I have had a Shindiawa 488 20" saw for the last 14 years and it has been and continues to be a great saw. It's cut many a cord of oak and has been through a few bars and numerous chains and I can choke it and it's going to be ready in 3 pulls of the rope regardless of how long it has sat.

With that said, 2 years ago I was in the market for another 20" and a smaller 12-14" pruning saw. I went to the local small engine/lawn care shop with my heart totally set on Stihl brand because of their reputation of being a good saw.
This shop sold Stihl, Shindaiwa and Echo brands and the salesperson talked me into an Echo over the other 2. I thought is was strange of him doing that but did take his advise and after 2 years of usage with these Echo's I havent had even a hitch with either of them. Only time will tell of course but I think the Echo line of tools is simular to Savage firearms, they offer a great product at a lesser exspense.