Opinion of Jonsered 2188 / 2166

[BIGChrisNH]

Hey guys, anyone run one of these? I hear it’s the same as a Husky 390XP. My dealer has one for less than 1k. Never owned or run a Jonesered before, thoughts on it? I’ve always been a Stihl guy and was thinking of saving for a 461 but then I saw this...

 

[Zack R]

Give it shot...... I think you'll be impressed, especially if moving up from the saw in your signature.

 

[BIGChrisNH]

I just might. We'll see, I've been getting bigger logs more routinely, 24" red oak seems to be commonplace in my loads now. My wife and I are focused on what can speed up our processing.

 

[woodhog73]

I’m a long time Johnny and Husky user. The 2188 is a red Husky. As for choosing it over a new Stihl 461??

Well first of you said your cutting 24 inch red oak ? I do that comfortably all day with my 50cc saw. If that’s the biggest you cut then the Stihl 461 is the better option ( assuming cost is not a factor ). It’s lighter by a couple of pounds and is Mtronic. I like auto tuned saws. They always run perfect. And it will pull a 28 inch bar more than enough for your 24 inch oaks.

However if you do any milling or need to ever run a bar 28 or bigger on a regular basis I’d get the 2188. It’s more powerful and more torque. It’s a big heavy saw. It’s tried and proven and will stand the test of time. Can’t say the quality build on the new Stihls will stand the same test of time. Not sure.

Another bonus. Jonsered pro saws have been discontinued. So you should be able to get a great deal on what used to be a $1200 saw probably can get one for under $900 new if you look around. Don’t worry about parts. It’s a pro Husky saw parts are the same as what’s on the orange version.

If it were me though I like lighter vs heavier and I like auto tune so if all I needed was a 24 to 28 inch bar I’d get the 461.

 

[BIGChrisNH]

Thanks woodhog

 

[Woodfarmer1]

Well, what did you buy? I would probably save the $300 and get the 2188.

 

[BIGChrisNH]

Well I decided to wait. My cutting is done for this season so I'll likely wait until spring.

 

[jaoneill]

Well I decided to wait. My cutting is done for this season so I'll likely wait until spring.

If it were me I'd strike while the iron is hot. I'm a long time Jonsered fan. Although all I've ever had are the pro models I would take a Jonnie over a Stihl anyday, especially when considering bang for the buck.

 

[BIGChrisNH]

Pull this thread back from the dead. Finally pulled the trigger on a Jonsered 2166. Heard nothing but good things. Should be here next Thursday, I’ll post pics.

 

[BIGChrisNH]

Order has shipped! So excited

 

[jaoneill]

I don't imagine you'll be sorry, I have had a 2152 for going on 7 years and would do it again in a NY minute, 10 cord a year +/- and it's been grief free.... There are times that I wish that I had gone with the 2166 but, then again, with 71 years in the rearview mirror, the 52 is enough saw.

 

[BIGChrisNH]

Thanks Jaeoneill for the vote of confidence

 

[farmer]

These are great saws. It will last you a long time.

 

[BIGChrisNH]

That’s what I’m hoping for farmer

 

[BIGChrisNH]

Question for Jonsered owners, is there a preferred starting procedure? I have heard these saws can be easily flooded when new?

I have not started anything but a Stihl in quite some time. From looking around online, it seems to be that you should not pull with the choke on more than 3-4 times max or it will flood. Does that seem to hold true for you all?

 

[Jazzberry]

Question for Jonsered owners, is there a preferred starting procedure? I have heard these saws can be easily flooded when new?

I have not started anything but a Stihl in quite some time. From looking around online, it seems to be that you should not pull with the choke on more than 3-4 times max or it will flood. Does that seem to hold true for you all?

All Stihls = choke & throttle till it sputters (3 to 4 pulls) then leave throttle on but no choke
Dolmar 7300 choke one pull only or it floods
Dolmar 540 no trick needed it starts no matter how you do it

 

[BIGChrisNH]

Thanks Jazzberry.

 

[jaoneill]

Question for Jonsered owners, is there a preferred starting procedure? I have heard these saws can be easily flooded when new?

I have not started anything but a Stihl in quite some time. From looking around online, it seems to be that you should not pull with the choke on more than 3-4 times max or it will flood. Does that seem to hold true for you all?

I have 3 Jonsereds choke until it pops - newer saw 2-3 pulls; older ones a few additional yanks. Then all start on the next pull.

 

[BIGChrisNH]

Thanks, just what I was looking for!

 

[jaoneill]

Thanks, just what I was looking for!

Forgot to say; after it fires with the choke on, push the choke in before pulling again!!

 

[BIGChrisNH]

Got it, thank you

 

[BIGChrisNH]

Well, it's here. What a beautiful machine. Did not come in factory packaging, just a USPS box with powerhead, chain, sprocket tool, owner's manual and bar. Does not look to have ever been used. Has an "R" stamped in the plastic under the handle assembly. Common sense would dictate that that means "refurb", but research online seems to say that the "R" just voids the warranty. Either way, no chips, no dings, no signs of ever having been run. Oil reservoir did not smell of oil and fuel tank did not smell of gas. 5 pulls on choke and it burped, 2 pulls after that and she started right up. Revved the throttle a bit and she idled nicely. Saw has a great sound to it. Quickly pulled on chaps and went out in the woods to cut some downed trees. Very fast, no effort cutting. Lot's of power. Can't believe it's mine. Got this on Ebay for $550 if anyone else is interested. Just google "Jonsered 2166 and it'll come up. Screaming deal for this much saw. Aint' she sweet...

 

[BIGChrisNH]

Such a nice sound

 

[jaoneill]

Well, it's here. What a beautiful machine. Did not come in factory packaging, just a USPS box with powerhead, chain, sprocket tool, owner's manual and bar. Does not look to have ever been used. Has an "R" stamped in the plastic under the handle assembly. Common sense would dictate that that means "refurb", but research online seems to say that the "R" just voids the warranty. Either way, no chips, no dings, no signs of ever having been run. Oil reservoir did not smell of oil and fuel tank did not smell of gas. 5 pulls on choke and it burped, 2 pulls after that and she started right up. Revved the throttle a bit and she idled nicely. Saw has a great sound to it. Quickly pulled on chaps and went out in the woods to cut some downed trees. Very fast, no effort cutting. Lot's of power. Can't believe it's mine. Got this on Ebay for $550 if anyone else is interested. Just google "Jonsered 2166 and it'll come up. Screaming deal for this much saw. Aint' she sweet...

For $550 that is awfully tempting......

 

[BIGChrisNH]

It really is. The only thing it didn’t come with was a bar scabbard.