Kobalt 24V Max XTR Circular Saw Improves Blade Size and Performance
The Kobalt 24V Max XTR Circular Saw features an upgraded motor and battery for a significant performance increase over the previous generation 24V Max Circular Saw. We evaluated it against other available cordless circular saws, including the highest-performing premium models, to see where it fits.
advantage
- Advanced battery and brushless motor system
- Significantly improved cutting performance
- 0º and 45º notches are very accurate
- very good handle ergonomics
- low shoe friction
- Includes vacuum adapter
- including the fence
shortcoming
- Guard doesn't slide over the top edge of the material as smoothly as we'd like
recommend
The Kobalt 24V Max XTR Circular Saw is a refined upgrade from the previous model and certainly a big step forward in terms of performance. Buy this if you're looking for a cordless circular saw that can get professional work done on a budget.
Kobalt 24V Max XTR Circular Saw Test Results
cutting performance
From the beginning, we expected the Kobalt XTR circular saw to have more cutting capacity than the standard 24V Max model, as it moved from a 6 1/2-inch blade to a 7 1/4-inch blade.
This is true, but only slightly. Kobalt managed to achieve an incredible 2 7/16" depth of cut on the last saw, matching the depth of cut of many 7 1/4" saws.
Even with the much larger blade size, capacity is only increased by 1/16" to 2-1/2". That's not a knock against the XTR, though, but rather a compliment to how good the previous design was.
On the other hand, the strength gap is obvious. The XTR saw goes up against well-known models like Milwaukee's M18 Fuel 2731 and DeWalt's 20V Max XR DCS570.
We were not disappointed with the 2 x 10 PT and stacked 3/4" OSB subfloor. Testing directly against Ridgid's Octane, we were able to cut all test materials faster.
As we cut, we noticed that the Kobalt's design did an excellent job of clearing dust and debris from the blade area. Of course, it spits them out through the port behind the guard.
If you don't want to clean all of that up, just connect the included vacuum dust port adapter. Even with a moderately powerful cordless vacuum, it can catch a lot of mess that you have to sweep up later.
accuracy
When testing accuracy, we set up a series of cross cuts and tear cuts to see how well we could follow the pre-marked cut lines.
Being a right edge saw, the front handle slightly blocks your view of the blade. It's not hard to move around and look around, though.
If you're cutting with your left hand, you'll have a pretty good view of the blade.
Assuming you want to use the index notches on your shoes for tracking, you can trust them. At 0º and 45º we used the Spyder 24T framing blades and found that they were completely dead on our cut line.
While I like the ergonomics of the direct alignment of the two handles, we noticed that this put us slightly off the cutting line.
Freehand cuts, we're almost within 1/8" on cross cuts and a little more variation on longer rip cuts. We tested other saws and they were all a little bit better and a little bit worse.
Finally, slow down your touch or use a ruler when maintaining the correct cut line is critical.
move
The first thing we check for saw motion is how much friction the shoe adds as we cut. Kobalt's coating glides beautifully on the wood. The Makita has slightly lower friction, but some big names like DeWitt and Milwaukee are significantly stickier.
Guard Design could use some help, though. Where the inside portion of the guard slopes, it flattens out as it hangs parallel to the workpiece. You have to give it some extra power, either by pushing hard or manually operating the guard until it clears the top edge of the wood.
ergonomics
Like I mentioned above, we love the ergonomics of the inline handle design on the Kobalt 24V Max XTR circular saw.
The front handle is sized and shaped to hold your hand nicely and give you a firm grip. Likewise, the rear handle is contoured and overmolded for a comfortable cutting experience.
The saw's bare tool weight is 9.4 lbs, more than 2.5 lbs more than previous models. Equipped with a 4.0Ah Ultimate Output battery, it weighs 10.9 lbs.
While the weight has increased significantly, keep in mind that the Kobalt is transitioning from a really compact circular saw to a full-size model.
Using metal for the shoe, blade guard, and blade cover adds weight while updating the blade, frame, and internals.
That said, the full line of premium cordless circular saws we tested range in weight from 9.6 pounds to 16.0 pounds, putting the Kobalt on the lighter side.
feature
The Kobalt 24V Max XTR Circular Saw has a comprehensive feature set.
- Brushless Motor
- electric brake
- led light
- rafter hook
- vacuum adapter
The only thing it's missing is rail-compatible shoes. This is not a common feature, although it is becoming more and more popular.
Kobalt does include a fence, though. It's a nice accessory when you're doing a longer cut, and most brands let you buy it separately.
price
As a bare tool, you can get the Kobalt XTR circular saw for $149 at Lowe's. It's also part of the 5-tool kit for $399. The kit also includes an impact drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw, and LED light, so it's a great way to get started with your XTR.
the bottom line
The Kobalt 24V Max XTR Circular Saw is a refined upgrade from the previous model and certainly a big step forward in terms of performance. Buy this if you're looking for a cordless circular saw that can get professional work done on a budget.
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Kobalt XTR Circular Saw Specifications
- Model: Kobalt KXCS 124B-03
- Motor: Brushless
- Saw Blade Diameter: 7-1/4"
- Spindle lock: yes
- Shoe Type: Metal
- Includes Fence: Yes
- Gear Type: Spur Gear
- Maximum speed: 5500 rpm
- Cutting Depth: 2.5 inches
- Maximum depth at 45°: 1.75 inches
- Bevel stop: 0-56°
- Weight: 9.4 lbs
- Warranty: 5 years
- Price: $149