Dogs/spikes for Stihl MS361

[Blackgreyhounds]

Here's a quick review of my experience with two common aftermarket dog sets for my MS361. First off, the OEM Stihl single dog is kind of chintzy. Lightweight single dogs are great for smaller saws but, I like double dogs for my saws 60 cc. and up. I ran my MS361 stock with standard OEM single do for 5+ and it was o.k., but now that it's been ported, it really needs double dogs. Stihl makes nice double-dogs, but they are WAY too pricey compared to the the good quality available aftermarket. So, I started with the Pro Safety 5-pt spikes from Baileys, @ $49.99 + shipping. These spikes are SUPER high quality and made in the USA and look awesome, but honestly, the 5-pts are WAY overkill for me here on the East Coast on a 60 cc. saw. My mistake. We don't have huge Redwoods/Doug Firs with super thick bark. So, if you are looking at Pro Safety's for 60 cc or smaller, I would recommend going withe their 4-spike dogs. Anyways, I replaced my PS 5-spikes with Ebay customchainsawparts dogs on my MS 361. These are again great quality, but cost less than 1/2 as much as the Pro Safety's, $22 vs. $49.99 before shipping. Also, the Ebay customchainsawparts dogs extend much less below the power head and are shorter, saving at least 1" of bar length. Here's a couple of picts from today when I switched my PS 5-pt's for Ebay's. Notice how much "shorter" the Ebay spikes are and how much less they extend below the powerhead. Definitely a West Coast vs. East Coast deal here.
PS 5-spikes

EbaycustomchainsTHeseawparts dogs

 

[2000ssm6]

Been thinking about these for mine, thanks!

 

[Lightning Performance]

Still too big imo. I took them off and went a bit smaller. Matched up my own set. They are very close to the same distance out. Inside is a bit longer than the outer. I'll try to get picks. One is oem, one am.

 

[Blackgreyhounds]

Yeah, a typical 60 cc saw does not usually need huge dogs. However, this saw is ported and is used for felling 20+" hardwood trees. Good solid (but not enormous) double dogs are quite helpful for my purposes. Others certainly may not need anything more than the OEM single dog or anywhere in between.