Thread: gst 140 top handle vs. barrel grip

Welcome to the forum Sam.

It really depends on what you're cutting, and how you're cutting it.

Bodygrips are very popular in Europe, where they're used for cutting from UNDERNEATH the workpiece.

Bow handled tools are really designed for cutting from above.

To summarise the two styles.
Bodygrip: Best for Undercutting. Less mess. Cleanest cuts. Best view of cut line. Less control in corners. No fine speed control. Blade can wander a little, especially in undercut corners. No need for dust extraction or blower or LED lighting. Preferred on Continent. 2 hands required for safe and accurate overcutting. Lower grip than bow handle, but further back from cutting point. Best for bevel cuts due to lower center of gravity.

Bow Handle: Useless for undercutting. More mess. Needs blower/ LED lighting/ Dust extraction for clear view of cut line. Superb fine speed control for feathering in curves and corners. Easiest for following cut line from above due to hand being much closer to perpendicular with the blade. Higher grip less useful in bevel cuts. Preferred style in English speaking world, although less so than in the past.

I use both styles, but much prefer the latter. Hope this helps.