Mastermind Meets The MS661 C-M

[mdavlee]

550 out of the box is a bit stronger than the 261. The 441 is like packing a Volkswagen. And well the 880 when speed matters isn't setting any world records

It'd be cool to see Stihl take the top of the mountain. Especially with new technology. The 661cm is looking great so far. But there will be a point when the 372 is replaced and I think by that happens more companies will be trying this technology. Performance won't be the difference so much as weight and handling. It might be a while before we see another AT or M-Tronic saw release so I'm curious to see how things shake out here.

I've not ran a 550 but I really like a 261 for a baby saw. The 461 is the best 70cc saw right now. I wish husky would make the rear handles more round on their saws. That alone is almost enough for me not to run them anymore. That makes my hands hurt more than the rubber av stihls use. I wish I had time to go see randy and see how the 661 runs myself.

 

[chadihman]

Stihl had been lagging behind for years in the power section. Stihl has always had a pretty reliable pro saw lineup. It's about time they start making saws with some power to stand with the competition.

261 cm A+........362 cm A+? 441 cm A+...... 461 A+.......661 cm looking really good far. I'm liking the looks of the new Stihl lineup.

 

[HuskStihl]

The 661 looks amazing. 660 to 390 is pretty fair, but gonna have to wait for the 590 AT for a Stihl-husky tussle in the 90cc class

 

[JakeG]

I didn't realize stock 390's were such slugs. Almost like the chain wasn't right or not getting enough oil. Though I'm sure it was cause mastermoobs would have noticed.

 

[wap13]

I read the hole thread but could have missed it.

How does the 661 compare to the 390 and 395 in weight/feel? Seems the 660 was right in between the 2, does the 661 still fit there? Or has it grown to be more like the 395?

 

[LowVolt]

It'd be cool to see Stihl take the top of the mountain. Especially with new technology.

Speaking in general terms of "technology" a lot of companies focus on releasing the "new technology" before they actually perfect the "technology." Yes you were the first to bring out this or that feature but how well did it initially work? So to me being first with new and improved features is not a big deal at all.

 

[chadihman]

I'm sure this 661 will have a college degree when professor Mastermind is done schooling it.

 

[bryanr2]

Heck it doesn't have to do much to be better than the husky competition. It's already stronger than a 390 by a big margin and a 660 and 390 are usually pretty even in cut speed stock. It looks like there might be another win for stihl. That puts them ahead in every category except 60cc in my book.

390 is technically 88ccs and has no competition in the 80cc range. 661 is 91.6cc so belongs in another bracket.... a bracket shared with the 395xp at 94cc. Previous the 660 and 390 were about tied up and the census was that the 390 is a hotrod once ported. 661 has past the 390 it seems (as it should). All that's left is will it stay in the middle bracket between the two or best the 395xp? 2nd place is really 1st loser.

The 346/2153 is king of the 50cc category. My 2153 is still the strongest 50cc saw Randy has ever built. (saying that never gets old).

The category for me that is going to be really interesting is when this 540xp hits mainstream. I am expecting it to be a game changer. Im spending hard earned money to find out for myself. Sent the Dealer I promised the sale to over a year ago, a pm last night so hopefully we can get that ball rolling.

 

[Mastermind]

I'm sure this 661 will have a college degree when professor Mastermind is done schooling it.

You guys really give me too much credit. I'm not doing anything special to any of these saws. I'm just careful not to over do them.

 

[moody]

Speaking in general terms of "technology" a lot of companies focus on releasing the "new technology" before they actually perfect the "technology." Yes you were the first to bring out this or that feature but how well did it initially work? So to me being first with new and improved features is not a big deal at all.

They weren't the first and they didnt design it. They designed the saw around the M-tronic and that's helped them slip in nice features such as spring av, captive bar nuts, new filtration system and still manage to keep the Stihl quality. The m-tronic gave Stihl a chance to change without the fear of the competition walking past them if there was a mishap.

 

[XSKIER]

Stihl had been lagging behind for years in the power section. Stihl has always had a pretty reliable pro saw lineup. It's about time they start making saws with some power to stand with the competition.

261 cm A+........362 cm A+? 441 cm A+...... 461 A+.......661 cm looking really good far. I'm liking the looks of the new Stihl lineup.

I really like the idea that the MS 362 C-M gets an A+? rating even thoigh no one has posted anything about it.

Come on Chad, you work at a stihl dealer. Show us the goods already!

 

[Trx250r180]

i don't see no hopped up 461 vid in that log yet

 

[Mastermind]

i don't see no hopped up 461 vid in that log yet

You will.

It's pissing down rain here today. To be able to do a nice job on the compro, it will have to wait for better weather.

 

[Saw Dr.]

Very cool guys,does anyone know what the recall is for?????

Sent from my GT-S7500T using Tapatalk 2

I sent an email directly to the tech department in VA Beach asking about this. They said that Germany was doing some durability testing on 661s and found something out of spec on the cylinders that could lead to engine failure. Apparently it is a mold issue. They are aware that this model has been long anticipated, and have decided to put any further sales on hold until they get things sorted. There is not an official recall, and I am told the likelihood of failure on in-service units is pretty low. I'm sure they will be extra generous if any issues arise. They did mention that the warranty on the specific saw in this thread is very unlikely be honored......

 

[Mastermind]

I sent an email directly to the tech department in VA Beach asking about this. They said that Germany was doing some durability testing on 661s and found something out of spec on the cylinders that could lead to engine failure. Apparently it is a mold issue. They are aware that this model has been long anticipated, and have decided to put any further sales on hold until they get things sorted. There is not an official recall, and I am told the likelihood of failure on in-service units is pretty low. I'm sure they will be extra generous if any issues arise. They did mention that the warranty on the specific saw in this thread is very unlikely be honored......

So, they are aware of the thread?

 

[redfin]

^ that's awesome!

 

[LowVolt]

They weren't the first and they didnt design it. They designed the saw around the M-tronic and that's helped them slip in nice features such as spring av, captive bar nuts, new filtration system and still manage to keep the Stihl quality. The m-tronic gave Stihl a chance to change without the fear of the competition walking past them if there was a mishap.

Again I was not talking about any one company specifically. Just speaking generally about new features and new technology aren't usually that great when they first hit the market.

So with the above comment, are you saying that mtronic made spring av, captive bar nuts and better filtration possible? 361? 441? 261? 362? All without mtronic and have some if not all of these features.

Seems like stihl is having a bit of a hiccup with the saw. That is not good. But they are stopping sales and trying to get back any shipped out/sold units until they pinpoint the problem. That is very good and speaks highly of the type of company they are. Unfortunately in our society your faults and blunders get the spotlight and your accomplishments and milestones get swept under the rug.

 

[LowVolt]

So, they are aware of the thread?

Smile for the camera!

Hey Randy, do you know what today is?

 

[Mastermind]

Saturday?

 

[moody]

So with the above comment, are you saying that mtronic made spring av, captive bar nuts and better filtration possible? 361? 441? 261? 362? All without mtronic and have some if not all of these features.

.

I know what you meant I apologize for the confusion. I'm saying that when they added the m-tronic it was a new design. It gave them a chance to upgrade other technology as well with the new design.