some thoughts on ported vs non ported Stihl 241cm.

[skip sail]

I really like the 241's,my go-to limbing saw ,and excellent on green timber up to about 16 inches.
my first one is a stock,muffler modded by Brad Snelling,which i have used for a couple of seasons,and the most recent is a Masterminded which has been ported,mm'd etc.
At first,i couldnt tell the difference,both saws zipped along nicely and at high revs seemed awfully similar, so i was on the fence about ported saws for work.
However,I've just completed a couple of hard weeks,during which i used the Mastermind 241 constantly,leaving the stocker at home.
From what i've heard,these saws take a few tanks to wake up,and this certainly seems to be the case.
The mastermind saw has taken maybe 20 tanks,but now there is quite a difference between the two.
Its not noticeable in smaller stuff,but once its buried in a bigger log,you cant bog the ported one down.
I put brand new chains on both and A/B'd them on the same logs,and every time,the ported one had much more torque.
Was it worth the extra expense?
Yes, i do believe it was. thanks Randy!

 

[Mastermind]

When I ported your saw I was still trying to leave the stratos intact for fuel economy and less emissions.

Since then I've given in to the idea of gutting the strato port dividers out.

Now they are a bit more "sporty" than the way I did your saw.

If you weren't so far away, I'd have you return it for updates.

 

[Hinerman]

If you weren't so far away, I'd have you return it for updates.

I predict a couple hundred saws coming your way for updates

 

[blsnelling]

When I ported your saw I was still trying to leave the stratos intact for fuel economy and less emissions.

Since then I've given in to the idea of gutting the strato port dividers out.

Now they are a bit more "sporty" than the way I did your saw.

If you weren't so far away, I'd have you return it for updates.

IMHO, this makes a HUGE difference!

 

[blsnelling]

Sell your saw locally and buy another new one from Randy

 

[Hinerman]

Sell your saw locally and buy another new one from Randy

^^^^That is what I call a "best answer"...

 

[skip sail]

hmmm,may just buy another one,or maybe a ported 261 instead, what are the newer 261's like in comparison?

 

[skip sail]

So,what do you expert fellas think about the new 261? not much point in me getting another 241,but a ported 261 running PS chain might be fun!

 

[Mastermind]

I love the new 261. I think it's a fantastic 50cc saw.....and I get big gains on those....

 

[skip sail]

darn it,now i want one. help me out fellas,tell me theyre crap,that the 241's are better,that i dont really need it etc etc

 

[Mastermind]

They're crap.....241s are......lighter?

LOL

 

[Ktoom]

Depends on what your using the beast for and what other saws are in your stable. I have a old version mmws261cm. The 261 will cover bigger wood than the 241 and weighs a bit more.... not to mention the 241 can handle having the bar burried and then some. Im starting to think that the perfect 2 saw plan would be a ms241 and ms661. BAM!!!!

 

[fin460]

what is the actual difference between the new version 3 ms261 and the ms241?

With out a doubt have a ms261 ported and sent your way, keep both ms241's

 

[skip sail]

I'm finding that more and more often im leaving the big saws in the truck,so a 261 might be the go.

 

[Ktoom]

what is the actual difference between the new version 3 ms261 and the ms241?

With out a doubt have a ms261 ported and sent your way, keep both ms241's

Im sure its probably only 1lb or so.

 

[Ktoom]

I'm finding that more and more often im leaving the big saws in the truck,so a 261 might be the go.

Im the same way. If im cutting, I only use my "small" saws and rarely reach for the big ones.

I never got the opportunity to run my 241 and 261 back to back to see and feel the differences. I can tell you that they are 2 different animals. The 261 will be great for the bigger wood.... especially if its ported.

 

[blsnelling]

I would encourage you to try one of Randy's latest 241s. Dressed for work, with B&C and full of oil and fuel, the 241 is a full pound lighter than the new and lightened 261. You will be amazed at the power. With the price your saws sell for over there, you can't make a mistake. You can easily flip what you don't want to keep. For that matter, buy one of each and keep the one you like best!!!

BTW, I had both the new improved 261 and the 241 at the same time. I opted to sell the 261 and kept the 241. That's how much I like the 241.

 

[skip sail]

maybe i should ship my non-ported 241 over for the full works? and get a 261 as well! Sell my 090 which i never use.

 

[MustangMike]

My brother loves his 241 (stock) and I really like my Dr Al ported 026 for limbing. But for basic firewood chores, I like my Dr Al ported 360 or my MMWS ported 362 C. Mine is a Ver I, Ver II would be even better!

 

[CR888]

When our dollar was strong compared to the USD I was able to sell a two year old MS261 locally for $675 and get Brad to buy me a brand spanka new 261 port it and post it and only be out of pocket about $200ish. That meant I went from a stock saw with 150ish hours to a new ported saw for around 2hunge! It was a good decision as I use a 50cc saw near everyday. I have a 555, 550, 6400, echo cs550p & stock spare mms261 to choose from in the 50-65cc range. I pick the ported 261 up every time to work with. It is fun to run with great 'personality'. Its got over 250hrs on it with 188psi. The only thing I did was put a pair of Cabers in it as cheap maintenance when I strip it down each year for a clean & service. I could have left the OEM ring in without an issue.