Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Compact Router Review (XTR01Z)

Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Compact Router Review (XTR01Z)

Cordless routers were the dream—until the batteries and brushless tech finally made that dream usable. The Makita XTR01Z is one of those tools that makes you wonder why you ever wrestled a cord for trim work in the first place. It pairs a refined, compact design with a brushless motor and a surprisingly approachable price tag, and the result is a tool that feels like a proper trim router rather than a compromise.

Key Specs & Features

Highlights:

• Brushless motor for better runtime and longevity.
• Wide RPM band lets you slow down for larger bits and ramp up for crisp edge profiles.
• Slim barrel and excellent overmold make the router comfortable for extended work.
• Safety power-lock + separate power button avoids accidental starts.
• Good visibility: large viewing window + dual LEDs.

Performance & Usability

In hand, the XTR01Z feels confident. The slim barrel and balanced weight make one-handed guiding easy and precise, while the brushless motor keeps torque high under load — you won’t feel it bog down on most trim tasks. The top-end 30,000 RPM slices through hardwood edges cleanly, and the low end (10,000 RPM) gives you real versatility for larger-diameter bits and delicate inlay work that some cordless rivals simply can’t match.

Controls are sensible: the variable-speed dial sits where you can reach it without an awkward grip shift, and the safety lock adds a small but welcome layer of protection on busy jobsites. Makita’s etched measurement marks on the base feel nicer than a paper sticker, and the dual LEDs plus the big viewing cutout give a great sightline to the bit.

The main gripe comes with depth control. The rack-and-pinion system works, but it can be fiddly: the base will slide if the clamp isn’t in the exact right position, and micro-tuning takes a bit of practice. It’s not a deal-breaker, but if you need hair-trigger micro-adjustments every minute (hinge mortises all day), you might prefer a threaded-rod style adjustment.

Unique Test / Real-World Use

I used the Makita for a handful of everyday jobsite/finish tasks to see how it holds up under real patterns of use:

1. On-site Trim & Hinge Mortises
   The cordless freedom here is the real game-changer. I could move from doorway to doorway without dragging or re-routing a cord. The safety lock/button combo gave peace of mind in cramped spaces, and once I got the depth adjustment dialed, hinge mortises came out clean.

2. Edge Profiling on Oak Trim
   At ~28–30k RPM the XTR01Z kept edges crisp with minimal tear-out. The slim grip helped me track the profile consistently.

3. Cabinet Touch-ups Inside Cases
   Working inside cabinets with limited light, the dual LEDs and sightline made the tiny passes reliable and repeatable—no need to flash a light or awkwardly reposition.

Owners we spoke to and long-term reviewers echo this — for many pros it’s a lightweight, cordless tool that actually replaces corded trim routers in day-to-day finish work.

Value & Context

Makita’s strategy here is smart: give buyers a brushless, well-designed tool at a competitive bare-tool price. At $129 bare, it undercuts several premium cordless competitors while still delivering strong runtime and performance when paired with LXT batteries. Kits with batteries and chargers scale up sensibly (e.g., ~$279), and the plunge-base bundles are available if you need them.

If you’re already invested in Makita’s LXT ecosystem, this becomes a no-brainer buy. Even if you’re not, the value proposition is strong: quality build, good ergonomics, and cordless convenience that actually saves time on multi-room jobs and tight spaces.

That said, if micro-depth dialing is mission-critical to your workflow and you dislike the feel of the rack mechanism, consider testing that behavior in-person. For most users, the pros outweigh the depth-adjustment quirk.

Final Thoughts

The Makita XTR01Z nails the core promise of a cordless compact router: it’s small, ergonomic, and powerful enough to be useful on real jobs—not just light touch-ups. The brushless motor and broad RPM range give it genuine utility; the ergonomics and sightline design make it a pleasure to use. Depth adjustment takes a little practice, but it’s a minor complaint compared to the convenience and performance this tool delivers.

👉 If you want to cut the cord and still expect professional results on trim, finish, and detail routing, the Makita XTR01Z is one of the best value-packed options out there.

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