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:

 

[LD1]

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.....

And I never said, that you said "stihl is best". That wasnt even said until 4 or 5 posts later after coyote machine and myself were going back and forth. And at that point, it was no longer about your post (for me anyways).

here is what I said the FIRST time the "stihl is best" thing came up.

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.

That comment had nothing to do with you. Just other comments of the "like" that I have heard over the years and them comments are completely unfounded.

And NOT saying you are one of them, but comments like that^^^ are clearly from people who are indeed uninformed. And the term un-informed means NO disrespect to anyone. It just means that dont have enough information yet to really understand where a guy like me is comming from.

And yes, I know you didnt say "stihl is best". Read my first reply to your post. I know exactally what you said. But it seems no one knows what I said. Because all of these other comments occured MUCH later in the thread between coyote machine and myself. And you never did answer the question if you have ran any other stihl saws? I WAS trying to keep it light. For all I knew, you had a 660 and wanted something smaller:confused2: That is why I asked.

 

[Coyote machine]

And I never said, that you said "stihl is best". That wasnt even said until 4 or 5 posts later after coyote machine and myself were going back and forth. And at that point, it was no longer about your post (for me anyways).

here is what I said the FIRST time the "stihl is best" thing came up.



That comment had nothing to do with you. Just other comments of the "like" that I have heard over the years and them comments are completely unfounded.

And NOT saying you are one of them, but comments like that^^^ are clearly from people who are indeed uninformed. And the term un-informed means NO disrespect to anyone. It just means that dont have enough information yet to really understand where a guy like me is comming from.

And yes, I know you didnt say "stihl is best". Read my first reply to your post. I know exactally what you said. But it seems no one knows what I said. Because all of these other comments occured MUCH later in the thread between coyote machine and myself. And you never did answer the question if you have ran any other stihl saws? I WAS trying to keep it light. For all I knew, you had a 660 and wanted something smaller:confused2: That is why I asked.

Like a rock.

 

[Bud Soda]

Don't you guys have some wood to cut or something

And I never said, that you said "stihl is best". That wasnt even said until 4 or 5 posts later after coyote machine and myself were going back and forth. And at that point, it was no longer about your post (for me anyways).

here is what I said the FIRST time the "stihl is best" thing came up.



That comment had nothing to do with you. Just other comments of the "like" that I have heard over the years and them comments are completely unfounded.

And NOT saying you are one of them, but comments like that^^^ are clearly from people who are indeed uninformed. And the term un-informed means NO disrespect to anyone. It just means that dont have enough information yet to really understand where a guy like me is comming from.

And yes, I know you didnt say "stihl is best". Read my first reply to your post. I know exactally what you said. But it seems no one knows what I said. Because all of these other comments occured MUCH later in the thread between coyote machine and myself. And you never did answer the question if you have ran any other stihl saws? I WAS trying to keep it light. For all I knew, you had a 660 and wanted something smaller:confused2: That is why I asked.

 

[PLUMMER]

Stihl is the best hands down, everything else including non-stihl owners are just wanna beez. :thumbsup:

 

[DNC]

I have a 290 and my wife has a 180. They both have been great saws. I'm upset to learn my saws are inferior. If I ever become a professional logger, maybe I'll upgrade to a more suitable saw.

 

[two_bit_score]

Stihl is the best hands down, everything else including non-stihl owners are just wanna beez. :thumbsup:

:thumbsup:

 

[JimRB]

What I like the best is equipment that I can get parts for. There are some brands people like that I do not see in the stores I visit. Even at the one arborist store I visit. Not because I am an arborist but because I do need things once in a while and they have quality things I might like to own. There are brands and models people mention I have never seen but again my saws are more for fun then for "work." I have no fireplace and of my 9.3 acres only .3 or so has trees on it. But I do go off to do trail building where my toys are helpful.

I have an old Honda mower. Actually my second Honda mower. My current Honda might be 15+ years old. I got it used like the former Honda or the Snapper. My Snapper is probably 30 years old. I can find parts for the mowers either locally or via the internet. Never any rush if the mowers break down. For me being able to find parts and reliabilty are my two key features.

 

[LD1]

Stihl is the best hands down, everything else including non-stihl owners are just wanna beez. :thumbsup:

Sounds like a comment from someone who has never ran anything but a stihl.

There are a lot of good saws on the market. And the best for one may not be the best for another. But I certainly wouldnt say "stihl is the best hands down"

To me, that screams of a person who is "un-informed" as I eluded to earlier.

I dont like these "brand" bashing comments with nothing to even back it up. Its like the classic ford vs checy vs dodge.

Stihl does make fine equipment. And in certain classes, they can be considered at the top. But to say they are the best across the board is non-sense.

BTW, Plummer, what "stihl" saws do you have in your stable??

 

[The Deerslayer]

I have a 290 and my wife has a 180. They both have been great saws. I'm upset to learn my saws are inferior. If I ever become a professional logger, maybe I'll upgrade to a more suitable saw.

Don't be upset at all. As long as you are pleased with them that is all that matters. I have the same two saws and they are excellent for what I need them for......and I use them extensively for firewood harvesting to heat my home every year.

I have realized there is no value getting into a debate here....live and let live.

 

[DNC]

Thanks deerslayer, but I was being sarcastic. I was implying that not everyone needs a pro saw. Bigger is not always better.(let me check with my wife on that).