A few years back I bought a Bosch VS. It cost about about $140 then. A very nice tool with plenty of power. I don't have a circular saw so I use this jigsaw with an 8 foot staight edge for ripping. It plowed thru' everything I've used it on so far. When confronted with all the bells and whistles I was forced to read the instructions. Bosch uses a quick lock blade that requies no tools. I really had to scout around at first to find some. For cutting 3+4mm plywood I got some fine tooth metal cutting blades. VS means variable speed which helps in cutting various materials. There are also 3 or 4 blade orbits. This keeps the blade from dragging on the downstroke. Still haven't come to grips with why you need so many.
Even tho' I don't use it much I like the idea of being able to grab it, change blades, know the fence hasn't moved and be able to quickly adjust the speed and orbit for the job at hand.
Charlie

: I built one stitch-n-glue kayak from a kit. Now I will build one or more from
: plans. I have hand saws, but no sabre saw. Should I get one or stick with
: my japanese hand saws? Sabre saws range from $30 to nearly $200, maybe
: more. What price range has the best values? Why pay more than $50 for one?