Stihl 211 or husky 435. The 250 is a tough saw but the 211 will run with it all day long and is lighter.
Stopped by the largest stocking dealer in my area who reps Stihl, Husqvarna, and Echo . Sadly, the Husq 435 just felt straight cheap. The plastic definitely had a different feel and ring to it compared to the 346xp (obviously more $$$), and the safety release/trigger assembly was again loose and cheap feeling. They didn't have a 211, but did have a bunch of 230's as well as an old stock 210 and of course the 260Pro. Here the 230 felt more similar to the 260Pro, than did the 435 to 346xp, better plastics, and better fit and finish. When it came to the 2 50cc pro saws, 260 vs 346xp, they both seemed well made and nicely balanced.
My question is, how's the quality of the 211 compared to the 230 and up. I see it has a different all black handle, different (maybe newer) carb/aircleaner cover. I see it does have the Intellicarb feature found on some of the higher end saws. According to the salesperson they can now only order the C specced version with the quick release tensioner, easy-start etc, however according to the specs the saw jumps from 9.5lbs for the standard 211 to 10.1 for the C spec version. To be honest I was tempted to purchase a 192T or a T435, those things are so light and nimble.
Anyhow, again, I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. When I got back this evening I had received an offer on a Dolmar PS-420, which was my first choice/original plan. So if things go well I will purchase that, if not it seems the Stihl 211 is my second choice if the quality is on par w/ the 230/250.
