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Stihl and Husky are both excellent saws. So are Poulans. But, there are many other factors to consider. There are a lot of chain variations out there. I suggest you steer away from any saw that runs a "pitch" of .325 or 3/8s Micro. There's nothing wrong with those chains -- it just limits your options buying replacement chain. And these smaller chains are not as durable. You can find great deals on standard chain. The most common chain is 3/8-inch pitch and .050 gauge. And most inexperienced woodlot cutters use a full-complement, low-kickback chain. Stick with low-kickback chain until you learn how to use a saw safely and professionally. Bar Length: I run bars from 14 to 32 inches. If you run one saw, I suggest the best all around compromise is a bar of 18 or 20 inches. Generally chain comes in three cutter tooth styles, Round, Semi-chisel and Chisel. Chisel is the most aggressive cutter -- but it's also the most dangerous to use. I don't think you'll ever find chisel chain on a consumer saw. Round is the easiest to resharpen and just about all low-kickback chain is the "round" style. Chain size is also an important consideration when you have to replace the bar ultimately. A premium saw will also have a floating sprocket. DON'T GET ANY SAW WITHOUT A CHAIN BRAKE !! Invest in safety equipment: Safety goggles, Screen mesh face protector, safety gloves, hearing protection, helmet, safety boots and preferably some kevlar chaps. Peltor makes a great helmet, face protector, ear muff headset combination. These are dangerous machines -- YOU CANNOT BE TOO SAFE !! When I first started cutting with a saw about 40 years ago -- I was young and stupid. I was too "macho" to believe that I needed all that sissy stuff. But, now that I've been "hurt" a few times (nothing too serious, thank God), I wear it all and use it all. If you're not in good physical condition -- you'll get tired after a few hours -- and start making stupid mistakes. The result can be FATAL. I can't stress too much -- buy the safety equipment -- and USE it. Whatever saw you get, I would spend a few extra bucks and get the pro model instead of the consumer version. In the long run it's worth it. As old Ben said, don't be "penny wise and pound foolish." Frankly, the better saw is probably the Stihl -- but the way Stihl markets its products in the U.S. is damn near an illegal restraint of trade. Authorized Stihl dealers are prohibited from quoting prices outside their store (via catalog, via phone or the internet) and they are prohibited from selling by mail. Consequently, it's harder to find Stihl dealers that have to compete with one another and it's harder for the consumer to find a good deal. The Husky is just as durable a saw as the Stihl but the Stihl has some "convenience" features that are nice, like a translucent gas tank that allows the user to "eyeball" remaining fuel. The Stihl probably has a chain tensioner that's a little easier to use. Although Husky has improved it's chain tensioner on newer models. It's just my opinion, but I believe that Husky's generally have a little better power to weight ratio -- your mileage may vary. You can shop the internet for Huskys however and you can find really some really good deals out there. A Husky is an excellent saw. I have several saws -- I have a Husky I use for felling, a Stihl I use for bucking and a Poulan I use for limbing. My Husky is big enough I have several attachments for it you may also wish to use in the future -- like an Alaskan Saw Mill, or Lewis winches. But, it's too big (heavy) for cutting firewood all day. I also have a Stihl pruner and a Husky stump grinder. It's nice that most of my 2-cycle equipment uses the same 50:1 fuel/oil ratio mix. Over the years, I've had 8:1, 16:1, (Lawn Boy mowers) 32:1, (Toro edger) and also 40:1 (Sears/Poulan Saw), what a pain in the Ash :-).
Both are good products -- but, I can find better deals on Huskys. I buy exclusively now from Madsens in Centralia, Washington -- providers to the loggers of the world. Great service, great prices -- what more can you ask. You may wish to visit their site. Dave is their webmaster and he is extraordinarily knowledgeable and will take the time to answer ALL your questions in excruciating detail. I have no interest in Madsen's -- but over the years they have earned my commendation. You can spend hours, if not days, cruising their web site and learning about this stuff. Click here for Madsens:
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