What chainsaw for a newbie (girl)

[Marula]

An ms200 back handle would be ideal to learn your way around a saw and using it.

[hiluxstihl]

ms 290 stihl nice versatile saw

[splinters]

I mainly use my MS231 with a 14" bar not to heavy but packs enough punch. I also love my ms201 but they are a bit more pricey. if you don't know what you want and you plan to buy your saw new your local dealer should let you have a go with a few demo saws so you can get an idea of what will suit your needs.

[Treemoose]

261 is a good choice

Personally think its a great all rounder (although I have a 260) it was my first saw its not let me down and would replace it if I had to with a 261

 

I haven't owned a husky tho its always been stihl. Will have to get a husky one day so I can compare for myself. It's all your own preference in the end

 

When I done my training they always supplied me with a stihl 260 seemed to be the standard saw they used.

 

I would try out your fellas saw for a bit

[razor]

Thanks for all the advice. This gives me lots to consider.

I see so far, the 550xp looks to be a top contender. That said, if it outcuts a 261, I suspect it may go missing very quickly...

It looks as if my course will be in March / April, so I'll be looking to decide before then.

Thanks again!

[pie eater pete]

Don't but second-hand!! Too much rubbish about.

[normandylumberjack]

How about a stihl ms241? I have heard some good things about these, lighter than a 261, and autotune for ease.

[Ian Clarke]

And if you intend to buy new and keep the saw a while may I recomend heated grips. Unless your a fair weather arb girl

[Horatio]

550xp. I have had or used pretty much every saw going for the last 10yrs.

560xp is slightly better but there is a bit of weight gain.

Out of all 7 of my saws I love my 550 the best

[Old Mill Tree Care]

I'd suggest the smallest saw that will be adequate otherwise you'll get angry at having to lug around the extra weight.

 

 

Also, Stihl X-Fit trousers because they are nice and tight.

Sorry.