Summary:
If you can only have one saw, this is it! can run up to a 24" bar but is better with an 18 or 20". Perfect for the serious firewood cutter. This is a truely professional quality saw.

Strengths:
Very smooth and powerful saw, has a great anti-vibe system

Weaknesses:
None found yet

Summary:
great saw

Strengths:
low vibe

Weaknesses:
none

Summary:
I've had used this saw 3 years without any problems, I would recommend this saw to anyone that cuts a lot of firewood.

Strengths:
great power to weight ratio, low vibration, very durable and dependable

Weaknesses:
none found

Summary:
greatcut 40 -50 loggercord firewood runs great

Strengths:
great power for 59cc saw cuts big timber like a 70-80 cc saw

Weaknesses:
gastank caps keep coming unhooked

Summary:
I'd replace it with another MS361 if I had too.

Strengths:
Fast cutting saw. Lightweight saw that has power. I use it for cutting firewood 14"-30" dia., otherwise I use a MS260Pro for the small stuff.

Weaknesses:
Need to keep it locked up so no-one stihl's it.

Summary:
Best all around saw on the market. Light enough to limb with but enough power to fell big hardwoods.

Strengths:
Very powerful, high rpm's and light weight. Cuts like a bigger saw.

Weaknesses:
None.

Summary:
Great saw for felling and bucking a few trees per year for wood stove.

Strengths:
Powerful, tool-free gas, oil, air filter, plug access, reliable

Weaknesses:
Loud, bit heavy, starting it takes 4-5 pulls- reliably, though.

Summary:
For the money, i would have purchassed a 440, for an extra hundred bucks you get twice the saw. Yes this is a light pro saw and should be used to cut trees no larger than 24 in. Running a 24in bar and chain bogs these saws down terribly. a 20 in bar/chain combo keeps the weight down and the power up.

Strengths:
Average all around saw, good for falling, limbing and bucking. Medium power to weight ratio (husky 357xp has more power and less weight). quick access to air filter is a bonus

Weaknesses:
Horrid cold starting (buy an arctic for the extra 150$), full wrap handle is a joke on this saw for falling large diameter trees, its a 3/4 wrap and is awkward if making a falling cut on the left side of trees (anyone still back bar on falling cuts??) gas tanks are not very durable, cracked mine first week of purchase, lack of power when saw is warmed up is kind of appaling. the tooless access for gas and oil is a joke, come on stihl use the same app as your bigger magnums please.

Summary:
super saw

Strengths:
unflappable

Weaknesses:
zero

Summary:
makes it a pleasure to be cutting wood.

Strengths:
destroys 24"t0 40" low stumps that were left over on my propety , i thought i would need a backhoe.What amazing power this saw has.

Weaknesses:
zilc.

Summary:
Best saw I have used in over 30 years. If you can afford it I highly recommend the 361

Strengths:
Great power to weight ratio. Rapid rate of cut. Truely a professional's saw.

Weaknesses:
None found

Summary:
After one week new and about 2 cords of wood, was unable to start the saw and had two full time 'pros' familiar with Stihl also unable to start it. Appears decompression feature broke and lots of gas in the flame arrestor/carb area. Had to take it back for service and it's still in the shop after one week's use. Not sold on Stihl and wondering if Stihl pads the internet with their own reviews.

Strengths:
Excellent power to weight. Makes short order for felling and bucking trees in 18 - 30 inch range.

Weaknesses:
Starting problems, suspect design of carb/spark/compression. Lack of reliability. Handle design limits cuts to right hand approach which can make cuts in areas with thick under brush difficult.

Summary:
A good saw with a 20" bar, have not tried the bigger bars.

Strengths:
good power at speed, low vibration, low weight,

Weaknesses:
need more handle clearance so my toe(steel toe) can hold down the saw while starting. Wish saw had just a few more cc in displacement to widen the power band like 64 cc like the 390.

Summary:
awsome saw can be used for anything

Strengths:
Great saw I have used mine for 2 years. I have a 25in stihl rolamatic es bar and this saw will scream. I use mine for falling trees, fire wood, climbing well about everything. I recently fell a white oak that was 43in on the stump the saw riped thrugh it like butter. the key to a good saw is maitnice kepping them sharp and haveing high and low adjustments tuned right. If you have these right in the 361 you can cut anything in the woods or your yard. its light weight powerfull and a reliable saw.

Weaknesses:
fule caps suck

Summary:
good but maybe the husky 357 COULD be better, but have never used one.

Strengths:
excellent power to weight ratio.

Weaknesses:
starting this saw is not easy. when im in the field i dont need to piss around starting my saw for 10 minutes!

Summary:
keep up on your maintenance and saw sharpening and you have yourself a wonderful machine.the saw cuts like it has a turbocharger in it when slicing through big trees and stumps.

Strengths:
superb power,great on fuel,super tough and extremely durable

Weaknesses:
i havent found anything wrong at all

Summary:
keep up on your maintenance and saw sharpening and you have yourself a wonderful machine.the saw cuts like it has a turbocharger in it when slicing through big trees and stumps.

Strengths:
superb power,great on fuel,super tough and extremely durable

Weaknesses:
i havent found anything wrong at all

Summary:
the new epa chokes them done and i hate the new caps but strong saw and easy to mantain 036 is a better choice the 028 is just as good if you get the super in good shape less plastic runs and cuts all day

Strengths:
easy to clean and mantain lots of power modify the exhaust and you can cut almost anything

Weaknesses:
the new caps suck if you can find a good oler 036 you dont have the epa cvarb and more power and the caps dont come of on there own

Summary:
I WOULD RECOMMEND THE SAW TO MY FRIENDS.EASY TO HANDLE AND REVS OUT 15,000+ ALMOST INSTANTLY.

Strengths:
STRONG SAW ,DURABLE, MINE POPS FULL CHOKE ONE PULL,STARTS ON 1/2 CHOKE 1-2 PULLS.AFTER WARM 1/2 PULL STARTS IT. DONT USE DECOMPRESSION V. VERY HIGH RPM.GREAT BALANCE AND LITTLE VIBE.

Weaknesses:
OILER TURNED ALL THE WAY AND IT JUST KEEPS UP BARELY.SURE LIKES THE FUEL TO MUCH.FILTER GETS DIRTY FAST,BUT IS QUICK TO CHANGE OR CLEAN

Summary:
This is the best overall single saw in the line up for most users. Many might find it a bit pricy for the occasional user, but look around for a used one and pick it up.. you will be happy you did vs getting an occasional use saw. Great value for the lower mid-range saw. Always find a spot on the shelf for another 361. Out of over two dozen saws, the 361 accounts for almost 20% of them. Good weight to power ratio. Good for all day use, you won't get tired easily, yet it will be big enough to handle most smaller to mid-sized jobs. Good fuel consumption. Great overall saw.

Strengths:
Good single saw for most users. Good power to weight ratio. Good performance for smaller to mid-range saw. Reliable.

Weaknesses:
Kind of sits in a bad spot for some, as it is rather close in size to the 441 and 260.. both very common saws for multi-use users. Not first choice if you are buying several saws.

Summary:
strong saw, but the best all around saw is the 044...made in germany...if you can get your hands on a nice one you better get it.....good power to weight ratio......i love mine and i would not trade it for anything......

Strengths:
great power

Weaknesses:
none

Summary:
I think I it will still be running years from now. I am now looking for a couple of smaller saws.

Strengths:
Handles a 26" bar with no problems. Went right through a large apple tree and to the stump down to with in 6" of the ground with no problems. Plenty of power. Starts easy and has good power to weight ratio. Does not seem to mind running on fuel I've had in it for months.

Weaknesses:
Must use at least 87 octane fuel. Subject to owner error. If you use the valve release thing you can flood the engine. Works best with the synthetic oil.

Summary:
Crappy

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
Doesn't last

Summary:
044 the best stihl saw that were ever made! period! the ms361 fall next in line

Strengths:
the stihl's ms361 is a great saw. but for the power to weight ratio you need to find and buy a 044. the 044 is the most powerful and easy to handle saw that i have ever used. I would not trade it for any other saw out there.

Weaknesses:
none on the 044, but the ms361 could use some more cc

Summary:
its a gr8 say for firwood but big enuff for the big hard wood

Strengths:
cant say nothing bad about it cute like a saw twice the size and small enuff the ol lady can run it

Weaknesses:
nothing

Summary:
I love this saw, and it is my favorite of all the saws I have now or have ever owned. Close seconds to the 361 are the 440 and the 260. Build quality on these US made 361s is just as good as the German made Stihls (get over it, people).

Strengths:
Very good Anti-vibration, easier to run all day than a 440. I have both saws. 440 is no longer sold in the US, and now the 361 is not made or sold here either. ;(... The 361 will run a 25 inch bar and chain no problems for me. Starting secret to the 361 is to NOT use the decomp when starting cold. Takes 3 or 4 pulls when starting cold. Well balanced saw, light, nimble, and easy to use, will fall large trees (to 28 inches) with little problem. Nice all-around chainsaw.

Weaknesses:
I do not like the newer tooless flippy oil and gas caps, I prefer the old Stihl screw-in caps. The factory muffler is pretty choked up and can stand to be opened up.

Summary:
i will never buy another stihl saw again

Strengths:
i couldnt find any strengths for this saw. i wasted the money to buy it i have a older poulan chainsaw that i have had for about fifteen years that starts and cuts faster then this saw and i havent had to put it in the shop ever. i got this stihl at the local farm and home and the warranty sucked and they didnt back it up after two weeks of use it was in the shop for the clutch then i got it back and the carbuerater wasnt right. i have been cutting wood for over twenty years and i think i will buy a husqaurvarna next time i have friends who have them and has never had problems with them i also have other saws and these stihls werent that great your paying for the name.

Weaknesses:
all the above

Summary:
great piece of equipment, if you can only afford one saw this would be the perfect size/weight for the money.

Strengths:
Very powerful saw, keeps giving you power

Weaknesses:
none so far

Summary:
The best saw ive ever used!!!!! This saw will run a husqvarna into the ground!

Strengths:
Awesome saw!!!!!!

Weaknesses:
None!

Summary:
I love Stihl!

Strengths:
A great biginners say.Affordable. I've cut 90 cords and now I want a bigger saw like the 460

Weaknesses:
Lacks of HP for an all day work day

Summary:
Awesome saw. Revs quickly, cuts like butter!

Strengths:
Powerful, starts easy. No vibration.

Weaknesses:
Seems extra loud.

Summary:
Best saw there is!

Strengths:
stihl is the best! I am a logger and have tried husky saws and they do not match up to stihl.My ms 361 will out last any husky saw!

Weaknesses:
none

Summary:
I've tried almost every companies pro saws stihl makes the best hands down.

Strengths:
Blows through wood, I've felled 36" Red Oak with no problems. I do about 40 cords of wood a year, and no complaints. If you are moving up to a pro saw and can only have one, this is it. I am going to get a 460 with a 25" bar and put the 16" on this for smaller stuff.

Weaknesses:
Don't use the decomp. valve when bitter cold. Fuel caps can be annoying

Summary:
used mcCoullough 700's 30 years ago logging ,these were70cc saws. Ive had my 361 3 years and I gladdly give up 11cc of power for the weight differance . dependable saw, works well with a 20"bar ,wouldnt recomend any larger . If you need a bigger bar than 20" on a regular basis, you also need a bigger saw on a regular basis.We cut hardwood in Ontario Canada red and white oak,maples,ash,hickory and beach. This saw performs like a 59cc saw should.

Strengths:
good saw for a 59 cc,havent had a gas cap problem yet,good revs,reliable

Weaknesses:
did not come with an operator,

Summary:
There are a lot of saws out there that are built just good and cut just as good for less money, the last time I'll pay extra for the Stihl name

Strengths:
Stihl name

Weaknesses:
Not much power, a little heavy..

Summary:
I like the saw a lot, I've had a couple Stihl's and wouldn't chose to run much else if you can afford it. I have a poulan and McCullough that i wouldn't cross a street to give away. I like the fact its so durable, never had any problems and I've abused it quite a bit.

Strengths:
Lighter than my old PM610 McCullough I'm so glad to be divorced from. Also cuts smoothly and wieghs enough to not have to force it, but not so heavy it's to heavy to run. Cuts anything I've asked it to including dead hedge. I can leave it in the back of the truck and let it rain/snow on it and not hurt it. The decompression button is nice as well.

Weaknesses:
Wife was mad about me spending the money.

Summary:
Not huge power but at 59cc's I say it does a fine job. For you folks that are complaining about the lack of power I say buy a bigger saw! They do make bigger stuff so go for it! As far as hard starting is concerned well its a PRO saw! If you want the weak bulb primer that will split eventually but makes starting faster then go buy a homeowner saw! Full choke with four pulls and get a burble then half choke and one or two more and off she goes has been my routine. Rate it for what it is...a great 59cc saw and stop thinking it should perform like a 75cc saw.

Strengths:
Light enough for the smaller limbing stuff and big enough for the bigger 32" trees but perfect for felling and bucking the 12" to 20" hardwood that is 95% of my cutting. Smooth and steady progress through red oak all day baby. I have an old Husky 266se that I love and this runs with it easily while providing better anti-vib.

Weaknesses:
None I have found so far. EPA closes off the mufflers on everything these days and so these can't run they way they potentially could. Not the fault of Stihl (or husky for that matter) but even with that little thing going on its still a great overall saw.

Summary:
The best saw I ever owned, If I were ever to upgrade, I would keep my 361. If I ever get another one, it might be a 440mag or 362

Strengths:
the power to weight ratio is the best available that I could compare anywhere, I wouldn't trade my in even if I was going to try and upgrade. This saw is my favorite for cutting firewood. I like the way it throws chips from large diameter oak trees like 10-15 feet, its like someone is spraying the chips out of a water-hose.

Weaknesses:
It was a couple of years before I learned not to set the de-compression button after the high choke mode and this made it much easier to start and also, if it is a little warm I still don't use the de-compression button

Summary:
i love this saw and not a damn thing wrong with i would recommend it or the new 362 that has just came out to replace it

Strengths:
i love this saw i am a silver level mechanic trained by stihl and i am reading alot of theses reviews and to me it sounds like you bought it from a bad dealership that dont know how to take care of the their saws or customers

Weaknesses:
if you drop a tree on it or run it over they are hard to repair

Summary:
I cut firewood and by no means a pro but from what I've heard about this saw I do not plan on buying another saw ever. This saw should make it until I quit burning wood when I retire and move to the gulf. I have considered going to a 20" bar but for the few times I could use a 20, I don't think I will. It would be just a little more length to get in the way. The hardware store I bought it from sells a lot of Stihl for a good reason. They know the product, keep a lot in stock, back it up and educate the customer. I highly recommend this saw and if you are near this dealer I highly recommend them also.

Strengths:
Has a lot of power, easy to adjust the chain as well as swapping out the chain, easy to service the air filter, oil and gas caps are super quick but be careful not to let saw dust in when you open them. I use a brush to clean any area on the saw I need to access. It always starts consistently. Once I didn't pay attention to what I was doing and I flooded it, ONCE. Can't be sure that the cold weather/warm weather plug is working other than the saw has never not worked for me, which says a lot. (other than flooding it once which was my fault) I have used it in temps from 0-80 Far. I haven't used it in really cold weather

Weaknesses:
Not really...Somebody mentioned their fuel tank broke right away. I know my saw is made like all the others and if it takes an unusual hit it may break like anything else. If you run a Hummer into a brick wall and break the grill you are not going to say the Hummer is under-engineered or is a piece of crap. Mine has fallen off my truck's tool box onto logs and rocks and has only been scratched. Actually I think it looks good with a few "scars" on it. This is a saw not a sewing machine.

Summary:
i dont know what it is but this saw just runs and runs. only broke 1 cord changed bar to a oregon same filter and plug and used endless chains.this saw is the best saw i ever had out of all the landing saws ive ran jonsered husky you cant beat a stihl.

Strengths:
ive ran this saw for a good 4 years.full wrap bar 28'' bar this saw is a fire line,brush cuttin,tree fallin power house champ.the wrap bar makes swingin the saw easy,and the longer bar makes buckin an limbin easier.ive fell up to 4ft pines,oaks,and cedars.this saw gets busy

Weaknesses:
they dont make it anymore.the 362 sucks.its to big and bulky.almost looks like a 391 which sucks also.

Summary:
Great saw! I'm on my 3rd or 4th bar and have lost count on the chains. (Junipers are hard on equipment!) I also use the saw with a Log Wizard peeler. I'd buy another 361 in a heartbeat if I needed to replace this one, but the way it keeps going, unless it is stolen or crushed, I won't ever have to.

Strengths:
Easy to start and runs all day. Almost no professional maint in 5 years of use. Good weight and power results in a versatile, capable, all 'round saw.

Weaknesses:
None

Summary:
I believe that a Husky will replace this MS361 soon. I will not have this saw nickle & diming me to death.

Strengths:
The saw will chew up large diameter logs. Purchased the MS361 to replace my 17 year old worn out Stihl 034. The MS361 ran great until the third year. I only us it to cut 30-40 face cords per year for home use.

Weaknesses:
The gas and oil caps continuly leak. On the third year, I have to replace a coil. I never had any of this with my 034! Even after 17 years.

Summary:
this is a great saw ! I would buy this saw again if need be.

Strengths:
powerfull,durable,smooth running engine and the balance is perfect ! their are only a few negative reviews on this site. most reviews for this saw are positive. I live in oregon and stihl chain saws dominate the timber industry, even gadeners and arborists prefer stihl pro saws.husky is also a good saw and respected by the above industries. those who claim that the ms361 is not a good saw are in the minority. a tool is only a good user ! if you want a quality saw that will last, stick with pro saws from stihl and husky.

Weaknesses:
I do not like the fuel and oil quick caps

Summary:
Good all round saw , takes a good thrashing and dosent stop

Strengths:
Like an 039 farm boss!

Weaknesses:
Cost

Summary:
SO FAR SO GOOD. NOT GOING TO HYPE THIS SAW JUST BECAUSE I OWN IT, IF IT WAS JUNK I WOULD SAY DONT BUY IT, YET ONLY USED 2 SEASONS.

Strengths:
IT IS A STHIL.. LOOK AROUND WHAT ARE THE PRO'S USING? STHIL!

Weaknesses:
COLD STARTING CAN GET FRUSTRATING.ONLY HAD THE FEUL CAP PROBLEM ONCE, AND I THINK THAT WAS MY FAULT..