What First Saw should I get - Stihl vs Huskie?

[Taiga261]

Wow a lot of replies to this thread, although not sure that all were on topic!

 

Noted people saying Dolmar and Echo but I have only ever used Stihls and Huskies so I think it's probably better to stick with a brand I have experience using, as it is more what I'm used to?

 

Do any Huskie/Stihl experts actually know any models around the £300 mark which are reliable enough to cut medium trees, endless firewood etc?

 

Links would be good if pos! Cheers

[Joe Newton]

An Ms211 will be fine if you keep the chain sharp. Good light saws. Not the most powerful, but within your budget. It'll handle a 14" bar fine.

 

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/231756111160

 

Not tried one of these, but at £350 for 50cc it could be a lot of saw for the money.

[kcstevens]

I've got a 211. Often gets smirked at for being a "toy saw" but it's never let me down and has paid for itself over and over again. Great for stuff like felling small/mediumish trees and logging up. ( like Joe said, keep her sharp and it ticks the boxes for you)

[NFG]

Wow a lot of replies to this thread, although not sure that all were on topic!

 

Noted people saying Dolmar and Echo but I have only ever used Stihls and Huskies so I think it's probably better to stick with a brand I have experience using, as it is more what I'm used to?

 

Do any Huskie/Stihl experts actually know any models around the £300 mark which are reliable enough to cut medium trees, endless firewood etc?

 

Links would be good if pos! Cheers

 

'Endless firewood' can you quantify that? otherwise you need something like an MS660 or a 390xp

 

I dont think you'd regret uping your budget slightly to the pro models by Dolmar or Echo in my opinion they are better made than the Stihls or Huskies at the same price.

 

Shavey is your man on here for Dolmar, the 420 is a cracking saw

 

Ive used Radmore & Tucker at Exeter & they seem pretty good but there are other Echo dealers around

 

That Makita looks a good deal Joe.

 

N

Edited December 7, 2015 by NFG

[Taiga261]

Thanks for all recommendations, lads.

 

I think I will stick with a Huskie or Stihl though, only because it's what I know. Perhaps I'll try out other brands in the years to come. Cheers

[flatyre]

Thanks for all recommendations, lads.

 

I think I will stick with a Huskie or Stihl though, only because it's what I know. Perhaps I'll try out other brands in the years to come. Cheers

 

Whats to know? you fire it up, pull the trigger and start cutting, pretty much the same technique regardless of make, I've never owned an echo but that would be my choice based on what a lot of experienced folks are saying, I certainly wouldn't tie myself to one brand. My local echo dealer offers just as good after sale service as the bigger brands. I do all my own maintenance and to be honest they're all very similar once you remove the plastic. From what I've seen buying echo gets you a great pro saw for much less money as your not paying for the name......unlike stihl or husky, good saws but you are paying a certain amount for the name.