I've always been a Stihl guy. My dad used one, my aunt and uncle had them on the farm. And I have two myself now, probably going to buy my pops another for Christmas, since he's always borrowing my 290. They really are a once in a lifetime purchase. Plus there are parts readily available, and they're rebuildable. Just my opinion coming from someone who's been stacking, hauling, splitting, and cutting wood since I could walk.