Custom home builder Robert Courtney has tested the DHS79 over the last six months. He and his crew have used several DWS780s—the corded, 12-in. DeWalt compound sliders—for years, so they were good candidates for evaluating whether or not the cordless version had enough power to withstand the rigors of framing like the corded version.

Overall, the saw performed well, and came in particularly handy on a jobsite where there was no ready power supply. Courtney did have few gripes, which you should read about. The big issue is that the full package is significantly more money (like 30% more) than a corded DWS780 … but for only $50 more, you can get the new DHS79 with a corded power supply, in case you’re not ready to spring for the whole Flexvolt system but might in the future.