I bought this saw because of the "Best Value" rating that it received in the November 2005 issue of Fine Homebuilding. I am very satisfied with it! I especially love the quick blade change system. I have nothing but good to say about Makita tools. I own an arsenal of them. They are, without exception, solid, dependable, comfortable, easy to use and very durable. I am hoping that the qaulity of Makita tools remains high. As long as it is, I will continue to purchase them.

Like another reviewer, I bought this based on Fine Homebuilding's test of reciprocating saws. It's my first recip, thought I've borrowed others to use before. This has a nice heft to it, is very comfortable to hold and operate, and works like a champ. The day after it arrived I used it to tear through some walls so I could gain access to the attic space behind them, and then reframe the opening. It went through the studs a little slower than some other saws, and the blade is only just long enough to reach through ½" drywall and the wide edge of a 2x4, so I had to make a couple of recuts. If I did rough framing or renovation for a living, I think I'd go with Makita's top of the line saw, which got Fine Homebuilding's best rating. But for DIY home renos, this is exactly what you need, and a great value.