Arrrgggg - Can't decide between a MS 362 or 441 class saw

[homelitejim]

I personally can't feel the extra pound my 441 is over my 032, but I sure can tell the difference in power. I've even ran a 038 super next to my 441 and could not tell the difference in weight, but I sure can tell the difference in power. Now my friend has a 038 magnum and I think it is a little heavier than the 441 but pretty close in power what I did notice is the anti vibration in the 441 is far superior as is throttle response. Spend the extra $$$ and get the 441 you will not be sorry. I do have a 066 magnum and the power is impressive, but it does not travel far from the trailer because with a long bar it is heavy and there are not very many trees the 441 can't handle with ease. Then there is that whole time in the cut, availability of parts, ability to use longer bars, ect.ect.ect.

 

[om21braz]

Thanks for all replies as I'm making about the same decision as adrianrog!

 

[adrianrog]

Even after all these replies, I'm still as stumped as I was before.

I keep thinking that a 361 will do almost everything I want and have more power than my existing 290. I would hate to cut down to a 260 and 441 and then always use the 260 because the 441 is too heavy.

On the other hand, I'd hate to have a 361 and find it won't cut any faster with a 3/8" chain than my 290 will with a 3/16".

Would anyone like to weigh in on the 290 vs 361 performance with 3/16 and 3/8 chain? Will the 361 still be faster even using the bigger chain?

-Adrian

 

[saxman]

The 361 will always outcut a 290 and it should. You are correct that the 361 will take care of almost all your firewood cutting needs. I thought that also until you get in big trees then the bigger saws really shine, the extra power makes the job go much faster and more efficiently for sure. The 361 is a great saw but even it has its limitations.

 

[indiansprings]

There is no comparison between a 290 and 361, the 361 will eat it alive and yes thats running 3/8 vs the nk your 290 has. The 361 eats a 390, Muffler Modd it, let it get broke in and its not all that far behind a dead stock 044 in wood up to 25". I would find a 044/440 more appealing than the 441, it seems heavy and handles like a pig compared to the 361, the 440/044 handles more like a 361.
I just have no love for the 441, I know they are a good saw, just don't like the way it feels

 

[robfromaz1977]

I think you should get the 441. It is only about a pound and a half heavier than your 290 but has alot more power. It will do everything the 361 will do and them some.

 

[chowdozer]

I have a 361, 440, 441 and 460. Since you already have a 290, get the bigger saw. In the 70 cc class I would take a 440, 460 and 441 in that order. Although the 361 does have more power than your 290, there isn't enough power to justify buying another saw that close in displacement. The 290 and 440 will probably cover everything you want to do unless you are going to mill. The only saw I would add to those is a mini. OTOH, if you do chose a 361 I wouldn't keep the 290. Or you'll end up like the rest of us with too many saws.