Summary:
great

Strengths:
this saws awesome

Weaknesses:
none

Summary:
great

Strengths:
decent power reliable sturdy I dropped one 20 feet out of a tree I was removing nothing broke

Weaknesses:
heavy

Summary:
I bought this saw after my old Stihl 026 would cost more in repairs than it would to buy a new saw. It's pretty fast cutting, especially with a yellow bar and yellow chain (not the green anti-kickback type). After doing lots of consecutive cuts, it does feel a lot heavier a lot faster than my old saw did, but it works great otherwise.

Strengths:
Lots of power, the decompression valve makes it easier to start when cold, though it's not even necessary after the saw has warmed up a bit. It can run an 18" to a 25" bar, though it will handle a 30" bar with a semi-chisel chain. There is a slight decrease in performance running the 30" bar, as would be expected.

Weaknesses:
Gets heavy after a while, and the bar tensioner hangs up at times when trying to move it far back in the slot. I also miss the translucent fuel tank that my old saw had. Stihl branded accessories are pricey, and only available through authorized dealers, so OEM parts can't be bought over the internet.

Summary:
Slightly dissapointed, but it runs like a warhorse if you can get it started.

Strengths:
Very powerful saw even with a 25" bar. Eats through 20 - 24" trees in record speed.

Weaknesses:
A ROYAL PAIN to start when cold (room temperature). Offten the engine will flood it's self while trying to start cold. Then the plug has to be taken out, dried, and try to shake the heavy saw upside down to remove any access gas out of the cylinder. (No, I don't throttle it!) I have received no advise from my local dealer and would appreciate any input from folks with a remedy or like problems. lil.budro@verizon.net

Summary:
Great when running.

Strengths:
Cuts great

Weaknesses:
Hard to start cold. Floods!!! IF anyone know a fix for this I would love an e-mail. blue2_3@bellsouth.net.

Summary:
awesome saw well worth money spent

Strengths:
64cc motor,lots of power and cuts fast. 25 inch bar !! Will have no starting troubles if you know what your doing.

Weaknesses:
slightly heavy

Summary:
bad mamajama go buy one now !

Strengths:
Powerhouse !! cuts through trees like butter! I was going to buy a farm boss. When I compared the 390 to the 290 the both weighed the same so I went with the 390 more power same weight bigger bar if you need it. Mine starts 1 to 2 pulls cold 1 pull warm!

Weaknesses:
none unless you got pencil arms like my brother

Summary:
best saw i ever bought

Strengths:
when you start your 390 stihl cold go full choke until it fires one time after it fires once flip your switch to fast idle pull and she will fire up no problem

Weaknesses:
none

Summary:
a great choice for the heavy cutting needs of most farmers or firewood cutters and it saves $ compared to the 361 a small light saw for limbing like the ms 260 or ms250 is good to have. the 390 saw is heavy compared to ms260. but the small saws are not good for a 20" bar like 390 can handle.

Strengths:
Wide Power band w/ 20" bar, its 64cc, there is no replacement for displacement lower $ than pro saw like the 361 not too heavy has forged rod & crank bearings are pro style so it is a rugged design fast cutting with full chisel chain low vibration

Weaknesses:
plastic sprocket cover one piece sprocket clutch cover- replace with pro style when its worn out you can't say its a 361, and its heavier than 361. yes, the 361 is a great saw, if it only was only $479 and in stock when I bought

Summary:
great saw. i would recommend to any some what expeirenced user,

Strengths:
great saw, got it in the late winter/spring. i've never had any problems starting regardless of temps. and it runs like a champ. my saw has an 18" bar the price was right and they were running a deal on chains for that size bar w/purchase. i will be stepping up to a larger bar and full skip chain. and theres not a doubt in my mind that the saw can handle it.

Weaknesses:
the only real weakness is the size of the saw. its harder to get around than a smaller saw. but anylarge saw will have that problem. the weight isn't a factor the 390 wieghs the same as a 290 but has more power. the only concern i have is with the oiler. it doesn't seem to me to be oiling enough, so im going to switch to stihls oil and try that. but the bar and chain are in great shape, no burn marks.

Summary:
I love the saw. I own the 361 and its a better saw than the 390 but my 390 almost hangs right with the 361. I use both saws but the 361 is worth the extra cost if you use it all day, lower weight less vibration just make things easier. But I don't mind using the 390 all day either. both are good saws.

Strengths:
Price,displacement or wide power band, sounds good too. This saw is for the experienced user, I do not recommend it for the casual user due to its high power. Has pro style crank bearings and forged rod for durable performance.

Weaknesses:
Vibration system is rubber so not as smooth as 361, no clear fuel tank, needs the replaceable chain sprocket like the pro saw uses that can be added later.

Summary:
best saw i have ever used

Strengths:
very easy to use this saw. it starts very well, choke it till it kicks then flip to high idle and away we go. i do alot of storm damage clean up and also seasonal logging for walnut logs. i mainly use a 20" bar but also carry a 25" for the bigger trees. anyone that does much cutting can run this saw all day and will still have enough energy at the end of the day to go home and play with the kids. this saw will handle anything i throw at it.

Weaknesses:
there are no weaknesses as far as im concerned. the sprocket has lasted me more than 600 hours and is still in good shape. there is no problem with the oiler. just because the oil hasnt drained as fast as the gas doesnt mean anything. the 290 and the 310 will also make an unexperienced cutter a bit nervous with the oil consumption.

Summary:
Love it.

Strengths:
Great power! Sounds tough

Weaknesses:
A little heavy for the average person!

Summary:
overall im pleased and was cheaper than 361

Strengths:
good starting and running saw good power for most applications 25''bar is nice

Weaknesses:
alittle underpowered when cutting down big hardwoods but havent tried chisel chain yet needs bigger fuel tank

Summary:
GREAT saw. Love it, have had it for over a year now and would not buy any other saw unless I was cutting some BIG HARDWOOD. Muffler mod is easy, just look through arboristsite.com.

Strengths:
Good power, but more is available with ported muffler.*WINK* need to upgrade the oiler. Doesn't care what it's cutting. Running a 20" bar with full chisel full comp chain with the depth gauges filed down to the mark. Just cut some 10-11" red oak and it didn't care. I really want a 25" bar but have to wait to find the money....

Weaknesses:
Factory Muffler chokes it way back. Oiler does not put out quite enough volume.

Summary:
If you can't get it running under the "hood" if you will, you need to take the plug out and flip the plastic piece to open intake. Starts way better in cold. Recemended for temp under 50 degrees.

Strengths:
Lots of power runs no problem

Weaknesses:
None.

Summary:
Great saw for those whom know what there doing, shucks I have larger saws butt this saw is really smooth! the pounds dont bother me because of the speed it cuts! Awesome

Strengths:
Runs like a champ, I have cut a lot of wood this years and have not had a problem out of this saw, keep the chain sharp,blow out the air filter, I am now running a 18" bar and it sings!!! But I know this saw can take more..Have had it deep in to the trunk of trees and it is powerful..never miss a beat,fuel consumption is awesome.The oiler seams to be not working properly, but after talking to a stihl rep, it is built to researve 50% less oil, nice!!Have cut side by side with my buddies and noticed them refueling 2 to , I want name the brands they were using ...hehe!!!

Weaknesses:
Some plastic parts in places that i wish could have been left alone, however this done for weight, some EPA restrictions that hold it back. but we all know how to take care of that.

Summary:
Love this machine, I was forced to buy a new saw when my MS 290 ( The first chainsaw I ever bought, I was my baby, and I got it used. Used it to clear cut 20 acres ) SEIZED. That was a bad day. But now i have a brand new MS 390 and lovin it.

Strengths:
Great saw, runs as good if not better then my old MS 290. Starts really good in cold weather ( -14 C) I have a 20" bar on my MS 390 and it eats through wood alot faster then my old MS 290. Also I find the weight is the same as my old MS 290.

Weaknesses:
NONE

Summary:
It was good while it lasted, but I can't afford to keep buying new saws every time they wear out.

Strengths:
I cut about 15 cords of wood per year. Good Power.

Weaknesses:
Hard to start in the cold. This is the second Stihl I've burned out in 8 years. Very disappointing rate of breakdown for the cost of this product.

Summary:
Its a good saw, if you get a good one. I grew up loving Stihl, but the last three years I've been becoming a Huskey guy. We build log homes, harvest and mill our own lumber, so I've used chainsaws.

Strengths:
Starts well, smooth powerband

Weaknesses:
I bought a lemon, I read all these rave reviews about it, but I bought it new and the first week the switch went out. Then about a month or so later the oil pump went out. I got it fixed and it just went out again this last week, and I havent even used it much since last time i used it. I also feel its easy to bog down, my 359 huskey will truck through logs easier than the 390

Summary:
I've used this saw for about 5 years, have cleared 5 heavily wooded acres and cut approx. 100 cords of wood and have yet to replace the spark plug. I've run it over twice with my tractor and glued it back together with gorilla glue and still use it regularly. It's not my only saw but the one I prefer for most of my cutting.

Strengths:
Runs strong, day after day. Always starts, always runs great, not too heavy for what you get out of it.

Weaknesses:
None

Summary:
I would buy again if ever needed a new one. Great balance in power, affordability, weight and cut speed. Use Winter Grade Oil until about 50 to 55 outside b/c oil system will not keep up. I don't see how these can be destroyed or burned up. Then again, I never abuse or neglect mine baby... I mean saw!

Strengths:
Great Power! Great Brake! Love the ruggedness as my F-250 has tried squishing it with little sucess. Ended up replacing the plastic over the filter on that one. Cranks easily if I have used it within the month. (I do heavy use but have long times between use, 3 months normally)

Weaknesses:
Oiling system isn't as good when working with really hard woods like rock maple or big red oaks, ect. I have had some chain stretching issues because of this.

Summary:
Good strong saw. Like the decompressor valve. starts good.

Strengths:
Good saw. Always started and ran consistant. Good torque, step on the small logs or you will get a bruise.

Weaknesses:
Heavy. Had some vibration.

Summary:
Awesome saw. Highly recommend it to anyone who cuts and splits their own firewood. It has the same weight but tons more power than the Farm Boss and it'll get you through that huge pile of logs a lot quicker that the smaller saws.

Strengths:
Just bought this saw recently. I could tell from the moment I started it that it was going to be a HUGE improvement over my little MS250. On its very first startup, it only took a few pulls to get it going. After that, it will almost always start by the third pull (two on full, one on half). I cut 24"+ logs for firewood and this thing just burns right through them like butter. My suggestion, if you're relatively well experienced with chain saws, get a yellow full chisel chain and save the green chain for the dirty stuff. I have a 20" bar on mine but I bought it with the intention of getting a larger bar at some point. From what I can see so far, it'll easily handle a 24" (25") bar/chain. Huge power and makes saw dust like it's its job...wait...it IS its job. Great saw (so far).

Weaknesses:
None so far. It is a bit heavy but considering its power, I really shouldn't complain.

Summary:
GREAT BANG for your BUCK

Strengths:
Great power ratio... Used a $1000 magnum from my buddy however this $500 saw is just right for me.... On a 20 inch bar.... Perfect

Weaknesses:
A bit heavy however don't notice it once your using it. Just need to hit the weights on a regular basis LOL.

Summary:
Even if you are a homeowner and might have some bigger jobs in the future this saw is perfect! I have a 28 inch bar on mine, most people don't need anything bigger, it handles anything i can throw at it. As far as the wieght goes think about it, with power you want wieght! You don't want so much power kicking back into your leg do you? For an overall saw(home or forest) its WELL worth the money!

Strengths:
I was seriously thinking about getting a 460 but this 390 is AWSOME even with the 28 inch bar. There is enought power in this saw with the 28 bar and plenty left over for real heavy jobs. The brake engagment is nice, you dont have to push on it hard nor it doesnt set easily when its hit by branches.

Weaknesses:
There is enough power there, a person that has not worked with a saw much might have control problems until they get used to it. Have respect for it. And it is just abit heavy, but i don't think it bad.

Summary:
Another overrated Stihl

Strengths:
It runs sometimes

Weaknesses:
Breaks down

Summary:
best saw ever

Strengths:
awsome saw, cuts through anything

Weaknesses:
none. unless you have women arms and can't handle a little weight. just remember this saw it's made for everyday use. it's made for gettin down and dirty when you need it. Thats why these women cry on here

Summary:
I had been using a 025 stihl for a while before this. While it cut well it was a bit overwhelmed by what I was throwing at it. 025 has 3hp the 390 has 4.3. Trust me big difference. Same log the 390 is roughly a third faster going through it. A lot of reviews say t o just get the ms361 I couldn't justify the extra money. Plus its a professional unit, I'm not a professional. They say the 361 is lighter. What the hell is a pound?? If you have the arms to use it 1 pound is not enough to make the upgrade. As with everything in this world people always buy over and above what they REALLY need. If you are in my shoes and are using a 025 and are looking for an upgrade the ms390 is the best unit in the midrange saws. It has biggest engine which translates to more torque and hp. Is excellent on bar oil also which you can adjust the flow, plus its good on fuel as well. Has the forged heavy duty internals. Do your homework and buy what you need. Don't bother with the farm boss, or the 310 spend the little extra and get the ms390. Great saw, you won't regret the upgrade.

Strengths:
Plenty of power for big and small jobs

Weaknesses:
None I can see yet. The men on here, or by the way I've been reading they might as well be women complaining about the weight hit the gym and stop crying. if you have pencil arms you will have issues with this saw. If you have real man arms and like to work you won't have issues.

Summary:
A true 7 days a week saw . It took me 13 years to kill mine . I recomend a 20 blade and shap chain is a must. Compaird to husky 365 it has it whiped ! . A farmers freind . Farm Bose

Strengths:
Had my 039 for 13 years she's dead now but what a saw . I carved up dead beech with a 20 for years and and maintains an 8 hecter woodland . The saw is tough as old boots . I don't no what the new ms390 is like . I replaced my 039 with a ms441 and give it the beans every day . I don't think it will out live the legend that is 039 farm bose

Weaknesses:
Heavy for the weaker man

Summary:
If you want a Stihl get a MS260, MS362, MS441 or a MS660 the rest are low quality and over rated

Strengths:
Over rated Stihl name

Weaknesses:
Heavy, underpowered, Stihl cheapens them up every year, hard to start, low quality

Summary:
017 is 16 years old and zero problems. 025 is about 10 years old and no problems. Blower is 8 years old and had to replace fuel line once due to a small fuel leak. Weed trimmer less than 1 year old and the 4 stroke motor is great! I bought this 390 because I have had dependable use from all of my Stihl products.

Strengths:
MS 390 starts good and runs excellent. Full choke and when it pops to run drop the choke to the open high idle and it will run everytime. Anyone flooding it is using the full choke after the first fire of the engine will experience flooding. Any saw will. I have 3 Stihl saws,weed trimmer and blower and start all of them this way with no problems.

Weaknesses:
Heavier than my 025 but I expected that. It's a bigger saw. Cuts awesome!