DeWalt vs Makita for a Homeowner's First Chainsaw?

Alright folks, need some advice. I'm a weekend warrior, just got a property with some downed trees and a lot of firewood to cut. Looking at buying my first chainsaw. I've been eyeing the DeWalt 20V and the Makita 36V (that's the dual battery one). Which one would you trust for occasional use but wants it to last? Budget isn't crazy, but I want something good.

Larry, I've been in the trades for 40 years. For occasional use, cordless is fine, but I'd steer you towards a gas saw like a Stihl or Husky. But if you're set on battery, I've seen a lot of those DeWalts go through a crew on a job site. Their 60V is a beast. The 20V might be a bit light for what you're describing. Makita's 36V is solid too. Both are good. Just make sure you got extra batteries - they eat them up fast.

I'm just an apprentice, but I've used both on different jobs. The Makita 36V feels more balanced and has less vibration. The DeWalt is a bit more aggressive, but the chain brake on the Makita is easier to engage. For a homeowner, I'd say go with whichever battery system you already have. If you've got DeWalt tools, stick with them, you can share batteries. If you're starting fresh, I'd give Makita a slight edge for overall build quality.

Thanks guys. I don't have a lot of tools yet, just a drill and impact driver from Ryobi. So I'm not tied to a system. But I was leaning towards the DeWalt because they have that 60V flexvolt, and I can upgrade later if I get more serious. But Paul, you make a point about gas. I'm just worried about maintenance and smell. Battery is just plug and play. How long do those batteries actually last?

Larry, battery life depends on the battery and what you're doing. Over 40 years, I've seen battery tech come a long way. Those 9Ah batteries can last an hour of heavy cutting, but if you're just doing light limbing, you can stretch it. But honestly, for the price of a good battery saw and a couple extra batteries, you could get a decent gas saw and a case of mix oil. Gas saws have more power, they last forever if you take care of 'em, and you don't have to worry about charging. But I get it, battery is easier. If you go battery, get the 60V DeWalt or 36V Makita, not the 20V. You'll thank me later.