I thought I would update this. Over Black Friday and Cyber Monday I scored a few great deals .I went with Makita 18V LTX to match the other batterys I have, I got the XRJ05T 18V with case and charger for the sawzall. The sale price was cheaper than the tool only and having the case makes it easy to carry. With the correct blade I can do light wood cutting for campfires too.

I also got my 13" pole saw - tool only to trim my trees (and FIL;s). XAU02ZB Almost 30% off. It takes two 18V batterys and that is the same set up as my Makita string trimmer that I got last year with 2 extra batterys. Both use brushless motors.

Time will tell if I made the right choice

Keith

FWIW . . . I began my "conversion" to exclusively Makita 18V tools about 20 years ago. I now have more than I can count and am pleased with the function and durability of every one.

Rob