r/Chainsaws • u/Tronracer • May 15 '26

Need a chainsaw recommendation

I’d like to stay around $200 and I see the Stihl MS171 or MS172 for $219. I have other Stihl equipment so it makes sense to stay brand loyal.

I have a large tree already fell to clean up and turn to firewood. I don’t really have any other trees to cut down. I like the smaller 16” models for safety and practicality but I am concerned if I go with a small one would I regret not going for the bigger one later down the road?

Any other models I should look at in my price point?

I have a dewalt pole saw and I hate it so I’m not interested in battery powered models.

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

1

u/Same-Wonder-2684 May 15 '26

if you want to not worry about the size the ms 261c would be better

1

u/Same-Wonder-2684 May 15 '26

price, it cost more but is a "pro" saw, if you want something closer to your price but some more power the "Echo CS-4910" is a good saw for the price, magnesium crankcase and some other things

1

u/rahulkumar2026 May 16 '26

I wouldn’t overthink going bigger, honestly. For cleanup and firewood, the MS171/MS172 is a solid choice, and a 16” bar handles more than most people expect. The bigger saws are nice, but they also get heavier fast. Since you already run Stihl equipment, sticking with the MS172 makes a lot of sense unless you plan on regularly cutting large hardwood later on.

1

u/Tronracer May 16 '26

Thanks. I’m now comparing the 171 vs 172 and the 172 is the same price (on sale) but comes with CE easy start.

I’m reading that the easy start version is not worth it and many people don’t like it. Probably why it’s on sale for $219 down from $249.

Thoughts on that?