MS661 vs 390XP

[blsnelling]

So everyone wants to know. What's the stronger saw, the MS661 or the 390XP? I made a comparison last year and the 390 was significantly faster. I had opportunity yesterday to run them again. While the 390 still came out ahead, the 661 was much closer this time. Interesting enough, when it came time to flush cut the stump, the 661 was my choice. Bury a 36" bar on both and I think you'd see the 661 pull ahead, although it's hard to say without doing it. Both of these saws are fantastic performers. I'd give the RPM edge to the 390XP and the torque edge to the MS661, although both saws shine in both areas.

 

[cgraham1]

Are both saws ported? Did you compare stock saws, as well?

 

[CapitaineHaddoc]

Are both saws ported? Did you compare stock saws, as well?

Yes, both are ported. I think the 661 is a nice compromise between a 390 and a 395. The 390 is still faster with a shorter bar, and a 395 has still more torque. But that's 2 saws. Stihl hit a home run with this 661.

 

[blsnelling]

I think the 661 is a nice compromise between a 390 and a 395.

That's a great way to put it. I sold a new 395XP to buy this 661, and don't regret it.

 

[LRains]

I have been looking at those two for the last couple weeks, comparing my next saw. Thanks for the review.

 

[porsche965]

If Husky ever gets their 592xp Atune out (or whatever they will call the 390xp replacement) that should be an interesting run off.

 

[SAWMIKAZE]

What was the tune on the 390 brad ?

 

[redoakneck]

Which is smoother, less vibe???

 

[Full Chisel]

Seems to fit with the overall theme of husky vs stihl...huskies tend to turn higher RPMs and cut faster but Stihls tend to have more torque and low/mid range grunt. At least that has been my experience and I have heard others make this same comparison. Both are clearly great saws.

 

[blsnelling]

What was the tune on the 390 brad ?

I have no idea. I tuned it by ear.

Which is smoother, less vibe???

I can't really answer that. I'm not vibe sensitive and wasn't paying attention.

 

[Termite]

What I saw was you Brad playing with your toys while the boys in the back ground doing all the work.
Thanks for the compare. It seems like they have very similar performance.

 

[blsnelling]

What I saw was you Brad playing with your toys while the boys in the back ground doing all the work.

Hey, I was doing very important research, lol

 

[Full Chisel]

Hey, I was doing very important research, lol

 

[bwalker]

No supprise. I have never seen a Stihl that's faster than a comparable Husky.

 

[KG441c]

No supprise. I have never seen a Stihl that's faster than a comparable Husky.

Ive cut side by side with both the mentioned saws last week. The 661 has noticeably more torque

 

[bwalker]

I think people mistake the way husky's rev out and sound for a lack of torque when compared to a similar Stihl. However, in practice of the models I have owned the Huskys always had more torque and cut quicker.
Looking at their cylinders it's no supprise why.

 

[KG441c]

I like both but favor Stihl more

 

[blsnelling]

My 661 has a little more torque, but the 390 will out cut it every time in 28"-30" dead Ash.

 

[KG441c]

My 661 has a little more torque, but the 390 will out cut it every time in 28"-30" dead Ash.

Do u think the 390 edge would be even more in smaller wood?

 

[blsnelling]

Do u think the 390 edge would be even more in smaller wood?

Absolutely. This particular saw is a proven winner in cant racing at GTGs. It makes crazy RPMs that the 661 can only dream of.