350 vs 353

[fastchevys]

I am looking to add a lighter weight saw to my collection, and have been looking at the 350 and the 353. Is there any reason to choose one over the other or is there something better in that weight class. Right now I have two 359's.

 

[nmurph]

Early 350's used a 44mm piston and then switched to a dished 45mm. 353's use the same 45mm cylinder as the later 350's but used a flat piston. The 353 shares the crankcase with the pro 346. The 350 uses a plastic crankcase in a hybrid clamshell arrangement. I've never weighed the 350, but I'm betting it's a few ounces lighter than the 353. There are lot's of members here that use the 350 with very good luck. The 350 also is usually considerably cheaper. If you can find a used 45mm 350 and swap the 353 piston in, I think you will be very happy with it. You would also be happy with a 353 and ecstatic with a 346.

 

[SawTroll]

All those saws are gone by now, but the 346xp obviously is a better option.

The 353 shares the mag case and other pro saw features with the 346xp, while the 350 is a plastic cased variant, without the quick release top cover. Many EPA 350s share the cylinder with the 353, but have a dished piston to keep the power output a bit lower, like the original 49cc open port ones.

 

[SawTroll]

Early 350's used a 44mm piston and then switched to a dished 45mm. 353's use the same 45mm cylinder as the later 350's but used a flat piston. The 353 shares the crankcase with the pro 346. The 350 uses a plastic crankcase in a hybrid clamshell arrangement. I've never weighed the 350, but I'm betting it's a few ounces lighter than the 353. There are lot's of members here that use the 350 with very good luck. The 350 also is usually considerably cheaper. If you can find a used 45mm 350 and swap the 353 piston in, I think you will be very happy with it. You would also be happy with a 353 and ecstatic with a 346.

You beat me to it, and you are totally right.

Yes, the 350 is a few ounces lighter than the 353.

 

[Philbert]

Love my 353. There still may be a few around in dealer showrooms. I have seen them not too long ago.

Philbert

 

[nmurph]

You beat me to it, and you are totally right.

Yes, the 350 is a few ounces lighter than the 353.

About 7 ounces according to the specs.

 

[fastchevys]

Thanks for the replies. I think I will go with the 353 and do a woods port on it.

 

[SawTroll]

About 7 ounces according to the specs.

Yes.