Stihl MS 500i owner opinions

[Tobystihl]

Here in the UK the 661 will do all you need. If you like the 500i then go for it, I find them too snappy, throttle is either flat out or on tickover, no fun at all with a shorter bar as kickback is brutal and instantaneous. Plus, if you are cutting all day make sure to bring along a fuel truck.

 

[Hulsty]

If you need to cut bigger wood coming from a 7900 a 500i is not it, they are equivalent saws. 7900 is lighter, 500i slightly more power on paper but in many videos they cut more or less the same. 661 or 592XP are bigger more powerful saws.

 

[singinwoodwackr]

If you need to cut bigger wood coming from a 7900 a 500i is not it, they are equivalent saws. 7900 is lighter, 500i slightly more power on paper but in many videos they cut more or less the same. 661 or 592XP are bigger more powerful saws.

Lighter…13.8 vs 13.9, lol

 

[StoneyMeadowMaple]

I asked around before buying the 400, a couple guys I talked to absolutely loved their 500’s but neither used them commercially, just personal firewood.

 

[MaxFlow Flters]

The Westcoast filter is a clever design that works if you are looking to keep the stock cover. However: it doesn't flow any better than stock and will require oiling rather than tapping or air cleaning. The MaxFlow for the 500 flows significantly more CFM than a new stock filter, meaning it will run much longer between cleanings. The drawback to maximum flow is that it requires a larger custom fit cover. It also requires oiling when you clean, but since it is larger, you don't need to do it nearly as often. Muffler mods are not necessary with the MaxFLow filter, in fact any aftermarket front muffler plate will reduce the mid-range power that you gain with a MaxFlow filter (slightly enlarging the outlet port won't hurt) Your ears will thank staying stock too. The MS500i is a great saw.

 

[FXJenkins]

Here in the UK the 661 will do all you need. If you like the 500i then go for it, I find them too snappy, throttle is either flat out or on tickover, no fun at all with a shorter bar as kickback is brutal and instantaneous.

yup its snappy all right. Ash borer beetle tree fell over the drive way the other day and I started cutting her up...shadows grew longer...and I remembered I had to get my daughter to soccer practice..walked backed to the house for the 500i and had it bucked up in about 15 min. Totally worth it.

 

[rwoods]

I really like my 500i. Enough so that I just spent close to $400 replacing the handle and tank assembly after a little tree incident. It has become my go-to saw with my smaller Stihls left sitting in the truck. That said, a 500i now costs $500 more than when I bought mine - almost $1700 locally; I am not sure I would pay that amount when I have plenty of other capable saws.

To the OP's question, I will join the chorus of those questioning whether a 500i is really the right saw for someone who needs a bigger saw than a 7900. In my opinion, a 500i shines in that it can do 80cc work in a package that also excels at 60cc work. Though I have never run a 7900, I doubt it has any significant edge over a 7900 for work requiring more than a 7900 will deliver. I am told that a 7900 has a slight performance edge on the old McCulloch 82cc ten series saws - I own a bunch of those and have run them extensively. When it comes to large wood, my old 82cc MACs are on par with my 500i so I would dare say that a 7900 would be too.

Ron

 

[av8or3]

I own both saws. I bought the 500i to run and the 7900 to sit on shelf w/ the other Dolmars. Always been happy with the 500i. I put the WCS fallers suspension kit on it and now I’m REALLY happy with it. After finally running the 7900, I have to say it’s a most impressive saw. The weight and cutting speed of both saws is comparable. The Dolmar required no suspension upgrade, and I kinda like the exhaust note a little better. Well, I pimped out my 7900 (full wrap, HD air filter, US spikes) and ported my 500i.
At this point the 7900 gets the style points but the 500i pulls ahead in performance. If you’re looking to cut bigger wood than you do with your Dolmar, buy the 661. If you think fuel injection is cool enough that you gotta have one (like I did) go for the 500i. You’ll love it for sure, but it won’t out cut my 066. (or the 661).