It's more Minstrel than Monster. Why? Because iit revs so high. A Monster has the low down torque, but with 18 degrees of blow down, this saw wants to rev like a Minstrel on a 12 string. Gary has it set up perfectly with an 8 pin on a 25" bar; it flat out hauls ass through maple, oak, ash, elm , etc. Softwoods? Forgetaboutit! You don't need this saw for softwood....