Most of the anti-455 sentiment is due to what I call "saw snobbery". Same deal with the MS290. It seems necessary for some guys to have saws/brands to look down on in order to feel better about what they own. They are each companies' best seller. They cut tons of wood. For their intended market, they both hit the bullseye. They may not be pro saws, but they don't make any promises that they can't keep.
I mostly sell the 460 over the 455 because I feel that the weight/CC's/power are more in line with what most of us expect. But people come in looking for the 455, and if someone is pre-sold, you have to be careful about pushing them up the price ladder, because some people will resent it.
Most of the 455 owners here on AS are happy with their saws, and they are realistic in their expectations as to what it can do. It's silly to make comments about how a 455 will get toasted by a 372. Why would you expect any different?
One thing I will say is that the 455/460 have been very reliable. They go out and they stay out. I have yet to see one fried. I do find it ammusing when someone mentions the example of the 455 that wiped out after 3 days in the context that they are all have some kind of a problem. If it blew up that quick, it means that there was indeed a "manufacturers defect" in that particular saw, and that's why there is a warranty. An engineering/design problem, that is likely to affect a high percentage of saws is something that will usually take much longer to rear it's head. One issue that has been corrected is the addition of a finer screen in the oil pick up. Not my favorite saw to work on by any means, but like I said they are pretty much problem free.
There is also no such thing as "price pressure" from Lowes or TSC. We all sell them at the same "power price", or somewhat less as in my store. Lowes and TSC are the ones with a pricing problem as they can't seem to sell an "expensive" saw such as the 455. Hence, there is a cheaper version on the way which should be called the 255. (I wonder what they could possibly take out of the saw to get the price down). At some point, Lowes will only have the 200 series saws. Dealers will be able to get them if they so choose, but I'd bet the margins are going to be slimmer on the 200's.
455 and MS290 owners can stop apologizing and just keep cutting.
I don't buy saws from anywhere other than mail order. That way I am free to buy any brand I want. Who needs dealers and service when you can DIY. Why buy new when you can build one from fleabay that is better than stock saw anyway? Two stroke repair certainly isn't rocketry as some would lead us to believe
So true...and I have the pick of several saws (read my signature)..bet I pick the Husqvarna 455 and the Homie 903 w/ 28inch bar for the bulk of my work this coming summer. The Homie for stumps, blocking, to scratch the vintage itch; and the Husqvarna 455 as my "new" main saw. Obsoleting the Homie 925 and Husky 365.
