Flex 24V Brushless Reciprocating Saw Demonstrates Impressive Performance
With a comprehensive feature set and impressive specs, the Flex 24V Brushless Reciprocating Saw is certainly a compelling choice on paper. However, there are battery options from 2.5Ah all the way up to 12.0Ah, so we set out to see exactly where this model fits among the other cordless options available.
advantage
- excellent cutting speed
- optional track action
- rafter hook
- Swivel, tool-less adjustable shoe
- excellent ergonomics
shortcoming
- Shaft Mounted Blade Fixtures
- No speed selection (variable speed trigger only)
The Flex promises 3000 strokes per minute to match its long 1 1/4-inch stroke length. This is in line with some of the top saws in the industry. However, when we actually had to cut tough materials, we got to see how well the brushless motors performed.
For fun, we tested a 5.0Ah battery and a 12.0Ah battery. Don't laugh too hard at us, though. Both Milwaukee and DeWalt have sizable batteries on their respective Supersaws, and we wanted to give the Flex the best chance.
Saw with confidence when cutting wood and mixed roofing materials with the Lenox Demolition CT Carbide Saw Blade. Speed gets even better when you're orbiting on the side.
With orbital mode off, the saw melts angle iron and cast iron in medium to thick metals with our Lenox Lazer CT carbide blades.
Although the Flex doesn't have a specific vibration-damping mechanism, we felt less vibration during the cut than most other saws we've tested. Not surprising considering Flex is the same company that brought us Skilsaw's Buzzkill damping technology.
After using the saw for a while, I didn't notice a huge boost in power from the 8.0Ah or 12.0Ah batteries. You do gain some performance, but you'll be more comfortable doing quick cuts with a lighter 5.0Ah battery or even a 2.5Ah pack.
In the end, it's clear that Flex designed the first reciprocating saw as a replacement for your 10 – 12 amp saw, not the most powerful 15 amp model. This is where most cordless reciprocating saws are positioned, and the Flex is definitely a high performer compared to these models.
Flex 24V Brushless Reciprocating Saw Design Notes
size and weight
Flex keeps this reciprocating saw at "just right" length. It's not too long, and it's not so small that your hands get too close together.
Weighing in at 7.4 lbs bare and 9.5 lbs with a 5.0Ah battery, this saw is in line with other saws in its class. Of course, using one of the higher capacity batteries would increase this.
Additional features
What makes the rest of the design so impressive isn't the sheer number of impressive new features. Instead, Flex doesn't make sure the most important content is included. Here's the breakdown:
- track switch
- Swivel, tool-less adjustable shoe
- led light
- rafter hook
If there's anything we'd like to add to the next generation, it's selectable speeds. Like most pros, we're more likely to hold the trigger at full speed, and being able to dial back the speed electronically is great for cast iron, stainless steel, and other hard materials.
We'd also like to see a blade release lever on the side of the handle rather than on the shaft. Pulling the trigger in sequence to pull the clamp out far enough can be frustrating.
Flex 24V Brushless Reciprocating Saw Prices
You can pick up this Flex reciprocating saw at Lowe's for $249 with a 5.0Ah battery, 160W fast charger, and a bag to store it in. It's also part of several combo kits that offer better value and can get you into the Flex 24V system. Currently, there is no bare tool option.
When you look at other premium options, Flex is in some cases $50 to $100 more than its price. Granted, some of these are kits with two batteries instead of one, but that's something to keep in mind if high value is your priority.
The kit comes with a standard warranty of 5 years for the tool, battery and charger. However, if you sign up with them before December 31, 2021, they'll upgrade you to a lifetime warranty as a thank you for being an early adopter of the system.
the bottom line
Flex has done an excellent job of tweaking the performance and design of its first generation reciprocating saw. There are a few features we hope to see in the next release, but they're certainly not deal breakers anyway. What we want to know is whether the design team will aim for a "super saw" in the future. They have the battery system to back it up, and if this saw is any indication, they have the capability and technology to make it happen.
Flex 24V Brushless Reciprocating Saw Specifications
- Model: Flextronics FX2271-1C
- Battery voltage 24V
- Motor: Brushless
- Strokes per minute: 3000 SPM
- Blade Travel: 1.25 inches
- Track Action: Yes
- Adjustable shoe: yes
- Variable speed: yes
- Weight: 10.67 lbs.
- Warranty: 5 years (Lifetime if registered before 12/31/21)
- Price: $249