Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Diablo GP Amped Blade vs Milwaukee Nitrus AX Reciprocating Blade | Head-to-Head Test
Is the new Milwaukee Nitrus AX reciprocating blade actually better than the long-time jobsite favorite Diablo Amped General Purpose carbide blade?
Updated -Round 2 Video featuring Diablo Nail Embedded Blade is live -
youtu.be/V8RhExkKL94
We put them head-to-head in a controlled cutting test to find out which blade cuts faster, lasts longer, and handles screws and demolition abuse the best.
This isn’t marketing talk — this is real jobsite testing with consistent pressure, controlled cuts, and measurable results.
Test Setup
To eliminate human error, we used an 11 lb. weight to pull the reciprocating saw through the material, ensuring consistent cutting pressure on every pass.
Our test material included:
Doubled 2x6 spruce boards
12 deck screws installed in each board end
Cuts kept 1" away from screw tips
Every cut timed and averaged for accuracy
This created a repeatable and fair testing environment for both blades.
Speed Test Results
Milwaukee Nitrus AX vs Diablo GP Amped:
Milwaukee Nitrus AX average: 13.6 seconds
Diablo Amped average: 18.3 seconds
Nitrus cut nearly 5 seconds faster per cut
No tooth damage on either blade in initial testing
The Milwaukee blade cleared sawdust more efficiently and stayed aggressive when hitting screws, helping it move through material faster.
Life Cycle Testing
We continued testing to determine true blade lifespan.
Testing process included:
5–6 cuts per cycle
New screws installed each round
Fresh battery at 3 bars
Saw cooled with compressed air between cycles
Same material and procedure every time
Diablo Amped Results
28 total cuts
25.7 second average cut time
48 second final cut
Visible tooth loss and slowdown
Cut through 56 2x6 boards and 336 screws
Milwaukee Nitrus AX Results
67 total cuts
20.4 second average cut time
29 second final cut
No major degradation
Cut through 134 2x6 boards and 804 screws
The Nitrus more than doubled the Diablo’s output while maintaining faster cutting speeds.
Final Verdict
If you're a Diablo fan, the decision comes down to longevity and performance under heavy demolition.
Both blades perform well, but the Milwaukee Nitrus AX clearly lasted longer and cut faster in our controlled testing.
For DIY projects, most carbide blades will get the job done.
For professionals doing demolition, remodeling, or heavy cutting, blade life and speed matter.
The Nitrus AX reduces blade changes, cuts faster, and keeps working longer — making it the better choice in this head-to-head test.
Watch the full test and see the results for yourself.
Tools Tested
Milwaukee Nitrus AX 9" Reciprocating Blade
Diablo Amped 9" General Purpose Carbide Blade
Subscribe for more real-world tool testing and jobsite reviews.
#MilwaukeeTools #DiabloTools #ReciprocatingSaw #ToolTest #ConstructionTools #DemolitionTools #ToolReview #ConcordCarpenter #ToolLab
Diablo GP Amped Blade vs Milwaukee Nitrus AX Reciprocating Blade | Head-to-Head Test
Is the new Milwaukee Nitrus AX reciprocating blade actually better than the long-time jobsite favorite Diablo Amped General Purpose carbide blade?
Updated -Round 2 Video featuring Diablo Nail Embedded Blade is live -
youtu.be/V8RhExkKL94
We put them head-to-head in a controlled cutting test to find out which blade cuts faster, lasts longer, and handles screws and demolition abuse the best.
This isn’t marketing talk — this is real jobsite testing with consistent pressure, controlled cuts, and measurable results.
Test Setup
To eliminate human error, we used an 11 lb. weight to pull the reciprocating saw through the material, ensuring consistent cutting pressure on every pass.
Our test material included:
Doubled 2x6 spruce boards
12 deck screws installed in each board end
Cuts kept 1" away from screw tips
Every cut timed and averaged for accuracy
This created a repeatable and fair testing environment for both blades.
Speed Test Results
Milwaukee Nitrus AX vs Diablo GP Amped:
Milwaukee Nitrus AX average: 13.6 seconds
Diablo Amped average: 18.3 seconds
Nitrus cut nearly 5 seconds faster per cut
No tooth damage on either blade in initial testing
The Milwaukee blade cleared sawdust more efficiently and stayed aggressive when hitting screws, helping it move through material faster.
Life Cycle Testing
We continued testing to determine true blade lifespan.
Testing process included:
5–6 cuts per cycle
New screws installed each round
Fresh battery at 3 bars
Saw cooled with compressed air between cycles
Same material and procedure every time
Diablo Amped Results
28 total cuts
25.7 second average cut time
48 second final cut
Visible tooth loss and slowdown
Cut through 56 2x6 boards and 336 screws
Milwaukee Nitrus AX Results
67 total cuts
20.4 second average cut time
29 second final cut
No major degradation
Cut through 134 2x6 boards and 804 screws
The Nitrus more than doubled the Diablo’s output while maintaining faster cutting speeds.
Final Verdict
If you're a Diablo fan, the decision comes down to longevity and performance under heavy demolition.
Both blades perform well, but the Milwaukee Nitrus AX clearly lasted longer and cut faster in our controlled testing.
For DIY projects, most carbide blades will get the job done.
For professionals doing demolition, remodeling, or heavy cutting, blade life and speed matter.
The Nitrus AX reduces blade changes, cuts faster, and keeps working longer — making it the better choice in this head-to-head test.
Watch the full test and see the results for yourself.
Tools Tested
Milwaukee Nitrus AX 9" Reciprocating Blade
Diablo Amped 9" General Purpose Carbide Blade
Subscribe for more real-world tool testing and jobsite reviews.
#MilwaukeeTools #DiabloTools #ReciprocatingSaw #ToolTest #ConstructionTools #DemolitionTools #ToolReview #ConcordCarpenter #ToolLab
