I purchased this tool hoping that the barrel grip design would give me much better control than the top handle Freud I have been using. I reasoned that better control would lead to better results. My choice to go with the Bosch was based on the outstanding reviews this saw has received. After using this saw on my last 3 projects, I am just delighted with it. The barrel grip is just wonderful to work with. The quality of my work has been greatly improved because of the great control offerred by the barrel grip design. I don't believe I will ever go back to a top handle. I am a big fan of Bosch's tool-less blade changing mechanism. Not only is it a unique design, it is quite functional, quick and easy to use. Two thumbs up for that! The saw dininitely has all of the power I need. I have easily cut through 1" thick hard maple. It is very smooth and has little vibration. When used in conjunction with Bosch blades, you will be able to produce some nice, clean cuts. In conclusion, the Bosch 1584AVS barrel grip jigsaw is solid, uniquely engineered, powerful, smooth and easy to control. I am gladly rating it 5 stars and enthusiastically giving it my endorsement. I am 100% happy with this purchase.

This jigsaw has no comparison. You can make a smooth cut in 1\4 inch plywood, change blades in about 15 seconds, and then easily cut though a 2x4. I lost my first saw, so I am buying another one. I like every Bosch tool I have bought.

Robert Bosch pretty much has the market cornered with worm drive saws, rotary hammers and jigsaws. I bought the top handle version about 5 years ago and decided to buy the barrel grip because of the control aspect. I'm glad I did. This is by far the best jigsaw money can buy. As usual, Norm got it right. He uses all P.C. except for his plate jointer and his Bosch barrel grip jigsaw. (Bet that chaps P.C.'s a_ _). Buy this saw. You won't regret it.

GREAT Saw, can be used in lieu of a circular saw and can cut through anything ! But the blades take practice changing !
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br /The secret is the blades and Bosch now makes the blades available for different manufacturer jig and saber saws.
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br /Let me say there has never been any piece of wood or board this thing hasn't been able to rip through, I've even cut down mid size tree and the stump with the rough wood blade.
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br /The variable speed trigger is smooth so you can use this saw for fine craft work too.
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br /Just like every other reviewer, I have to reiterate the blades are tedious to change, it is a tool less system that has to be finessed. TIP: When it arrives and you've made a few cuts, practice removing and replacing the blades until you have the routine down. This is important because the blade will warble if it isn't tight, this happened to us but no one was injured.
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br /If you already have a nice jigsaw and want the same cutting power, see if Bosch is offering their blades for your model, the bi-opposition teeth design is the real secret.

Excellent quality all around. The saw is powerful, switches are very good quality and solid-feeling. The shoe, or base, is a cast piece, not stamped steel. The quick-change chuck is easy and works flawlessly. I really don't see a lot of difference between orbital settings, though. Only one minor irritation, and that's that the case doesn't provide enough clearance for the cord, giving it a bit too much of a bend for my taste.
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br /I bought the barrel grip version after reading repeated reviews of this saw, and on the supposed increased accuracy with a barrel grip. While I would buy this saw again without hesitation, I would buy the top handle version. I wouldn't buy the barrel grip saw again. First, the barrel is not particularly small - if you don't have large hands, you may not find it easy to grip. Second, while the round top handle swivels very nicely, it does require you to use one hand for down pressure (and side pressure, if cutting against a guide) while the other hand guides the barrel around curves. In practice, I have not found it any more accurate than a top handle saw. You always need to use 2 hands to control a barrel grip saw - it's quite difficult to provide consistent down pressure holding the barrel alone. If you're doing real precision work, that's not a big deal as you probably have the work clamped down anyway. For quick and dirty cuts - grab the wood, grab the saw, and cut - nope, can't do it. Small pieces are a trial to cut also when you have to cobble a way to hold them so you can use two hands on the saw. While you CAN use one hand, it's harder to control by far than a top handle saw. Try before you buy, if possible, and buy the version you like better.