Makita JR002G vs Hikoki CR36DA: Which Cordless Reciprocating Saw Cuts Faster?

Introduction

Cordless reciprocating saws live or die on raw cutting speed, and two models currently dominate that conversation. The Hikoki CR36DA, sold as Metabo HPT in the United States, is widely believed to be the fastest reciprocating saw around. Makita’s new 40V JR002G is its latest attempt to close the gap, after the earlier JR001G could not come close to matching the Hikoki’s pace.

In a quick head-to-head test, both saws were run as fast as possible through the same cut to see whether the new Makita could finally compete. Here is how the two stack up.

Hikoki CR36DA: The Benchmark to Beat

The Hikoki CR36DA has earned a reputation as the class leader in cutting speed, to the point where it is often described as the beast or the Godzilla of reciprocating saws. Other tools have come close, but few have matched it, and Makita’s earlier 40V JR001G could not beat it by a long shot.

For buyers in the United States, the same tool is sold under the Metabo HPT name rather than Hikoki, which is worth knowing when comparing listings and warranties.

Makita JR002G: The New 40V Contender

The Makita JR002G is the brand’s latest 40V reciprocating saw, built specifically to challenge the CR36DA at the top of the performance table. The quick speed test against the Hikoki set out to answer a simple question: has Makita finally made a reciprocating saw quick enough to compete?

If you are already invested in Makita’s 40V battery platform, the JR002G is the model to look at, since it represents the brand’s most serious effort yet in this category.

Why Battery Platform Matters

For many buyers, the choice between these two saws comes down less to the tools themselves and more to the battery ecosystem already sitting in the van. The JR002G runs on Makita’s 40V platform, while the CR36DA belongs to the Hikoki or Metabo HPT range. Switching brands purely for a marginal speed difference rarely makes sense when chargers and packs are already in place.

That said, if you are starting fresh with no existing platform, outright cutting performance becomes the deciding factor, and that is where the comparison between these two models gets interesting.

Buying Advice

If cutting speed is the priority and you have no brand loyalty, the Hikoki CR36DA’s reputation as the fastest reciprocating saw around speaks for itself, and US buyers should search for it under the Metabo HPT name. If you are on Makita’s 40V platform, the JR002G is the brand’s newest and most competitive option and is worth a close look in a full head-to-head review before deciding.

Conclusion

The Hikoki CR36DA remains the benchmark for cutting speed, and the Makita JR002G is Makita’s most serious attempt yet to match it. Match the saw to your existing battery platform first, then let the speed test results guide the final call.