Erick
Addicted to ArboristSite
I'll use the same logic you did with the 390 to 361 as the 310/290 to 390. For around a 100 dollars cheaper you can have a saw a little less powerful like what .3 hp (310) that is the same machine. It will sling a 20" bar all day. "Some folks will tell you it depends on the size of the wood, and normally it would, but the three saws in question are the exact same saw, with the exact same weight (within a few ounce's) so buying the smaller cc saw will get you nothing but less performance and a cheaper price tag."
So why buy the 390 again when it is so clse to price of the better 361? At least that was my logic when buying the 310, I think the 310 was 40 more than the 290, that seemed okay, but a hundred more for .3 hp. nahh can't see it, until it blows up and then I can buy the 390 p&c.
And by the way (to everyone) what is the life expectancy of these non pro firewood saws, you all make it sound as if it will only last a couple years.
That was my point when I made that post. You went looking for a 400.00 saw and for you the jump 440.00 was acceptable. You apparently weren't ready to make the jump to 500.00, so you got the MS310, and I'm sure 600.00 for a 361 was completely out of the question.
Same thing for this case, and that was the point of my post in response to someone suggesting that he should get a MS361. You might be able to up sell him a little but everybody has a point where the cost is just not worth it to them and they will just settle for the cheaper one even though they understand it's not the best tool for the job.
The original poster included the 290, 310, and 390 as his choices and was asking for recommendations. Of the three options listed you can run right down the line;
MS390 best hp to weight ratio = most work done for the weight carried
MS310 less hp to weight ratio = somewhere in the middle
MS290 worst hp to weight ratio = least work for the weight carried
every other thing about these saw is the exact same. So like I said if he can afford the price the 390 is best choice, if not run down the list until you find his price.