Echo CS-501P vs Stihl MS 261: My Honest Take

Last Saturday wasn’t exactly a lazy morning. I woke up to a loud crack. I looked out the window and saw a massive oak limb blocking my driveway. The storm the night before had done some real damage.

It was a hassle, but also a good excuse. It was time to grab my gear.

I have spent a lot of time with 50cc chainsaws. They are the perfect size for firewood and cleaning up a yard. Two models always come up when I talk to friends: the Stihl MS 261 C-M and the Echo CS-501P.

I have used both of them quite a bit. Here is what I found when I put them to the test on that oak tree.

The Stihl MS 261 Experience

Picking up the Stihl MS 261 feels special. It is like sitting in a high-end sports car.

I remember the first time I sank it into a hard log. The power was shocking. It does not just cut; it eats wood. The engine revs up fast. It feels angry in a good way.

The big selling point is the M-Tronic system. This is a small computer inside the saw. It tunes the engine for you. It adjusts for the air and gas mix all by itself.

What I Loved

• The Speed: It cuts fast. Really fast. If you have a huge pile of wood, this saw saves you time.
• Smooth Hands: The springs on the handle work wonders. After an hour of cutting, my hands did not tingle. That matters as I get older.
• No Tuning: It starts easy. I did not have to use a screwdriver to fix the idle.

What Hurt

• The Price: It hit my wallet hard. You pay a lot for that speed.
• Complexity: I worry about that computer chip. If it breaks, I cannot fix it in my garage. I have to go to a dealer.

The Echo CS-501P Experience

If the Stihl is a sports car, the Echo CS-501P is a classic pickup truck. It might not win a race, but it shows up to work every single day.

When I grabbed the Echo to cut the branches off that oak, I noticed the weight. It is light. Seriously light.

What I Loved

• Light Weight: My back thanked me. Moving the saw around to cut limbs was easy. It did not wear me out.
• Simple Tech: It has a standard carburetor. I love this. If it acts up, I can tune it myself. I do not need a laptop to fix my saw.
• The Price: I saved over $200 buying this. That money bought me a nice helmet and some spare chains.

What Hurt

• Slower Cut: It has plenty of power, but it is not a race car. It takes a little longer to get through big logs.
• The Bar: Finding a new bar at a local shop can be tricky. Echo uses a unique mount pattern.

Details Comparison Echo CS-501P vs Stihl MS 261

I have spent many long days cutting firewood and cleaning up storm damage with both of these saws. They are the top picks in the 50cc class, but they feel very different in your hands. The Stihl is a high-tech racer, while the Echo is a simple and light workhorse.

The choice often comes down to budget and how you plan to use the saw. I found that the Stihl is great for speed, but the Echo is better for carrying all day. Here is my honest look at how the Echo CS-501P vs Stihl MS 261 compare in the real world.

Cutting Speed: Echo CS-501P vs Stihl MS 261

When I cut through hard oak, the Stihl MS 261 is the clear winner for raw speed. The engine revs very high and pulls the chain fast, which makes the chips fly. It feels aggressive and wants to eat the wood quickly.

The Echo CS-501P cuts a bit slower, but it has a lot of torque. It does not stop or bog down easily, even when I bury the bar deep in a log. It takes a few seconds longer per cut, but it gets the job done reliably every time.

Rating: Echo CS-501P – 8/10 | Stihl MS 261 – 10/10

Blade Quality: Echo CS-501P vs Stihl MS 261

The guide bar on the Stihl is tough and holds up well to heat and abuse. I noticed the paint stays on longer, and the rails do not wear out as fast as others. This means I spend less time fixing the bar and more time working.

Echo bars are decent, but they are softer and show wear much faster than the Stihl. The mount pattern is also unique to Echo, so you cannot just grab a generic bar at any shop. You often have to order parts online or find a specific dealer.

Rating: Echo CS-501P – 7/10 | Stihl MS 261 – 9/10

Motor Strength: Echo CS-501P vs Stihl MS 261

The Stihl engine uses a computer to tune itself, which gives it instant power. You do not have to adjust a carburetor, and it runs perfect in the cold or heat. It feels like a modern tool that is always ready to go at full power.

I love the simple engine in the Echo because it uses a standard carburetor. You can tune it with a screwdriver in your garage, which is great for long-term care. It might not be as snappy as the Stihl, but it is simple and proven to work.

Rating: Echo CS-501P – 9/10 | Stihl MS 261 – 9/10

Weight Balance: Echo CS-501P vs Stihl MS 261

If I have to climb a hill or hike into the woods, I always grab the Echo. It is one of the lightest saws in its class, and my back feels much better after a long day. It is easy to toss around for limbing branches or clearing brush.

The Stihl feels solid and dense, which helps it sit in the cut well. But that extra weight adds up when you carry it for hours at a time. It is better suited for cutting wood in a pile rather than hiking through the forest.

Rating: Echo CS-501P – 10/10 | Stihl MS 261 – 8/10

Safety Features: Echo CS-501P vs Stihl MS 261

Both saws have good chain brakes that stop the chain if there is a kickback. I tested them both, and they engage with a firm click that feels safe. This is a must-have for any saw, and both brands do a great job here.

The Stihl has better springs to stop vibration from reaching your hands. After an hour of cutting, my hands tingle less with the Stihl than they do with the Echo. This helps you keep a safe grip on the saw when you are tired.

Rating: Echo CS-501P – 8/10 | Stihl MS 261 – 9/10

FAQs – Echo CS-501P vs Stihl MS 261