If you have a little extra cash you can put into a saw, the MS361 (~$580). A little heavier than the 280, with a slightly bigger engine and about 25% more hp. A great saw by all accounts. A previous thread here in the Tool Shed.

I think the 290's and 310 are heavy for what they are. They are reliable saws though.

The 280 is only more expensive because it doesn't sell as many as the 290 and 310. The 290 is currently Stihl's #1 seller from what I've heard, hence the low price.

By all means skip over these saws and come up with another 2 bones and get the MS361. You'll be much happier in the long runs.

The 290/310 series are consumer grade saws with poor power to weight ratios.

Weight is the biggest beef with the 290/310/390. The 290 sells well because it is low priced for the size, the 310 is no longer available in Canada.
The 280, while a nice saw, has been discontinued here too because of poor demand. It was overpriced against the 290. Our best selling consumer saws are the 170 and 290 all because of price, most first time saw buyers don't give a damn about features.

if you've got the money definetly go with a MS-361...wish i could have one. but otherwise the extra money for the 280 gets you the extra safety feature and the quick chaintention thing. if you a first time chainsaw user thise feature may be worth the small loss of power and a little more $$$. if u dont care about safety as much...i would get the 310 or go up to a 390 as they are advertised as the same weight as the 390 but have more juice for a little more money. i beleive tho, that if you get a 390 u mine as well get a 361 as they are 50-60 in difference here.

any of the saw mention will work but the 361 will smoke them all in half the time.

The 280 is not built on the same chassis as the 290/310/390, it is an entirely different saw with lower weight, better ergodynamics, better spring/rubber anti-vibe, and better air filtration. The price difference is not an economy of scale issue.

The 290 is Stihl`s most popular selling farm saw because it is a pricepoint saw. To the underinformed it appears to offer alot at a fair price, maybe it does, but you couldn`t give me one.

While the 361 reads really nice, I'm doubting my need for a pro type saw. Cleanup after ice storm and some over due tree trimming can probably be done with a decent midrange saw. I'm sure owning a saw would lead to some firewood cutting, but probably not more than one cord a year, to be used mainly for camping. Thanks to all for opinions and comments, I really appreciate the feedback. REJ2.

REJ2,

Kudos for your honest appraisal of how you will use a saw. Sure, the 361 is a great saw and I like the 280 next best, I actually had one for as few months as a demo and now a friend owns it, but given what your needs are the 290 probably is the best saw for you as long as the weight doesn`t bother you.

Good luck in your decision.