So back go this saw...I've got a CS-450p right now. Runs good, but I had pulled the muffler a while back thinking I was going to do a MM and see that the piston has some scoring. Decided I'd just leave as is, and put it back. I bought this saw used about a year ago, had been thinking I actually wanted a 500, but couldn't find a used one at the time, and didn't want to drop new money to see if I'd really like it.
Fast forward, some wood cutting, fence row cleaning, and TSI work behind me, I really like the saw, and was thinking strongly about my options. I have a couple bigger saws, a pair of Mac 610s that do all the larger work I need, but they're on the heavy, slow end of things for me, but seem to run forever.
Option 1...buy another 450, run my old one till it dies, and have a parts saw for things like the clutch cover, etc.
Option 2...buy the CS-500p like I wanted in the first place, and either keep this 450 til it dies, or sell it and get probably what I paid for it back.
Option 3...buy this new 490, and give it a run.
Other than having more plastic, is there anything performance wise that this 490 seems to be lacking over the 500?
Related question...if I go back to a 450, is there any difference now be wee the straight model and the P? Earlier, it seemed like the P had a better bar/chain, and a rim sprocket, but if I'm reading the website right, I don't see that difference now. Maybe a glitch in the info on the site, but they look the same.
Also been eyeballing a CS-670 or 6700, don't remember which, not too far from me on CL...thinking I may sell my 610s, and move that way. Looks like more saw for equal to less weight. How were/are those saws regarded for performance and durability?