Want to buy a 550 XP advice please?

[Adirondack]

Just picked up the saw. Seems like a very nice saw. Very light and comfortable ergonomics. I did flood the saw but it was probably my own fault. Once I got it going it would lag a little bit with the throttle response but I was really babying the saw probably too much. After running for a while it seemed to respond normally.

I was glad they have the extended 4 year warranty if you bought the 3 cans of premix.

I'm waiting for a coil for my 5105. I would like to see how this compares to that saw. I do like my Domar but this 550xp definitely feels lighter in my hands. I like a lot of the features on the saw better than my Dolmar.
The only thing I couldn't figure out is why they put a compression release on this Saw?. I think that is why I flooded the saw but it'll take some getting used to. I think I may just not use the compression release unless I'm missing something. Maybe after the ring seat in the compression goes up on my change my mind. LOL

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

On bigger cube saws it's pretty easy to figure why there is a compression release... I have been working on a 394 and every now and then I forget to hit the decomp button and it reminds me quite effectively of my absentmindedness.

On the smaller saws, IDK.. But I still use them as I feel that at the very least it saves wear and tear on recoil starter components.

You will have a hard time wiping the grin off your face when you put that 550 into some wood.