Stihl 044 or 038 Mag?

[ReggieT]

Been on the hunt for a decent priced 044 for some while now...missed a few, passed on a few, yet a sweet 038 Mag has caught my attention.
Guy is willing to trade for my MS390, if I add about $150 difference.
Which saw would you guys prefer & do any of you have experience running both of them?
24 inch bar RS chain is going to be max outfit/duty for either...

I've read a ton of threads about pro's & cons on each...just would like to hear something fresh I guess.

Thanks
Reg

 

[skipster]

Finally,something i know something about.
I ran an 044 and and 038 magnum back to back for a couple of years,and really like both of them.
The 044 felt faster in the cut,the 038 seemed to have slightly more low end grunt,but there was very little between them.
the 044 was also slightly better in the handling department,a bit more nimble but not by much.
I sold the 038,and kept the 044,however i do think that when you add parts availability,and cheaper purchase price to the mix,the 038 comes in an extremely close second.

 

[drf255]

The 038M is heavier and slightly slower. Has bigger everything and more metal on it though.

They say that the 038's are built like tanks and are bulitproof. I can see why.

My pal bought an 038M new when the 044 was the "new" model. He's been using it for stumping for over 20 years now. It starts on the 3rd pull and he never has touched even the carb screws.

I'd say if the extra weight don't bother you, nothing wrong with the 038.

 

[Full Chisel]

I would think parts availability would be an issue with the 038 although it's a popular saw so maybe not.

 

[lone wolf]

044 has a better air filter for one thing.Get a slant fin 044 10 mm they have better porting and run better.

 

[Mad Professor]

044 is lighter has a little better AF.

The 038 is built better to last if you don't mind a pound or two and cleaning the saw.

Have a look at the clutches on each.

 

[Big_Wood]

044 no question!

 

[ReggieT]

Hmm...decisions decisions...may hold out for an 044...especially now since he's @ $175 difference!!
Although I am in cahoots with a ole boy who swears he can "muffler mod & port" the 038 Mag to where it will make any 044 look like it cut off in the middle of a cut!!
Talk is cheap...hmm?

 

[Big_Wood]

Hmm...decisions decisons...may hold out for an 044...especially now since he's @ $175 difference!!

the 038 may very well be built a little heavier duty but they will both last the average AS member a life time. the 038mag isn't a little bit slower either lol it's quite the turd.

 

[ReggieT]

the 038 may very well be built a little heavier duty but they will both last the average AS member a life time. the 038mag isn't a little bit slower either lol it's quite the turd.

 

[lone wolf]

Been on the hunt for a decent priced 044 for some while now...missed a few, passed on a few, yet a sweet 038 Mag has caught my attention.
Guy is willing to trade for my MS390, if I add about $150 difference.
Which saw would you guys prefer & do any of you have experience running both of them?
24 inch bar RS chain is going to be max outfit/duty for either...

I've read a ton of threads about pro's & cons on each...just would like to hear something fresh I guess.

Thanks
Reg

I have a 440 for sale

 

[Mad Professor]

the 038 may very well be built a little heavier duty but they will both last the average AS member a life time. the 038mag isn't a little bit slower either lol it's quite the turd.

038M will run with a 044 all day. And when the 044 breaks, the 038M will finish the job.

 

[Big_Wood]

038M will run with a 044 all day. And when the 044 breaks, the 038M will finish the job.

038 fan? Own an 038mag? I've owned many of each and not one would cut with an 044. I'm not gonna saw they aren't tough though.

 

[rocketnorton]

the 038 may very well be built a little heavier duty but they will both last the average AS member a life time. the 038mag isn't a little bit slower either lol it's quite the turd.

038M will run with a 044 all day. And when the 044 breaks, the 038M will finish the job.

038 "fan" here that's run 044. "turd"? ok, then... and ive only have/had 3 supers. got a mag on the way, just cause I'm curious of the diff bet it & supers.

 

[Mad Professor]

038 fan? Own an 038mag? I've owned many of each and not one would cut with an 044. I'm not gonna saw they aren't tough though.

Well I'm not a Left coast softwood sissy either

 

[Big_Wood]

We have wood here just as hard if not harder then the eastern pinners lol 038 should really shine here but it doesn't. I'm not saying it's a bad saw. It's a tank and all I'm saying is it won't run with an 044. Will it outlast it? Probably but the 044 is a way nicer saw to run.

 

[Mad Professor]

We have wood here just as hard if not harder then the eastern pinners lol 038 should really shine here but it doesn't. I'm not saying it's a bad saw. It's a tank and all I'm saying is it won't run with an 044. Will it outlast it? Probably but the 044 is a way nicer saw to run.

Maybe and I know my 028S will be cutting when my 026s have died,

As far as "won't run with" put both buried in 25" hardwood. The 044 don't have the grunt, it will rev ,but won't bite in a cut like a 038M.

And a lb or two of metal sure beats plastic

 

[lone wolf]

We have wood here just as hard if not harder then the eastern pinners lol 038 should really shine here but it doesn't. I'm not saying it's a bad saw. It's a tank and all I'm saying is it won't run with an 044. Will it outlast it? Probably but the 044 is a way nicer saw to run.

I hope so I am buying the 044 now.

 

[Mad Professor]

I have a 440 for sale View attachment 522151 View attachment 522152 View attachment 522153 View attachment 522154 View attachment 522155

Those fuel/oil caps are fugly

 

[lone wolf]

Those fuel/oil caps are fugly

Especially the orange one I know.