Makita XSH06PT vs XSR01PT: Which Is Best In 2026?

Introduction

If you’re looking at the Makita XSH06PT vs XSR01PT, you’ve probably noticed something interesting: these are basically the same saw. Both are 36V (18V X2) beasts with brushless motors, but there are a few key differences that actually matter when you’re on the job site.

Let me break down exactly what makes these saws different and which one is right for you.

Quick Verdict:

The Makita XSH06PT wins for most users at $349 with its faster 6,000 RPM motor, lighter 10.5 lb weight, LED work light, and dust port. The XSR01PT costs $329 but offers traditional rear-handle design preferred by framing carpenters and corded worm-drive users.

Features	XSH06PT 🏆	XSR01PT
Price	$349	$329
Handle Style	Sidewinder (top)	Rear handle
Blade Position	Right side	Left side
Max Speed	6,000 RPM	5,100 RPM
Crosscuts per Charge	610 (2x4s)	558 (2x4s)
Weight	10.5 lbs (with batteries)	12.4 lbs (with batteries)
LED Work Light	Yes ✓	No
Dust Port	Yes ✓	No
Cutting Capacity (90°)	2-5/8"	2-9/16"
Overall Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.8/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.6/5)
Where To Buy?	Check On Amazon	Check On Amazon

The Real Difference: Sidewinder vs Rear Handle Design

Both of these cordless circular saws run on two 18V LXT batteries (36V total), feature brushless motors, Automatic Speed Change technology, electric brakes, and cut 3X lumber in a single pass. The choice comes down to handle preference and performance priorities.

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2. Makita Vs Bosch Circular Saw!

Why XSH06PT Is the Better Buy (For Most Users)?

The XSH06PT delivers more speed, less weight, and better features for $20 more than the XSR01PT.

1. 18% More Speed = Faster Cuts

The XSH06PT runs at 6,000 RPM vs the XSR01PT’s 5,100 RPM. That 900 RPM difference means:

• Faster cuts through dimensional lumber
• Cleaner cuts with less tear-out
• Better performance in hardwood and engineered materials
• 610 crosscuts per charge vs 558 (9% more cuts)

According to manufacturer testing with 5.0Ah batteries, the XSH06PT makes 52 more cuts per charge than the XSR01PT when cutting 2×4 SPF lumber.

2. Nearly 2 Pounds Lighter

At 10.5 lbs with batteries, the XSH06PT weighs 1.9 lbs less than the XSR01PT’s 12.4 lbs.

Why this matters:

• Less fatigue during all-day cutting
• Easier overhead cuts
• Better for extended projects
• More comfortable for smaller users

Based on Amazon reviews, users consistently praise the XSH06PT’s light weight compared to other cordless 7-1/4″ saws.

3. LED Work Light + Dust Port

The XSH06PT includes:

• LED work light for cutting in dimly-lit areas (crawl spaces, closets, early morning job sites)
• Vacuum dust port that connects to shop vacs for cleaner cutting

The XSR01PT lacks both features. According to user reviews, the missing LED light is a significant drawback when working in basements or areas with poor lighting.

4. Sidewinder Design = Better Versatility

The top-handle sidewinder design works better for:

• Cross-cutting dimensional lumber
• Sheet goods (plywood, OSB)
• General carpentry and trim work
• Users switching from corded circular saws
• Right-handed users (blade on right provides clear cut line view)

Most DIYers and general contractors prefer sidewinder saws because they’re what they’ve used for years.

Real User Feedback

Based on Amazon review analysis:

• XSH06PT: 4.7/5 stars from 850+ verified buyers
• XSR01PT: 4.6/5 stars from 420+ verified buyers

Common praise for XSH06PT: “lighter than expected,” “LED light is clutch,” “faster than my old corded saw,” “perfect for all-around use”

Common praise for XSR01PT: “love the rear handle for framing,” “blade-left is what I’m used to,” “feels like my old worm drive”

When XSR01PT Makes Sense (Framers & Worm-Drive Users)?

The XSR01PT costs $20 less and delivers traditional rear-handle design. For specific trades, this matters significantly.

Choose XSR01PT if:

• You’re a framing carpenter (rear handle = better for vertical cuts)
• You’ve used worm-drive saws for years (blade-left feels natural)
• You do roofing work (rear handle gives better control at angles)
• You prefer blade-left orientation (left-handed users especially)
• You want to save $20

At $329, it provides traditional worm-drive ergonomics in a cordless package. According to user reviews, framers and roofers specifically seek out the XSR01PT for its familiar feel.

The rear-handle advantage:

• Better for plunge cuts and vertical work
• More comfortable for framing studs
• Familiar to corded worm-drive users
• Blade-left provides clear view for left-handers

Upgrade to XSH06PT when:

• You do varied carpentry (not just framing)
• Weight matters for all-day use
• You want the LED light and dust port
• You’re used to sidewinder saws
• The extra speed appeals to you

Quick Buying Decision: 3 Questions

1. What’s your primary use?

• General carpentry, remodeling, DIY → XSH06PT (versatile sidewinder)
• Framing, roofing, vertical cuts → XSR01PT (rear handle control)

2. Have you used worm-drive saws before?

• No, or prefer sidewinders → XSH06PT (lighter, faster, familiar)
• Yes, blade-left feels natural → XSR01PT (traditional ergonomics)

3. Do you need LED light and dust collection?

• Yes, work in dim areas or value clean cuts → XSH06PT (has both features)
• No, outdoor work with good lighting → XSR01PT (saves $20)

Quick answer:

• Can spend $350? → [GET XSH06PT – Lighter, faster, more features →]
• Framer or worm-drive user? → [GET XSR01PT – Rear handle design →]

Detailed Specs Comparison

Power & Performance:

• XSH06PT: 6,000 RPM brushless motor
• XSR01PT: 5,100 RPM brushless motor
• Both: 18V X2 (36V total) battery system
• Both: Automatic Speed Change technology
• Both: 50% longer runtime vs brushed motors

Cutting Capacity:

• XSH06PT: 2-5/8″ at 90°, 1-7/8″ at 45°
• XSR01PT: 2-9/16″ at 90°, 1-3/4″ at 45°
• Both: Cut 3X lumber (2×12) in single pass

Battery Performance (with two 5.0Ah batteries):

• XSH06PT: Up to 610 crosscuts in 2×4 SPF
• XSR01PT: Up to 558 crosscuts in 2×4 SPF
• Both: Compatible with all Makita 18V LXT batteries

Physical Design:

• XSH06PT: Top handle (sidewinder), blade-right, 10.5 lbs
• XSR01PT: Rear handle, blade-left, 12.4 lbs
• Both: Die-cast magnesium base and guards
• Both: Aluminum motor housing

Features:

• XSH06PT: LED work light, dust port, onboard battery gauges
• XSR01PT: Onboard battery gauges, electric brake
• Both: Electric brake for fast blade stops
• Both: 0-53° bevel capacity
• Both: Tool-less bevel and depth adjustments

Safety & Technology:

• Both: Star Protection (overload/over-discharge/overheat protection)
• Both: XPT (Extreme Protection Technology) weather sealing
• Both: Automatic Speed Change adjusts torque under load
• Both: Electric brake stops blade quickly

Kit Includes:

• Both: (2) 18V LXT 5.0Ah batteries
• Both: DC18RD dual-port rapid charger
• Both: Tool bag
• Both: 7-1/4″ blade installed

Warranty:

• Both: Makita 3-year limited warranty
• Both: 1-year free service contract
• Both: 30-day satisfaction guarantee

Best Use Cases

XSH06PT Excels At:

• General carpentry and remodeling
• Cutting plywood and sheet goods
• Trim work and finish carpentry
• DIY projects (decks, fences, sheds)
• Working in basements or dim areas (LED light)
• All-day use where weight matters

XSR01PT Excels At:

• Framing houses (walls, roofs, floors)
• Vertical cutting (studs, posts)
• Roofing work (sheathing, rafter cuts)
• Any application requiring rear-handle control
• Users switching from corded worm drives
• Left-handed users (blade-left orientation)

Both Handle Equally:

• Cutting dimensional lumber (2x4s through 2x12s)
• Deck building
• Fence construction
• Demolition work
• Job site rough cutting
• Outdoor projects with good lighting

Sidewinder vs Rear Handle: The Core Difference

Sidewinder (XSH06PT):

• Handle on top, perpendicular to blade
• Motor positioned sideways
• Lighter weight (motor balanced over blade)
• Better for cross-cutting and sheet goods
• Easier one-handed operation
• Most common design in North America

Rear Handle (XSR01PT):

• Handle behind motor, in line with blade
• Motor positioned longitudinally
• Better for plunge cuts and vertical work
• More power transfer to blade (straighter force path)
• Traditional worm-drive ergonomics
• Preferred by framers and roofers

Neither design is objectively better—it’s about matching the tool to your work and preferences.

Price Breakdown & Value

Note: The prices on Amazon for both kits can vary depending on the seasonal sale or deals.

XSH06PT at $349:

• 6,000 RPM (18% faster)
• 10.5 lbs (18% lighter)
• LED work light
• Dust port
• 610 cuts per charge
• Best value for: General use, DIY, varied carpentry

XSR01PT at $329:

• 5,100 RPM (traditional worm-drive speed)
• 12.4 lbs (better balance for vertical work)
• Rear-handle ergonomics
• Blade-left orientation
• 558 cuts per charge
• Best value for: Framers, roofers, worm-drive converts

The $20 difference: For most users, the XSH06PT’s extra speed, lighter weight, and added features (LED + dust port) easily justify $20 more. For specialized trades (framing, roofing), the XSR01PT’s rear handle is worth the trade-offs.

Bottom Line: Which Should You Buy?

For most users: The Makita XSH06PT at $349 delivers faster cutting (6,000 RPM), lighter weight (10.5 lbs), LED work light, and dust port. It’s the better all-around saw for contractors, remodelers, and DIYers.

For framers and worm-drive users: The XSR01PT at $329 provides traditional rear-handle design with blade-left orientation. If you’ve used corded worm drives for years or primarily do framing/roofing, this feels more natural.

Honestly: Unless you specifically need rear-handle ergonomics, the XSH06PT is the smarter buy. It’s faster, lighter, and includes features (LED, dust port) the XSR01PT lacks. The $20 premium is minor compared to the performance advantages.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which style you prefer, the XSH06PT is the safer choice. Sidewinder design is what 80%+ of users are familiar with from corded saws. The XSR01PT is excellent but requires commitment to rear-handle ergonomics.

FAQs

Which one cuts faster?

The XSH06PT with its 6,000 RPM motor cuts noticeably faster than the XSR01PT’s 5,100 RPM. User reviews mention the speed difference is particularly evident in hardwood and engineered lumber.

Why does the XSR01PT weigh more?

The rear-handle design requires a longer motor housing and different internal layout, adding roughly 2 lbs. The trade-off is better balance for vertical cutting in framing applications.

Can I see the cut line equally well on both?

Depends on your dominant hand. Right-handers see the cut line better on the XSH06PT (blade-right). Left-handers prefer the XSR01PT (blade-left). Both have clear sightlines when used by the appropriate hand.

Is the LED light really necessary?

According to XSH06PT owners on Amazon, the LED light is surprisingly useful even in well-lit areas—it illuminates the cut line and helps with precision. The XSR01PT’s lack of LED is a common complaint in reviews.

Does the dust port work well?

Users report the XSH06PT’s dust port effectively captures sawdust when connected to a shop vacuum. Not as effective as a track saw, but significantly better than no dust management.

Which one is better for ripping plywood?

The XSH06PT’s lighter weight makes it easier to maneuver across full sheets. However, the XSR01PT’s rear handle provides better control for long rip cuts if you’re used to that style.

Are the batteries interchangeable?

Yes. Both saws use standard Makita 18V LXT batteries. Any two 18V LXT batteries (with star symbol) will power either saw.