Thread: Jonsered vs. Dolmar

A big thank you to all the members of this forum. Because of everyone here I now KNOW that I need a new bigger saw...in spite of what my wife thinks.

Initially I was really liking the 372XP because it seemed to fit my needs and it would be really hard for my wife to tell it apart from my 55 unless I was stupid enough to leave them out...side-by-side. So, for the last few months I've been carefully saving my pennies toward that goal.

Then today I discovered a local dealer that carries Jonsered and Dolmar. I spent almost an hour swapping lies and fondling..ah examining the Jonsered 2171 and the Dolmar 7300. I was pleasantly surprised by both of them and have succeeded in making my choice much more difficult.

I know the Stihl vs. Husky guys will line up behind their brand and do battle until the bitter end..and bless you all for your loyalty. What about all the Dolmar and Jred guys out there? You all seem less vocal and more laid back. I'm sure you are just as loyal to your brand but, there seems to be less chest beating about it.....

So I guess I'm asking the Jonsered and Dolmar clans to sound off! Are these saws as good as they seem to be? Are they legitimate competition for the 372XP?

In the plus column, the dealer seems to have his ducks in a row, He appears to have good common sense, has experience with the equipment, does repairs and stocks a bunch of parts.

If I do end up with a Dolmar or Jred, is anyone willing to keep my new saw at their house so my wife doesn't find out?

The Jonsered 2171 is a 372XP with red plastic and a straight handlebar. Husky owns Jonsered.

You will be happy with either the Dolmar or Husky/Jonsered.

The 7300 is more of a saw than the 372 or the 2171. It weighs a little more when filled up, but it will also outcut both of them. It has the power to run the 36" bars if you ever need them and the husky/jred doesn't. The 7300 was the best bang for the buck, but I have not kept up on the price increases if any between models. I used to have 4 372's before I ran a 7900 and now I only have one left. The 7300 and 7900 really belong in a class all by themselves.

Originally Posted by Freakingstang

The 7300 is more of a saw than the 372 or the 2171. It weighs a little more when filled up, but it will also outcut both of them. It has the power to run the 36" bars if you ever need them and the husky/jred doesn't. The 7300 was the best bang for the buck, but I have not kept up on the price increases if any between models. I used to have 4 372's before I ran a 7900 and now I only have one left. The 7300 and 7900 really belong in a class all by themselves.

+ 1

I am far from an expert on this matter. I have a jred 621, and 920, and a Makita (Dolmar) 6401. I have never run a husky 372, so I know nothing about them. My 920 is a real cutting machine, and I love it, however I am very impressed with the 6401. I think that for the money, and no I have not kept up with prices of saws, but I belive that the Dolmar/Makita are still less expensive than the Jred and Husky, but I don't know that for a fact. I think that any saw from any of those makers will be fine. I have been very impressed with the Makita though. JR

I bought a DCS 401 in November of last year. I was so impressed with it that I bought a DCS 540 and a 6401 to go with it. So far I have had 0 issues with any of the three. The build quality and performance is equal to or higher than any saw maker out there.
Now I'm looking for a used 6401 to convert to a 7900, or one that has already been done. (I do like the blue Makita looks over the Dolmar orange)
The only bad thing I have found with these?
I WANT a 5100, but the 540 does so well in that size, I can't justify buying one.
Mike

If you're comfortable with the Dolmar dealer and can swing the extra $, check out the PS7900. Same weight as the 7300 but superb power.
In essence your getting the power of an 80 cc saw with the weight normally associated with a 70 cc saw.

There is no wrong answer to the question you're asking, any of the saws you have mentioned are excellent quality. It's simply going to boil down to the one you like better and which dealer is going to be able to best support the product.

Good Luck and Take Care

My jonsereds 111s will outcut my dolmar 152.

The J-red 2171 IS a Husky 372 so same quality, reliability and reputation and the handle doesn't look like you dropped a tree on it.

If you go Dolmar, go with the 7900 same saw as the 7300 with more power (only thing different is the piston and cylinder) if you're gonna carry the weight why not get the power.

Originally Posted by rms61moparman

I WANT a 5100, but the 540 does so well in that size, I can't justify buying one.
Mike

That's an easy fix....... sell the 540

5100/7900 may well be the best two saw combo out there.

Are you taliking abou the dealer in Westfield?I just bought my 5100 off him.He's doing some work on my old Echo 750.Great guy,i highly recomend him.

Buy the Jonsered.

The Dolmar is a nice saw......

The 7900 and 2171 are some good looking/running saws, but between the 2, I would have to go 7900. I'm sure the 7900 will be cheaper, dealers/support is about the same.

The Dolmars are MUCh nicer looking.The J Red's look like they came from Toy's R US!I'm sure they are nice though.

I like them both! I don't have a 2171, yet Do have a 2159 that's ported and it is my #1 do it all saw. I have a 7900 and it is a beast! really like the dolmar too. You cant go wrong with those two plus they put you in the class of I am not running a Stihl or Husky I do find the Strait handle and controls on the Jred seem to come natural to me. I also don't have a good Dolmar dealer near me so if I need parts they are coming from the Cutting Edge in NY. Bottom line pick your poison. I would try and get both CAD is a evil thing.I would think no mater what the Dolmar will have the edge in power
Can't speak for the 7300 but the 7900 is one hell of a smooth powerful saw.Plus it is almost Red and Black their orange is more red than anything lol.