365 vs 357xp

[smc967]

I have orderd a 365 just wondering if I made the right choice, my requirements where I wanted something with a 20" bar and something more powerfull than my current saw which is about 40cc stihl copy saw. The online retailer I ordered off had the 357xp with an 18" blade for around the same price as the 365, looking at the numbers there isnt that much power difference between the two (about 0.2HP) but looks like the 357 is a bit more tuned with higher reving etc. Is there much difference in quality or are they essentialy the same saw, only different ignitions? what choice would you have made in this situation?

[SawTroll]

Not basically the same saw, but the basic quality is the same.

[ladylake]

 I'd think the 365 would wiegh a little more and have a wider power band where you don't have to keep the RPM's just so for it to cut good.   Steve

[Cut4fun]

The 365 mine was about 1+lb to 1.5lb heavier then my 357 PHO to PHO empty.  Depending if lifting over your head trimming limbs etc which saw you will like. Bucking the bigger stuff you will like the 365 65cc.
Plus side you can always go bigger on the 365 when time for a rebuild to 71cc 75cc or AF 76cc or smaller 62cc, compared to the 56.5cc 357.

There was a open port and closed port 365. I really like the SP = Special 365 closed ports.

[JohnG28]

My uncle runs a 365 almost daily and loves that saw.  He has a Stihl 660 too and said the power of the 365 is plenty and the 660 just sits around.  I think you will probably be very happy with it.

[smc967]

Great! thanks for the input! I just wasn't sure the whole range kind of confused me a bit, as in they have sectioned it into Home Owner, Land Owner, Professional. And I just wasn't sure if the components were lower quality in the non XP, when in terms of the saws they all look very much of the same make-up.

[Cut4fun]

The 365 is only different then the 372xp by the smaller bore. Same saw basically and sometimes a Zama carb instead of the Walbro. 

[ladylake]

Seems like most times a closed port 50cc saws will cut just as fast as a open port 56cc saw, same should hold true for  bigger saws also. One exception would be the Makita 6401 which has huge open ports and cuts good for 64 cc   . Steve

[zzrcanuck]

I've cut a lot with both saws. The 365 is a great workhorse and never gave me any troubles in ten years of use.  My 357xp has had some mechanical issues but I do appreciate the lower weight. If you don't mind the extra weight
it's a good choice, just don't try out a 372xp, same weight,way more power!!!

[thumper]

i own and use the jred versions of both these saws daily. it says theres .2 hp diffrence between them but it feels more like 2hp. i cut trees, limb them, and cut them to size in the yard.  when i use the 365 i can cut the tree down (deciduous)and limb it faster than the 357. the 357 is lighter but you have it in hand a might longer.  , if im cutting softwood, i use the 357. both great saws but,,, for the money i think the 365 and 359s are a bigger bargain! 8)

[weimedog]

I have orderd a 365 just wondering if I made the right choice, my requirements where I wanted something with a 20" bar and something more powerfull than my current saw which is about 40cc stihl copy saw. The online retailer I ordered off had the 357xp with an 18" blade for around the same price as the 365, looking at the numbers there isnt that much power difference between the two (about 0.2HP) but looks like the 357 is a bit more tuned with higher reving etc. Is there much difference in quality or are they essentialy the same saw, only different ignitions? what choice would you have made in this situation?

You made the right choice! The 365 is a lot more saw, forget the specs! I have run a bunch of 357XP's and own a 365 as a result. AND you can build a 365 into a 372 when you get the itch. The 365 is one of the best deals in the saw world for pro level performance and build quality....and the Jonsered equivalent I think but don't quote me on the number, the 2165. just remember there is no replacement for displacement! What the 365 brings to the table in power&reliability is more than worth the extra weight that comes along with it. They are essentially a 372 built with a sightly smaller bore (65 vs. 72cc) and I believe slightly more mild porting along with different air filter & plastic...maybe a few other details as well. All on the same chassis(cases & crank) as a 372. The 372 is one of the premier pro saws on the market..and...guess what, the 365 is by default. Sort of like a Stihl MS650 vs, MS660...