Chainsaw Reviews

So you're looking to buy a chainsaw? No problem, but first thing's first: What will you be using the saw for? This might sound like a no brainer... but have you really thought about it? The type of job you're taking on directly affects the style of chainsaw you'll need. Are you just trimming some small brush around the farm? Are you taking down a few trees in your residential neighborhood? Are you jump starting your hobby into a professional logging career? These are the questions that will ultimately put that perfect chainsaw in your hands, without spending too much! For convenience, I'll break this down into three categories: Occasional, Mid-Range, and Professional use. Each category will contain two or three popular saws. Homelite and Craftsman will not be included here because I would never advise my friends to buy them. I hold the same recommendations for you.

Occasional: - a lightweight, easy to use, convenient chainsaw.

Stihl 009L - 8/10 stars - $270

Stihl is a powerhouse brand name in the world of chainsaws...but sometimes that can be a bad thing if you're looking for an easy to use saw. This isn't the case with the 009L. This chainsaw is very easy to use and lightweight. It's great for trimming small trees and brush around the home and it's not going to tire you out. The 009L comes stock with a 16" bar and for occasional use you won't need a bigger bar. This saw also has some faults. It has no anti-vibration feature so it can rattle you a bit, but that shouldn't be a problem unless you're using it for an extended period of time. This saw is not equipped with easy access to the air filter. All in all, without at least some knowledge of how a chainsaw works, this saw will be harder to clean and maintain than some of the other occasional use saws.

Husqvarna 136 - 9/10 - $175

Husqvarna is my second favorite chainsaw company other than Stihl. Their products speak for themselves. That being said, before last week all I had used from the Husky line were the professional saws. I ripped the cord up on the 136 and here are some of the things I found. This saw is going to run you somewhere in the ballpark of $175 dollars if you buy one new, and it's worth it if you're going to be using it often. One of the things I like about this saw is that it's easy to start. If you don't have the time to mess with a saw when it gets finicky, get this saw. it cuts well. Not as well as the Stihl 009L, (thus the 9/10) but it'll get your job done. This saw doesn't come with anti-vibe either though so you'll want to take breaks. Honestly, the Stihl009L is only marginally better than this saw, if that. When you compare the prices though, the choice should be easy.

Poulan Woodsman - 3/10 - $135

Poulan is my least favorite of the saw manufacturers. This saw will cut things...(wow...thanks Tommy, tell me more). If you want any chainsaw that will cut, then this might be fine for you. I'd be irresponsible if I didn't warn you though: It's unreliable, doesn't start easily, has few safety features, and is hard to maintain. You'd be a lot better spending the extra 40 to 100 bucks and getting something that'll last.

Mid-Range: When occasional chainsaws just won't do, but you don't need a huge saw.

Stihl MS191 T - 9/10 - check local dealer for price. (not available for purchase through Internet)

I said earlier that Stihl is a powerhouse in chainsaw technology. The 009L was a little expensive as our occasional use chainsaw, but for mid-range, it doesn't get much sweeter than this. Let's see what this bad boy boasts and what they mean to you:
Excellent Balance
Ergo dynamic Grip for navigating tight places
Rear air intake
retractable carrying ring
relatively lightweight

side access chain adjustment systemThis saw is perfect for anybody who needs a little more power behind their saw, but doesn't want to feel like they've been lugging around an anchor all day long. You can easily take down or limb some decent sized trees with this mid-range saw. This saw comes stock with a 16" bar but can handle a larger bar if your needs grow with time.

Husqvarna 353 - 8/10 - $369

Husqvarna won our last match in the occasional category, so how do they fare here? Well, not bad but not all that good either. I'd recommend the Stihl MS191 T over this husky for a few reasons: The saw is a little too heavy to justify it's use as a mid-range saw. If this were professional, that wouldn't be an issue. The saw lacks a few of the features that the Stihl comes with, including rear air intake and the retractable carrying ring. This is not a bad saw. It's actually a very good saw, Stihl just nailed it on every point and dominates our mid-range review.

Professional: (Insert Tim Taylor grunt here)

Welcome to the final showdown between saws, powered by Associated Content. If you need a beast of a saw, and you're looking at taking down some monster oaks, then you'll need these:

Stihl MS310- 10/10 - check local retailer

Stihl really shines when we break into the professional grade saws. I took this baby out and was truly impressed. It cuts through trees like butter. I could go on all day and night long, but I'll just let the stats speak for me while I get a drink:
Great power to weight ratio
viewable fuel tank
compensating carburetor for peak performance
tool-less fuel and oil caps
rear air intake

Oh I almost forgot. This baby can support a 25" bar! (another Tim Taylor laugh)

Husqvarna 359 - $540

Ahh, now that I got that drink, I can describe the majesty of the Husqvarna 359. This saw was made to eat trees. Honestly I don't know what to to tell you here. The Stihl and Husky are both really good saws. I'll give you the specs, and I'd recommend just going out to your local dealer and checking them out in person.
Great power to weight ratio
compensating carburetor for peak performance
anti-vibe technology
adjustable oil pump
double chain brake

So that's that. Hopefully you've learned a thing or two about chainsaws, their different grades, and uses! Good luck in finding that perfect chainsaw that fits your needs!