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General Forestry => Chainsaws => Topic started by: woodchipper95 on January 01, 2014, 05:12:47 PM

Title: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: woodchipper95 on January 01, 2014, 05:12:47 PM
What is the difference here?
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: ktoom on January 01, 2014, 09:01:35 PM
Different Coil
Different transfer ports
Crank stuffers in the 550xp
Silver case on the 550xp

I own a 545 and just picked up a used 550xp for fun to see if I can tell the difference between the 2 saws
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: woodchipper95 on January 02, 2014, 07:17:18 PM
Quote from: ktoom on January 01, 2014, 09:01:35 PM
Different Coil
Different transfer ports
Crank stuffers in the 550xp
Silver case on the 550xp

I own a 545 and just picked up a used 550xp for fun to see if I can tell the difference between the 2 saws

So does this justify $100.00?

Can you tell a huge difference?
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: Huskstihl on January 02, 2014, 07:28:14 PM
If you are a member of an internet chainsaw forum, it likely will be worth it to you.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: woodchipper95 on January 03, 2014, 07:17:18 PM
Quote from: Huskstihl on January 02, 2014, 07:28:14 PM
If you are a member of an internet chainsaw forum, it likely will be worth it to you.

Hahahah well 2 of them! I'll have to run them, but I don't like new saws I like them with a few tanks. I found it makes a huge difference.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: Cut4fun on January 03, 2014, 11:55:05 PM
Stock for stock both great saws IMO. Owned both. I would take the 545 550 over the stock 346 anyday JMO. Pick one buy it go cut your wood.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: SawTroll on January 04, 2014, 12:17:42 AM
Quote from: woodchipper95 on January 02, 2014, 07:17:18 PM
Quote from: ktoom on January 01, 2014, 09:01:35 PM
Different Coil
Different transfer ports
Crank stuffers in the 550xp
Silver case on the 550xp

I own a 545 and just picked up a used 550xp for fun to see if I can tell the difference between the 2 saws

So does this justify $100.00?

Can you tell a huge difference?
Of course it does, the "revboost" feature of the 550xp alone is worth that much - then there is the power differense.
Remember that chain saws last a long time for the average user, so that price differense is minimal per year.  :)
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: H 2 H on January 04, 2014, 12:32:07 AM
Quote from: Cut4fun on January 03, 2014, 11:55:05 PM
Stock for stock both great saws IMO. Owned both. I would take the 545 550 over the stock 346 anyday JMO. Pick one buy it go cut your wood.

It sure is nice hearing this from someone that USED each saw
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: woodchipper95 on January 04, 2014, 12:54:35 AM
Quote from: SawTroll on January 04, 2014, 12:17:42 AM
Quote from: woodchipper95 on January 02, 2014, 07:17:18 PM
Quote from: ktoom on January 01, 2014, 09:01:35 PM
Different Coil
Different transfer ports
Crank stuffers in the 550xp
Silver case on the 550xp

I own a 545 and just picked up a used 550xp for fun to see if I can tell the difference between the 2 saws

So does this justify $100.00?

Can you tell a huge difference?
Of course it does, the "revboost" feature of the 550xp alone is worth that much - then there is the power differense.
Remember that chain saws last a long time for the average user, so that price differense is minimal per year.  :)

Will the RevBoost help when bucking, or is that mainly a limbing thing?
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: SawTroll on January 04, 2014, 12:58:37 AM
Quote from: woodchipper95 on January 04, 2014, 12:54:35 AM

Will the RevBoost help when bucking, or is that mainly a limbing thing?

Mainly for limbing, but it makes all cutting more fun!
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: woodchipper95 on January 04, 2014, 01:11:00 AM
Ok, well I have picked these two saws I will be running them within the week. I just hope they have a few tanks in them already so I get the full power of both. I am pretty sure my dealer has the AutoTune software, ill have to ask. If not I guess ill have to find one that does. since you can hardly buy a new saw without it.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: H 2 H on January 04, 2014, 01:22:45 AM
Quote from: woodchipper95 on January 04, 2014, 01:11:00 AM
Ok, well I have picked these two saws I will be running them within the week. I just hope they have a few tanks in them already so I get the full power of both. I am pretty sure my dealer has the AutoTune software, ill have to ask. If not I guess ill have to find one that does. since you can hardly buy a new saw without it.


That's the best way of doing it; get the saw's in your hand and use it before making any decision 

That's the way I done it  :) 
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: ET on January 04, 2014, 08:16:05 AM
I have owned the 550xp now for 1 1/2 years. Ive run the 16" and 20" bars and their is virtually no difference in power loss with the 20. It will cut a full thickness 20" stick without taking a breath!  It just keeps on going. I do have a little trouble on hot restarts especially after refueling for some reason. I normally set choke but take off hi idle, start then full rev till it settles down. Its like it has to remember how to run after each start. Once running its ok. Ernie
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: adventure bob on January 05, 2014, 09:53:55 PM
I have a 455, a 550 XP and a little 240E.  The 550XP is lighter than the 455 and has more power than the other two combined.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: Spike60 on January 06, 2014, 07:57:08 AM
Quote from: woodchipper95 on January 04, 2014, 01:11:00 AM
Ok, well I have picked these two saws I will be running them within the week. I just hope they have a few tanks in them already so I get the full power of both. I am pretty sure my dealer has the AutoTune software, ill have to ask. If not I guess ill have to find one that does. since you can hardly buy a new saw without it.

These saws do need a few tanks to brake in. They are kind of lame on the 1st tank. By about the 5th tank you'll begin to smile as you are cutting.

The rev boost is nice when limbing, but a non factor for bucking. Lot's of folks aren't really sure what it is. It gives you a 2 second burst of an extra 2000rpm when you hit the trigger. But keep in mind that any cut longer than 2 seconds and you are back down to 14,000.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: HolmenTree on January 07, 2014, 11:35:54 AM
Here are the power ratings of the 2 saws from my 545/550XP owners manual.
545: 2.5kw/3.4hp @ 9600rpm
550XP: 2.8kw/3.8hp @ 10200rpm
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: woodchipper95 on January 07, 2014, 02:29:22 PM
Quote from: HolmenTree on January 07, 2014, 11:35:54 AM
Here are the power ratings of the 2 saws from my 545/550XP owners manual.
545: 2.5kw/3.4hp @ 9600rpm
550XP: 2.8kw/3.8hp @ 10200rpm

Is the 10200rpm with the revboost?
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: Cut4fun on January 07, 2014, 03:11:51 PM
Quote from: woodchipper95 on January 07, 2014, 02:29:22 PM
Quote from: HolmenTree on January 07, 2014, 11:35:54 AM
Here are the power ratings of the 2 saws from my 545/550XP owners manual.
545: 2.5kw/3.4hp @ 9600rpm
550XP: 2.8kw/3.8hp @ 10200rpm

Is the 10200rpm with the revboost?


Thats showing where max HP was found at is all.   ;) 
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: woodchipper95 on January 07, 2014, 03:48:19 PM
Quote from: Cut4fun on January 07, 2014, 03:11:51 PM
Quote from: woodchipper95 on January 07, 2014, 02:29:22 PM
Quote from: HolmenTree on January 07, 2014, 11:35:54 AM
Here are the power ratings of the 2 saws from my 545/550XP owners manual.
545: 2.5kw/3.4hp @ 9600rpm
550XP: 2.8kw/3.8hp @ 10200rpm

Is the 10200rpm with the revboost?


Thats showing where max HP was found at is all.   ;)

So if a 545 had a mm and was ported and ran at 10200rpm would it make the same HP ???
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: tlandrum on January 07, 2014, 05:31:35 PM
if a 545 was ported and muff modded it would make ''more power'' than the stock 550xp. 
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: ktoom on January 07, 2014, 07:43:35 PM
Once a little more snow melts and the temps warm up, I'm gonna have a mini shootout between my (almost new)545 and my (used) 550xp. I might even throw the 5100s into the mix..... Shoot, I even thought about trading in my ms361 on a new ms261 m-tronic to add that into the mix hahahahaha.

Ive got a few red oaks to take down at my parents house which should make for a good shootout lol.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: SawTroll on January 07, 2014, 09:51:33 PM
Quote from: ktoom on January 07, 2014, 07:43:35 PM
Once a little more snow melts and the temps warm up, I'm gonna have a mini shootout between my (almost new)545 and my (used) 550xp. I might even throw the 5100s into the mix..... Shoot, I even thought about trading in my ms361 on a new ms261 m-tronic to add that into the mix hahahahaha.

Ive got a few red oaks to take down at my parents house which should make for a good shootout lol.

By all means don't trade off your 361, and specially not for a 261!   :)
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: woodchipper95 on January 07, 2014, 09:54:58 PM
Quote from: ktoom on January 07, 2014, 07:43:35 PM
Once a little more snow melts and the temps warm up, I'm gonna have a mini shootout between my (almost new)545 and my (used) 550xp. I might even throw the 5100s into the mix..... Shoot, I even thought about trading in my ms361 on a new ms261 m-tronic to add that into the mix hahahahaha.

Ive got a few red oaks to take down at my parents house which should make for a good shootout lol.

Is it going to be on youtube? I would love to see it!
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: woodchipper95 on January 07, 2014, 09:57:24 PM
Quote from: tlandrum on January 07, 2014, 05:31:35 PM
if a 545 was ported and muff modded it would make ''more power'' than the stock 550xp.

What if just mm?
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: SawTroll on January 07, 2014, 11:33:02 PM
Quote from: woodchipper95 on January 07, 2014, 09:57:24 PM
Quote from: tlandrum on January 07, 2014, 05:31:35 PM
if a 545 was ported and muff modded it would make ''more power'' than the stock 550xp.

What if just mm?

Then you would have to compare to a mm 550xp, and I know that one gains a lot (more than usual) from just that!
The 545 may not gain as much, as the transfers are less effective (less capasity).
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: woodchipper95 on January 07, 2014, 11:44:12 PM
Quote from: SawTroll on January 07, 2014, 11:33:02 PM
Quote from: woodchipper95 on January 07, 2014, 09:57:24 PM
Quote from: tlandrum on January 07, 2014, 05:31:35 PM
if a 545 was ported and muff modded it would make ''more power'' than the stock 550xp.

What if just mm?

Then you would have to compare to a mm 550xp, and I know that one gains a lot (more than usual) from just that!
The 545 may not gain as much, as the transfers are less effective (less capasity).

if I was limbing id get a 550xp
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: SawTroll on January 08, 2014, 02:05:16 AM
Quote from: woodchipper95 on January 07, 2014, 11:44:12 PM

if I was limbing id get a 550xp

You are missing much of the fun then, but each to his own.....
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: H 2 H on January 08, 2014, 02:46:14 AM
Quote from: SawTroll on January 07, 2014, 11:33:02 PM
Quote from: woodchipper95 on January 07, 2014, 09:57:24 PM
Quote from: tlandrum on January 07, 2014, 05:31:35 PM
if a 545 was ported and muff modded it would make ''more power'' than the stock 550xp.

What if just mm?

Then you would have to compare to a mm 550xp, and I know that one gains a lot (more than usual) from just that!
The 545 may not gain as much, as the transfers are less effective (less capasity).


So you have been running 550 ?

The last time that question was ask you haven't ran a 550
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: SawTroll on January 08, 2014, 02:54:31 AM
Quote from: H 2 H on January 08, 2014, 02:46:14 AM

So you have been running 550 ?

The last time that question was ask you haven't ran a 550

I haven't - it obviously is impossible to run all relevant saw models enough to really form an opinion on it - but I know who to trust , and who not to trust - so I don't have to do everything myself!  ;D

For you it is much simpler though, if it is a Stihl it is great regardless of the quality, performance and much more - if it isn't a Stihl it is no good, regardless!

I happen to like quite a few Stihl saws btw, but sadly none of the current ones!
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: H 2 H on January 08, 2014, 03:16:17 AM
Quote from: SawTroll on January 08, 2014, 02:54:31 AM
Quote from: H 2 H on January 08, 2014, 02:46:14 AM

So you have been running 550 ?

The last time that question was ask you haven't ran a 550

I haven't - it obviously is impossible to run all relevant saw models enough to really form an opinion on it - but I know who to trust , and who not to trust - so I don't have to do everything myself!  ;D

For you it is much simpler though, if it is a Stihl it is great regardless of the quality, performance and much more - if it isn't a Stihl it is no good, regardless!

I happen to like quite a few Stihl saws btw, but sadly none of the current ones!

So that's why I own 5 different brands of chain saws

I see this is another thing like there are not any Stihl Dealers in you area

I think it's time for me to post some of your quotes

I'll be back  8)

Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: SawTroll on January 08, 2014, 03:58:44 AM
I am not referring to the saws you own, but how you answer when someone asks a question about an obviously substandard Stihl saw! According to you, they are all "great", which obviously isn't true!
Anyway, I beat you with one brand then (yes, I have more than what I list in some sigs), but that hardly is the point!

There still isn't any full service Stihl dealers around here any more, that's a fact, regardless how you try to twist it.
There was two, but they are simply gone, and the somewhat remote hardware stores is all that is left. They do of course offer service if you ask, per Stihl policy, but is hard pressed to even put the bar on a saw they sell in the store. No carb adjustment check of course, with the sale.
Saws that need service or work is sent away, so you can't speak to the one that is going to do it - hardly satisfactory.
I understand it is about the same with the Ace hardware stores that sell Stihl in the US as well.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: Jeff on January 08, 2014, 08:49:54 AM
H 2 H,  it seems your main purpose for being here is to quote sawtroll and then try and contradict what he has to say.  While I don't know a thing about chain saws, I do know a bit about watching the forum and recognizing some one posting with an agenda.   If you disagree and can offer a different opinion, fine, but singling out another member in your posts for the sake of singling out another member is not going to fly here.  I'm sure sawtroll can handle anything you have to dish out by himself, but the fact is, I do not like or appreciate, or accept this style of posting on the Forestry Forum. It may be good fun somewhere else, but is an irritant to the members here.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: SawTroll on January 08, 2014, 10:37:22 AM
Jeff, all I can say is that you hit the nail squarely on the head!  :)
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: SawTroll on January 08, 2014, 10:48:41 AM
Quote from: H 2 H on January 08, 2014, 03:16:17 AM
I think it's time for me to post some of your quotes

I'll be back  8)

If you are one of those that keeps quotes of what others have posted in the past, that tells a lot about you, but nothing about the ones whose posts you have saved - as the quotes obviously are selective, for a purpose....  :D
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: 7sleeper on January 08, 2014, 11:57:14 AM
Quote from: Jeff on January 08, 2014, 08:49:54 AM
H 2 H,  it seems your main purpose for being here is to quote sawtroll and then try and contradict what he has to say.  While I don't know a thing about chain saws, I do know a bit about watching the forum and recognizing some one posting with an agenda.   If you disagree and can offer a different opinion, fine, but singling out another member in your posts for the sake of singling out another member is not going to fly here.  I'm sure sawtroll can handle anything you have to dish out by himself, but the fact is, I do not like or appreciate, or accept this style of posting on the Forestry Forum. It may be good fun somewhere else, but is an irritant to the members here.
@ Jeff
This is a typical problem with posts by sawtroll. He quotes numbers as facts without relying on real world performance. No doubt his konowledge about chainsaws is very very impressive! This, how shoud i call it, affection is a typical reaction by many to his writing.  Sawtroll's commenting with an absolutism that surpresses all other opinions and discrediting the other participants in a discussion as uninformed bystanders. Although in the real world these differences are marginal at best. Over the years I believe it to be almost on purpose by him to be provocative in his certain authorative way. What is sad is that I have been conditioned over the years to almost automatically totally ignore his postings because the auditorium reaction is all to often diametral.

7
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: SawTroll on January 08, 2014, 12:08:47 PM
Quote from: Jeff on January 08, 2014, 08:49:54 AM
.... . It may be good fun somewhere else, but is an irritant to the members here.

I can assure you it isn't "good fun" on any forum that I know of,
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: Jeff on January 08, 2014, 12:40:37 PM
My stand would be, please post what you know, help where you can and  I guess if you get called out on something be ready to back up your knowledge in an appropriate manor and I expect that if you question information, do that in an appropriate manor as well.   I don't know any of you from adam, but the mission of the Forestry Forum is to help each other while at the same time maybe finding some help for yourself. Find a way to do that that is not offensive to anyone.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: beenthere on January 08, 2014, 12:48:53 PM
Well said Jeff.

And 7sleeper also stated what is apparently happening as well.

Maybe Sawtroll loses some of his intended message in the English translation. Just a thought.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: H 2 H on January 08, 2014, 01:40:54 PM
Quote from: Jeff on January 08, 2014, 08:49:54 AM
H 2 H,  it seems your main purpose for being here is to quote sawtroll and then try and contradict what he has to say.  While I don't know a thing about chain saws, I do know a bit about watching the forum and recognizing some one posting with an agenda.   If you disagree and can offer a different opinion, fine, but singling out another member in your posts for the sake of singling out another member is not going to fly here.  I'm sure sawtroll can handle anything you have to dish out by himself, but the fact is, I do not like or appreciate, or accept this style of posting on the Forestry Forum. It may be good fun somewhere else, but is an irritant to the members here.

Im tired of how some twist thing around myself
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: Jeff on January 08, 2014, 01:46:35 PM
Hey, I don't know what you mean, but I thought I was clear.   I don't know you, I don't know saw troll. I don't know who knows what. I'm just saying what I know, and I do know it is obvious that you have an agenda with him by your posts here.  I'm just asking that what ever this is that is going on, does not happen here the way it is happening. It looks like a petty feud to the onlookers here.   I'm not saying who is in the right or who is in the wrong, or who knows what because again, I DONT KNOW.  I just want the quote and accusation methods to share knowledge to end.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: John Mc on January 11, 2014, 02:04:29 PM
As always, Jeff, thank you for your efforts to maintain a friendly and inclusive atmosphere on this site.  It's all too easy for a site to degenerate into a bunch of guys trying to "out-macho" each other (for some reason, sites focusing on working outdoors and/or with power equipment seem even more prone to this - kind of a "Tim-the-toolman-Taylor" syndrome with a dark side).

I'm not saying that is necessarily what is happening here, but your efforts to keep things from heading that way are appreciated. I've bailed out of a number of sites that don't do a good job of this... I just don't have the patience to wade through the crap that results.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: SawTroll on January 11, 2014, 05:35:07 PM
Quote from: beenthere on January 08, 2014, 12:48:53 PM

.....

Maybe Sawtroll loses some of his intended message in the English translation. Just a thought.

Hardly, but I may miss the meaning of slang and local expressions when reading.  ;)
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: 7sleeper on January 11, 2014, 05:42:49 PM
Quote from: SawTroll on January 11, 2014, 05:35:07 PM
Quote from: beenthere on January 08, 2014, 12:48:53 PM
.....
Maybe Sawtroll loses some of his intended message in the English translation. Just a thought.
Hardly, but I may miss the meaning of slang and local expressions when reading.  ;)
I believe it has more to do with his backround as far as I understand...

7
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: ktoom on January 12, 2014, 03:39:22 PM
Well I finally got around to comparing my 545 and my 550xp. I was cutting in my huge pile of fresh red oak.

When cutting 3" rounds, you can feel the rev boost/more power of the 550xp vs the 545. In the 6" rounds, I could still feel a difference, but it wasn't as noticeable. Finally, cutting 17" rounds, the saws felt almost the same and it was harder to feel any difference at all.

I really liked the power difference of the 550xp, for cutting the smaller rounds.

In "my" conclusion, the 550 shines in the smaller wood do to the rev boost. As the wood your cutting gets bigger, the 545 starts to feel the same as the 550xp.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: 7sleeper on January 12, 2014, 03:43:09 PM
Quote from: ktoom on January 12, 2014, 03:39:22 PM
Well I finally got around to comparing my 545 and my 550xp. I was cutting in my huge pile of fresh red oak.

When cutting 3" rounds, you can feel the rev boost/more power of the 550xp vs the 545. In the 6" rounds, I could still feel a difference, but it wasn't as noticeable. Finally, cutting 17" rounds, the saws felt almost the same and it was harder to feel any difference at all.

I really liked the power difference of the 550xp, for cutting the smaller rounds.

In "my" conclusion, the 550 shines in the smaller wood do to the rev boost. As the wood your cutting gets bigger, the 545 starts to feel the same as the 550xp.
Thanks for the very informative comparison!

7
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: woodchipper95 on January 12, 2014, 07:45:00 PM
Quote from: ktoom on January 12, 2014, 03:39:22 PM
Well I finally got around to comparing my 545 and my 550xp. I was cutting in my huge pile of fresh red oak.

When cutting 3" rounds, you can feel the rev boost/more power of the 550xp vs the 545. In the 6" rounds, I could still feel a difference, but it wasn't as noticeable. Finally, cutting 17" rounds, the saws felt almost the same and it was harder to feel any difference at all.

I really liked the power difference of the 550xp, for cutting the smaller rounds.

In "my" conclusion, the 550 shines in the smaller wood do to the rev boost. As the wood your cutting gets bigger, the 545 starts to feel the same as the 550xp.

This is what I thought would happen! Bout time I get something right, thanks so much for the post. I will be cutting around 10''-14'' so I think the 545 is the right choice for me.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: Rob5073 on January 13, 2014, 11:10:00 AM
I used my 545 recently at a friend's house to cut down a pecan tree that was severely affected by drought conditions.  It was about 14" dia. and didn't have any problems dropping it.  Did the limbing and bucking as well.  Nice saw!  :)
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: Spike60 on January 13, 2014, 07:43:23 PM
Interesting conclusions there. I would have expected that the comparison go the other way. In that they'd be close in the smaller wood, say in the 8" to 12" range, but the higher rated power of the 550 would become a factor as the wood got larger. Especially going up to 17". Guess I'm going to have to take a 545 or 2252 of the shelf and do a little research here myself.  :)

But either way, it validates what I and some others have been saying for a while now. The 545/2252 and 555/2258 are great saws and great values that are being overlooked. Not really new in the Husky world either. In most every instance, the "detuned model" sharing a chassis with an XP is a lot closer in performance than most will think. And for cutting firewood, which is what most of us do, the less peaky non XP model is fine.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: rburg on January 13, 2014, 08:16:45 PM
I recently purchased a 2252 and have been happy with it so far. It compares favorably with my broken in 346. For my needs, I think it will suit me fine. Currently, it has an 18" bar with 23 rs chain on it.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: SawTroll on January 13, 2014, 08:57:35 PM
Quote from: Spike60 on January 13, 2014, 07:43:23 PM
...... 

But either way, it validates what I and some others have been saying for a while now. The 545/2252 and 555/2258 are great saws and great values that are being overlooked. Not really new in the Husky world either. In most every instance, the "detuned model" sharing a chassis with an XP is a lot closer in performance than most will think. And for cutting firewood, which is what most of us do, the less peaky non XP model is fine.

My experience with the 353 and the 50cc 346/2153 tells me that the differense in performance seems larger than the specs indicate, and the xp is much nicer/more fun to use....

The ones that don't want to spend the extra money for the xp should stay a long way away from them!
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: Spike60 on January 14, 2014, 09:28:43 AM
Quote from: SawTroll on January 13, 2014, 08:57:35 PM
Quote from: Spike60 on January 13, 2014, 07:43:23 PM
...... 

But either way, it validates what I and some others have been saying for a while now. The 545/2252 and 555/2258 are great saws and great values that are being overlooked. Not really new in the Husky world either. In most every instance, the "detuned model" sharing a chassis with an XP is a lot closer in performance than most will think. And for cutting firewood, which is what most of us do, the less peaky non XP model is fine.

My experience with the 353 and the 50cc 346/2153 tells me that the differense in performance seems larger than the specs indicate, and the xp is much nicer/more fun to use....

The ones that don't want to spend the extra money for the xp should stay a long way away from them!

Well,  I was never a big fan of the 353 and it could very well be an exception to the rule. But that being said, you should not extend your conclusions about the 353/346 to all of the other saws we are talking about without getting the chance to actually compare them side by side.
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: 7sleeper on January 14, 2014, 12:04:46 PM
Quote from: SawTroll on January 13, 2014, 08:57:35 PM

My experience with the 353 and the 50cc 346/2153 tells me that the differense in performance seems larger than the specs indicate, and the xp is much nicer/more fun to use....

The ones that don't want to spend the extra money for the xp should stay a long way away from them!
I know a pro who swears his 353 runs better than his and other 346xp he tried. He never stops talking about the 353 being simply more "torquier"... And he is a chainsaw nut with lots of saws, all tuned to their peak performance.

7
Title: Re: 545 vs. 550xp
Post by: John Mc on January 14, 2014, 01:08:29 PM
All I know is, I like my 2152 (sister saw to the 353). It does what I want it to, and runs reliably.

Would I like to own a 346XP or a 550XP? Sure, but not enough to retire a perfectly good 2152 (especially when I have a 357XP for when the 2152 comes up lacking)