NapalmDeath said:
I keep going back and forth between the 250 and 270. I can't seem to decide. Since I really don't want to cut anything over 14" the 250 seems like it would suit me fine with the 16" bar at $289. On the other hand, I think someday maybe I might HAVE to cut up some bigger stuff if that's all I can get my hands on, and might not have the luxury of choosing what I want and don't want to cut. I don't totally rely on wood for heat but with the prices of oil these days I may be using my wood stove constantly this winter. So if someone offers a larger tree (say 16" to 20") to me that's bigger than I want but it's all that I can get at the time then I want to have a saw capable of taking care of it without too much difficulty. When I think that way then I shift towards the 270 which I have seen priced at $349 and also at $369 also with a 16" bar. Price would be $10 more for an 18" bar. I'm not sure yet what my dealer is selling them for. I imagine either one would be a good choice regardless.
Stop nickel and diming yourself.
Cutting one or two cords of wood a year is nothing, the 250 would be fine if you keep that kind of schedule over the years. In fact, you should be able to handle quite a bit more than 1 or 2 cords per year with the 250.
You did speculate already you might cut more. You will regret it if you bought a 250 and then found out later that you need another saw because it is too small for your needs. Then your $300 budget is REALLY blown out of the water.
Just take the leap ahead and get a 270 or a 280, more saw than you need NOW isn't a bad thing at all. I have run a 250 before and feel the 270 or 280 is much better.
On the other side, if you buy the 270 or 280 and feel you need a smaller saw you could always get yourself a small inexpensive saw. I know Poulan is not thought of highly here, but I am in my 11th season with my $139 Poulan from Home Depot. That saw has been absolutely flawless for me. First as my only firewood cutter, now as my limbing saw and small wood cutter.
You probably should go with the 18" bar as you are 6'2" tall. I use 16" bars primarily since I am 5'8" but have other 14" and 18" bars for when I need them.
I went through this 250-270-280 mind eraser in January and February.
I ended up with a 260 Pro instead and am extremely, extremely pleased with it. The saw is awesome and I have cut 11 face cords of wood already with it since March. The saw has paid for itself within a few weeks as a delivered face cord goes for $60-70 around here.