I think the Husky 353 has more grunt than my Stihl 026 PRO, but both are very good runners. The 353 might take a back seat to the Stihl 028 Super, but the 028 weighs another pound or so and drinks more fuel. Naturally, Stihl quit making the 028 Super and I don't see any plans by Stihl to bring it back, another poor decision. So, they are relying on the MS261, which only sets you back $650. I bet the 353 or the 346XP will run side-by-side with a Stihl MS261.
I took my 353 out last week and cut two tanks of fuel. My truck was packed to the gills. I simply am amazed at the 353's fuel economy. How they did that is mind boggling. Of course, a sharp chain helps a lot, and I usually carry a sharp pair with me in addition to the one on the bar.