counterpart—and it is. The bare tool weighs 7.1 lbs, while the 5.0Ah battery brings it to 9.1 lbs. Any cordless saw under 10 pounds is considered solid, though it may not be as lightweight as some of our other 6 1/2-inch models.
The main handle is an excellent fit for medium-sized hands, and the side handle is well-proportioned. It is a bit closer to the main handle compared to a full-size saw, but this is to be expected in a compact design.
Additional Features: Going the Extra Mile
- Collapsible rafter hook
- Built-in hex key storage
- LED work light
- Vacuum hose adapter
- Compatible with the entire Flex 24V system
The Flex 24V Inline Circular Saw retails for $249.00 at Lowe’s. It includes the saw, a 5.0Ah battery, a 160W fast charger, a blade, and a carrying bag. At the time of writing, a bare tool option is not available.
Flex tools come with a 5-year warranty, which can be extended to a lifetime warranty if you register your tool before 12/31/22.
The Bottom Line: Unmatched Cutting Power and Visibility
The Flex 24V Inline Circular Saw offers exceptional visibility from both sides of the blade and cutting power comparable to that of a 7 1/4″ saw. No other circular saw we’ve tested can achieve this, earning it a spot among the top compact saws. If you’re in the market for a cordless compact circular saw, there is no better choice than the Flex 24V 6 1/2″ Inline Circular Saw.
Flex 24V Inline Circular Saw Specifications
- Model: Flextronics FX2131A-1C
- Blade Size: 6-1/2″
- No-load speed: 5,500 RPM
- Bevel Capability: 0-47°
- Arbor: 5/8 inch
- 90° Cutting Capacity: 2-9/16″
- 45° Cutting Capacity: 1-9/16″
- Tool Weight (Bare): 7.1 lbs
- Tool Weight (with 5Ah battery): 9.4 lbs
- Price: $249 with 5.0Ah battery, fast charger, blade, and case
- Warranty: 5 years (Lifetime after registration on 12/31/22)
For more information on the complete Flex 24V range, click here.