Dewalt has recently announced updates to 3 different FlexVolt cordless power tools. The new FlexVolt tools are described as being enhanced, as they’re updates to 3 existing models rather than being all-new designs.
- 7-1/4″ circular saw (DCS578)
- Reciprocating saw (DCS389)
- Angle grinder (DCG418)
These tools will feature performance improvements and new kit configurations.
Performance enhancements are achieved through higher-power motors, new software, and new controls. The kits will feature 9.0Ah batteries instead of 6.0Ah batteries.
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The different in performance claims are described as being for when the 9.0Ah battery is used vs. when using the 6.0Ah battery.
Dewalt says:
Upgrades to these three tools continue the legacy of efficiency in heavy applications, with added power and long runtime. In other words, three of “our most powerful tools just got better”.
Dewalt FlexVolt Circular Saw DCS578
To start off, the new Dewalt FlexVolt DCS578 7-1/4″ circular saw is said to be up to 47% more powerful than its predecessor (DCS575).
Pricing: $249 for the bare tool (DCS578B), $299 kitted with (1) 9.0Ah battery (DCS578X1)
ETA: Spring 2020
- 2456 UWO (unit watts out) – what’s UWO?
- 5800 RPM
- 7-1/4″ blade size
- LED worklight
- 2-9/16″ max depth of cut at 90°
Dewalt FlexVolt Reciprocating Saw DCS389
The new reciprocating saw is said to be up to 19% more powerful than the previous model (DCS388).
Pricing: $249 for the bare tool (DCS389B), $299 kitted with (1) 9.0Ah battery (DCS389X1)
ETA: Spring 2020
- 1874 UWO
- 3000 SPM no-load
- 1-1/8″ stroke length
- Keyless blade clamp
- LED worklight
Dewalt FlexVolt Angle Grinder DCG418
Dewalt says the new FlexVolt grinder will be up to 30% more powerful than the original model, DCG414.
Pricing: $249 for the bare tool (DCG418B), $299 kitted with (1) 9.0Ah battery (DCG418X1)
ETA: Spring 2020
- 4-1/2″ to 6″ wheel size
- 2300 UWO
- 13A power
- 9000 RPM no-load
- Kickback brake E-clutch
Discussion
What’s not to like about a bump-up in performance?
Looking at pricing, the current Dewalt FlexVolt 60V Max circular saw, DCS575, sells for $159 for the bare tool, and the 1-battery kit is $299.
I’m hoping that the bare tool pricing will soften a little bit. $249? That’s a bit steep; maybe the street pricing will be lower. Or, maybe the bare tool pricing will be high for a bit to ensure the current/predecessor models continue to sell. The 1-battery kits being priced at $299 is quite good, as it gives you more performance and a larger battery without a price hike. It does look like you get a different charger than FlexVolt tools are currently kitted with, at least for the 1-battery kits.
The press photos, shown above, show a 2-battery kit configuration that looks to have the same yellow-colored fast charger as other current FlexVolt kits.
Looking at Dewalt marketing images, the new FlexVolt tools will be kitted with a new DCB1106 6A charger in the 1-battery kits, and a DCB118 8A charger in the 2-battery kits. But, that new 6A charger also says it can charge 20V Max (and FlexVolt) and 12V Max batteries. The 8A fast charger can only charge 20V Max (and FlexVolt) batteries.
So, with the 1-battery FlexVolt kits, it looks like you get a slightly slower but more versatile charger, and a higher capacity battery. The 9Ah battery doesn’t just have 50% more charge capacity than FlexVolt 6.0Ah batteries, it also features larger form factor cells, which presumably provides a performance boost as well.
The newly updated FlexVolt cordless power tools can be operated with 6.0Ah FlexVolt batteries, but it seems that they’re really designed with the 9.0Ah batteries in mind.
Dewalt has been known to make rolling changes to their power tool designs, but I suppose performance enhancements and new kit configurations required new model numbers to avoid confusion.
Can you believe that Dewalt first launched their FlexVolt system in 2016? They’ve expanded the line with a couple new tools in the 3-1/2 years since the line was first announced. I wonder what other new FlexVolt cordless power tools or equipment might be in store for 2020.
loup68 says
They really need to redesign their very poorly executed flex-volt chain saw!
I have wanted to purchase one but the bar clamping system is horrible.
I would really like to see it have two threaded studs with retaining nuts.
Forget about tool less clamping, give me something secure! loup68
Big Richard says
For what the saw is, a homeowner occasional use saw, the tool less tensioning system is more than adequate. I like it on smaller saws and the Flexvolt has been a great light duty saw for me. My Stihl MS251, which is my medium duty saw, also has the tool less chain tensioner, have had zero issues. Now my MS391 is a different animal and on that saw I need my dual studs.
Bill says
Agreed. I have owned the DCCS670 60v Max 16″ chainsaw for several years now and it has performed quite well. I am also the diy, weekend warrior type user, and for that it works great. Not just a little light limb trimming either. I’ve cut down a few trees ranging from 10-14″ trunk size and the saw was able to handle them all. You might not want to start a logging operation with one but the simplicity of an electric chainsaw for occasional use is hard to beat.
Mark says
Check out the new versions. It’s still tool-less with one stud, but in the center there is a standard 8mm hex key cutout. This lets you normally use it with the clamp hand tight, but crank down on it with an Allen key for heavy applications.
John Fal says
Right on loup68!
With a better bolt on chain tensioner and a normal oil fill cap and I’d be in 100%
Also they need a new weed eater power head, one that works with MTD attachments. Then I would put the rest of my Ryobi stuff in a yard sale.
Kenneth Stephens says
I have a buddy that’s looking to get into a 18v line. I showed him the makita deal for $299 but he really likes the look of the ryobi stuff, the price, and the tools in the lineup. What do you think is the best ryobi buy for right now/Black Friday
Stuart says
I haven’t seen the Home Depot deals yet.
With Ryobi, I’d avoid the sub-$99 stuff and look closely at the larger combo kits.
For instance, if you want a Ryobi circular saw, check the blade size. Check the chuck size on their drill special buys – you want 1/2″ and not 3/8″.
Clay says
As someone who has used alot of Ryobi over the years, I highly recommend the brushless tools over the brushed.
TonyT says
As someone who has 3 systems (Ryobi, Makita LXT, Bosch 12V), I highly recommend having Ryobi as one of your systems for all the affordable, unusual tools. And sometimes the Ryobi factory outlet (Direct Tools Outlet) has incredible deals (but watch it – sometimes they’re more $$ than HD!)
Fm2176 says
This! I bought into Ryobi after already owning the DeWalt Max series of tools (8, 12, 20, 60, 120), M18, and Ridgid 18v. Some of Ryobi’s offerings are simply unavailable in other brands.
Kizzle says
New recip saw have orbital?
Big Richard says
No, unfortunately not. More power is always good, but orbital action would’ve been better.
Corey Moore says
I’d pick it up if it had the 4 way blade clamp, but some small boost to power isn’t gonna give me a reason to move from my Gen 1 fv recip. It’s a plenty capable saw as is, just don’t know why they didn’t include one of their better features when they made the fv.
Kizzle says
Exactly. You can give it tons of torque and make the blade reciprocate more times a minute, but orbital action would have been a much better improvement. Once you use an orbital reciprocating saw on wood, you’ll never want to go back. No more rocking the saw to clear the cutting path.
ToolGuyDan says
How does the new circ stack up to the DCS520B on a spec-for-spec basis? Is the new one track-compatible?
Andreas says
Hopefully this updated circular saw doesn’t catch on fire like the old ones did.
Rendered Insane says
Sounds like they are trying to rehash/refresh a now ageing line.
Having to use a 9ah to get the higher power seems counter intuitive to me…i use the 6ah to keep the weight down on these already heavy tools! 9ah is just too much.
Ill stick with the Gen 1 for now.
MattF says
They really need to come out with dust shrouds designed for the Flexvolt grinder.
Nathan says
hope the gen one circ saw comes up on fire sale. Thanks for the update.
John says
They should make a flexvolt drill/driver/ hammer drill. Something with more uwo’s.