Ryobi 18V Cordless 7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw Review – HP Brushless

Ryobi 18V 7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw

The Ryobi 18V 7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw Shows Off Impressive Cutting Power

Last year, Ryobi added the HP Brushless Compact 6 1/2-Inch Circular Saw to their expansive 18V One+ lineup. It easily outpaced its predecessors in power and cut capacity. Now, we’ve set our sights on the Ryobi 18V 7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw that features improved ergonomics and performance specs over previous 18V models.


Author’s Note: Be sure to check out our Best Cordless Circular Saw article to see our top picks for 2023!

Ryobi 18V 7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw Performance

Ryobi 18V 7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw
  • No-Load Speed: 4300 RPM
  • Blade Size: 7-1/4 in.
  • Max Bevel: 0-56°
  • Cut Depth at 90°: 2-7/16 in.
  • Cut Depth at 45°: 1-3/4 in.
  • Arbor: 5/8 in.

At the heart of this circular saw is Ryobi’s One+ HP brushless motor that produces up to 40% faster cutting speed compared to traditional motors. It has a no-load speed of 4,300 RPMs and a max cutting depth of 2-7/16 inches at 90° and 1-3/4 inches at a 45° bevel.

Ryobi 18V 7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw

As you would expect, the bevel and cut depth adjustments are tool free. The saw blade has a max bevel of 56° and there are clear markings at common bevel settings for quick adjustments on the fly.

Ryobi 18V 7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw

Our team quickly, and confidently completed a series of cross, bevel, miter, and compound miter cuts in our pressure-treated pine 2×10 test boards. Letting the saw’s 4,300 RPMs do the work, it quickly glided through the board with very little resistance. The stock 24T thin kerf blade performed pretty well, but switching to a premium will help to improve overall performance.

Pro Tip: When it’s time to replace your saw’s blade, we recommend the Crescent NailSlicer Saw Blades for their remarkable durability and value.

Ryobi 18V 7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw Design Notes

Ryobi 18V 7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw
  • Model: Ryobi PBLCS300
  • Power Source: Ryobi 18V battery
  • Weight: 7.0 lbs (bare), 8.6 lbs (with 4.0Ah High Performance battery)
  • Shoe Material: Steel
  • Guard Material: Die-cast aluminum, Plastic

The Ryobi PBLCS300 weighs 7.0 pounds as a bare tool and 8.6 pounds with a 4.0Ah High Performance battery. This saw stands 11 inches tall and measures 13.25 inches from tip to tail. It also features a blade right design that provides an excellent line of sight for right-handed users.

As far as comfort goes, Ryobi gets an A+ from our team. The top handle is draped in a smooth rubber overmold with large grooves for channeling away sweat. Additionally, the spacing between the main handle and the front pommel allows for comfortable one or two-handed use.

Ryobi 18V 7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw

The die-cast aluminum upper guard helps to reduce the overall weight and the steel shoe provides some extra durability and allows it to slide smoothly across the cutting surface. Ryobi also added onboard storage for the included hex wrench.

Additional Features

  • LED worklight
  • Integrated dust blower
  • Removable dust adaptor
  • Compatible with all Ryobi 18V batteries

Ryobi 18V 7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw Price

The Ryobi PBLCS300 is available as a bare tool for $139.00 and $199.00 as a kit that includes a 4.0Ah High-Performance battery and charger. Both come with a 3-year limited warranty from Ryobi.

The Bottom Line

The Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless lineup is mainly designed with the Prosumer and residential markets in mind, but this 18V 7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw aims a little higher. Its overall performance level didn’t drop during any of our test cuts and its look and ergonomics earned it high marks from our team. Plus, it’s hard to ignore from a value standpoint with that kind of price tag. If you’re on the hunt for a capable replacement for your old corded saw that’s also easy on your wallet, this isn’t one you’ll want to pass up.

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