There are other things I don't like about "My" old two-speed 226 Hawk besides the round blade holder. I used this saw for a long time before I got my Excalibur EX21. Now it is only used for a backup, and I am actively looking for a used replacement.
Reaching the back of the saw to release the blade tension.
The blade mounting system is a pain to use.
I need a tool to hold the top clamp in place. If I forget to use the tool, the blade will not be mounted correctly. If I forget to take the tool off, it goes flying.
I don't like the aluminum table top. That is a personal preference, but I prefer steel or cast iron.
If I change blade sizes, I have to adjust the tension. If I forget and it is a smaller blade, it will likely break the blade shortly after the saw starts.
By comparison, the Excalibur EX-21:
It is easy to tension once you have it set up correctly. Flip the front lever, and done.
Changing blades is simple and fast.
It has a steel table, and other parts are also steel allowing me to position lights or any other magnetic thing just about anywhere.
The blade holders don't come off.
Internal cuts are quick and easy.
I never heed to crawl around the floor looking for dropped parts.
I can change blades to a different size without adjustment.
I did change the clip to the newer style. It is plastic with ears on the side. If the blade breaks, the bottom blade clamp will drop almost every time. Usually, the clamp remains on the saw under the table. The older metal clamp drops the clamp a lot less, but when it does, it is on the floor somewhere and rarely on the saw.
I have three different clamps for the hawk. Two will not work with the plastic holder because they are too small. The larger one works with both the plastic and the steel holder. The brass part is removable.