I like and respect the Troll, but how in the hell he has all these unfounded opinions of the 261 is a mystery.lol I have run one every day now for a week (1/2 day on Sun) and it has gotten stronger after 15-20 tanks. I've rotated purposely between it and the 346 and it sure doesn't give up much in the handling department. We've been in a small plot of standing ash, clearing it and sawing it up into firewood.
Most of it has been 16 -24" and the 261's extra torque/wider power band has become more noticeable and pleasant the more you run it. Also the longer run time between fillup's. As much as I respect the Troll this is one comparison were he is totally unqualified to make the assumptions he has about this saw. Can't judge one until you've run one in real wood. I actually think the oldest son called and had the dealer order him one. I've had a 310 and the 261is a stronger saw than it, and there is no comparison between the handling. The 261 with and 18" bar is up a 390's hiney, very close.
To continue to bash the saw based on fondling a manual or looking at the screen is becoming ludicrous. This saw may have caused Troll's massive memory bank to overload and short circuit.
Tommy, you need to get him checked into rehab, play him some blues on that axe, find him some real Virginia shine, keep him in the shade until he comes out of this tailspin.