DeWalt DCS382 vs DCS380: Is the Brushless Upgrade Worth It?

Introduction

DeWalt’s DCS382 is the brushless refresh of the brand’s long-serving 20V Max reciprocating saw, the DCS380. The new model is lighter, smoother, and faster, but a few familiar features did not make the jump. If you are deciding between the two, the choice comes down to what you value more: cutting performance or convenience features.

What the DCS382 Gets Right

The headline upgrade is the brushless motor, and it shows in testing. The DCS382 cut faster than the older DCS380 and did not stall at all where the DCS380 stalled repeatedly. Vibration is another area of clear improvement. The older saw was noticeably rougher to use, while the DCS382 stays reasonably smooth as long as you keep the shoe against the work and let the saw do the cutting.

Weight is also down. DeWalt specs the DCS382 at 5.7 pounds versus 6.4 pounds for the DCS380, and independent scale checks put the gap at roughly a pound lighter without batteries. Other practical touches include an added work light, which the older saw lacks, and a two-finger trigger that is more comfortable and makes inverted use easier.

What the DCS382 Gives Up

Not everything moved forward. The side flip blade change lever from the DCS380 has been replaced with a standard twist collar, which is more fiddly to use, especially when the shaft rests lower in the saw body. The DCS380 also offers an adjustable shoe that moves in and out, while the DCS382 only has a pivoting shoe. And where the older saw has a four-position blade clamp, the new model is limited to two positions, meaning blades can only be mounted right side up or upside down.

One more thing buyers may notice: there is still no rafter hook, despite the brushless treatment arriving on other DeWalt saws with one included.

Why You Might Still Pick the DCS380

The DCS380 remains on the market as a lower-cost alternative, and for occasional users that matters. It brings a more convenient side flip blade change, an adjustable shoe, and a four-position blade clamp. If you use a reciprocating saw often enough to care about those conveniences but not often enough to justify the newer platform, the older saw is still a sensible buy.

Which One Should You Buy?

For most buyers, the DCS382 is the better saw. It is lighter, it cuts faster, it does not stall where the older model did, and it vibrates less. Those are the things you feel on every single cut. The lost features, like the flip lever and the four-position clamp, are conveniences you notice only occasionally. Unless those specific features are deal-breakers for your workflow, the brushless upgrade earns its place.

Conclusion

The DCS382 is a genuine step forward in cutting performance, weight, and comfort, with only minor feature trade-offs in exchange. The DCS380 still makes sense as a budget pick for light-duty use, but for anyone buying today, the brushless model is the stronger long-term choice.