Dolmar PS7900 or Stihl MS 361..Help!

[DaddyRabbit]

OK, I lost my Husky 359 yesterday which for all intensive purposes was brand new. My Dad came over yesterday and almost had a fit when he found out it was going away to be modded after he saw me boxing it up. He was Jonesing for it anyway so I just gave it to him. I left the box open w/the 359 in it w/my Dad in my garage and told him as I was going back inside that my saw had better be where I left it in the box when I come back w/a mischievous grin on my face. Well, about 2 minutes I see his truck pulling out of my driveway much faster than his normal pace. Needless to say It was gone I of course had the big machine in full swing anyway for a contingency plan which leaves me jonesing for the Dolmar 7900 or the Stihl 361. I am hoping to get some input from some of you that have experience w/these two saws to help me in my decision. I'm not really brand loyal so whatever works gets the nod. I am even on the fence w/one foot in the opposite direction in considering the Husky 575XP. It seems really heavy though which is what is making me rate this in a distant 3rd.

 

[DaddyRabbit]

Oh yeah, anybody wanna buy a new in the package non epa muffler for a Husky 359? I don't think it'll fit my new 346xp so I'll ship it anywhere in the US for $28

 

[Haywire Haywood]

Those 2 saws are in totally different classes. If your 359 was suiting your needs, then get a 361 or a 357xp and mod that muffler. If you need a bigger saw then the 7900 isn't a bad choice. I went with the 372xpw (74.6cc) myself and had it modded. Maybe I'll get to use it in a week or two. It should be on it's way soon. I was told that the 7900 was the saw to have in that class if leaving stock and the Husky if modded. All opinion tho.

Ian

 

[Big Neb]

I have both saws in question....

I gave my dad one of my 7900's and he really liked it. Then over the 4th I introduced him to my 361. I kind of think he liked it even better as he ranted and raved the whole time. I've bought two 7900's but only one 361 so far.

I agree that these saws are in two seperate catagories. The 7900 is one bad saw and even has an intimidating growl. It is a little less refined and not quite as nice fit and finish as the Stihl. I've also heard it doesn't take to the mods quite as well as others but someone else with experience will have to tell you their experience.

The 361 is not noticably lighter than the 7900 in my opinion. It seems to have a higher whine and cuts like a banshee on steriods. I really like mine and it is my "go to" saw. Fit and finish is impeccable and I don't doubt the long term durability as I do with the Dolmar.

Recommendation: If you want a saw to spin up to a 32" chain get the 7900 or if you just want one "bad saw" that may or may not be quite as durable as the Stihl. I guarantee it will put a smile on your face.

If all you need is a 20"-25" bar and want the quality you've grown to expect from Stihl then I'd say get the 361. You won't be disappointed.

I'm not planning on getting rid of my 7900's or the 361 and if I found a nicely priced 361, I'd have doubles of both saws.

 

[SawTroll]

Those 2 saws are in totally different classes. If your 359 was suiting your needs, then get a 361 or a 357xp and mod that muffler. If you need a bigger saw then the 7900 isn't a bad choice. I went with the 372xpw (74.6cc) myself and had it modded. Maybe I'll get to use it in a week or two. It should be on it's way soon. I was told that the 7900 was the saw to have in that class if leaving stock and the Husky if modded. All opinion tho.

Ian

I suspect you got all that right!!!!!:biggrinbounce2: :chainsawguy:

 

[SawTroll]

.... I really like mine and it is my "go to" saw. Fit and finish is impeccable and I don't doubt the long term durability as I do with the Dolmar.
.....

Judged on the Dolmar5100SH, vs my Huskys and Stihl MS361, I agree that Dolmars outside fit and finish isn't quite up there - but I don't think it has anything to do with the longevity of the saws, just cosmetic.......

The MS361 is my favourite saw, and I suspect it will stay that way......:chainsawguy:

 

[Andyshine77]

Well I have both saws and I like the 7900 better, it's not to say I don't like the 361, I do like it, I was just expecting a bit more from a $600 saw. I will add that my 361 is getting stronger every time I use it, as it doesn't have all that much time on it yet. I think the fit and finish of the 7900 is just as good as any Stihl I have seen. IMO

You already have a small saw, so I say get the 7900.That's my .02

 

[BIGBORE577]

I suspect you got all that right!!!!!:biggrinbounce2: :chainsawguy:

Ditto!~

 

[DaddyRabbit]

Well, went by the Stihl dealer today and handled the 361 and I flat just don't like the way it felt in my hands. I had to be honest w/the Stihl dealer as he was giving me a pretty good buy too.

 

[Andyshine77]

I can see that, the plastic handle does feel a bit cheep. If you were looking to run one saw and only one saw I would say get the 361 or the 357, but seeing as you have a 346 for the small stuff I would get something bigger, 7900, 460, 372 or the 441.

 

[THALL10326]

Well, went by the Stihl dealer today and handled the 361 and I flat just don't like the way it felt in my hands. I had to be honest w/the Stihl dealer as he was giving me a pretty good buy too.

I bet what you didn't like is that soft spongy suspension the 361 has. It gives quite abit but in the cut the thing is smooth. Don't know all that much about the feel as a test of like or dislike but far being reliable the 361 is hard to beat.

 

[Elmore]

soft spongy suspension

... Don't know all that much about the feel as a test of like or dislike...

Oh yeah? Well how do you explain this shot of you touching this expensive piece of equipment? Bet you couldn't make up your mind whether you liked or disliked that soft spongy suspension.

Watch out Elvis...the “paparazzi!” is everywhere!

 

[DaddyRabbit]

If that Stihl had even remotely felt close to what that fine piece of equipment feels like as shown I would have bought the whole store from the guy. I of course would have had to of walked out holding a chainsaw in front of me :hmm3grin2orange:

Oh yeah? Well how do you explain this shot of you touching this expensive piece of equipment? Bet you couldn't make up your mind whether you liked or disliked that soft spongy suspension.

Watch out Elvis...the “paparazzi!” is everywhere!

 

[THALL10326]

Oh yeah? Well how do you explain this shot of you touching this expensive piece of equipment? Bet you couldn't make up your mind whether you liked or disliked that soft spongy suspension.

Watch out Elvis...the “paparazzi!” is everywhere!

Hahaha, if I recall correctly I made a decision on that piece of equipment in about 1 mili second, I LIKES IT,LOLOLOLOL

 

[Lakeside53]

I've looked and looked and looked...

I don't see anything soft and spongy at all. :monkey:

 

[2000ssm6]

Oh yeah? Well how do you explain this shot of you touching this expensive piece of equipment? Bet you couldn't make up your mind whether you liked or disliked that soft spongy suspension.

Watch out Elvis...the “paparazzi!” is everywhere!

Dizzzzzzammmm, what what

 

[Freakingstang]

haven't spent a lot of time with the 361, but I will tell you that the 7900 is a bad dude. a 346 and 372 is a good combo. I don't use my 60cc saws that much.

 

[ebbemichel]

 

[JoeCanuck]

I don't see anything soft and spongy at all. :monkey:

Better check the air filter for flockability.

Joe

 

[jack-the-ripper]

7900's don't take to mods well, huh? Well, how about this one?:hmm3grin2orange: