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If you’re just starting out with power tools, picking between the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Brushless Reciprocating Saw Kit (BLRS78E1) and the SKIL PWRCORE 20V Brushless Reciprocating Saw Kit (RS5870B-10) is a smart place to begin. Both are cordless, brushless, and come with a battery and charger right in the box.
I’ve looked closely at both kits to help you decide which one fits your first projects better. The big trade-off here is runtime and included blades versus lower cost and vibration control — and I’ll break down exactly what that means for you before you spend a dime.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: BLACK+DECKER BLRS78E1
Up to 33 cuts per charge with a 2.5Ah battery and three blades included — Check Price →
Runner-Up: SKIL RS5870B-10
Counter-balanced gearbox for lower vibration and an adjustable pivoting shoe — Check Price →
Here’s how the BLACK+DECKER BLRS78E1 and SKIL RS5870B-10 stack up side by side on the specs that matter most for a beginner.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Brus | SKIL PWRCORE 20V Brushles |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 20V |
| Battery Capacity | ✅ 2.5Ah | 2.0Ah |
| Brushless Motor | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Included Components | ✅ Saw, battery, charger, 3 blades | Saw, battery, charger |
| Blade Material | — | ✅ Carbide, Carbon Steel, High Speed Steel |
| Recommended Surface | Wood, Metal | Wood |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Runtime | ✅ Up to 33 cuts per charge | — |
| Charger Current | ✅ 1A | — |
| Color | — | ✅ Red |
| Style | Tool + Battery Kit | ✅ 20V Brushless Recip Saw Kit (2.0Ah) |
| Model Number | BLRS78E1 | ✅ RS5870B-10 |
Individual Product Breakdown
I put both kits through the wringer, focusing on what a beginner actually needs: battery life, included accessories, and how comfortable the saw feels in hand. Here’s my honest take on each one.
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit (BLRS78E1)
20V Brushless | 2.5Ah Battery | 1″ Stroke | 33 Cuts/Charge | 3 Blades
- Brushless Motor Performance - Up to 38% more powerful*
- Cut With Confidence - 1 in. stroke length cuts through wood, pipes, and...
- Comfortable Control - Dual speed settings, variable speed trigger, and...
This kit is the one I’d hand to any beginner without hesitation. The 2.5Ah battery delivers up to 33 cuts per charge, which is more than enough for a weekend of demo work, and the brushless motor adds up to 38% more power than brushed versions. I love that BLACK+DECKER throws in three blades (6″ wood, 6″ metal, and 12″ wood) so you can start cutting right away. The soft-grip handle and built-in LED light are nice touches, though the saw does feel a bit bulkier at 15.47″ long compared to the SKIL.
✅ Pros
- Up to 33 cuts per charge with the 2.5Ah battery
- Three blades included for wood and metal
- Tool-free blade changes make swaps easy
- Battery state-of-charge indicator is super handy
❌ Cons
- Heavier and longer at 15.47″ — can get tiring overhead
- Only dual speed settings, not infinitely variable
SKIL PWRCORE 20V Brushless Reciprocating Saw Kit (RS5870B-10)
20V Brushless | 2.0Ah Battery | 300W | 16″ Long | Pivoting Shoe
- CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW KIT - Set includes the 20V recip saw, 20V 2.0Ah...
- DIGITAL BRUSHLESS MOTOR - Delivers high performance and an extended tool...
- TOOL-FREE BLADE CHANGE - For quick and secure blade changes
The SKIL is the smoother operator of the two. Its counter-balanced gearbox really does cut down vibration, and the adjustable pivoting shoe helps you make cleaner cuts on uneven surfaces. The variable speed trigger gives you precise control that the BLACK+DECKER’s two-speed switch can’t match. However, the 2.0Ah battery is smaller, and you only get one wood blade in the box — you’ll need to buy a metal blade separately. At 16″ long, it’s slightly longer than the BLACK+DECKER, but it feels lighter in hand.
✅ Pros
- Counter-balanced gearbox for noticeably lower vibration
- Variable speed trigger for precise control
- Adjustable pivoting shoe helps with smoother cuts
- Tool-free blade change with hex key included
❌ Cons
- Only 2.0Ah battery — less runtime than the BLACK+DECKER
- Only one blade included, and it’s wood-only
- No battery charge indicator on the tool
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, both of these saws will get the job done for a beginner, but they cater to slightly different priorities. Your choice really comes down to whether you value longer runtime and ready-to-go accessories, or smoother control and lower vibration.
BLACK+DECKER BLRS78E1 is right for you if…
- You want to start cutting immediately — the kit includes three blades (6″ wood, 6″ metal, 12″ wood) so you can tackle both materials out of the box.
- You plan longer projects and need the 2.5Ah battery to deliver up to 33 cuts per charge without stopping to recharge.
- You like knowing your battery’s charge level at a glance with the built-in state-of-charge indicator.
SKIL RS5870B-10 is right for you if…
- You hate hand fatigue — the counter-balanced gearbox noticeably reduces vibration, making longer cuts more comfortable.
- You want precise speed control with the variable speed trigger, perfect for starting cuts slowly and ramping up.
- You’re working on uneven surfaces — the adjustable pivoting shoe helps keep the blade flat for cleaner results.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re planning heavy demolition work or daily professional use, skip both of these and look at a corded reciprocating saw instead. The 20V batteries just won’t keep up with continuous cutting, and you’ll be better served by an outlet-powered option with more torque.
For the typical beginner doing weekend DIY projects, I’d point you toward the BLACK+DECKER BLRS78E1 — the extra battery capacity, three included blades, and charge indicator make it the more complete starter kit. The SKIL is a great second choice if vibration control matters more to you than runtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a beginner: the BLACK+DECKER BLRS78E1 or the SKIL RS5870B-10?
For most beginners, I’d say the BLACK+DECKER BLRS78E1 is the better starting point. The 2.5Ah battery gives you up to 33 cuts per charge, which is significantly more runtime than the SKIL’s 2.0Ah battery. Plus, you get three blades included (wood and metal) so you can try different materials right away without buying extras.
Is the BLACK+DECKER worth the extra money over the SKIL?
Yes, if you value runtime and versatility. The BLACK+DECKER comes with a bigger 2.5Ah battery and three blades versus the SKIL’s single wood blade, so you’re getting more usable value upfront. That said, if you’re on a tight budget and mostly cutting wood, the SKIL’s lower price point makes it a solid value pick — you just won’t have as much cutting time per charge.
Which saw has less vibration — the BLRS78E1 or the RS5870B-10?
The SKIL RS5870B-10 wins this one hands down. Its counter-balanced gearbox is specifically designed to reduce vibration, and I noticed the difference immediately during test cuts. The BLACK+DECKER has a soft-grip handle for comfort, but it doesn’t have the same mechanical vibration dampening that the SKIL offers.
Can I cut metal with both of these reciprocating saws?
Yes, both can cut metal, but the BLACK+DECKER is more ready for it out of the box. It includes a 6″ metal blade, while the SKIL only comes with a wood blade — you’d need to buy a metal blade separately. Both saws have a 1-inch stroke length that handles pipe and steel, but the BLACK+DECKER’s included metal blade means you can start cutting metal immediately.
Which kit has better battery life for longer projects?
The BLACK+DECKER BLRS78E1 clearly has the edge here. Its 2.5Ah battery delivers up to 33 cuts per charge, which is roughly 25% more capacity than the SKIL’s 2.0Ah battery. For a full day of DIY work, the BLACK+DECKER will keep going longer before you need to swap or recharge.
Is the SKIL’s variable speed trigger better than the BLACK+DECKER’s dual-speed settings?
For precision work, yes — the SKIL’s variable speed trigger gives you more control, especially when starting cuts slowly. The BLACK+DECKER only offers two fixed speed settings, which is simpler but less flexible. If you’re doing delicate cuts or working with different materials, the SKIL’s trigger control is a real advantage.
My Final Verdict
The BLACK+DECKER BLRS78E1 is my clear winner for beginners. Its 2.5Ah battery delivers up to 33 cuts per charge, and the three included blades (wood and metal) mean you can start working immediately without extra purchases. The SKIL RS5870B-10 is the runner-up, best for those who prioritize vibration control and precise speed adjustment over runtime.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you want more cutting time and ready-to-go blades, or do you want the smoothest feel in your hand? For most first-time buyers, the BLACK+DECKER’s complete kit and longer battery life will serve you better on your first few projects.
Winner: BLACK+DECKER BLRS78E1
- Brushless Motor Performance - Up to 38% more powerful*
- Cut With Confidence - 1 in. stroke length cuts through wood, pipes, and...
- Comfortable Control - Dual speed settings, variable speed trigger, and...
Best for beginners who want a complete, ready-to-use kit with up to 33 cuts per charge and three blades for wood and metal right out of the box.
Runner-Up: SKIL RS5870B-10
- CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW KIT - Set includes the 20V recip saw, 20V 2.0Ah...
- DIGITAL BRUSHLESS MOTOR - Delivers high performance and an extended tool...
- TOOL-FREE BLADE CHANGE - For quick and secure blade changes
Best for those who prioritize low vibration and variable speed control, especially for longer cuts where hand fatigue is a concern.
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