So, I think CAD has struck me (currently have three saws and only really need one, never mind a fourth). While shopping around for a bar/chain yesterday, I took a look at three 50cc saws -- the Stihl 261, the Echo 530, and the new Echo 500. I don't really need any of these saws, but have to admit, they cut a LOT better than my 40cc Echo on some wood I conveniently had in the car:
I ended up at a dealer in the area that has Stihl and Echo -- I bought my CS-400 there, and have a good relationship with them. I got to try a demo CS-500/20" and a 261/18" that belonged to one of the parts guys. They also had an Echo CS-530 on the shelf (older model that the 500 replaced). I did not get to run that, but I liked the controls and design better than the 500 (more on that below).
The 261 was the king of the cut, and confirms my earlier experiences that it packs 55-60cc of performance in a 50cc saw. I like the metal casing, even on the clutch cover. I don't love the controls, but am warming up to them. Balance/feel was so-so; compared to the Echos, the 261 doesn't feel as "natural" in my hands. That's the only way I can really describe it -- just feels a little less of a fit (bit still fine).
The Echo 500 is noticeably lighter than the 261 and also has a metal case (except for the clutch cover). It revs a little more freely, but doesn't cut as aggressively. Some of this could be due to the chains of course, but the 261 generally behaves more like Cookie Monster in a cut whereas the 500 felt normal/average (but still a big step up from my 40cc saw). On the other hand, I found the 500 a lot nicer to grip and operate -- just seems to fit me better. I wish I had time to measure the saws for comparison, as I'd be interested to see if there is a significant difference in the arrangement of the handles.
The 261 runs $569 with an 18" blade. The Echo 500 is $469 with a 20" blade. They also had an older 530 for the same price, but I suspect I could talk them down since it's technically an older model. I don't know how it cuts compared to the 500, but I did like the controls a little better. The 500's choke pull seemed cheap, the trigger was limp, and it puts the bar tensioner screw in front, as opposed to the side on the 530. The 530 is a little heavier (maybe 1/2 pound) than the 500. It also has a mostly metal case.
Anyway, that's my story. Right now, I am mainly trying to talk myself out of buying a fourth saw, but that may be a lost cause, as the increase in cutting power from 40 to 50cc was addicting. I went to sleep thinking about saws last night. I have a feeling this is how the sickness starts, and soon I may be looking at 60 and 70cc saws...
By the way, if anyone has cutting experience with the Echo 500 versus the 530, please share. Thanks.
I ended up at a dealer in the area that has Stihl and Echo -- I bought my CS-400 there, and have a good relationship with them. I got to try a demo CS-500/20" and a 261/18" that belonged to one of the parts guys. They also had an Echo CS-530 on the shelf (older model that the 500 replaced). I did not get to run that, but I liked the controls and design better than the 500 (more on that below).
The 261 was the king of the cut, and confirms my earlier experiences that it packs 55-60cc of performance in a 50cc saw. I like the metal casing, even on the clutch cover. I don't love the controls, but am warming up to them. Balance/feel was so-so; compared to the Echos, the 261 doesn't feel as "natural" in my hands. That's the only way I can really describe it -- just feels a little less of a fit (bit still fine).
The Echo 500 is noticeably lighter than the 261 and also has a metal case (except for the clutch cover). It revs a little more freely, but doesn't cut as aggressively. Some of this could be due to the chains of course, but the 261 generally behaves more like Cookie Monster in a cut whereas the 500 felt normal/average (but still a big step up from my 40cc saw). On the other hand, I found the 500 a lot nicer to grip and operate -- just seems to fit me better. I wish I had time to measure the saws for comparison, as I'd be interested to see if there is a significant difference in the arrangement of the handles.
The 261 runs $569 with an 18" blade. The Echo 500 is $469 with a 20" blade. They also had an older 530 for the same price, but I suspect I could talk them down since it's technically an older model. I don't know how it cuts compared to the 500, but I did like the controls a little better. The 500's choke pull seemed cheap, the trigger was limp, and it puts the bar tensioner screw in front, as opposed to the side on the 530. The 530 is a little heavier (maybe 1/2 pound) than the 500. It also has a mostly metal case.
Anyway, that's my story. Right now, I am mainly trying to talk myself out of buying a fourth saw, but that may be a lost cause, as the increase in cutting power from 40 to 50cc was addicting. I went to sleep thinking about saws last night. I have a feeling this is how the sickness starts, and soon I may be looking at 60 and 70cc saws...
By the way, if anyone has cutting experience with the Echo 500 versus the 530, please share. Thanks.
