Ms290 sucks ass way to heavy for the power! 150-200 bucks will get u a husky 51 or 55 it will pull a 18" bar buried in anything u throw at it I love my 55
He is not interested in a debate on witch brand is best. He likes Stihl and wanted suggestions on that brand.
I have a MS290 that is 12 years old and has cut 4 to 5 hundred cords of wood and it has worked flawlessly. Still use it once a week.
By bashing his saw choice, your bashing him.