Stihl 500i reviews and opinions

I’ve narrowed my next saw down to a few saws and the next one I’m considering is the stihl 500i.

Any feedback or opinions from firewood cutters. I’ve read the air filtration system isn’t the best but the power to weight ratio is outstanding

Any input would be appreciated

 

I thought it ran nice. Smooth for a saw definitely.

 

I currently run a ported 362c. Do you think it’d be a noticeable difference between the two saws? The 500i is a little over a pound heavier which doesn’t concern me just trying to see if it’s worth the $1,700

 

No personal experience just the scuttlebutt I've read over the years. Filtration is not outstanding due to the fuel injection taking up space where the 'cyclonic' preclean used to happen. Many seem to think that they are thirsty for their size. Everyone agrees that they run like a stabbed rat, it seems.

I look for the following generation of FI saws from Stihl to be a step above current. They'll have a lot of data to work off of from the 500s.

 

No complaints here ,

 

It’s light. The power is just ok imo. I would have Kevin juice it if I were to get one for myself.

 

Stock 500i's are underpowered for the hype they get, in my opinion. It's not going to be cheap when it breaks down and you can't always fix it yourself.
A ported 362 is a good saw. A ported 372 or 390 would be my move if I were you.

 

buZZsaw BRAD Maybe you can put in your $.02 worth on this topic.

 

Oh boy. You asked for it. LOL
You got change for a hundred.

 

If I had to do it again?

I’d get an MS400.

 

C

 

The MS400 is the same weight/frame as the 362 with better power. They port phenomenal, I’ve ran Brad’s and I must say it’s impressive. The 500i is a great saw, but the 7900 ported is right there with a ported 500i. Think of the MS 400 a zippier version of a 268XP but lighter weight.

 

Highest CC saw I own. Lightning fast acceleration! Doesn't get used a whole lot but with just the 20" bar it devours wood. Kinda overkill, but I keep it in the rotation of running all my higher CC saws. I've run it with a 36" bar with full skip chain. Maybe not like a higher CC saw but it can handle it.

What size wood will you be cutting creek chub?

 

Got a good laugh out of that one.

How about your .02c on a 500 seeing since you own one?

 

IMO no.

 

That’s a good question. I honestly don’t know but there are some big oaks blown down on the farm and my 18” bar is generally about half the diameter of the trunk

 

Ported or non ported I run a 28” bar full comp chain on my 67 to 80cc saws for bucking. My Ported 7900, Solo 680, 390XP and 395XP run a 32” bar full comp for bucking. Noodling I prefer to run a 24” bar with full comp chain. These are just a reference, I’m 5’9 and hate bending over (actually it’s my back that hates bending over). Skip can be a long bar equalizer for sure. I run a 24” full skip on my XS 346XP. It will pull a 28” power wise, the oiler needs a mod to run this bar length for any duration.

 

My 500 came with a 25" bar that would handle oak that size. I've also ran it with a 28" with equal results. Im the type of cutter who doesnt use more bar than I need. Only have run the 36" bar a handful of times on it.

Here's the thread on my 500i from 2021.
WHi AM i SO EXiTED?

 

No complaints with mine. Only thing I don't like is it doesn't get used enough.