If you purchase a Bosch jigsaw, make sure to purchase whatever the top of the line model jigsaw Bosch is currently selling.
The lower end versions may not be bad, but they’re usually not made to the same quality level.
Barrel grip versus top handle is a personal choice. Barrel grip is usually better for fine control.
Top handle is better for holding onto the jigsaw for awkward cuts, and you can usually vary the blade oscillating speed with the top handle trigger, which you can’t do with barrel grip jigsaws, which simple have an off/on switch, and a separate speed control dial.
The current top of the line Bosch jigsaws are the JS572EK and JS572EBK.
The EK is a top handle jigsaw.
The EBK is a barrel grip jigsaw.
I believe both of these jigsaw models have rollers that run alongside the blade like Euro bandsaw guides, to prevent blade deflection.
I don’t believe Bosch makes a cordless version of either of these, or if they do, Bosch doesn’t sell it in the US.
Festool was the manufacturer who I think started the “precision” jigsaw, with side guides trend. This was at least two or three decades ago, when Festool was called Festo.
The two major jigsaw lines from Festool are the Trion, which was basically Festools 3rd major revision of their side blade guide jigsaws, which Festool has kept in production,
And the Carvex, which is basically version 4 of Festool’s side blade guide jigsaws.
The Trion models are only available in a corded saw, and are available in both a barrel grip, and a top handle model.
The Carvex model is available in both top handle and barrel grip versions, and both corded and cordless versions of both those styles.
The Trion models are likely more solidly built, with more durable drive trains, and I would argue, a better blade clamp mechanism and side guide design.
The Carvex has interchangeable bases for added versatility, and some other specialty attachments.
The Trion was kept around because there were some major issues with the Carvex when it first came out, and a version 2 or 3 was needed before a lot of the major issues disappeared.
This video shows the blade guides on the Festool saws.
www.festoolusa.com
The other major contender for a very precise jigsaw is the P1cc jigsaw made by Mafell.
The Mafell jigsaw costs an arm, a leg, and a testicle.
Unlike the top of the line Bosch jigsaws, and the Festool jigsaws, the Mafell doesn’t use side blade guides.
The blade plunger is precisely plunged without even a back roller like is found on most jigsaws.
Mafell claims the lack of the back roller helps prevent deflection that can be caused by the back roller bearing.
Mafell makes one or more special jigsaw blade models that will only work in the P1cc jigsaw, although the P1cc will also take standard Bosch T-shank jigsaw blades.
The special Mafell blades are made extra thick and stiff, with a heavily taper ground design.
Like the Festool jigsaws, the Mafell jigsaw can be used with a cutting guide (in this case the Mafell tracks for their plunge cut circular saws) and also a parallel guide and I think circle cutter, and angled extension base.
Cuts materials up to 7-13/16" thick with new blades Powerful 900 W CUPrex compact motor Blows air on the blade as it floats frictionless in space, preventing burning Compatible with Mafell Guide Rail System as well as T-Shank jigsaw blades from other manufacturers Download P1cc BrochureDownload...
www.timberwolftools.com
Their aren’t as many soecial accessories for the Mafell P1cc jigsaw as there are for the Festool Carvex jigsaws.
There are more special accessories for the Mafell P1cc than there are for the Festool Trion jigsaws.
Bosch likely just offers a parallel guide and circle guide, and maybe a steel base insert, which the Festool Trion lacks as an offering.
