We just wrapped up testing eleven flagship reciprocating saws from the top brands you know and trust. Today, we’re taking a look at one of the top contenders in this lineup—the Bosch 18V GSA18V-126. I’m going to highlight the key features and specs of this saw, tell you how it fared in our testing, and compare it against past models so you can decide if it’s the right tool for your next project.
Wondering who makes the best cordless reciprocating saw? We have the answer!
Pros
- Excellent vibration control
- Variable speed settings
- Comfortable ergonomics
- Improved blade release system
- Orbital action
Cons
- No kit options
Bosch Profactor GSA18V-126 Reciprocating Saw Performance
- Motor: 18V brushless
- No-Load Speed: 3000 SPM
- Stroke Length: 1.25 in.
Cutting Speed
The Bosch GSA18V-126 is part of the Bosch ProFactor lineup and is powered by a Biturbo brushless motor which delivers up to 3,000 SPM with a 1.25-inch stroke length. This is an improvement over the Bosch GSA18V-125 that peaks at 2,500 SPM with the same stroke length.
When we talk about cutting speed, we have to talk about orbital action. This saw has a simple on/off dial and gives you a huge advantage when you’re cutting wood. While there are more elaborate systems out there, this saw can definitely hold its own against the competition.
Vibration Level
A key factor we always look for with reciprocating saws is some kind of vibration control. Bosch doesn’t have a fancy name for their counterbalance technology, but it’s clearly hard at work! The dual vibration dampening system delivers Pro-grade comfort without excessive arm fatigue.
During our latest round of testing, Bosch received high praise from our team for its overall vibration level ranking just behind other Pro brands like Makita and Metabo HPT.
Kickback Control
One of the more interesting features on this saw is the kickback control. This will automatically halt the blade if the tool senses the blade starting to bind up. Like kickback control on cordless drills and other tools, it doesn’t stop kickback from happening, but when it does, it shuts down the motor quicker than you’d be able to react. If you’ve ever had the experience of a stuck blade while the tool is still violently moving back and forth, you’ll know how big of a deal this feature can be.
To activate the kickback control, simply press the “kickback” button on the control panel beneath the trigger.
Special Modes
This saw is equipped with two blade control modes—Adaptive Speed Control (A) and Stop Control (SC). The Adaptive Speed Control is essentially a soft start mode. The blade speed starts slow at the beginning of the cut and then accelerates to the preselected speed limit. Once through the material, the speed is automatically reduced.
The Stop Control mode automatically stops the blade when the tool detects a significant drop in resistance, such as when the blade exits the workpiece. This adds an extra layer of safety as you work.
Hands-On Testing
Our testing involves making cuts in 4-inch PVC pipe, a nail-embedded imitation wall, a clean 2×12 board, and a 3-inch cast-iron pipe. We time three cuts and then average the results for the first three tests and make a single timed cut in the cast iron. These tasks test a saw’s ability to handle demolition work, as well as other common cuts you’re likely to encounter.
| Test | Results |
|---|---|
| Clean Wood | 9.46 sec |
| Nail Embedded Wood | 29.70 sec |
| PVC Pipe | 3.62 sec |
| Cast Iron Pipe | 44.71 sec |
These results put the GSA18V-126 in third place out of the eleven saws we tested, falling just behind the Makita GRJ02 and Metabo HPT CR36DA. Overall, this is an impressive saw, and it delivers Pro-grade performance, top-tier ergonomics, and plenty of features that make it more convenient to use on the jobsite.
Bosch Profactor GSA18V-126 Reciprocating Saw Design Notes
- Model: Bosch GSA18V-126
- Power Source: Bosch 18V battery
- Weight: 8.1 lbs (bare tool), 10.25 lbs (with 8.0Ah battery)
- Length: 18.4 in.
Size and Weight
Overall, I really like the feel of the Bosch GSA18V-126. It weighs in at 8.1 pounds as a bare tool, 10.3 pounds with an 8.0Ah battery, and measures 18.4 inches from tip to tail.
From an ergonomic standpoint, the GSA18V-126 is very well-balanced and easy to maneuver without adding much extra bulk. The rear handle and fore-grip are draped in a textured rubber overmold and offer some insulation from felt vibration and help prevent your hands from slipping.
Blade Changes
Swapping blades can be a little tedious for some reciprocating saws, but Bosch made it incredibly easy on the GSA18V-126. All you need to do is push the red blade release lever 1/4 turn, and the blade will release. Thanks to Bosch’s more open design around the shoe, the blade holder is much more exposed than what we’ve observed from other brands, ultimately granting better access for blade changes.
It’s still not as convenient as having the release lever to the side of the housing, but it’s a marked improvement over other shaft-mounted designs.
Additional Features
- Folding rafter hook
- LED work light
- Adjustable shoe
- Compatible with all Bosch 18V batteries
The Bottom Line
The Bosch ProFactor lineup continues to push cordless performance forward, and the GSA18V-126 reciprocating saw is a perfect example of that evolution. After running the Bosch GSA18V-126 through real-world cutting tests, it’s clear that Bosch built this saw to compete at the top of the Professional tier. Its strong cutting power, excellent vibration control, and intuitive safety modes make it a confidence-boosting tool on the jobsite.
To me, this saw has all of the elements that I expect to see on a Pro-grade tool. It marks another significant step forward in the reciprocating saw class and confidently claimed third place during our head-to-head testing. While we wish it were available as a kit to add some value, Bosch users will undoubtedly appreciate its improved performance and design.
Like what you see? The Bosch GSA18V-126 retails for $259 as a bare tool and comes with a 5-year warranty.
