Hi bwalker, I figured I`d get a challenge type comeback on this from you, it`s easy to see your Stihl bias. No sweat, different strokes for different folks, but you are doing an armchair comparison to support your views. You`re kind of making an issue of the fact that these are weights measured by Madsen`s, not the manufacturers, as if the manufacturers might misrepresent something, then you go ahead and use the manufacturers claimed horsepower, so go figure. It probably is also true what rb has said about the fullwrap handles between the brands being substantially different, in weight and functionality, with the nod going to the Stihl. That`s all fine and good if you are running a full wrap. I`m on the east coast and full wraps are so rare that everyone has to run down to the saw shop and take a look if one comes in, just kidding, but you get the idea. Now as to the comparison between the 044 and 372, both are great saws, top performers in a relatively light package, in fact I`ve seen more than one 044 that would flat out scream. Now you take an east coast version 046, 1# heavier, marginally more felt horsepower, and > $100 more than a 372 and it just doesn`t stack up. I`ve had two 046s, two 372s, and an 044 in the last 5 years and I prefer the way the Huskies feel. I personally think the 046 is way overated. I think we all need to keep in mind that any saw with a 70cc or bigger powerhead costing $550 - $700 ought to be an impressive cutting machine, and instead of running an 044, 372, 046, etc., etc., and being impressed, and then proclaiming that model must be best in class, we should all try some real world, hands on comparison with other brands and models in that size and price range, then choose the winner. That`s how I formed my opinion that the 046 isn`t anything special. 13.5# powerheads are the sweet spot for me, so I`d stick with an 044 or 372 for the relative level of performance you get in this range. My remark about the 385 being able to mush an 046 was in reference to a post by Bradley, if I`m not mistaken, I believe he stated that the 385 is the equivalent of the 046. I tried to point out that the 385 is a more powerful saw, but it is also a larger displacement and weighs more than an 046. I guess I should have elaborated. So if I were to be entirely objective( in my opinion, LOL ), if Stihl Magnum wants a saw that will pull a full 28" bar all day long in hardwood, the 046 would get the nod over the 044 and 372, the extra displacement would go to good use here and it would make up for the extra weight he would have to sling. The 066 wouldn`t even be an option with a max bar length of 28" because of the cost and weight involved. Since he did mention that he would consider a Husky, the 385, which has ample power for a 28" bar and costs about what an 046 does with only slightly more weight, seems like the clear choice. The 385 is a sweet saw( got one of those too ). Husky antivibe is about the best I have seen. Russ
