OK, battle between two legends: 288xp vs 394xp

[jmssaws]

A 394 is sexy though.

 

[srcarr52]

I've had over a dozen 394/395's and a handful of 288's. I currently have a 395 and a 288, both are ported, both have their strengths.

The 395 when ported can be made to be a lot more friendly and powerful saw than the a ported 394. The quad ports have the advantage for a smooth, predictable powerband and for max power.
The 394/5 chassis has better anti-vibe than the 288 but it too heavy for felling a limbing duty unless you need the extra power to run a 36" bar or larger that will be utilized all day. If you are just bucking logs, the 394/5 AV and longer chassis will feel a lot more friendly and the extra power always helps.

The 288 is significantly lighter, the AV isn't a good but it gives much more control for precise cuts and when limbing where the 394/5 can seem a bit floppy.

394/5 has an air inject filter. The 394 low top does alright but will need an occasional knock out. The high top I've never had a problem with even after milling for 5+ hours.
288 standard filter isn't great, will need cleaned a couple times a day and the top cover requires three screws removed. The high top filter, once again works great. I've spent many hours milling with one with no issue.

My current 288.

Current 395

A 394 recently sold, free hand ripping

First ever 394 I built

More standard built 288.

 

[MG2186]

I've had over a dozen 394/395's and a handful of 288's. I currently have a 395 and a 288, both are ported, both have their strengths.

The 395 when ported can be made to be a lot more friendly and powerful saw than the a ported 394. The quad ports have the advantage for a smooth, predictable powerband and for max power.
The 394/5 chassis has better anti-vibe than the 288 but it too heavy for felling a limbing duty unless you need the extra power to run a 36" bar or larger that will be utilized all day. If you are just bucking logs, the 394/5 AV and longer chassis will feel a lot more friendly and the extra power always helps.

The 288 is significantly lighter, the AV isn't a good but it gives much more control for precise cuts and when limbing where the 394/5 can seem a bit floppy.

394/5 has an air inject filter. The 394 low top does alright but will need an occasional knock out. The high top I've never had a problem with even after milling for 5+ hours.
288 standard filter isn't great, will need cleaned a couple times a day and the top cover requires three screws removed. The high top filter, once again works great. I've spent many hours milling with one with no issue.

My current 288.

Current 395

A 394 recently sold, free hand ripping

First ever 394 I built

More standard built 288.

How's your 288's compare to your ported 390's? Your current 288 and 395 look dam impressive in your vids!


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[jmssaws]

A 395 is smooth

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

I'm thoroughly enjoying the conversation taking place here gents! Thank you all for contributing.

 

[jmssaws]

I love stihls but I like the 4 and 5 a lot too.
When I cut timber I run my 395.

 

[srcarr52]

How's your 288's compare to your ported 390's? Your current 288 and 395 look dam impressive in your vids!


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I've never built a 390.

The 288 is fast, like scary fast for a work saw, but it would still loose to my 395 in all scenarios racing.

 

[MG2186]

I've never built a 390.

The 288 is fast, like scary fast for a work saw, but it would still loose to my 395 in all scenarios racing.

I would expect it to loose to the 395. Was curious how it compares to a 390 since are about the same size. How's your 288 compare to 064/066's like Matt's or Andy's?


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[Wolverine]

Damn Shaun, you sure have a way the the big Huskys! My 94 has plenty of powa but hearing yours sing, and running Keiths makes me want to send it away. Maybe some day...

 

[Deets066]

 

[Deets066]

Here's my 394, it needs a little lovin but hopefully it will be a nice runner

 

[Locust Cutter]

I will have a 390 eventually...

 

[riverrat2]

I had a moobs 288...have a pair of 394s. I have another 288 to build stock just because...but its no 394. Yes they share the same crank...but OMG...32 and the 288 was happy. 37 and the 394 asks for seconds.

Yup,,, 288's are really stout,,, but the 394 XP has balls as big as all outdoors!!!! major grunt!!! Mucho lugging power!!! and yes I own 2 of each

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Here's my 394, it needs a little lovin but hopefully it will be a nice runner

Mine is still together although I took it to work with me yesterday and gave it an initial cleaning it needed quite badly. Also ordered a Meteor 394 spec piston the other night too.

It may not need it, but it's getting a bottom-up overhaul and a little grinding too of course. My goal is to make it better than new. Well, other than a few scratches and worn off paint anyway...

 

[XP_Slinger]

This thread is making me want a 394 Joe. Damn you! Lol

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Mission.....accomplished!

 

[decableguy2000]

I have a 394 as well, finally had a chance o run a full tank through it. It has a meteor piston too. You will not be disappointed. Mine kicked my butt limbing with it, but I just wanted to run it for awhile. It would be hard for me to sell it for what I have in it but, It was fun to bring it back to life and when its buried in wood it bring a smile to your face. Buried mine some red oak with a 32" bar and just laughed at, and wanted more. I have thought of putting a 16" -20" bar on with a 9 or 10 pin sprocket to buck with.

Jeremy

 

[XP_Slinger]

Mission.....accomplished!

 

[riverrat2]

I've got a 288 and a 395. The 395 is a heck of a saw smooth with loads of power and torque, but it is a heavy sob, and it handles like a cinder block.
The 288 is close in power, but handles a lot better. Imo, it is much better suited for falling and limbing. Even though it's just a few cc's smaller than the 395, it handles more like a 70cc. As a matter of fact, it really doesn't feel that much heavier than my 372.

You're right, the 288 does have an almost cult-like following, but it is one saw that lives up to its reputation.

yep it sure does

 

[idiotwithasaw]

I have a 281. Is there much difference between it and a 288. I like it, it's pretty stout and fast, makes me wonder what a few more cc's will do. I'm not sure comparing a 288 to a 394 is really fair, I feel a 066 and 390xp would be more evenly matched as far as cc's go.