My two Stihl's.

[Topkicker]

I chose the 290 because of cost and reliability. My cusin has a 441 and a 660 mag Stihl. Thay're amazing and very fun to run. Just out of my price range.

 

[ruffdog]

LD1....I see where you are coming from, just as I see where others are coming from. The cheaper Stihl saws may not be PRO saws but they are a step up from the big box store saws that never do run right. As LD1 states, there is a measurable difference between the land owner saws and pro saws. I think people might choose their saw brand depending on local dealer support. I have 3 Stihl dealers locally but no Dolmar or Husky saw (XP's)dealers.

 

[LD1]

but they are a step up from the big box store saws that never do run right.

That is definatally the truth right there.

There is no doubt that the MS290 is one heck of a reliable saw.

But @ 56cc's, it underperforms and is overweight compaired to others in its class. Like a Husky 357XP, or dolmar 5105. And having ran a MS290, I wasnt impressed at all. Some say this is easially cured with swapping to 3/8 chisel chain and a muffler mod. I dont know first hand.

But I'd definatally pick a 290 over a box-store saw anyday.

Again, I am not trying to take anything away from the 290 or from stihl in general. I am just have a hard time understanding "stihl is the best" type of comments when they are based on the MS290.

 

[RollingsFarms]

a friend has the 290 also. My biggest problem with it is the weight. I HATE a heavy chainsaw. That really is one of the main reasons I only buy professional saws over traditional homeowner saws. buy once cry once as they say. I figure I'll use it more often if I don't dread having to carry it around and can get more work done without being tired within 30 mins. I have a Stihl Ms 260 pro with a 16" bar and plan on getting a 70cc pro saw sometime in the future. I have always liked the two saw plan, one for majority of the cutting I do and one for big jobs. It might not get used everyday but it will eventually and that's when I'll be glad I have it. I can justify almost anything I put my mind to:thumbsup:

 

[Coyote machine]

Yes, we agree.

But you are the one who jumped my case saying I need to give him a break, and not to rain on his parade, etc.

I just wanted to be clear....

I wasnt intending to jump anyones case, or rain on anyones parade.

And I am not saying this is the case, but.....

TOO many "weekend warriors" thing the 290 is a "pro" saw and that it is one of the best stihls made (because it is their most popular). ANd this simply isnt the case. Actually, most "pros" dislike the 290, me being one of them. But it does have its place.

I am just trying to say that making a comment to the effect "stihl equipment is the best", when all you have ran is a 290, is obsurd. Because actually, if you run ANY saw from ANY of the other major players in the game, the 290 will come in LAST everytime.

I am NOT arguing that stihl is good. I am just disputing making "stihl is best" comments based on the use of a 290. Because it is clear to me someone who says such things is brand blind and un-informed.

Now if you run a 361 and say things like that, no beef with me at all. Because that IS a great saw, unlike the 290.

Let's not exagerate- I didn't jump on your case- I asked you to give the guy who posted a break, partly because he's just as entitled to be a big fan of Stihl saws regardless of his supposed "brand blindness" and being "uninformed"- your words, not mine. The poster did NOT state "Stihl is best"; if you actually read his post it states: " I'm a huge fan of Stihl equipment. Have a 290 and just received a 180 for Christmas...gotta luv Santa. These two seem to be a great combo for limbing and handling the big stuff as I cut and split for heating with our woodstove. Nothing better than bringing home the wood and hope to be able to keep going for many years....I know the saws will! Also have a Still trimmer and backback blower...can't say enough about the quality".
His statement is more about his PERSONAL USE as a homeowner and the Stihl equipment he has invested in being suited to his tasks at hand. He doesn't have a need for a pro level saw of ANY brand and he chooses something better than the big boxes can provide, and he is willing to spend a little more to get what he wants. Case closed. You may not mean to offend, but your statements tell a different story. If, as you say, you don't want to pay Stihl price point then don't, as you have obviously chosen your preferred brand. To each their own. Chill out and move on to something important.
And from my POV, as a retired tree surgeon, STIHL rules!:thumbsup::licking:

 

[LD1]

Let's not exagerate- I didn't jump on your case- I asked you to give the guy who posted a break, partly because he's just as entitled to be a big fan of Stihl saws regardless of his supposed "brand blindness" and being "uninformed"- your words, not mine. The poster did NOT state "Stihl is best"; if you actually read his post it states: " I'm a huge fan of Stihl equipment. Have a 290 and just received a 180 for Christmas...gotta luv Santa. These two seem to be a great combo for limbing and handling the big stuff as I cut and split for heating with our woodstove. Nothing better than bringing home the wood and hope to be able to keep going for many years....I know the saws will! Also have a Still trimmer and backback blower...can't say enough about the quality".
His statement is more about his PERSONAL USE as a homeowner and the Stihl equipment he has invested in being suited to his tasks at hand. He doesn't have a need for a pro level saw of ANY brand and he chooses something better than the big boxes can provide, and he is willing to spend a little more to get what he wants. Case closed. You may not mean to offend, but your statements tell a different story. If, as you say, you don't want to pay Stihl price point then don't, as you have obviously chosen your preferred brand. To each their own. Chill out and move on to something important.
And from my POV, as a retired tree surgeon, STIHL rules!:thumbsup::licking:

I think you are the one who needs to chill out

I never said that he said "stihl is best". I was not quoting him directly. It was just a reference to "those" types of comments.

Yes, he is entitled to his opinion, as is everyone. And yes, I agree that the 290 is a better saw than a boxstore saw. Wether it is the best saw for the money??? That is a matter of opinion. And IMO it is not. Just because I state that a saw someone buys isnt the best in its class, is NOT jumping his case. Just informing.

And you saying I need to give him a break? Give him a break from what? Lets look at my first post to him:

Have you ran anything other than stihl???

Because to say "I'm a huge fan of Stihl equipment" based on just the MS180 and MS290:confused2:

If those were MY only two experiences with stihl, I would NOT be impressed.

I can just imagine the look on your face if you ever run a 361 or 441 Because you'll probabally never touch a 290 again.

I started with a simple question.

And then stated that I was confused by his statement if his experience is just based on those two saws.

Followed by saying that "I" would not be impressed IF those were my only two experiences.

And then closed with a little comment meant to imply a little humor. Meaning that if he were to ever run a top end stihl, he would be grinning from ear to ear (if indeed the MS290 was the biggest stihl he had ever ran).

So let me ask again, give him a break from what?

Its the internet for crying-out-loud. We are all entitled to post our opinions and share out experience/knowledge with others. Which is all I was doing. Not saying it is the case with deerslayer, but all too often (as I have mentioned already), an average joe gets his hands on a MS290 and think it is just the best and fastest saw in the world. And I can only sit here an chuckle about envisioning the look on their face if they ever laid into a peice of wood with a MS460, MS660, PS7900, 372xp, etc etc:laughing:

 

[Coyote machine]

I think you are the one who needs to chill out

I never said that he said "stihl is best". I was not quoting him directly. It was just a reference to "those" types of comments.

Yes, he is entitled to his opinion, as is everyone. And yes, I agree that the 290 is a better saw than a boxstore saw. Wether it is the best saw for the money??? That is a matter of opinion. And IMO it is not. Just because I state that a saw someone buys isnt the best in its class, is NOT jumping his case. Just informing.

And you saying I need to give him a break? Give him a break from what? Lets look at my first post to him:



I started with a simple question.

And then stated that I was confused by his statement if his experience is just based on those two saws.

Followed by saying that "I" would not be impressed IF those were my only two experiences.

And then closed with a little comment meant to imply a little humor. Meaning that if he were to ever run a top end stihl, he would be grinning from ear to ear (if indeed the MS290 was the biggest stihl he had ever ran).

So let me ask again, give him a break from what?

Its the internet for crying-out-loud. We are all entitled to post our opinions and share out experience/knowledge with others. Which is all I was doing. Not saying it is the case with deerslayer, but all too often (as I have mentioned already), an average joe gets his hands on a MS290 and think it is just the best and fastest saw in the world. And I can only sit here an chuckle about envisioning the look on their face if they ever laid into a peice of wood with a MS460, MS660, PS7900, 372xp, etc etc:laughing:

Justify your comments and rationalize their meaning to suit your own level of self determination to mean what you say but not say what you mean. I'm perfectly chilled, and we could go around about this forever but why would I bother further annoyance participating in a conversation with someone who is clearly so opinionated that anyone saying anything you don't approve of is only worth being told they are brand blind and uninformed- according to whom? You?!
Now I know your retort- assuming you muster one, will likely be about how those were just general comments, not meant to offend, and apply only to THOSE type of people.
Blah, blah, Heard enough already.

 

[LD1]

those were just general comments, not meant to offend, and apply only to THOSE type of people.

I am glad we are on the same page:thumbsup:

Blah, blah, Heard enough already.

:laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:

 

[The Deerslayer]

I'm a huge fan of Stihl equipment. Have a 290 and just received a 180 for Christmas...gotta luv Santa. These two seem to be a great combo for limbing and handling the big stuff as I cut and split for heating with our woodstove. Nothing better than bringing home the wood and hope to be able to keep going for many years....I know the saws will! Also have a Still trimmer and backback blower...can't say enough about the quality.

Wow. Clearly there is a case of mistaken identity on who is "uninformed" and "absurd". I never indicated that Stihl "was the best" that was your interpretation. I merely stated that I was a" huge fan"....similar to being a huge fan of blondes, brunettes, and redheads.
I for one would not claim which one of those is the best!!! Keep it light and enjoy life LD1.....

 

[Coyote machine]

Wow. Clearly there is a case of mistaken identity on who is "uninformed" and "absurd". I never indicated that Stihl "was the best" that was your interpretation. I merely stated that I was a" huge fan"....similar to being a huge fan of blondes, brunettes, and redheads.
I for one would not claim which one of those is the best!!! Keep it light and enjoy life LD1.....

YEAH, what you said!:thumbsup: