Well,just bought that echo model 520,,cost 360 dollars + tax. Its more of a saw than I need,but,,,,its not light either,,picked up the next one under it,,and couldn't really tell any difference in the weight,,those other brands are supposed to weigh more,,,don't know,,,book says that weight I gave is without bar and chain,,,don't get me wrong,,its not that heavy,,just wouldn't want one 2-3 lbs more,,don't think,,,,don't like all this safety stuff much either on new ones,,,chain break,,,tip guard might be usefull cutting brush though,,just one bolt holds it on. We'll see,,,but it does have a two year warrenty on every thing,,stihls was just one year,,feel better about that,,I think for the money,,and for my needs,,it will be hard to beat,,as far as the three brands talked about.... thingy