The RS5 is one of only 3 recips with a comfortable fore-grip (the others are the Ryobi and Ridgid). Most recips have a big hump or step at the fore-grip so they are awkward and uncomfortable. The RS5 is one of the lighter recips at 7.2 lbs. The swiveling fore-grip piece is nice and unique. Now the bad news. Power is average. Vibration is average or slightly worse. The foot is not adjustable and sticks out too far. The blade release twist-button cannot be operated with gloves, so you have to fiddle around the hot area with bare fingers. Ouch! The cord is short. The trigger-operated speed control is nearly useless (the proper way to do it is with a separate dial like the Ryobi).
br /For infrequent use, almost any recip will do. For extended or pro use, there really isn't a perfect one. I tried them all. Comfort ranks high for me as a builder (it also makes it safer, as in good grip and not tired). So I will probably keep the RS5 for everyday comfort and the Milwaukee 6521 for occasional heavy-duty use.

I wanted a mid-priced, quality saw with variable speed control. The Bosch RS5 won my vote. The price point was good, solid name, and the right features. It's not the lightest saw out there by any means, but it's got plenty of power and good grips. I've used it on two projects so far and have had no issues.

Bought this saw to replace an older model Craftsman sawsall with the allen key blade clamp. I would have to say that one of the best features of the Bosch saw is the blade clamp, just turn clockwise and pop in a blade and the spring loaded clamp locks onto it. No more allen wrench! The saw also features a pivoting shoe and a powerful 9 amp motor along with a nice case with a blade storage compartment. I would rate it 5 stars, but I will rate it a 4 due to the rotating scroll collar. While operating the saw, I noticed the scroll lock button unlocks itself and the collar rotates when I don't want it to. Except for that it is a great saw that is easy to use and has alot of nice features. I would recommend it.

I purchased my RS5 about a month ago after my previous recip. (a well -used 6.5 amp Dewalt) started making bad smells and losing power. I'd sworn to get a Milwaukee next time, but found the RS5 factory reconditioned for about $65, and based on my experience with 2 Bosch cordless drills and 2 other saws (finecut and 14.4 cordless trim saw) decided to give it a try.
br /
br / In the last month I've demolished a bathroom and a laundry room floor with it, and used it to make new cuts in joists, floor plates, etc., and I'm really impressed. The saw has lots of power, the variable-speed trigger is accurate and smooth, quick-change blade feature works well, it runs really smooth, and surprisingly the rafter hook feature is a big plus; just pop the hook out and hang it on a joist, instead of looking for a place to lay it down.
br /
br /The scrolling grip collar is fine, and very comfortable to hold, but I usually don't change it very often. The only thing I'd like to see changed on this saw would be an adjustable shoe like some of the Milwaukees have.
br /
br /I can't imagine how you could get more saw for the money.

For the homeowner, a reciprocating saw is usually not a necessity.
br /I bought one over 30 years ago because a local mom pop hardware store wanted to get it off the shelf.
br /I always wanted a really good one, and the price of this BOSCH saw was right.
br /This is the kind of tool that you may not use often, but when you need it nothing else will do.

I bought this saw today, used it once ("hot and heavy," not in a good way) and...now the blade won't come out (yes, the blade lock is off). I shall return it tomorrow!