Genesis GCS445SE vs. Hychika MS-85C

Let’s take a look at these two circular saws: the Genesis GCS445SE and the Hychika MS-85C.

Features & Benefits

You can read more in our roundup of the best compact circular saws.

Power & Motor

Both circular saws are corded, run on 120 V, and draw 4 amps. In the U.S., standard residential circuits are 120 V, 15 A, which will support either of the saws.

The GCS445SE motor spins at 3500 rpm and the MS-85C motor spins at 4500 rpm. Don’t get too caught up in these numbers, since the manufacturers measure them under ideal conditions, so they don’t have a direct impact on the saw’s real-world capability to handle different material.

Both products have a direct-drive motor. Direct-drive motors are usually lighter than other styles, but their side mounting makes the saw a little harder to control.

Blades & Capacity

Both circular saws have a 3/8” arbor. The GCS445SE accepts 4 1/2” diameter blades. The MS-85C takes 3 3/8” diameter blades.

The GCS445SE can bevel its blade up to 45°, can cut up to 1 11/16” deep at 90°, and will cut up to 1 1/8” at a 45° angle. The MS-85C can bevel up to 0° and is able to cut up to 1” deep at an angle of 90°.

When beveling the saw, most circular saws will have positive stops at common angles such as 45° and 90°. This ensures you are making precise cuts. Some saws have additional stops at other angles.

Both saws have the blade on the left side of the saw. Right-handers sometimes find it easier to see and control blades mounted to the left, while left-handers might find the same true for right-mounted blades.

Pros & Cons

Let’s take a look at some of the pluses and minuses of these products.

For the Genesis:

Comparison Chart

Below is a full side-by-side comparison of these products’ specs. You can view comparisons of the Genesis GCS445SE with other products

	Genesis GCS445SE	Hychika MS-85C
Brand	Genesis	Hychika
Power Type	corded	corded
Power - Voltage	120 V	120 V
Power - Amps	4 A	4 A
No-load RPM	3500 rpm	4500 rpm
Blade Diameter	4 1/2”	3 3/8”
Maximum Bevel	45°	0°
Depth of Cut (at 90°)	1 11/16”	1”
Depth of Cut (at 45°)	1 1/8”	n/a
Arbor Size	3/8”	3/8”
Weight	4.7 lbs	7 lbs
Blade - Side	left	left
Drive Mechanism	direct-drive	direct-drive
Stops		n/a
Pros	Cuts 2x material without any trouble Includes dust connector for shop vacuum Includes rip fence
Cons	Narrow dust hose can clog up and cause overheating/shutdown
	Check Price	Check Price