Makita Jigsaw Comparison: 40V Max Barrel Grip, 40V Max D-Handle and 18V Brushless Compared

Introduction

Makita’s 40V Max XGT jigsaw lineup now covers both grip styles, and the obvious question is whether stepping up from the 18V brushless range is actually worth it. In this comparison we look at the 40V Max barrel grip JVZ01G, the 40V Max D-handle DJVZ02G, and the older 18V brushless DJV182, with a classic brushed D-handle thrown in for context.

All three saws are mechanically similar on paper, so the differences come down to power output, speed control, soft start behaviour and how each one feels in the hand during real cuts.

The Numbers: Specs Side by Side

The headline specs are remarkably close. All three saws run at 3,500 strokes per minute with a maximum depth of cut of 135mm through timber (less through metal, aluminium and plastics). The real difference is wattage: the 18V brushless outputs 390W, the 40V Max D-handle outputs 700W, and the 40V Max barrel grip outputs 800W according to Makita New Zealand’s website. That extra output raises the question of whether the 40V saws actually cut faster.

Weight is nearly a wash. With a 2.5Ah battery fitted, the 40V D-handle weighs 2,775g, the 40V barrel grip is about 2,650g, and the 18V brushless also lands around 2,650g with a battery. All three offer three orbital settings plus straight cutting, and all three have a speed dial ranging from roughly 800 up to the 3,500 maximum.

Blade Changes and Bases

Blade changes are tool-free and identical across the 40V models: flick the lever and the blade ejects, then push a new blade straight in without touching the lever. It is quick and reliable.

The base plates are essentially the same across the range, with an Allen key stored in the rear for bevel adjustments to 45 degrees either way. The 40V D-handle’s base is slightly longer than the old brushed model’s, but otherwise the design carries over.

Speed Control and Soft Start

Here is where the saws diverge. The D-handle models have a trigger with variable speed, so you can feather the trigger for corners and ease off before exiting a cut to avoid blowout. The barrel grip has no trigger: you switch it on and it runs at whatever the dial is set to. If you like trigger control, that is a genuine consideration.

Soft start behaviour also varies. The 40V saws come with soft start turned off as standard, and you can toggle it on or off: turn the tool off, set the dial to 1, turn the tool on, move to 6, then back to 1. Two flashes of the lights confirm the change. Early 18V brushless units had soft start permanently enabled with no way to disable it, which many users found frustrating, though some newer 18V models added the on/off option.

The 40V D-handle also has a trigger lock-on for extended or fiddly work, and Makita has addressed a common barrel grip complaint: the JVZ01G can now run an 8Ah battery while bevelled without crashing into the work surface, though a nearly 2kg battery does hurt handling.

Cutting Performance

In straight speed tests with identical new wood-cutting blades and fully charged 2.5Ah batteries, with soft start off, the two 40V saws performed very close to one another. Both had plenty of power, which is expected from a jigsaw since these are precision tools rather than log hackers.

The more telling difference showed up in aggressive cuts. On maximum orbital setting with a coarse blade, the 18V brushless tore through the timber but left a noticeably rougher edge, while the 40V saws cut with far less aggressive oscillation and a much smoother finish. Push the 18V or brushed saws hard and the cut quality deteriorates; the 40V models hold up much better at speed.

On the fine (no orbital) setting, all the saws cut cleanly, though tight turns with an aggressive blade can scorch the timber. Blade choice matters enormously here: use fine-tooth blades for finish work and coarse blades only for fast rough cuts.

Dust Extraction and Splinter Guards

Both 40V saws ship with a dust extraction attachment that clips to either side of the base and screws in place, with the swivelling screw adapting to whichever side you choose. A small removable splinter guard sits in the base, though it pops out a little too easily, so keep an eye on it or you may lose it quickly.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you prefer trigger speed control, the D-handle format wins for most work. You can go flat out and ease off before exiting the cut, change speed mid-line without fumbling for a dial, and stop instantly by releasing your finger. The barrel grip has its place, with a lower centre of gravity that suits coping and upside-down work, but the reach-around to find the button gets old.

The most interesting verdict concerns the 18V brushless: many long-time users previously rated their old brushed D-handle above every other Makita jigsaw, but side-by-side use changed that. The 40V D-handle is smoother, faster and more powerful, keeps cut quality up under pressure, and lets you turn soft start off permanently. It is a genuine upgrade over both the brushed and brushless 18V saws.

If you are a barrel grip fan, the JVZ01G is a basic, no-frills, no-trigger saw that simply works and works smoothly. It supports fence guides and even track guides, though a jigsaw on a track is a questionable choice when a track saw exists. Do not expect extras or much in the way of protective features; it is an honest, old-school tool.

Conclusion

The 40V Max D-handle jigsaw comes out as the pick of this lineup thanks to smoother cutting under load, switchable soft start and full trigger control. The 40V barrel grip suits committed barrel grip users who want the same smooth cutting in a lower-slung format, and the 18V brushless remains a capable saw, but its permanently harsher oscillation and soft start quirks make the 40V upgrade easy to justify.