When the MS 500i chainsaw was first released in 2019, STIHL also produced 500 special “first-edition” chainsaws — even fewer than the 500i Centennial Edition.
They’re called the STIHL MS 500i LAUNCH EDITION, and each was marked with its own number from 1 to 500.
Selected dealers received two units each. However, with more than 55,000 STIHL dealers worldwide and only 500 Launch Edition chainsaws produced, very few dealers actually got one.
Some of these limited-edition saws were sold to the public, but many were kept by dealers or snapped up by collectors.
They rarely show up for sale on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, making them difficult to find. While not quite as rare as the one-off STIHL Jetsaw or Carbon Concept Saw, they’re still highly sought after.
The only difference between the Launch Edition 500i and the standard 500i is the sticker on top — but you must admit, it’s a pretty cool (and rare) sticker!
We’ve seen images of these limited edition saws in the US, Canada, and Australia, so they weren’t only sent to dealers in the US, as is sometimes claimed.
In October 2019, Edwards Mowers in NSW, Australia, shared the following video: “Shane giving the new STIHL MS500i Launch Edition model a run.”
Edwards Mowers also shared:
These 2 Limited Edition Launch Models are already SOLD.
The MS 500i Stihl Fuel injected Chainsaw will be available later this year so get your orders in!!
#stihl #MS500i #stihlau #stihlaustralia #edwardsmowersoakflats #betterprice #betterservice
One guy in the comments asked, “Can you get any more Launch Editions?”
Someone else said, “I’d throw that in the living room on the shelf and go buy a second one, lmao.”
The 500i is already considered one of the best STIHL saws ever, so a Launch Edition version is even better, right?
Here’s another example from NZ-based arborist Cam Treegan:
After sharing about the Launch Edition on our FB page, a few guys shared more pics.
Callum shared this pic of his #159/500 Launch Edition.
And Dylan shared his #300/500.
Here’s number 233/500:
And #221 shared by Scott F.
Other comments from followers:
- Ryun said, “Definitely a collector’s item since it turned out to be the world’s greatest chainsaw so far!”
- Kevin said, “What a cool edition for an early release. I will say it’s the best saw made, along with my 261.”
- Chris said, “My brother has one of these first editions!!”
- Art said, “We got 5 of them when they got here in the States.”
- Darren said, “Just a sticker.”
- Bronson said, “I’ve got #286.”
Joseph said:
Wow, sounds like such a huge win if you own a “limited edition” saw, until you learn it’s just a sticker that says so and great marketing on Stihl’s part 🤣
And Liam said:
Each country actually had its own 500 launch addition saws. So here in Australia we had 500 stickers to put on saws for Australian dealers.
But this hasn’t been confirmed.
And then there were a lot of other comments asking, “How much?”
Limited Edition models in new condition sell for over $2500 now, but you’ve got to find one first. They’re certainly one of the rarest chainsaws.
I heard about the launch edition early on fortunately and managed to purchase 2 for collecting #157 and #160. Both saws are in the box brand new never been used condition.
I also own a standard one for a work horse amongst my other saws and it is by far my favourite standard saw to have ever used.
Best saw ever. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Everything I have read on my new MS 500 i chainsaw I don’t think I want to use it now because of how badly it’s a collector I don’t know if it will lose its Collectible value