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This is an unscientific comparison of a Husqvarna 346XP and an Echo CS-490 Chainsaw. The 346XP did not have a new chain but was using a recently sharpened full chisel chain. The Echo CS-490 was using an almost new safety chain. The 346XP was maybe a half second faster than the CS-490, but quite close in cut time. I was surprised the Echo was that close to the 346XP.

Thanks for the input guys. I also have a Husqvarna 346xp, which I also did a muffler mod and changed the coil to an unlimited one. It's a real ripper!! Of course they no longer make it and now only have the 550xp, which is stratto design with an auto-tune carb. It's harder to find a true 2-stroke (non stratto) pro saw these days with regular carb. Actually I might go turn that 346xp loose on that log (lol). Also have a pre-stratto Husqvarna 372xp, which is ported with a muff mod. Talk about a screamer.

Cut times improves from 15 seconds to 9 seconds, and the wood was larger with the cuts with the muffler mod. That is 40% less time. Impressive I would say.

OK Guys, Here is the Muffler Mod Video. Must say the muffler mod really woke up this little saw. Mind you it's still not a hot rod like the Husqvarna 346xp, but still has decent performance. Hopefully will pick up some power after breakin.

This little Echo only retails for $350. One of the best values around for a 50 cc saw with Pro Features IMO.

I did a muffler mod on the saw today. Will post a video of the saw with the muffler mod and cutting the same wood as recorded when all stock. Must say that opening up the exhaust really woke this saw up. Also removed the high and low limiter tabs on the carb adjustment screws and richened up the high about 1/8 turn (counter-clockwise). The saw has better throttle response and running about 1000 rpms higher at WOT. Also not wanting to bog as much if you lean on it. Will keep it at 12,000 rpms WOT till breakin.

Most Milwaukee tools are also made in CHina now. Just because something is made in China does not automatically mean it's junk. Hand tools are probably the least complicated tools there are, and have not changed in decades. I've been very satisfied with both Craftsman and Husky Tools. Anything breaks, just take it to the nearest retail store and get a new item. Have never had one break.

I have a Husqvarna 346xp, which is a 50 cc professional saw. The 346xp is much more powerful.

The muffler on this saw is extremely chocked up, with only 3 small notches in the deflector. Really don't see how it breathes, but seems to perform decent. It does want to bog if you lean on it in 14 inch plus wood, but hopefully it will gain some power after breakin.

I recently got a new Echo CS-490 Chainsaw. This is a brand new model from Echo and is targeted for the mid-level 50 cc market. It has features normally only found on professional saws, such as magnesium case, quick-remove cylinder, auto adustable oiler, side chain tensioner, and inboard rim sprocket. Best of all it only weighs 10.6 lbs and cost $350. http://www.echo-usa.com/Products/Chain-Saws/CS-490 Here is a video review I did of the Echo CS-490.

The 450 is a nice little homeowner quality saw. I just got a comparable Echo CS-490, which competes with the Husqvarna 450. The CS-490 is also 50.2 cc but has a magnesium case, auto adjustable oiler, quick-change cylinder. side access chain tensioner, and weighs only 10.6 lbs. It also only retails for $350. http://www.echo-usa.com/Products/Chain-Saws/CS-490 So far I have had no problems with the echo, but it's not near as powerful as my Husqvarna 346xp.

Husqvarna does not make saw chains. THey source out the chains to Oregon.

Really can't go wrong with any of the top brands in the mid-to-high level blowers. I to would avoid those cheap backpack blowers. Would rather just use good hand held.

The retail price is only $329.95, which is very competitively priced for a mid-level blower

I recently obtained the newly released Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower. It has a 58.2cc 2-stroke engine and produced an air stream at the tube of 510 cfm and 215 mph. The dry weight is 22.7 lbs and it has a 68.3 oz fuel tank. My first impression before using it was there was not enough power, however, after using it the power has proved to be sufficient to move heavy piles of water soaked leaves. The ergonomics are very good and it has a molded back plate that circulates fresh air across your back, Here is a video review I did for the Echo PB-580T. I also have a Stihl BR600 Backpack Blower, which is bit lighter and has more power. The Stihl has provided 3 years of maintenance free service and starts every time. The Stihl BR600 is a better machine, but it's also $170 more expensive than this Echo model. The Echo PB-770T would be the comparable unit for the Stihl BR600.