STIHL MS 261 vs MS 291: Which Chainsaw is Your Best Bet?
You’re in the market for a 20" chainsaw, and you’ve narrowed it down to two popular STIHL models: the MS 261 and the MS 291. They look similar, have comparable features, and the price difference is only about $90. So, how do you decide which one is right for you? We're going to break down the key differences and discover which one gives you the most bang for your buck.
Build Quality: Plastic vs. Metal
One of the most significant differences between these two chainsaws is the construction of their bodies.
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MS 291: The body is made from poly-plastic, which is fine for casual use, but over time and with regular, tough jobs, plastic wears down. This model is aimed more at the homeowner and light-duty users.
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MS 261: On the other hand, the body of the MS 261 uses a magnesium alloy, which is much stronger and more durable. The sprocket cover is also metal on the 261, while the 291’s is plastic. This makes the 261 better suited for commercial users or anyone who needs a tool that’s going to take a beating and keep on going.
Magnesium isn’t only about strength; it also plays a role in weight. We’ll get to that below.
Handle Design and Start Mechanism
Starting a chainsaw can sometimes be rough on your hands. Let’s look at the two different handle setups:
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MS 291: Basic handle, where a rope pulls directly through a plastic grip with a knot. It’s standard and does the job, but that's about it.
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MS 261: This one features STIHL's ElastoStart handle, offering more than just a grip. There’s a spring inside the handle that absorbs some of the shock caused by the compression of the engine. If you’ve ever had the rope snap back and hurt your fingers, this feature is a lifesaver.
Despite the beefier handle, what you'll really appreciate, especially after long hours of cutting, is the decompression valve on the 261. This adds just enough pressure relief to make pulling the cord easier, especially when starting the saw after it’s already warmed up.
Weight Comparison: Does a Pound and a Half Matter?
For those who use chainsaws all day long, weight truly matters.
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MS 291 weighs 14.87 lbs with the bar and chain.
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MS 261 comes in at 13.49 lbs.
While it might not sound like a lot, that extra pound and a half can add up quickly when you’re working for hours. Carrying around and using a chainsaw repeatedly is a lot like curling a dumbbell repeatedly at the gym—the lighter one will always feel better by the end of the day.
Engine Performance: Power and Longevity
Though the MS 291 has a slightly bigger engine at 55.5cc vs. the MS 261’s 50cc, the smaller engine on the 261 generates more horsepower.
- MS 291: 3.76 HP
- MS 261: 4.0 HP
That’s a noticeable jump, and this comes down to more efficient engineering on STIHL’s part. But power isn’t the only story here. Professional-grade components in the MS 261 are designed with longevity in mind. Beyond the horsepower, you’ve got things like:
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An anodized aluminum muffler that’s built to handle commercial workloads on the 261. On the 291, the muffler, while functional for a homeowner, can rust and even fail under heavy, professional use.
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The air filters differ as well. The 291 comes with a basic fleece filter, whereas the 261 uses an upgraded heavy-duty filter straight out of the box.
Sprockets: When Replacement Time Comes
Chainsaws require maintenance, and one component that eventually needs replacing is the sprocket.
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MS 291: Uses a drum sprocket. The downside is that when you need to replace it, you have to swap out the entire drum, which costs more and takes more effort.
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MS 261: Comes with a rim sprocket, which makes replacements easy and a lot cheaper. When it wears out, you only have to swap out the rim, saving both time and money.
In a professional setting, where downtime equals lost income, having a simpler sprocket change can make a big difference.
RPM: Speed Matters
When it comes to cutting speed, RPM (revolutions per minute) is a good indicator of how fast the saw blade will move through material.
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MS 291: Typically runs at about 13,000 RPM (without the bar and chain attached).
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MS 261: We clocked this model at about 14,450 RPM.
That extra punch in RPM means you’ll be able to make sharper, quicker cuts with the 261. What surprised us most was how little the RPM dropped even after attaching the bar and chain. Both saws performed incredibly well, but the 261 held strong near 14,220 RPM, even with the bar attached. So not only does this saw have more horsepower, but it holds its speed under load better, too.
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
At the end of the day, both chainsaws are excellent tools depending on who you are and what you want to do. However, we need to address the $90 difference.
If you’re a homeowner who only uses a chainsaw a few times a year, the MS 291 might be all you need. It’s a solid, reliable machine that will get the job done around the yard.
But, if you plan on using this tool regularly, especially for heavy-duty work, the MS 261 is worth every extra dollar. The magnesium body, higher RPM, lighter weight, and overall better internal components make it a saw that’ll go the distance. For $90 more, the upgrades are almost too good to pass up. In my opinion, it’s a saw you could pass down to your kids—it’s that durable.
Getting the Most Out of Your Chainsaw
Whichever saw you pick, you’ll get STIHL’s trusted performance. But if you spend just a little extra, you can go from what’s good enough to something that’s truly built for the long haul.
Still not sure which saw is right for you? Check out these related guides:
Products Discussed In The Video
- STIHL MS 261 Professional Chainsaw
- STIHL MS 291 Gas Chainsaw
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1 comment
Gregory Domincovitch
Bought 100 wooded acres in TN during the financial Failures of the mid 80’s thru the Homelites in the hugh brush piles and bought my 65 and 181 Huskies and have never had a problem other than finding parts for 49 year old saws, The 181 needed a compression release,stole one from a Stihl in the Co-op junk pile. At 78 I was needing some help on the 70+cc saw.(lol) best of luck with those Stihl ’s.