Stihl ms500i

[Dan Maynard]

Here in the states Husky's tend to be more sensibly priced compared to Stihl's, but like most saws they are kinda hard to find these days. I did see 2 395's at my local saw shop the other day, but they were both already spoken for.  I myself run 2 Madsen modded 395's with 42" bars on them.  Simply put, the best 90cc saw I have ever run. I love my 5 series Husky's (550, 562, 572), but it will be a sad day when the larger 3 series saws are no longer available... Looking forward to their upcoming 5 series 90-120cc saws. They have some very big shoes to fill...  

I think the 572 has done well filling the 372 shoes, though? Hopefully the 90cc will be as good.

[outinthewood]

With regard to Mike Hill's comment I have to agree. I've had my 500i for about 18mths and from day one said it was a good saw not the best saw ever. Now it's biggest point is the weight or lack of it and to be fair it's turned out to be harder wearing than I thought it would be so that's good only bad points are soft ? weak av springs and the Dyson like operation of the airfilter assy. I was not blown away by it's performance ( I run several ported saws) so sent it away to be "done" and now it's good just as a 80cc class should be. Interesting point the guy who I use for port work was fairly confident his own 461 would still be a bit faster which in the real working world is not important, and it was by about 1/2 a second so at least he was happy. The same guy ran mine against a same port spec 661 and the 661 was a little faster but as he was correct in saying the 500 at about a lb lighter was still the winner in the real working world. 

[Rich Rule]

Real answers and worthwhile feedback from real workers.

 

Not just insta fan boys going on about a product in every post in order to get free shit.

 

I prefer the real world.

[MattyF]

Dunno I prefer the 500i still , maybe 10 years ago I would not of as I could never see the point in 288’s ,390’s 064’s , as I’ve got older th bigger saw novelty has worn off but I think the 500 is a little more different and I like the way it delivers its torque not so much revs... maybe 20 years ago I would of told you the 460 was the best saw ever made and as much as it is a beast times have changed and my hands can’t cope with shit anti vibes.

[Stubby]

I picked one up briefly and was surprised by the lack of weight for an 80cc saw . It did feel a bit " squidgy " in the AV department  and a bit fragile ?  It cut fine but no quicker than my ported saws of a similar capacity  but as I said it was noticeably lighter .   Others have commented on how much fuel it drinks .  I suppose time will tell .

[Joe Newton]

I'm with Matty, the appeal is the lack of weight and the smooth constant torque. It keeps that 660 off my harness for just that bit longer.

 

It's still the best saw I've used apart from the 2511 in terms of power to weight, but it's not a total game changer. It does make my life easier though. 

[Pete Mctree]

I’m another who thinks it is a nice saw as it’s light & the pick up is great, but not found it as usable as a decent modded 461.  Perhaps it’s the way the power is delivered or simply familiarity- I’m no expert

[Rich Rule]

Don’t get me wrong I enjoy using the 500i.

 

Just the 400 has a lot more WOW factor.

 

Use one and you will see what I mean.

[MattyF]

Don’t get me wrong I enjoy using the 500i.
 
Just the 400 has a lot more WOW factor.
 
Use one and you will see what I mean.

I loved mine until it got ran over by a tracked chipper or avant ..... think I’ve finally got the top anti vibe mount to stay in with out having to by a new cylinder, fingers crossed !

[bigtreedon]

I think the key for me is the weight or lack of ! Then its ability out of the box is pretty much second to non its easy to say what modid saws that will piss all over a stock saw I've got loads of modid saws that will piss all over my 500i but there modid and heavier! A simple West Coast saws bark box seems to of woken my 500i a bit ! for me its the perfect bigger saw in the tree 

Edited May 27, 2021 by bigtreedon