After using the easystart for quite a time on my 6100 and others, I Personally am totally ok with them. A lot of people mention the saws being wider and heavier, very slightly heavier by a fraction, no wider as the front handle governs the total width. They all have been totally reliable for me. I think the problems arise from people drop starting the saws with vigour, which can damage them, but if used as intended they are fine. Are they necessary on a small saw? Probably not for most people. Owning many older and larger Dolmars and Makita's and a Husky 2100 I manage no problem without easystart, but as age is creeping up I do find myself liking the easystart more!!
