One more shootout discussion: 288xp vs 390xp

[Onan18]

The high top has always been in high demand. .but personally I'm not having trouble getting parts at this point. ..not trying lol. I thought oem cylinders was coming to an end...no?

One day I may have a 288...but for now I have my needs bottled up with 350s 372 and 394s. Maybe a 262 in there

I severely doubt that OEM top ends are going to go away anytime soon. Like I said it is still in production in Brazil and being sold new all over South America and Asia. Not to mention all of the ones that are still in service in North America. Husqvarna usually supports parts for at least 10 - 15 years after a model goes out of production.

 

[dustinwilt68]

Everything except cases and a couple decals on the top cover are still available, high top parts are not available any longer. Luckily I prefer the lowtop.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

I thought 288, 385, 390, 394, and 395 all shared the same crank??

 

[Onan18]

Everything except cases and a couple decals on the top cover are still available, high top parts are not available any longer. Luckily I prefer the lowtop.

Good point Dustin, I was forgetting about the High Top parts as I have always preferred the low top.

Are you sure about the cases? I thought that they were available but only as a set (both halves) and as I recall very not cheap.

 

[Onan18]

Late 181/281/288/394/395 crank 501 81 49-01
385/390 crank 503 99 34-01

 

[dustinwilt68]

Pretty sure, I had my dealer check a month or so ago, I just sent a used set to Glock37 instead, they were beautiful when he was done. I believe the 385 and 390 crank is different where the bearing on the 1 side goes, the 288, 394 and 395 are the same, the stroke is the same though.

 

[Onan18]

Pretty sure, I had my dealer check a month or so ago, I just sent a used set to Glock37 instead, they were beautiful when he was done. I believe the 385 and 390 crank is different where the bearing on the 1 side goes, the 288, 394 and 395 are the same, the stroke is the same though.

You are correct sir I just checked. I don't for the life of me understand why though, as i stated earlier they are still in production in other parts of the world so Husqvarna is making or sourcing 100% of the parts for the factory. I do not see why, if they are tooled up to make the parts anyways, they would choose not to offer something as a service item.

 

[dustinwilt68]

I have been gathering some, for future restorations. They have become my specialty lately. I also have a few sets of 064 gathered up. I like the classics.

 

[wcorey]

So here is something that puzzles me a little bit: In the want list thread, Danimal stated that the 288 with a little massaging is lighter and just as fast as a 394. Not dogging Danimal in any way or trying to discredit him, just noting the statement. I've seen it said quite a few times that the 288 is powerful for it's relative light weight.

The 394 is faster and also has a better power to weight ratio than a 288 or any other husqvarna of that generation except for possibly the 3120. Stock to stock or ported to ported that is.
According to both factory specs and what I've seen in dyno testing.

 

[T.Roller]

This is my opinion on this matter, I have a Rattler 288 and it's *f-wording bad ass! The AV is just fine for me and it has more than enough grunt for a 32". If I need anything bigger than I grab my 395 so I don't see any reason for a 385 or 390. You can't beat the sound of a 2 series either

 

[huskyboy]

I thought 288, 385, 390, 394, and 395 all shared the same crank??

385/390 37mm stroke 54 and 55mm bore. 288 38mm stroke 54mm bore. 394/395 38mm stroke 56mm bore.

 

[huskyboy]

This is my opinion on this matter, I have a Rattler 288 and it's *frenching bad ass! The AV is just fine for me and it has more than enough grunt for a 32". If I need anything bigger than I grab my 395 so I don't see any reason for a 385 or 390. You can't beat the sound of a 2 series either

My Mike Lee ported 385 is one of the best sounding saws I've heard imo. I do like a 288 idle

 

[Stump Shot]

I'm enjoying the 281/288 saws as a hobbyist, the professional world will gladly let you into these old bones for little or nothing. In their eyes the newer saws have more value. If a person is willing to put some elbow grease and time into one can have a very viable rig, with not a lot of money tied up into it. I also think that there is a good reason that no high tops are available anymore, they're just not necessary and I don't worry about it one bit. You would be surprised what you might find in a loggers junk pile to get you started. Worked for me.

 

[mdavlee]

390 for me. I've sold at least 10 288s. They just aren't comfortable and I've never had one run as good as a 385/390. They might last longer but I don't care about that part.

 

[Mattyo]

I lent out my 394 to my father in law...now I want it back lol....

Just cause....I don't have any particular use for it hehe.

 

[danimal]

Limited time on each, but I've always considered the 390 to heavy for its power. Just a personal preference I guess. 288 on the other hand.... It's definitely the holy grail saw. Every time I run Rodney's I think to myself... I MUST have one! It's compact and fights like a Wolverine! lol. Torque is awesome and that idle...

Ahhh, there it is.

It's like the classic muscle car you've always wanted. No new technology, just old school muscle. 288 FTW.

Couldnt have said it any better myself...
Bravo!

Guess Im old school, cause Im OLD...

 

[Sty57]

I have a 385 and just sold my 390 to a buddy. They're both great saws but I still want a 288. Absolutely don't need one but I want one. Lol

I have a 2186 which is the same as a 385 and love it.
But I do have a 288 that will be on the bench soon.

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

I like that the 288 shares the same bore and stroke specs as the 045/056 super.

 

[huskyboy]

I'll take this old monster over 288. Here it is not ported, nearly keeping up with a ported 385.

 

[Mastermind]

Get one of each. Problem solved.