$100 Knockoff vs $550 Stihl Chainsaw? Let's Settle This! Cutting Speed, Horsepower, Cold Start, RPM

Let's settle this debate! Genuine Stihl vs a couple of knock offs. Chainsaws compared for weight, fuel efficiency, pulling force to start the saw, cold temperature starting performance, torque, no load sprocket speed, cutting speed on manufactured log, cutting speed with 5 pounds of weight on the bar, cutting speed through hardwood. I purchased all of the gasoline / petrol chainsaws and supplies used to test the chainsaws to ensure an unbiased review. So, thank you for supporting the channel!

➡ Thank you for supporting the channel through memberships:
➡ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):
Stihl MS 291: available at Stihl retailers

Videography Equipment:

This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC

[ProjectFarm]

Here’s the list of products reviewed. More details in the video description. Thank you!
Stihl MS 291: available at Stihl retailers

[mikechristensen]

Am I in the market for a chainsaw? No. Did I still enthusiastically watch the entire video? Yes. I’m blown away by the frequency of video releases you do! They are thorough, well edited, I don’t know how you do it so frequently.

[kevingeraci]

Todd is an amazing human being for those of us who are ‘do it yourselfers’; the time and money he spends on these comparison tests is incredible insofar as he is not compensated by the manufacturers…quite a contribution to America, this is what social media should be used for and I can’t thank Todd enough for his contributions, his tests are the only evaluations I rely on when purchasing a new tool! Thanks Todd!

[Kyto]

Would love to see hand cleaners compared to other products like dishwasher soap.

[jakeharsha]

I bought a Stihl MS 290 (precursor to the Stihl in this test) about 15 years ago. I heat my home with wood and live on/manage 40 acres of woods with trails running everywhere so I use the saw quite often. It still fires within 5 pulls, even in the dead of Minnesota winter and cuts great as long as you keep a fresh chain on it. Stihl makes the best chainsaws, hands-down.

[anchopanchorancho]

You can't beat having a video like this show up when you're in the market for something! Project Farm spoils us like always.

[rhkips]

It's one of those situations where the Stihl's difference in performance isn't in line with its difference in price, but I have a lot more faith that the Stihl will continue to perform for years to come, unlike the two bargain chainsaws.

Awesome review! Thanks! :)

[coreysllvn]

My father has two stihl saws that are over 35 years old and have seen HEAVY use (one was used to clear the forest site for their house). They both still see occasional use and perform very well. Testament to the quality of Stihl, I doubt many others would still be in use that many years later. Great video!

[hjets]

You've become my go to guy when I need to buy something. Your demonstrations are always free from bias. Thanks. I've got a suggestion for you. I'm considering attempting installing a water heater and was looking at the "Pro-Press" tools for solder free pipe fitting. An analysis of these tools would be helpful.

[electronicsNmore]

Great testing as always! Stihl sure does make quality equipment, but if you can't afford one, you showed a pretty good much lower cost option. Thanks for the video!

[bkable]

I would like to see electrical tape tested to see what kind sticks the best, most resistant to heat, chemicals, etc. and how well it works in the cold. love your videos!

[jschlesinger]

I would have concerns about running the Topteng year after year, but the price difference between the Topteng is so great that you might as well forget about buying replacement parts for the Topteng when it breaks -- just buy another saw and keep the old one for parts. Thanks for the video. Good luck with spring jobs on the farm.

[pjkentucky]

Thanks again for another quality video. I still say project Farm is the hardest working channel on YouTube. I was happy to see that you are pushing 3M viewers!

[sleve_mcdichael_]

Great video. I don't think anyone realistically expected the Stihl to lose...but it does provide valuable information. As a home owner that may trim up a few fallen trees or do a little cutting the cheapo models might just be the ticket. For anyone else that needs their saw to perform and has the allowable budget we will see a better value sticking to the good brands.

[stephk]

What I love about Todd's tests are how comprehensive they are. I might have a specific use in mind for the item tested, so with the variety of tests you do, I find what will work best for my needs. Thanks so much for what you do!

[TheMopar]

My arm cramped up watching you cut that log SO MANY TIMES! Great job and great video as always!!

[Smokeroux]

This channel is now our “Go To” prior to purchases for our channel and personal use now!! Thank you for all the through testing. Just purchased and installed the ZECK 13000k winch after your winch review 🏁

[dogsbyfire]

I’ve cut dozens of cords of firewood with my Stihl saw. Runs like a top. The chain brake is an important, perhaps life-saving, safety feature. This is one of those instances where it’s worth the extra money to get the better tool because the risk of harm is so great. Thanks, Project Farm!

[prameshworz]

First thing first, I do always check your videos before to make any purchases. You are truly helping a lot of customers like me. Appreciated your amazing work and effort.

[projectskylinegtr]

Durability wise the stihl is gonna outlast both by a significant margin. But for people who need a saw once or twice a year its probably a bit much. Great test! Love the T-shirt, definitely gonna pick one up soon!