Reviving this thread because I am also trying to decide between Echo PPT 280 and Stihl, either Kombi or 133.
My son has the Kombi base system, but my understanding is that with the Kombi my max length would be about 9 feet (base=3ft, extension=3', saw head=3ft). The HT 133 goes out to 11' 6" - no extensions. The Echo goes out to 17' 2" w/ a 4 foot extension!!
So a couple of questions - Does anyone have the PPT 280 w/ 4' extension and how unwieldy is it?
Is there a good harness for that?
Note - the 20% off at my local dealer is the middle of next month and that is another influencing factor (Echo lists them on their website
http://www.echo-usa.com/Promotions/One-Day-Sale). But I should get everything Echo I need.