MS650 vs. 385xp

[StihlBoy440]

I have searched for a direct comparison and found nothing. These two saws are the same CC and near the same rated power. I know the Stihl is advertised as being a full pound heavier but I just want to know the power differences. If anyone has them both modded that would also be great to see how they compare modded.

 

[Magnum783]

I have a 385xp although I have never run a stihl I am very pleased did need to get the big dawgs for it but that wasen't hard. It is a screamer of a saw and tons of torques. I had the 28" bar I keep on it buried in solid oak and it was screaming like there was nothing there. I like the weight and lack of vibration too. Husky has done quite well as far as I concerened with eliminating lots of that fatiquing vibration. All in all I am verry pleased.
Jared

 

[Slamm]

The 650 is a dumb idea. Don't buy one so they quit selling them, LOL. Get the 660, and forget the 650 even exists, LOL.

Sam

 

[Timberhauler]

Stihl built the 650 so they would have a saw in the 85cc class...I have both of those as well,and there is no doubt,the 650 is faster than the 385....The 385 seems to have more high RPM power,but the 650 has it beat across the board....The 650 almost compares to the 660....I bought my 650 almost exactly this time last year when my dealer first got one just so I could compare the two...I've been happy with it....Plus when it's time for a top end,a 660's will bolt right up...Then you have a 660...Both my 385's and that 650 are stock.I couldn't tell ya' how they work out modified.

 

[stihl 440]

385

Stihl built the 650 so they would have a saw in the 85cc class...I have both of those as well,and there is no doubt,the 650 is faster than the 385....The 385 seems to have more high RPM power,but the 650 has it beat across the board....The 650 almost compares to the 660....I bought my 650 almost exactly this time last year when my dealer first got one just so I could compare the two...I've been happy with it....Plus when it's time for a top end,a 660's will bolt right up...Then you have a 660...Both my 385's and that 650 are stock.I couldn't tell ya' how they work out modified.

But the 385 IS a pound lighter. Timberhauler, what would you say is the best size bar for a 385, 20" or 24"? I've only ran them with 20" on them. I am getting one and would like to know.

 

[Timberhauler]

But the 385 IS a pound lighter. Timberhauler, what would you say is the best size bar for a 385, 20" or 24"? I've only ran them with 20" on them. I am getting one and would like to know.

I've ran 36 on both,and they handle them very well....But I keep 24's on pretty much everything I have over 60cc's...I have only ran a 20 on the 385,and with a 20 inch bar,that 385 doesn't even know it's cutting anything,so I'd say a 24 or 28.....Both of those saws seem happiest with a 28.