Flex 24V Brushless 7 1/4″ Cordless Circular Saw Challenges the Leading Choices
Lowe’s has made significant strides with its impressive lineup of 24V tools. However, many have questioned where the Flex fits in among the various options available to both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. To answer these queries, we got our hands on one of the key tools in the professional cordless arsenal—the Flex 24V Brushless Cordless 7 1/4″ Circular Saw.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Superior Cutting Performance
- Sturdy Design
- Excellent Ergonomics
- Feature-rich
- Exceptional Value in terms of Performance and Design
- 5-year Warranty on Tools and Batteries
Shortcoming
- Slightly heavier than other Sidewinder styles when using the 12.0Ah battery
Right out of the box, it might not be immediately apparent how this Flex circular saw stands out. In terms of size, it can be compared to both standard professional-grade brushless saws and premium brushless saws. As we began making test cuts, we were impressed by its confident cutting capability.
We then set up the PTR circular saw test track to determine how it measures up in terms of cutting speed, power, and ease of adjustment.
Test Track Parameters
If you’re unfamiliar with the setup, here’s what the test track entails:
- 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)
For the 7 1/4-inch model, the completion times range from 3 minutes and 41 seconds to 1 minute and 35 seconds—impressive results from the saw we tested. Using the 12Ah battery, the Flex 24V Brushless Cordless Circular Saw finished in 1 minute and 36 seconds, just a second ahead. While human error comes into play in this type of testing, it falls well within acceptable limits.
This is a crucial finding as it demonstrates that the Flex offers exceptional performance—not just above average, but truly top-notch performance.
Flex 24V Brushless Cordless 7 1/4″ Circular Saw Design Notes
In our assessment, Flex made several commendable decisions during the design process. As one would expect from a high-quality professional cordless saw, the blade guard and cover are constructed from magnesium, ensuring durability. This is one of the toughest saws we’ve encountered in recent times.
Despite the lightweight magnesium construction, the saw with the blade weighs 9.2 lbs. With the 8.0Ah battery, it weighs 12.3 lbs, and with the 12.0Ah battery pack, it weighs 13.4 lbs. While there are lighter alternatives available, it is comparable to top sidewinder-style saws with the 8.0Ah battery and closer to rear-handlebar-style saws with the 12.0Ah battery.
The handle’s ergonomics are excellent. The main handle is contoured to fit your hand perfectly, and the overmolded texture ensures a secure grip, even when your hands are sweaty. The front handle is spacious enough to fill your hand comfortably, positioned at a suitable distance from the main grip and offset to the left.
The bevel adjustment features stops at 45° and 22.5°, albeit with a slight difference. There’s a front knob that you push in and turn into the detent. When you release the ramp lock, it stops, leaving no doubt that you’re on target.
However, it is possible to override the detent. You can push the dial out of the detent without first pushing it in. While this might cause damage over time, regular use won’t pose any harm. Just make sure to familiarize your crew with the operation before they use it for the first time.
The stamped 0° and 45° notches are precisely positioned, and there’s an added bonus. A second set of notches is located in front of the blades, clearly visible. In our experience, these notches prove handy and contribute to more accurate cuts.
Additional Features
- Maximum Depth of Cut: 2 5/8 inches, allowing three cuts in one pass
- Smooth Depth and Bevel Adjustments
- Depth markings for 2x, 3/4″ ply, 1/2″ ply, and 1/4″ ply
- Sturdy rafter hook
- Standard arbor lock with onboard wrench storage
- Includes a dust port
- LED lights
- Cutting blower
Flex 24V Brushless Cordless 7 1/4″ Circular Saw Prices
You can find the Flex cordless circular saw, including an 8.0Ah battery, a 280W fast charger, a 24T blade, and a bag, for $299.00 at Lowe’s. This price is on par with DeWalt’s DCS578X1 FlexVolt circular saw kit and significantly lower than Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 2732-21HD kit.
Additionally, Flex offers a 5-year warranty on both their tools and batteries. Furthermore, they have a special deal for early adopters—if you sign up before December 31, 2022, you’ll receive a Flex Founders Lifetime Warranty on your tool!
The Bottom Line
Considering the performance we’ve witnessed from the Flex 24V Brushless Cordless Circular Saw, it is evident that the development team has aimed to compete at the highest professional level. This saw boasts exceptional design and performance at an attractive price.
So, what’s your take? Is it worth giving Flex a chance? Let us know in the comments below!
Flex 24V Brushless Cordless 7 1/4″ Circular Saw Specs
- Model: Flextronics FX2141-1D
- Power: Flex 24V battery
- Blade Diameter: 7 1/4 inches
- Maximum Cutting Depth: 2 5/8 inches
- Warranty: 5 years (tool and battery)
- Price: $299.99