242xp vs 550xp

[Landmark]

Just some food for thought here Gentlemen . When the 242 was the small pro saw in the range followed by the 254 and the 262, you had 40, 50 and 60 cc classes . If you take the 550 as the start of the pro range of modern auto tune saws then it appears Husqvarna have upped the start point to 50 cc . I just think its difficult to do a direct comparison of a 242 to a 550 due to the cc gap and auto tune. Personally I'm a fan of both and see them as different rather than ..Better and not as good. IMO

Well said. Both great saws i especially when you think of the age difference. 20 years is a along time for av improvements and such.

 

[Stihlbro]

Definitely completely two different saws from different era's. Myself, I appreciate what husqvarna has offered with both saws. The 242 set a standard that many saws built after needed to meet. The 550 is merely evolution of the small, light weight, power to weight ratio style of saw. I like both and see no need to make changes to either. Use them for what they are intended for, be happy.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Just some food for thought here Gentlemen . When the 242 was the small pro saw in the range followed by the 254 and the 262, you had 40, 50 and 60 cc classes . If you take the 550 as the start of the pro range of modern auto tune saws then it appears Husqvarna have upped the start point to 50 cc . I just think its difficult to do a direct comparison of a 242 to a 550 due to the cc gap and auto tune. Personally I'm a fan of both and see them as different rather than ..Better and not as good. IMO

What about the 543XP? If someone had some experience with one I think that would be a valuable comparison.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

What about the 543XP? If someone had some experience with one I think that would be a valuable comparison.

Seems like the 543 is getting wildly mixed reviews... But you're right, I think it would be a much more fair comparison against the 242xp than the 550xp is.

 

[Simondo]

Hummm 543 XP …well i think that one is from a different stable ... you could compare over there …I can't. There not sold in UK.
Be interesting to try them together though , closer on the cc 's.

 

[Tor R]

What about the 543XP? If someone had some experience with one I think that would be a valuable comparison.

my opinion, they are not worth the price tag.
I had one xpg version for testing, I would taken the 242 anytime over the 543. I think it's ashame that it got the XP decal.
They had several campaign on 543xpg in Norway while they never have 550xpg campaign,
543 have been a totally fiasco in Norway, wouldnt surprise me if it's soon removed from Husky.

 

[XP_Slinger]

my opinion, they are not worth the price tag.
I had one xpg version for testing, I would taken the 242 anytime over the 543. I think it's ashame that it got the XP decal.
They had several campaign on 543xpg in Norway while they never have 550xpg campaign,
543 have been a totally fiasco in Norway, wouldnt surprise me if it's soon removed from Husky.

That's a shame if they're all turds. I don't have any experience with either one personally. Haven't had the itch to go smaller than my 346NE. lots of punch in a small package and it's not even ported...yet

 

[Tor R]

That's a shame if they're all turds. I don't have any experience with either one personally. Haven't had the itch to go smaller than my 346NE. lots of punch in a small package and it's not even ported...yet

I am member on a sweedish forum, trust me, 543 have got some really lousy feedback from those who have worked in sweedish forrest for decades. I am not the only one who wasnt impressed.
I would rather bought an updated MS 241 instead of this wanna be XP.

 

[Landmark]

Well the only reason i labelled this 242 vs 550 is because i use a 242 and tried a 550 out and wow what a difference. Also they weigh almost the same. Both 10lb saws!

 

[Evanrude]

I own a 2253 and a MMWS ms260. Think im crazy if you want, but I actually prefer the handling of the Stihl. Biggest reason being the Jreds fat trigger. I find I accidentally bump it from time to time. Speed? The Jred is damn quick for a stock saw. However, the torque the ported 260 has is simply ridiculous for a 50cc saw. Randy did a fine job on that one!

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

 

[KenJax Tree]

I've run an oe346 for ages, a 550 for a while now and picked up a 242xpg recently.
I will have to spend some time freshening up the 242, but I can't see any reason to choose it over the other two. I bought it because it's a bit of a legend on the inter webs - but I just don't get the appeal so far.

If I had an issue with the 550 it would be a bit of a daft one. I like a sub 50cc saw with a 16" 325 bar. The 550 is faster with a 325 8 pin, or 3/8x7 so it's hard to not run one of those setups. 3/8 isn't as smooth limbing, 325x8 gives you a dull chain much faster than 325x7, and with 325x7 it's no faster than my 346. See, it's a daft problem!

Glad the 550 is still running[emoji3]

 

[dbittle]

I own a 242 and a 346NE. Both have base gasket deletes and muffler mods with no other work done. The 242 is enough lighter than the 346 to tell the difference when you pick them up. I have found that it does not cut as fast as the 346 when both are set up with identical chains and sprocket gearing. I use mine to walk around with and clear small diameter brush, with a 15" bar and .325 semi-chisel chain. To me its most annoying features are that it leaks bar oil and has the chain adjustment in the front. I think I will try a timing advance on it, now that I have read that it would like that mod. I can see why it has a good reputation, because I've enjoyed running it.

 

[Locust Cutter]

I could see a 242xp ported, timing advanced with a modified muffler and maybe a different carb wearing a 14" bar of either .050 x .325 or .o5o x 3/8lp being a dandy limbing saw. I like my 201t for that but the 242 would be a bit less fatiguing of the forearms with a proper handle setup. I could have bought a MS201 instead but I still have a silly notion that I may learn how to do some climbing removals...

 

[dbittle]

I could see a 242xp ported, timing advanced with a modified muffler and maybe a different carb wearing a 14" bar of either .050 x .325 or .o5o x 3/8lp being a dandy limbing saw. I like my 201t for that but the 242 would be a bit less fatiguing of the forearms with a proper handle setup. I could have bought a MS201 instead but I still have a silly notion that I may learn how to do some climbing removals...

It really is a nice saw to flick around. I picked up a couple of Sandvik mini-pro bars that look good on it and balance perfectly.

 

[Landmark]

Just finished putting a brand new set of decals on the 242 tonight to go along with new b/c.

 

[Tor R]

Just finished putting a brand new set of decals on the 242 tonight to go along with new b/c.

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Dave, it's really look nice.
Knowing it's your dads saw, it has a special value for you.
Cross fingers that I get my hands on an 242xpg, those parts goes to you, and I also think we have 242xpg decal s

My dad left an Stihl 018, I dont collect on Stihls, but it's a keeper!

 

[weedkilla]

Glad the 550 is still running[emoji3]

I get years out of saws, and I'm sure this one will be the same. It hasn't even worn out its second bar yet!!!!

 

[CR888]

I never owned a 346xp, but my 550xp is a great light capable saw same as my 555. I have more stihls, solos & dolmars but those two huskys made me take a liking to the brand. Not a fan of their polesaws, blowers or brushcutters but the 3 series and 5 series saws are cleverly designed units, I think actually the 5 series is definately leading the pack in its classes except the 576 but that aint a bad saw, just not the best.

 

[Simondo]

Well the only reason i labelled this 242 vs 550 is because i use a 242 and tried a 550 out and wow what a difference. Also they weigh almost the same. Both 10lb saws!

Thats the thing with a lot of current machines…we get used to something and its not until we try out a up to date saw that you see what the differences are yourself. Nothing like a bit of "First hand" experience rather than reading some review or comparison survey.
I like to take things on there own merit and often like saws that other don't…Vive La Difference

 

[Landmark]

Dave, it's really look nice.
Knowing it's your dads saw, it has a special value for you.
Cross fingers that I get my hands on an 242xpg, those parts goes to you, and I also think we have 242xpg decal s

My dad left an Stihl 018, I dont collect on Stihls, but it's a keeper!

Thats's rite Tor. It is a special saw. I am taking it back to dad today and let him ck out the new decals. He's not to impressed by shiney things but even he will like this.
And thanks on the xpg. I am hoping you can get a hold of a setup. That would be an awesome addition to my family of saws.