I am just back from the test session. Wow! I sure am glad I got the opportunity to do this. I even got to test the M28 monster. That thing is heavy! [scared] I doubt there's much it wouldn't be able to do, if you have the strength to hold it for prolonged periods of time. [eek]
After that I tried the next one down they had, which was the M18 FSX Sawzall. I really like that machine! It surely is not lightweight by any means, but much easier to handle than the M28. Lot's of power and not as unruly as I had expected. The adjustable shoe was nice too.
Then it was the M18 CSX. Still a nice machine, but if I had to choose I definitely would buy the FSX. There's nothing specific that makes this machine not as good as the FSX, but the FSX has a much nicer feel to it.
On to the M18 FHZ. If I were to buy just one reciprocating saw, then it would be this one. It has enough power for most tasks. Cutting up timbers was no problem at all. Sure, it was only softwood (fir), but it handled that easily. Even the more thicker ones (I didn't measure them, but I would estimate they were about 80 mm). Cutting a piece of steel pipe was a bit harder, but if you don't try to push your way through it does so just fine. Just let the machine do the work. This machine has a different form factor and handles easier than the sawzall models.
They only had one M12 model, which was the M12 CHZ (this is one the FUEL types). Compared to the other machines it feels really light. The difference is really significant. It has a tiny stroke, which made me worry it would not be useful for things like pruning. But I tried it on a freshly cut branch of rowan about 45 mm thick and I was pleasantly surprised it cut through that quite easily. I did not expect that. I had a bit more trouble with a branch of beech of about the same thickness that had been cut a few weeks before, but it did cut that just fine too, just slower.
So, what did I end up buying? Well, I had serious trouble choosing whether I'd go for one all-round saw (M18 FHZ), or for the added comfort (but higher price tag) of both a lighter and a heavier saw. [embarassed] In the end the guy made me a very nice offer. If I were to buy the M12 FDD (the installers drill, which I wanted to buy anyway and which started this whole adventure), the M12 CHZ, and the M18 FSX, he would sell the FSX for the price of the FHZ (that's about €175 difference). The only catch was that he could not tell me when he would get new stock of the M18 FSX. I am not in a hurry, and thus took him up on his offer. [big grin]
So, I ended up with a whole different set of saws than I had in mind when I asked you guys for advise. And I still ended up with an additional battery platform. Ah, well. That's the problem of being a sucker for tools... you always end up buying more/better than you planned to do. I am sure you all recognise that problem! [tongue]