Neo-tec NCS2500E Top Handle Chainsaw vs STIHL MS 172 C-E Chainsaw

The STIHL MS 172 C-E is the better saw for anyone cutting firewood or felling small trees around a home. It has a larger engine, a 16-inch bar, Easy2Start, a side-access chain tensioner and a diagnostic socket, and STIHL's build and dealer support are well regarded by owners. The Neo-tec NCS2500E is a light 25cc top-handle saw for one-handed limbing and pruning where reach and weight matter more than power. Reviewers of the Neo-tec rate it well for light work but note the small engine bogs down in bigger wood.

• Choose the Neo-tec NCS2500E if you want a light top-handle saw for pruning limbs and trimming branches overhead, and you accept that a 25cc engine is for light work only.
• Choose the STIHL MS 172 C-E if you cut firewood, fell small trees or buck logs and want a 16-inch bar, Easy2Start and a brand with wide dealer support.