7900 or 390xp

[dpcutter]

I have a 7900 and was checking out a 390 xp at my dealers...way more power, or not enough of a jump?...still thinking of that 395xp, but not sure I cut large enough wood to justify its power...I only run bars up to 24"..really feel no need to go larger here in New England for most applications...

 

[JT78]

I have a 7900 and it is a fine saw runs smooth has lots of power and isnt very heavy. I havent run the 390 but it should have a little more torque than the 7900 if the largest bar you plan to run is the 24 then the 7900 should be just fine but if you plan on running a 32 or larger go with the 390 or 395. Dealer support should also play a part in your decision.

 

[oldsaw]

I'd stick with the 7900 unless you get into big stuff often. A 390 with a 24" bar would be a blast and a half, but the 7900 would be the saw to run as an "all arounder".

Mark

 

[treeslayer666]

What you need is a 660

I run 2 7900's with 20" bars and love them. Actually they replaced my 385xp's I ran with 20's. They blow away the husky 385xp with 20" bars. I don't really care for the 7900's with the 24" bar, when I need 24" I go for the 660. That's what you need. I used to run 394xp's for 24" and up but I tried the 660 a few years back and they straight out outperform. The next step from a 7900 is the 660. You wont be disappointed.

 

[grandpatractor]

7900 vs 390

In my opinion the small gain in power(.2bhp) doesn't justify the big jump in weight(2.1lbs).:monkey:

 

[ciscoguy01]

395

If your set on getting another saw, I think you'll be disappointed in the 390 going from the 7900, not near enough of a difference in those 2 saws. Now going to the 395, yea, you'll see the difference when you dawg in. Never in small stuff, but in bigger stuff with a 24", you'll notice that extra 16cc's. Like going from a 5100 or 345 to a 372 or 440. Even more... You'll be more happy with the weight of the 7900 for sure. Although I did get lucky enough to run a 395 for a few days, it was a VERY nice saw, VERY smooth. PotAto, pototo...

eh?

 

[Former Saw Builder]

I've been running both there is no difference in the saws power in the wood we have in my area, the Husky is smoother to run but is a lot heavier to work with my 7900s are a much nicer saws to work with then the 390XP. If I had it to do over and know what I know now I would not have bought the 390XP saws at all.

 

[z4lunch]

Steve here... The 7900 runs similar to an 066 660. I too agree that small jump in power is not worth the money
Steven

 

[B_Turner]

I've been running both there is no difference in the saws power in the wood we have in my area, the Husky is smoother to run but is a lot heavier to work with my 7900s are a much nicer saws to work with then the 390XP. If I had it to do over and know what I know now I would not have bought the 390XP saws at all.

Interesting to hear, thanks. I would like to try a 390 for interests sake, but I sure love working with my 7900s. Funnest and most productive saws I've ever run.

One thing I will say about vibration levels (not directed at your post) is that there are thresholds. I am as concerned (and physically bothered by) excessive vibration levels as about anyone I know, but the reality is that at a certain level with good technique and really sharp chains vibration levels are not as critical. In other words, less vibration is always better, but below a certain level it becomes less of an advantage. (Diminishing returns kind of thing....)

As an illustration, my 066 (and the 460's I run) have more vibration than my body likes and I pay for it with extended cutting. But my 7900s or say my 395 (smoothest saw I own) are smooth enough that I have no problems whatsoever with extended cutting as long as I don't act stupid.

So I do believe that the 390 is smoother yet, (as was the 441 I tried once), which is of course a good thing. But since the vibration levels of my 7900 and 395 are low enough not to be a problem, even lower vibration levels alone are not enough to entice me to buy a saw.

Now lower vibration levels and more and broader power...now we are talking! I have high hopes for the 9900, and hope they kept the vibes down while making a real beast. Let's see, what was the original topic?...