husqvarna - next chainsaw

[capt n cutz]

Suppose it's just a matter of what one likes or gets used to.  I feel that the full skip is much smoother, verses the full comp being very grabby.  and to put the file to em' the full skip is a breeze, the comp is like opening a sharks mouth.

must add that I could care less for the semi-skip stuff, can't pinpoint it, yet have tried enuff of it to know that I don't like it.

[Dave Shepard]

Most people feel that the full comp is smoother than the skip. I'm going to order up a full-skip for the long bar, and see what all the buzz is about.

[capt n cutz]

Most people feel that the full comp is smoother than the skip. I'm going to order up a full-skip for the long bar, and see what all the buzz is about.

Keep us up to speed on what you think of it.

[ahlkey]

Bought a smaller 20" bar & chain for the 570 and it worked pretty good.  It is surprising how just dropping from the 24" bar how lighter the saw appeared to me.  In addition having the smaller length made it easier to move around but I still find the saw heavy after a long day in the woods.  Will continue to give it a workout for the next couple of weeks to see if I can adjust to it's weight and feel, but right now I leaning toward a new 372XP given it is lighter than the 385XP. 

[woodtroll]

Ahh just go buy the 372XP. You'll like it

[ahlkey]

I checked with a few local dealers in driving distance today just in case and I was surprised to see the price ranges any where from $799.95 (2), $759 (2), $715 (1) and for $699 (1).   I guess you are right it is time to just make that purchase as I would hate to pay more in a couple of weeks.  Likewise, my son will soon be available in March to help out on weekends so I will need another solid saw and the 385XP is just too heavy for me.   It sure helps to shop around!

[stumpy]

I bought a 218Lite with a 30" bar.  I love it.  It's relatively light and has more than enough power for the big logs.  Does seem to be thirsty though.

[stumpy]

Sorry, I meant a 288 Lite

[ahlkey]

It seems the 288XP is not longer available as new model and what I can gather from the specifications is a 89 cc model.  Wow that is indeed powerful?  What would you estimate it weighs without the bar and chain?  On a history website it was shown as 16.3 lbs but not sure if that is correct or not for the lite designation?

[Dave Shepard]

16.3 pounds, PHO (PowerHeadOnly)

[ahlkey]

At 16.3 lbs that would be too heavy for me for an all day saw.   As an update I went to the local dealer to buy the 372XP today and he almost talked me into the 7900 Dolmar for the same price. It does have 6.3 HP which is higher than the 372XP at 5.6 and weighs about the same.  I have always been a Husky guy so it may be hard to swithch but if anyone can give me a feel for the Dolmar 7900 that would helpful.  I plan to go back to the store later this week to finalize.

[JaxSawyer]

I'd been looking at the 445 at Lowe's and just called to find out they've been recalled. Glad I didn't buy sooner. There's a Stihl 290 on craigslist. Maybe one of these days I'll be able to replace my Poulan Pro.

[oldsaw]

372 will pull a 20" bar, full comp, in hardwood with no problems.  It's the only size bar I have on mine.  066 generally wears a 24", which is an explosive combination.  Somehow or another, it's my "go to" set-up.  A 24 on a 385 will give you a glimpse of what I'm talking about.  The 372 is just nicer to carry around.

Mark

[Big Stick]

A HOT 372 will pull a 42" stoked with 75CJ rather nicely(Doug Fir,Spruce,Red/Yellow/P.O. Cedar,Redwood,Sugar Pine,yada,yada).

7-tooth and a courtesy assumption that someone knows their way around a chisel file...............

[ahlkey]

Thanks for all the great feedback. I decided to buy the 7900 Dolmar and for a long time Husky guy that is saying something. It really was a close one but the HP and weight ratio of the 7900 stock is just too impressive to not give it a chance to perform. Another key was the service capability of the local dealer.

[SawTroll]

   Why skip chain on a 20" bar? I run skip on my longer bars (28,32) but on a 20 I think it'd be sort of redundant. I'm over on the other coast though so maybe different wood species.   TT

I see no reason to use skip with 20 or 24" bars......

Have you ever tried it?  After years of running full skip, I see no reason for the full comp.

Even with a larger rim, you can't compensate for the "lost" 1/3 of cutters of a skip chain - unless the bar really is too long for the power-head.