290 vs 261

C = Comfort model (Or Cadillac? )

I noticed there are actually two versions of the MS261 sold here in the US. MS261C may actually be the MS261C-Q. That saw has an additional chain brake on the back handle.

While MM is busy with the wife and kid, he'll be back soon, I'll just throw in that the easy start is a dream, love it. Have it on my new 250C-BE. Hate the toolless saw chain adjuster though, gets all gunked up with stuff and I don't feel it holds the bar as securely, it only draws on 1 stud, the forward one. Took mine off and replaced it with the old standard two stud manual setup.

Backwoods Savage said:

I also noticed it has the easy start which might be good or bad.

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Had to edit my original response due to being way off base...

As far as the easy start, I'm not aware of any 261's being sold with the Easy2Start spring loaded recoil system on it. (and Stihl's website doesn't list them with that option either, not even the Canadian site.)

Also as far as the MS261 complementing your existing 290... I don't see that happening at all. I think it will replace the 290 quite nicely doing everything the 290 would do and being much easier on the body. I doubt you'd even consider using the 290 after trying the MS261.

If you were looking for a small, lightweight limb saw to complement a bigger machine, maybe the MS181 or MS211 are worth a look.

The 261 does not have an easy start option, but they do all have the Elasto-start, which is a spring in the starter handle that is easier on the wrist.

While the 211 is smaller, it is a great saw. I bought several to ship overseas and one guy wanted me to break his in so it was a 'used' saws, and thus not subject to import duty. So I dropped two birch trees with it on my property and it did a great job, was easy to use, and light and nimble. It is WAY better than the 210 that it replaces (I had one of those and never liked it), it is lighter, and it has about the same power as a 230. It is like a half size 361. I liked it so much I bought one for myself. The one drawback is the stamped steel connecting rod in these new smaller saws though.

Here is one of two 40 foot birch trees I felled with a 211, it made falling, limbing and bucking a breeze

Backwoods Savage said:

While cutting today a neighbor pulled up on their atv. I noticed a Stihl 261c on the atv so had to look at it. For sure it is a lot lighter than the 290 and that is what my wife is after me for; a lighter saw. I also noticed it has the easy start which might be good or bad. For sure it might save the sore shoulders.

Question, what does the c stand for?

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Costly?