288XP vs PS7900

[Derf]

These two saws are from different times, but have similar displacement and cult-like followings.

Which would you rather have / use, a Husqvarna 288XP (low or high top, regular or lite, doesn’t matter), or a Dolmar PS 7900 (or 7910)? And why?

Discuss.

 

[huskyboy]

I prefer the 7900/7910 chassis saws for the kind of work I do with a 20/24/28” bar (mostly medium size hardwood logging or firewood). It’s smoother and much more refined overall. However with a long bar say a 32” full comp in hardwood, the 288 is no question a better chassis to hold up to that kind of strain/abuse... it’s a larger saw with more torque. Really comes down to what your gonna use it for. Imo the 7900 is more comparable to a ms460 than a older 90cc saw like a 288 imo.

 

[CR888]

Id rather start up a 288 set it down & listen to it idling then pick up a 7900 & buck up some nice 20"+ wood. 79-series for day to day work as there current easily replaceable with new parts availability, 288xp for play and to sit proud in your collection.

 

[foeke]

I'm in the 7910 camp.
288 xp has an extra kilo I can't carry a day.
The 390 XP I would like a tad more. But still to heavy for my 70 kg keyboard warrior body.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G955F met Tapatalk

 

[XP_Slinger]

Since I don’t have a 7900/10...288 FTW! Lol.

In all seriousness I’ve never run a 7900, hope to someday. But, I’m one of those weirdos that likes solid rubber mounts and lower rpm old school torque. Currently my ported 372XPW sits on the shelf for felling duty, not saying it’s a 7900 but it is comparable in size. For a day cutting firewood on a log pile my 288 sits and the 372 comes out. I imagine it might be the same if I had a 7900...but who knows.

 

[Marshy]

I have a MMWS ported 288 and love the torque. I now own a 7900 play saw that Kevin built and it has a pipe. The extra weigh the 288 has is very noticable even though the 7900 has a pipe. They don't even feel like the same class saw just going on handle weight. I was surprised at the difference between the two. Maybe I should fill them both up with fluids and weight them.

I cant compare the two saws in the cut. Completely different animals.

 

[Lightning Performance]

7900
modern tech, better handling, parts and 288's are not my thing.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

I also have not tried a 7900 but I own a 288 and a 390 and can attest to how the power curve was "moved" between those two. The 288 definitely has more lower RPM grunt and the 390 likes to rev a bit more. After it all shakes out, I think the two are pretty evenly matched in terms of cutting power, they just get it done a bit differently from one another. I could see the 7900 being a bit higher reving than the 288 but not being able to compete in the lower end grunt while being a bit more comfy in the handling department. Love to try one sometime.

 

[SOS Ridgerider]

Since I don’t have a 7900/10...288 FTW! Lol.

In all seriousness I’ve never run a 7900, hope to someday. But, I’m one of those weirdos that likes solid rubber mounts and lower rpm old school torque. Currently my ported 372XPW sits on the shelf for felling duty, not saying it’s a 7900 but it is comparable in size. For a day cutting firewood on a log pile my 288 sits and the 372 comes out. I imagine it might be the same if I had a 7900...but who knows.

I also have not tried a 7900 but I own a 288 and a 390 and can attest to how the power curve was "moved" between those two. The 288 definitely has more lower RPM grunt and the 390 likes to rev a bit more. After it all shakes out, I think the two are pretty evenly matched in terms of cutting power, they just get it done a bit differently from one another. I could see the 7900 being a bit higher reving than the 288 but not being able to compete in the lower end grunt while being a bit more comfy in the handling department. Love to try one sometime.

I know someone that may have a few 7900/7910 you guys can run...

 

[MustangMike]

I know you did not ask, but since I see one concern over weight, and another preferring rubber AV … CFB Hybrid FTW!!! A very impressive saw for the weight, and with a 28" light bar very hard to beat on a power to weight basis. (My favorite felling saw, as it is light enough for me to reach for those impossible angles that you occasionally need to do (when trees have rot, etc.).

 

[huskyboy]

I have a friend’s rattler 288 and two hot 7900/7910 here I could compare but I don’t have any worthy test wood at this moment. Here’s the 288 noodling. It runs good.

 

[Lightning Performance]

I have a rattler 288 and two hot 7900/7910 here I could compare but I don’t have any worthy test wood at this moment.

I don't think Fred was considering cookie cutting. He wanted your opinion of said saws for work.

 

[Mattyo]

I have a friend’s rattler 288 and two hot 7900/7910 here I could compare but I don’t have any worthy test wood at this moment. Here’s the 288 noodling. It runs good.

Hmmmmm.....

 

[XP_Slinger]

I know someone that may have a few 7900/7910 you guys can run...

I really regret not hanging out at your truck at Dans...will be different next year

 

[huskyboy]

I don't think Fred was considering cookie cutting. He wanted your opinion of said saws for work.

It would take a 32” bar and big timber for me to choose the 288 over the 7900. I simply don’t “need” a 288 for what I do. But I sure want one for the shelf and “occasional” use. Lol

 

[MustangMike]

I agree with you Mason. Regardless of the brand, I only like to use the 90+ cc class saws on large timber (36" bar) or for milling, otherwise I much prefer the smaller / lighter saws, and they will pull a 28" bar just fine.

 

[TreeLife]

The 7900 is what I would pick...and I have an epic rattler 281 I love. Its lighter, good working power, owns a 28" bar, and damn is it pretty.

 

[huskyboy]

Now a more interesting discussion would be the 064 vs 288. Saws that actually compare with each other from the factory during the same time period.

 

[SOS Ridgerider]

I really regret not hanging out at your truck at Dans...will be different next year

Between Al’s food and all the good people there just isn’t a whole lot of time to run saws.

 

[Mattyo]

Between Al’s food and all the good people there just isn’t a whole lot of time to run saws.

True....but we should have hung out at your tailgate a little more