Makita 18V X2 Plunge-Cut Circular Saw Kit vs Makita 40V XGT 7-1/4" Circular Saw Kit

Buy the 18V X2 plunge saw if you need true track-saw work: plunge cuts, a 55-inch guide rail, scoring and clean sheet goods cuts. Buy the 40V XGT saw if you want one powerful, light saw for framing and general cutting. The X2 kit is heavy at 28 lb and tied to the 18V platform; the XGT is 11.7 lb with a battery and cuts 3X lumber in one pass, but it is a right-hand circular saw, not a rail-guided plunge saw. Owners of both praise Makita's brushless motors and cut quality; the X2 is the more specialized tool.

• Choose the 18V X2 plunge saw if you cut plywood, veneer or countertops and need a rail-guided, splinter-free cut with plunge control.
• Choose the 40V XGT saw if you want a lighter, more powerful all-round saw for framing, decking and 3X lumber.