Buying a chainsaw. Is a Stihl the only way to go?

Yes

Can't go wrong with Stihl I have a chainsaw backpack blower weedeater and a kombi with a saw and weeater attachment

I mean I knew it was the best, but was hoping there was a second best for cheaper

You may laught at this, but I have a Homelite chain saw with a 16" bar that's been doing work for about 12 years. It gets used several times a year. Other than adjusting/replacing the chain, it's never failed. I don't dispute the quality of the Stihl, but for weekend use, that Homelite has been great.

I've had good luck with both Stihl and Echo

What do you need the saw to do? Just moderate yard and occasional storm clean up then Echo makes a fine saw with a great warranty. Shop around for the best deal. Tractor Supply sometimes has Jonsereds for a good deal. Sometimes Home Depot carries the Makita chainsaws which are re-badged Jonsereds for good price. Even the small Husqvarna saws will last a home owner years. Same with Stihl. If it's something you only plan to use one or twice a year then it doesn't matter the brand as much as you doing the right maintenence on it.

What type of work are you using it for? People laugh when I tell them this but I bought a 20v Black and Decker chainsaw and a 20v B&D pole saw about 18 months ago and I bet I haven't used my Stihl 2 times since. Let me add that I have a 40 acres homestead, I use my saw weekly, My only heat source is a wood stove so I cut my firewood, I do all my hinge cutting with the B&D, trim and prune, etc. I also chip and mulch my own compost so I'm constantly thinning out the timber on the property and turning it into compost. With the two batteries I can usually cut about 3 hours. I don't have to worry about getting it to crank, making sure I have gas stabilizer, etc. I can keep it in the SUV without having to deal with the smell of fumes. While all chainsaws are dangerous, I think it's safer because I can hear if something has broken loose in the tree above or if someone yells to warn me of something.

There are some things you just can't do with it, but it's been one of the best purchases I've made in a long time (the chipper/shredder is a close second).

You cut 3 days a week and use Trufuel? What do you make a day, like $12?

Buy a poulan and return it after you use it.

I'd feel bad, but they are selling me crap.

Will be a lot of use the first 2 years. After will just be routine stuff on about 500 acres. I'll be cutting a lot of telephone poles for post and cedars in the near future and other than that it will be to clear fence rows and such.