New Years Resolution: Tell Your Old Habits to Take a Hike!

What’s a new year without resolutions, right? Maybe you've vowed to spend more time with your family and friends, get outside more, or just live a healthier lifestyle. Some you'll stick to, some...maybe not.  Rest assured though, America’s State Parks alliance has something that will get your new year started off on the right foot!

January 1st marks America’s State Parks First Day Hikes. Designed to promote healthy lifestyles and recreation at state parks, this notion began over 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation state park in Massachusetts. Since this launch, many other states have offered an outdoor recreation program on New Year’s Day. However, January 1st, 2012 will be an unique year for this event, as it is the first time all 50 state park systems have joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes.

With 41,725 miles of trails in over 6,000 of America’s State Parks, it's easy to find one near you.  

STIHL Inc. is a proud sponsor of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) annual conference, as well as the NASPD Leadership School. This association’s mission is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for the parks contributions to the nation's environment, heritage, health and economy. America’s State Parks alliance, established by the NASPD, is dedicated to educating the public and policy makers on the positive impact state parks have on public health, as well as local economies.

Enjoy kicking off 2012 on the right foot and walking off 2011! Good luck with your new resolutions and tell your old habits to take a hike!

Tip: Check out Geocaching, a treasure hunting game that might pique your interest and have you back at state parks for more hikes!

Warning: Do not be fooled by imitations!

As a number one selling brand*, STIHL has become a target for imitators and counterfeiters around the world. They say that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, but when it comes to counterfeit or imitation STIHL outdoor power equipment and parts, we are not flattered and you should steer clear!


“Deals” may be deceiving



Fakes can be obvious or look almost identical to the

real STIHL  but never have the same quality.



The old saying “you get what you pay for,” certainly applies when it comes to counterfeit products. What looks like a bargain may turn out to be very expensive, as the low price of a counterfeit can go hand in hand with shorter product life, less power and reduced safety.

Street vendors and flea markets are almost always a sure sign of counterfeit, inferior – and often risky – products. The same potentially applies to STIHL products offered for sale on unauthorized, discount and auction-type websites (think eBay).

Counterfeits are hazardous



Though they may resemble STIHL in appearance – orange/light grey color scheme, similar yet forged logo stickers, and in some cases familiar model number designations – these products have little-to-nothing in common with the original product. 

• STIHL products are characterized, among other things, by strict quality and safety standards. This is not the case with imitations. Even slight deficiencies can result in serious safety risks.

 • Safety-critical devices may be faulty or totally absent. For example: when a counterfeit chain saw was recently unpacked, the hand guard for the automatic chain brake – arguably the most important safety device on a chain saw – was found to be broken.

• Operating time and overall performance are often compromised. Counterfeit or pirated machines may malfunction or breakdown after only a short time in use.

 • Imitation products typically cannot be serviced or repaired since spare parts are not available, and are not covered by STIHL warranty policies.


The only way to be sure you are getting an authentic STIHL product is to purchase directly from one of our 8,000 independent servicing dealers nationwide. Our authorized STIHL dealers are knowledgeable about our products, capable of assembling the equipment and providing the proper safety information and personal protective apparel. 


Check out this video from the show  “Fake Britain” which shows a recent raid of fake STIHL products overseas and shows you firsthand how dangerous potentially using these counterfeit products can be.

So before you jump on that "too good to be true" deal online consider the risk that you may be taking. Our advice is buy your genuine high-quality STIHL product only from our network of authorized independent servicing dealers, thus guaranteeing product authenticity, technical service and quality support

*"Number one selling brand" is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research (commercial landscapers) as well as independent consumer research of 2009-2011 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers.