Current line up ms261c, 562xp, ms441c. I have really been considering a ported saw, mainly a ported 562xp . My current 562xp is a 2013 model. No issues with it except hot starts early on, which I contribute to operator error. I really enjoy this saw. My delima is weather I should port it or buy a new one and have it ported. I understand it would be far less expensive to port my current one. I have been underwhelmed with the 441c, and just don't feel the 261c would give me the best bang for my buck.
What about having the 441c ported. You are talking a 70cc saw versus a 60cc saw. If that 441c is ported and done correctly it should put that 562c to shame. It really depends on what your looking for. If you want a faster saw and do not mind the extra weight then the 441c is what I would port.
I had a 562xp ported by Randy... it was a pleasure to run... but a good port job should make your saw smile a more... or I’ve got a good ported saw in the for sale section... then you don’t have to wait...
Just an opinion ,and it’s worth what you paid for it . But, of the two saws you own , I’d have the 441 ported . Then maybe get an ESlite ,or other type of light weight bar for it at some point .
John nailed it, what do you use the most? I have an 026, 261 and 461 ported. I use the 026 and 261 the most, they might just surprise you. If you are lucky someone near you may have one you can test drive. Or there may be GTG and you could try lots to see what fits your needs the best. Chvymn99 has a nice looking 044 that was ported by MMWS. My 461 is ported by MMWS, its a beast of awesomeness.
The good news is, there is no wrong answer. All three of your saws are really nice stock and will be even better ported. If you port the 562 you won't really "need" the 441 anymore. Likewise, a ported 261 will make a stock 562 somewhat redundant. Definitely think about your goals and which one you will be using the most. But... one one is ported, you will "want" to do the rest.
I would sell the 562 and 441, buy a new 60cc saw in the color you like best, have it ported and not have any $ come out of your pocket. A ported 60cc will cut like a 70 and you'll never pull the rope on that 441 again.
Thank you everyone for the replys. To to answer the question Redfin posted, I use the 562 the most. As a firewood scrounger I never know what I'm getting into. The 562 has pretty much handled all tasks. Not to mention I just seem to like the ergonomics of the 562 . As I said before I find the 441c a little underwhelming, but maybe I was just expecting a little more out of it. I don't see myself using it enough to consider having it ported. As for the 261c I just can't see it replacing the 562 ported or not. lukem that is the way I'm leaning. I feel like the updates to the 562xp would be worth starting with a new one. I would keep the 261c as a backup saw so I would have a saw to use in the meantime. Of course I could sell the 441c and 562xp and buy new 572 XP whenever they make it to our Shores.
After really assessing my use I think I'm leaning towards selling both my 562xp and 441c. I will buy a new 562xp and have it ported, then get my 261c ported. Thoughts or recommendations on who to use for porting? I know there are many out there. Some prefer starting with new saws others don't care either way.
I will only speak for the ones I own. huskihl ported my 026 and 261, his workmanship is awesome, I highly recommend him. My 461 is ported by MasterMind Work Saws , it is awesome, also highly recommended. There are other good porters that others that have experience can give experience. I pick the 261 up most.
I’d just get the current 562 ported. I have several saws here, all ported by different guys (DozerDan, Eric Copsey, Saun Carr, Mike Lee). Haven’t had a bad experience yet. I’d seriously consider Kevin (huskihl). I’m not sure Alan (AWOL) is on FHC, but his 562 is top notch. Even though I’ve not run one, from what others say and what I’ve seen in video, I’d say he’s just got that model figured out.
If you're contemplating porting your current 562, look to see which carb it has on it. It'll be on the side of the carb. The earliest was an EL44, then EL46, and the current production is an EL48. Some EL46's were problematic. Any of them can be upgraded to the current EL48. They turn up pretty nice
Funny you should mention Alan. I reallylike wwhat I have seen from him and the 562xp. I am in the process of working with him now to port a new 562xp for me. I have found a new one in Ohio for a great price and I will have it drop shipped to Alan. He is located about 2 hours north of me and come down to my local area about every other week. Once done I'll just meet him and pick it up.
huskihl your name was another highly mentioned. I will be speaking with you when I get ready to port my MS 261c.
I had Terry (wicked work saws) port my 562 n 395.....very satified with the performance. I had the the 562 for a while n could tell a signifigance gain between stock n ported. The 395...sent to him new... He turned both saws around in 4-6 weeks
+1 for huskihl Once he gets his finners on the saw they really rip. I have a 2149 that absolutely hauls the mail.
