I cut timber for a living..ive ran all kinds of timber saws from 372xp,395xp,592xp,661,461,462,stock 500i...you name it...i have another 500i with a wcs bark box and air filter and its definetly a step up from bone stock...but...i just got my new 500 from 309 with a bark box and air filter and its a whole different animal! I would put it up against the 395 n 661 any day! And its 3 lbs lighter! And when your going up n down hills all day cutting 3lbs makes a HUGE difference..i got my saw from 309 quick..nicely packaged and everything seems to be very well done! This saw aint your grandaddys 044..thank you 309!