I now understand the overall value of the bigger saws with good 3/8 chain. I really like 50cc, and 60cc saws for that matter, but there is a good reason to run 70cc and above even if your not needing the longer bars.
Yep - stepping up to my 372xp was an eye opener - makes fast work of a lot of wood - if I was starting out with no saws, I think I'd be going 50cc and 70cc for a two saw plan. I like the 60cc saws a lot and have ran quite a few, but for the cash, I don't think I'd buy one if I was limited to two saws. If were limited to one saw, well, I'd hit a 60cc saw. Cheers!
For me it was like went I went from a 026 and 028 to the stihl 361. Just makes the work that much easier overall when you go 70cc or above in alot of situations for firewooding IMO.
I had a 084 with .404 chain. Used the same file as with 3/8" chain. Was a natural chain for that saw. With all my saws 50+ cc I use regular 3/8" chisel chain. I have some 45cc saws with .325 chisel chain.
The wider kerf of the 3/8 plus plenty of power to pull it is very forgiving when blocking and limbing imo
