550xp vs 346xp

[Tzed250]

8-pin 3/8 or .325?

.325 8 pin, Oregon 20LPX

 

[Hermann]

There should only be a $50 difference in the cost of the 346 and the 550. Both can be bought for less than $500. Find another dealer. With what we know currently, pick the 346 if you want max power out of a modded saw. Pick the 550 if you want the max power out of just a muffler modded saw. The 550 you can fuel and forget. It depends on what's most important to you.

Wow, sure would like to know where I could find a 550 under 500, sure as heck ain't nowhere within 3 hour drive from where I live, which is the Boston Metro Area (not exactly some rural backwater location).. I did take your advice and spent some time calling around all dealers in 2 states around here, only the biggest dealers 2 out of 10 or so I called knew what the 550 was without further explanation or checking whatever references they might have been using.. A few stated they stocked up on 346xps, maybe they are getting deals on them I don't know, some stated 550 was new technology that could not be trusted yet, all 550xps were retail price except for one small dealer. I am still fixated on AutoTune - probably because I am an embedded software engineer by trade, and I am biased towards new technology, anyway found this small dealer, and I liked the guy, he seemed reasonable and honest so I am probably going to put a deposit and have him order it - it will be his first sale of a 550xp - said he would probably get another to have in his shop at that time. AutoTune is why I am not getting a 261. (If Stihl would sell the 241 c-m well, I probably would have bought it if similar priced to 550) So I still can't lay my hands on the 550xp let alone run one, but the weight, specs, and reviews, I am pretty sure this will be next saw, and hopefully the last one for a good long time - knock on wood!

(I personally think non-pros need an AutoTune saw more than a pro who can tell/hear when a saw goes out of tune - and will stop right there, retune or fix the issue without further damage, I am getting better but I still don't trust myself with proper tuning - I don't know why there is not a bigger push to get the Mtronic and AutoTunes into more affordable saws for the average guy - especially with the issues with fuel starvation - i.e. ethanol clogging or opening fuel delivery)

 

[sunfish]

As much as I like the 346xp, I'll probably own a 550xp at some point. :msp_biggrin:

 

[OntheLevel]

346/2153 10 year tested

I say buy the 346 or 2153 while you still can. It's a sure winner 10+ years. Soon everything will be autotune.

If autotune had been around a little longer I would go with .4 pound lighter 550xp. I've got the same dilemma and now Im gonna buy the Jonsered 2153 (can't get 346xp around here anymore)
They're the same saw anyway.

I don't doubt that autotune is the future though. But I'm getting mine ported, so that's the main reason I'm goin old school.

 

[nmurph]

The 2153 is heavier and has a different front handle shape.

 

[OntheLevel]

The 2153 is heavier and has a different front handle shape.

Good point murph I thought they weighed the same but 346xp 11 lbs.
2153 11.2 lbs.
I thought they were exactly the same. Guess there is a lil diff. True, also the handle bar is straight.

Around here I can't get a 346xp but everywhere else you can still get them

 

[user 64030]

Here ya go. Get Stihl 261 Pro saw. ...

Well the husky faithful seem to do it in evcery "which Stihl thread?".. turnabout and all

otstir:


dw

 

[KenJax Tree]

Good point murph I thought they weighed the same but 346xp 11 lbs.
2153 11.2 lbs.
I thought they were exactly the same. Guess there is a lil diff. True, also the handle bar is straight.

Around here I can't get a 346xp but everywhere else you can still get them

Billings on 11 mile/Main St. In Royal Oak can get a 346xp still.

 

[Mastermind]

Save a $110 and get the 346xp then put the $110 towards getting it ported and you'll be happier than a 3 peckered goat.

This man is a genius. :msp_smile:

 

[nmurph]

This man is a genius. :msp_smile:

So, you a goat herder, too?

 

[s219]

Well the husky faithful seem to do it in evcery "which Stihl thread?".. turnabout and all

otstir:

dw

Here's a good one for this thread:

I wouldn't really want any of those saws

 

[Mastermind]

So, you a goat herder, too?

Sometimes. :msp_sneaky:

 

[SawTroll]

Here's a good one for this thread:

That's misuse of quotes, the right answer here is either one!

As it looks, the 550xp is a little stronger stock or with just a mm - while the 346xp still is "king" when both are properly ported.

 

[SawTroll]

Exactly what I did. It's called a PS-5105. :msp_biggrin:

No way it is, you just want it to be, because it is cheaper! :msp_biggrin:

 

[Oddvaark]

To heck with trying to satisfy those whom have replied , buy a 2156 Jonsered and boast over making the best decision possible, period .

 

[tallguys]

No way it is, you just want it to be, because it is cheaper! :msp_biggrin:

So one size of tool can fit all sizes of individual's hands, arm lengths and such? Thats smacks of pure arrogance and silliness to boot!

There is absolutely nothing for my purposes that a 346xp can do that my 5105 cannot... nothing.

Plus there is zero doubt that the Dolmar will last just as long, if not longer. So why do you persist constantly spreading misinformation?

Unlike you, I won't go so far as to insinuate that only one saw fits EVERYBODY the best. I will however, go out and say it sits ME the best.

Sorry my friend, but you are wrong in this regard.

 

[benp]

How is the comparison when running 3/8"?

 

[cowroy]

This is a good comparison of both models. Both saws are good and broken in. This is not me but I thought it was a pretty good comparison from a guy who keeps his saws bone stock. First is the 346xp
[video=youtube_share;BXUZpS-johE]http://youtu.be/BXUZpS-johE[/video]

 

[cowroy]

550xp
[video=youtube_share;A2W6LKEUVzk]http://youtu.be/A2W6LKEUVzk[/video]

 

[nmurph]

Here is a comparo I did. Both saws are totally stock. The 261 was new to me, but judging from the looks, I don't think it could have had more than a few tanks through it. The 346 is on it's first tank with a new piston. Both saws are running new-out-of-the-box .325 RSC on 18" bars. The wood is seasoned oak in the 13-14" range.

261
Stihl 261 - YouTube

346
Husqvarna 346NE stock - YouTube