357xp vs. 372xp

[Newfie]

Just when I thought I had my next saw purchase all figured out I went a ran a couple of saws at a logging expo a week ago(oddly,there was a llama show right next door). I tried out the 357xp at the Husky booth just for fun and was impressed although I was surprised that it felt kinda heavy to me. So the 372xp was right next to it and I gave that a whirl. WOW, and it felt so much lighter than the 357, both with 20" bars. Maybe it's a balance issue?so now I'm wondering if the 357 is really going to be the next saw I get.

I already have a 346xp for limbing and small stuff and a 288xp for the big stuff. I have a 3120xp for the really big stuff and milling. Now the 288 is a great saw but at 16 lbs I really don't like carrying it around all day when bucking up that 12-18" stuff.

I've read back through all the old threads on this subject and I'm looking for some fresh thoughts and suggestions from you guys out there. i have decided on a couple of parameters that I probably won't be swayed from.

1. I'm gonna buy a Husky cuz I have a good servicing dealer, so I'm really not interested in looking at Stihl or the others. The local Stihl guy isn't that local and he could blow me and I still wouldn't buy a saw from him.

2. Money isn't the deciding factor in the choice of saw.

3. I'm pretty sure I'm not ready to take the plunge on Greffardizing,walkerizing,dunnizing, or whatever it you guys say Gypo does to saws. Although, I keep looking at those restrictive mufflers...

357 or 372? Tell me what ya think!

 

[Dennis]

No replacement for displacement.

 

[davefr]

Get the 372XP.

You said you already have a 346 and you want to suppliment it with a lighter big saw. The 372XP fits that description pretty well.

 

[woodho]

Newfie,
I just got a 372XP 2weeks ago. Did a clearing job this weekend.
I too have the 346XP but let em tell ya that 372XP is just awesome. I didn't even bother to switch to the 346XP for the smaller stuff. I can't believe I lived this long without one. I have a 20" bar on it and it SCREAMS. I absolutely love it. My vote is for the 372XP, I think the 357XP is too close to the 346XP to really make a difference for ya (Oh boy am I gonna get hammered now). In any case I don't think you will be disappointed.

Woodho

 

[WOLF_RIVER_MIKE]

Get one of each and you'll have it covered.

 

[woodsjunkie]

Newfie,
Ponder this if you will, Don't quote me on this but I believe you can get a Walkerized 365 witch has more power than a stock 372 for about the same money (check with John)
I have had several of these pass through my hands great saws for the money .
Just my 2 cents worth Eric

 

[Tony Snyder]

Get the 372xp. It is one of the best saws for the weight available. You may then let the 288 sit.

I base my opinion on the 2171 Jonsered which about the same saw.

The rich guys around here are happy with 2 or 3 saws.

 

[chainsawworld]

get both. even though i only have 2 357's i have 7 372's. both are very nice saws. marty

 

[stihltech]

husky

I am a full service Stihl dealer, but even I have to draw the line somewhere, Newfie.

 

[Gary N Carter]

Newfie, go for the 372xp. The 357 is ok if you're splitting hairs. I prefer the 262xp over the 357 but thats my opinion. I have the 371xp with a 24"bar and it rocks. I use a 28"bar on my 288 and love it. I am still braking in my 346 which is also good. Go 372xp with a 24"bar and you will love it.

 

[HUSKYMAN]

385XP
Whoops that wasnt an option

 

[YUKON 659]

Hey Newfie, I also just got a 372 recently...it's an assome saw!!!!Can't wait to get e few more tanks of gas through it to see what it will really do
Woodho,the 372 is great but ya gotta love the "little" 346...it handles soooo nice

 

[Newfie]

Hey Stihltech, i just want to clarify that I'm not soliciting favors! Don't wan to get into trouble with the Stihl gestapo

WRM, Two saws would be the easy way out!

Snydert I think you read my mind when considering the 372, that maybe my first born 288 would get pushed aside

I guess you guys have helped me confirm my hidden desire, I'm gonna get a WILD THING!!!

 

[treefarmer]

372

Go with the 372. I concur with you on the weight balance issue. The 372 has lots more stones than the smaller saw, but feels better balanced to me, and w/o a big penalty in weight. I love my 371, but it's been neglected since the recent arrival of the 346xpw.

Have fun.

 

[woodsjunkie]

Newfie,
Go with the 357xp send it to Dennis or Ken . It will be like having the best of two worlds power and light weight

 

[Tony Snyder]

2171 &372

I'm assuming the 372 Husky and the 2171 Jonsereds are the same saw. I have only had experience with the 2171, but it is one of the nicest mid sized saws out there.

It will outdo an 044 on speed and operating ease. I just took in an 044 from the friend of a guy that bought a 2171 a couple of weeks ago.

If they want to upgrade from an 046, I try to sell em a 981 EFCO. They do well for the money.

 

[WOLF_RIVER_MIKE]

Newfie, I'm not trying to sway you at all on your choice. I have never run a 372, I have picked them up at a show. Seems to me it would feel lighter after running a 357, adrenaline, the second set of reps is always easier than the first. Seems to me you have most of the slots fille, (cc wise) already. I would not put the 357 in a falling saw class, at all. If that is what you need more of? Go with the 372. Or... save your moneyand build a saw that will beat v-8 bob. what about bob?

 

[Newfie]

What about Bob! That's one impressive machine. Can't say that I'm mechanically inclined in that way. I can work with wood and trees but metal and machining is beyond me. That's why so much concern about a month ago when I was going to drill my bar!

I here you when you say I got the CC's covered in my stable. Seemed like the 357 would fit in nicely btw the 346 and the 288. I probably would have bought it if I hadn't tried that 372. Now I'm looking at only an extra pound btw 357 and 372 and 372 is 3 pounds less than the 288. I think that 3 lb. is a kicker when bucking up firewood all day in 12-18' diameter logs. I'm a little skittish about trying to that kind of work with the 346, not really designed to lug through all that wood. I wasn't planning on the 357 for felling except in the 6-12 inch range maybe(maybe). Maybe I will try a 20" bar on the 288 next week and see if it is less of a pig to carry. I still am leaning toward the 372, cuz I don't need it, but I think I want it. You guys have given me saw cooties!

 

[River Hill]

I am still searching for what saw to buy. I have narrowed it down between these two saws. After reading this post I am more confused than ever. Most guys who own a 357 say that is the saw to buy and most gusys who own say, why not buy the 372 it's only a few more dollars. I am still not sure what to buy.

 

[HUSKYMAN]

River Hill it depends on what other saws are in your stable. Newfie had quite an assortment already.

Newfie what did you end up with?