Getting close -Stihl 291 or 361...

OOOPS I meant 291 or 261

Stopped in to my JD dealer to get a part yesterday and based largely on recommendations from the fine folks here at the Hearth I took a few minutes to check out the Stihl MS 291 & 261 saws. Nice feel and the weight is noticeably less athan my ProMac 610. But wait, there's more My wife was with me and says that I deserve a new saw after 30 years, and a lighter one makes sense due to MY AGE Well, I can take that hit if it means she is ok with a new saw.

Just trying to decide between the 261 amd 291... any thoughts there?

Also, Stihl has a promo going - free case, and a 2 yr warranty (1 yr standard) if you buy a 6 pack of their 2 cycle oil. Not a bad deal!!??!!

A 261 is my next chainsaw purchase for sure, so I'm not very objective. The stats are pretty close on both saws, but from what I've read, the 261 have some nice pro features that make it worth the extra $$.

Thanks prof - what pro features appeal to you> The dealer said the engine is a litte smoother and less vibrations...

Does it really matter? You're going to under-bar it regardless, no?

That would be what, an east coast monster 14 inch bar?

To respond to the title, get a 361 and never look back. Good used one will cost you less and outperform both.

The 291 is on the smaller 231/251/271/291 frame, and it is really spendy for a 'homeowner' clamshell engine/plastic case saw. It is way overpriced. Same price as the larger 311?! Of the two you are asking about, the 261 is the better deal for $80 more. Pro saw, will last a lifetime, way better engine and plastic, clear gas tank, decomp, stainless muffler, weighs less, runs at higher rpm, has the better HD2 air filter, mag case, captive nuts, elastostart, quarter turn case removal, etc.

The anti vibration system and the integrated bar nuts come to mind. It looks like both saws have the improved air filtration and both sip fuel, which seem to be a couple more steps in a good direction.

There isn't much difference between the 2 in cost. Go with ms261 all day over the 291

MS261 of the 2.
Either one will last many years if cared for.

I might have the Husq 346xp in the choice list too.. 1/2 lb lighter, & been around a long time.
http://www.husqvarna.com/us/forest/products/xp-saws/346-xp/#specifications

261, or 361 if you want a bit more saw. Skip the 291. A C

The 261 looks pretty darned good. Merry Christmas. Maybe I'll have to take a drive some day to see how that thing runs.

I'd get the 261 , your back will also like it. Way better power to wgt. ratio. 16 inch bar would be my choice with full chisel chain.

Get the 261 and never wonder if the grass is greener.

I like my JD dealer, but they are new to Stihl equipment as of the past few years. I know much more about their Stihl equipment than their sales staff. The mom & pop Stihl dealer on the other side of town, however, knows all their stuff and provides very good service. They don't question me when I tell them I want yellow bars and chains (not the green low kickback models).

If the price is close, why would one even consider the homeowner model 291?

No idea what stihl is doing, but what made the homeowner 290 appealable was its price point. Seems like that only advantage to the pro saws is now gone.

Don't think anymore about this and go grab the 261.

well, a 16 in bar suits my needs just fine. I don't have any thing I need to prove with bar length.

Game. Set. Match.

Thanks for those points SH, I appreciate that feedback.

Thanks BogyDave. I think the 346 looks like a good saw to be sure, but I prefer the Stihl dealers in my area.

Thanks, Dennis. Not sure just where you are from me, but I'll keep you posted on my purchase and maybe we could say hi someday!

Thanks everyone. I am leaning toward the 261. I'm gonna stop at my dealer again this week. Mybe pull the trigger! Thanks again for all your help guys.

Yea got one close to the home now. If I ever need or get another saw, probably be a Stihl.
Use their chains & other tools. Have to drive by them allot so stop now & then to kick the tires on the 362

I think that deserves a hearty round of applause. Sure made me !

I'm voting 261.

I agree 100%.

If you're going to under bar your saw, the power head doesn't matter nearly as much.