MS 261 vs MS 291 - Best STIHL chainsaw comparison

Stihl's commercial line of chainsaws is a thing of desire for all industry professionals. With only a $90 difference, you can upgrade your home owner chainsaw to a powerful commercial one.

Tune in to this video to see what commercial mower we are talking about, and what that extra $90 will get you!

#stihl #chainsaw #stihlchainsaw

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[ PRODUCT(S) DISCUSSED IN THE VIDEO ]

- STIHL MS 261 Professional Chainsaw

- STIHL MS 291 Gas Chainsaw

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[ RELATED VIDEOS ]

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[ VIDEO CHAPTERS ]

00:00 Introduction
00:35 Exterior feature comparison - MS 261 vs 291
02:39 Performance Stats comparison - MS 261 vs 291
03:22 Weight Comparison - MS 261 vs 291
03:51 Opening up the chainsaw
04:45 Fleece Filter vs Guild FIlter
05:09 Engine Comparison - MS 261 vs 291
05:57 Drum Sprocket vs Rim Sprocket
07:00 RPM Comparison Test - MS 261 vs 291
10:39 Conclusion

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[SgtPUSMC]

I was always skeptical of the Pro saws. I had an MS250 for years and was completely happy with it as a homeowner with a little bit of acreage. Then I got involved in hurricane cleanup efforts and had the chance to use an MS261. That was a revelation! The weight and power are great, but it was the vibration damping that really sold me. Now I have both a 261 and a 461 and when I'm out for a whole weekend running a saw, it's a completely different experience with those pro saws than it was with the homeowner saws.

If all you ever do is run the saw for a couple of hours a few times a year, stick with the homeowner saws, they will last you a lifetime if you take care of them. But if you run a saw for a whole day, or multiple days, do yourself a favor and get the pro saw (and you can't get much better than the 261 for almost anything) if you have a few extra dollars to spend.

[dwalke]

I bought a 261 when they first came out, and comparing it to the old 290, it was a huge difference, the weight and decompression valve sold me.

[vikingsquid]

I bought the ms261 saw with 20 inch bar. I am happy with it and just learned more than I knew. Thank you.

[ramchillarege]

This is one of the best reviews I have seen on equipment. Thank you. I have to come back see your other videos.

[CorwinBos]

Spot on video. The 261 is a clear winner.
A few things about the 291 vs 261 as Ive run them both a significant amount of time.
The ElastoStart is less than great. Ive broken a few of them, even when being nice to them, and they are kinda spendy for what they are. When I break them, I replace them with a standard pull handle which will not break. You dont start to get into real compression issues until you get into the 462 and up class of saws and then you just use the compresion release.
The side cover on the 291 even though it doesnt capture the nuts, is actually better as its larger and does a better job evacuating the chips. Ive had this issue on my 261, 362 and on the 500 Ive run.
Another thing of note? Muffler mod the 261 and it wakes up even more!

[joewickie]

I got my 026 pro in 1996 and it is stihl going strong and keeping us warm in the winter.

[regmcguire]

I am the definition of a homeowner, we heat with wood at our cabin. We length and split 4-6 fscecords a year, bought the 291 and put a 20”bar on it. Runs perfectly, has been exactly the right saw for me. If it breaks though, will go to the 261 after this review!

[jeffdeezy]

Given the asking price of both saws I feel the MS 250 at $350 recently was a good purchase for a 'homeowner' saw. Sure I wanted a bigger saw, but the money I saved bought a hydraulic log splitter and now I'm stackin' wood.

[UCFgoKnights]

I got the 261C from you guys a couple weeks ago and I absolutely love it. The salesman walked me though the same differences and it was a not brainer to go with the 261.

[foxlake]

I had a basic Sears Craftsman saw for about 10 years and found myself cutting more wood. The cylinder head cracked, not worth repairing. Went to the Stihl dealer and asked what the best saw was for my needs, price wasn’t an issue….he suggested the MS261…what a world of difference..love it.

[MysticalDragon]

Nice video and comparison.

I grew up in a timber community where most were running stihl 045's 060's and 090's.

Ten years ago, I needed a lightweight saw to take via kayaking to clear trees. The 261 was the clear saw to get. I got a 16 and 20 inch bar but almost never used the 16. The 20" is great. The price difference is minimal for the increase in performance and quality over a consumer grade saw.

I then needed a larger saw. I got the 661. I got a 32" and 36" bar. Great saw, just too heavy to use all day long. After an hour or two im worn out.

I got the 462 with a 25" bar. AMAZING saw. Guys I work with had farm bosses that they thought were good. That is until they tried my 462. Now they all want it. I can run it all day long.

We needed another mid sized saw because I hated grabbing the 261. While its a good saw, It just didnt have the power and speed that I grew spoiled with when using the 462. Not to mention not needing to bend over as far with the 25" bar. I picked up a 500i. It has everything that I loved about the 462 just better.

There really is no comparison between the pro saws and consumer grade. We abuse the saws running them in and around the water. We wore out farm boss saws, but the pro saws are running like new.

[michaeldavid]

I have a 261. Excellent saw. I have always run pro saws. But, another way to look at it is you can get a 291 and an extra bar and chain. For a home owner thats a good value.

[rumenmitev]

Thank you, amazing review! What I like most is the confidence you speak with, and transmitting to viewer.

[josephtutela]

I have an 041 Stihl (OLD saw) that I've had since it was new. My wife wondered why I needed a 'professioal' grade saw. I've cut logs that have buried the bar and needed 2-3 cuts to finish. I can't wear that saw out after all these years. I cut 5-10 cords a year, mostly oak ash and maple. IF I ever need a new saw, the professional line is the way to go. Thanks for finally confirmed my decision all those years ago.

[komodro]

Come from a husky 372xp( and it has been a great saw), to a ms261c, and after half hour using it, turn into my favourite one.

[felicitous]

Great video! I'm about to pull the trigger on that MS261C!

[foxz]

As someone who used to work for a stihl dealership and sold these saws I agree the 261 is a great saw. IMO it's my favorite saw. I am not a very big guy so the other larger saws start to get heavy and are hard on my back after awhile so the smaller saws with good power are the way I go. One thing he didn't mention in this video though, is the warranty time period. That is a big factor.

[dcvariousvids]

My main small saw is a Husky 550XP Mk2, 11Lbs 7oz. (5.3kg) without B+C. My previous main, was a Husky 545 Mk1, which is 10Lbs 8oz. (4.9kg), same as the MS261. Most of my friends run MS261 as a small saw. Every time I carry one of their saws or occasionally use a MS261, I really notice the lightness. Might only be around 1Lb but after a few hours, walking up and down hills and or walking in a mile, just to get to the first tree, with everything you’ll need and some of what you might need, you really notice every once.

If you want a Stihl and can afford the MS261, I’d say but it. For the power-weight ratio, it’s a winner.

[ShainAndrews]

If you are trying to up sell you have to explain the advantages of Mtronic. It's like near fuel injection, without the complication, and cost. It will adjust the fuel mixture from the first start of the day when it is still cold, to peak late day temperatures. Same goes for changes in altitude. Same goes for air filters getting plugged up. Also provides some interesting diagnostics.

[jonathonmcmillan]

I love my 261. I heat with wood, so I work my saw hard and the 261 will run all day long and do it again the next day. The same can't be said for other "home owner" (non-Stihl) saws that I've had in the past.