Stihl MS 291 or new, older model non-M tronic 261

[sva01]

Hi all,
First post after searching through many different threads here and I need your help.

Going to buy a new Stihl and I don't plan to buy another saw for quite some time. Therefore, I've pretty much settled on the MS291 for my needs. That is until I walked into a local dealer that has an new, old model MS 261 on the shelf. I'm not interested in the M-Tronic feature so this saw caught my eye.

I know you don't have all the details of my applications and usage but here's my question; buy the 291 or get the 261?

Thanks for your input!

 

[blsnelling]

261. It's a better built saw.

 

[josh1981]

I agree with brad. 261. Mag case not clamshell. Built much stronger.

 

[GMAK]

MS261 - I've had both the ms260 and ms290, loved the 260.

You won't regret it.

 

[Cope1024]

I've had my MS290 since 2009. My dealer tried to steer me to the pro line, but I balked at ±$100 difference in price. I recently did a muffler mod, and it's a great saw, but I'm picking up a MS361 today. Get the 261.

 

[blsnelling]

The 261 & 291 are entirely different saws than the 260 & 290.

 

[Cope1024]

The 261 & 291 are entirely different saws than the 260 & 290.

But the comparison between the two lines is still valid, right?