What Stihl saw was/is better than it's successor?

[HerbHammer]

I've been watching a few of Redbull661's excellent videos and also reading the recent comparisons between the ms462 and ms461.

Most videos show that the 461 outcuts the 462, even though there is some weight reduction to the 462. I think most folks will remember the 461 fondly, and not see the 462 as a big improvement.

On the flip side, this video by redbull661 shows that the 661 seems to be superior hands down to the 660 in every way.



What are the Stihl saws currently available that are clearly superior than their predecessors, and which ones aren't?

 

[Colt Marlington]

I think thislooks a heck of a lot better than this

 

[NCPT]

440 and 441? I really like my 440.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

The 660 is probably thought of more highly than the 661 by lots of loggers. The 661 is a lot more user friendly, but the 660 holds up to abuse very well and doesn't have a reputation for being finicky like the 661.

Other examples might be the 036, 262xp and 346xp. I bet some would say the 372oe is better than the 372x-torq or the 576 also.

 

[Colt Marlington]

They should bring back the 009L, but with a 012 jug.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

When it comes to working on them I don't prefer any of the new saws to the older ones except the real old ones.

 

[Colt Marlington]

I'd hope I wouldn't have to work on a new one.

 

[catbuster]

MS461>MS460/046 is what immediately comes to mind for me. Just a few minor changes that made that machine a lot better, IMO. It still blows my mind how much smoother they run and the fuel savings. Especially if you add an 046 coil and de-limit the carb.

 

[Trellos]

The 361 is better than the 360. It got a touch more power, better anti-vib, but otherwise so close. They kept the all the good bits. I think the 361 is one of the better models bar none.

 

[pavel408]

Most videos show that the 461 outcuts the 462, even though there is some weight reduction to the 462.

Yes, indeed - because ms462 replaces ms441.

 

[Dph1256]

Yes, indeed - because ms462 replaces ms441.

They really should have named it the 442

 

[Dph1256]

Yes, indeed - because ms462 replaces ms441.

They really should have named it the 442

 

[a. palmer jr.]

I will have to say that the 361 is a smooth running machine..

 

[Ketchup]

261 is better than 260 in many ways.

I like the 201t better than the 200t in modded forms.

 

[HerbHammer]

261 is better than 260 in many ways.

I like the 201t better than the 200t in modded forms.

Why is there such a cult following of the 200t? It would seem from the prices of leftover 200ts that people hate the 201t?

 

[dmb2613]

034 super was the all-time best Stihl IMO

 

[dmb2613]

and the 029- ms390 is the most underrated Stihls of all time

 

[Ryan'smilling]

I suggested the 036 because I think it's better than the 360, which is similar but with floppy caps and a more stuffed up muffler. The 361 is definitely better than the 360.

 

[Ketchup]

Why is there such a cult following of the 200t? It would seem from the prices of leftover 200ts that people hate the 201t?

1. 201t is choked up and held back in stock form.
2. Tree guys hate change
3. Parts are cheaper

But if you run both modded every day, the 201t pulls ahead in performance.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

Also, the first 201s were particularly doggy. Stihl actually released a kit to advance the timing and maybe address something else to make them run better.