Husqvarna 357XP and Stihl 361

[R-Factor]

Hello All. I know there has been a great deal of discussion on these two saws on this site and I have narrowed my decision down to them. There is a well respected dealer only a mile from my house that sells and services both brands.
My question is this...do any of you own both of these saws...or know them BOTH really well? I know many of you prefer one brand over the other, but what I'm really looking for is what features, specifically, does one have over the other or vice versa. Which would you buy between these two saws? I am very much interested and open to all informed, descriptive preferences. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[NuConcepts]

theres already tons of thoughts use the search feature, everyone is going to say 361 though

 

[Bowtie]

theres already tons of thoughts use the search feature, everyone is going to say 361 though

Yep, I have ran both. Like the 357, but the 361 is just a better built saw and more powerful in my opinion.

 

[HUSKYMAN]

Cant really go wrong with either saw. This is one of the few situations where the Stihl is actually a little cheaper than a Husky. Most Husky dealers want around $600 for the 357, while the 361 can be had for about 50 bucks less.

 

[Bowtie]

Cant really go wrong with either saw. This is one of the few situations where the Stihl is actually a little cheaper than a Husky. Most Husky dealers want around $600 for the 357, while the 361 can be had for about 50 bucks less.

I agree with Huskyman, and both are good saws, and have good power for the size.

 

[R-Factor]

Yep, I have ran both. Like the 357, but the 361 is just a better built saw and more powerful in my opinion.

Can you guys be a little bit more specific here...how is it better built?

 

[Bowtie]

This is just my opinion that the 357 has more plastic, and the plastic isnt the same quality of Stihl saws. The air filter on the 357 is smaller and flimsy the way it mounts. The top cover on the 357 is a one piece unit that can be akward to get back on. Again, This is JUST my opinion.

 

[R-Factor]

Thanks Bowtie for the clarification...this is exactly the kind of info I'm looking for...anybody else???

 

[Four Paws]

Can you guys be a little bit more specific here...how is it better built?

Mufflers and other components are known to rattle loose off Husky saws. The Stihl just feels more solid and robust.

 

[Big Neb]

I haven't run a 357xp, so excuse my ignorance, doesn't it have an outboard clutch? I know the 361's have inboard clutches which really makes changing chains nice.

When I was looking for a saw in that size group I found I could purchase a 362xp cheaper than the 357xp. Prices were about the same for the 361 and the 357xp in this area. It didn't matter as I actually bought both my 361's off Fleabay with a great deal of luck and saved myself a few $$$.

 

[385XP]

I Have Both And Like Them Both But I Like The 361 A Little Better. It Seems To Have More Torque And Is Not As Cold Blooded. I Have Used The 361 Logging Cutting Smaller Walnut And Cherry Tree It Work Pretty Good For That.

 

[chowdozer]

Get em both!
Get a 361 Stihl
and a 357 Smith

 

[HUSKYMAN]

When I was looking for a saw in that size group I found I could purchase a 362xp cheaper than the 357xp.

Yeah but the 362XP is on the same platform as the 372XP, so its considerably heavier

 

[sawinredneck]

But the 361 can cure cancer!!!!

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[clearance]

Both good saws, but both to small, for pro treework, I mean why not just use an 046 or a 372?

 

[outdoortype]

Ask your dealer....

Ask your dealer the same question because he'll be the one servicing it. I've never ran either saw but own & love (2) 359's which share many parts with the 357xp and never had any bolts vibrate loose or plastic fall apart. I don't find it difficult to fit the air filter cover. But keep in mind I 'm a firewood cutter not a pro logger. So the nuances & querks may only be magnified with intensive usage.
I would also encourage you to handle both saws extensively because they felt very different to me. I think that 357xp is generally more expensive so that's why the 361 is more popular.

 

[Bowtie]

One thing I will find out after my friend gets his 357 broke n a little more is if the same Lakerized mod the 361 has is as effective on the 357xp. That will be fun. The edge may be in the operator and chain.

 

[HEAVY FUEL]

I couldn't decide either so I got the jred 2156 which is basically a 357xp painted red.

 

[dpcutter]

I was in the same position over a year ago, and went with the 357xp, great saw. My dealer had both, I handled both, and was told they are both really good, more personal preference then anything else. Yes, there are minor differences, but I would say as others said, go with the one that feels comfortable in your hands, that's what is going to matter the most. I like mine with an 18" bar and chain. As far as durablility I know a logger that has been running one for several years and loves it, and he's been logging everyday since 1950! I valued his opinion and he uses it on mid sizes trees here in New Hampshire. The saw has held up very well for him, so I wouldn't worry much about durability, go with what feels comfortalbe. Good luck!

 

[outdoortype]

I was in the same position over a year ago, and went with the 357xp, great saw. My dealer had both, I handled both, and was told they are both really good, more personal preference then anything else. Yes, there are minor differences, but I would say as others said, go with the one that feels comfortable in your hands, that's what is going to matter the most. I like mine with an 18" bar and chain. As far as durablility I know a logger that has been running one for several years and loves it, and he's been logging everyday since 1950! I valued his opinion and he uses it on mid sizes trees here in New Hampshire. The saw has held up very well for him, so I wouldn't worry much about durability, go with what feels comfortalbe. Good luck!

+1
The plastic on the Husky's "see through" fuel tank seemed brittle but Sawin Redneck can attest to their durability.