261 with 3/8 chain, what do ya think??

[J.W Younger]

Scouts honor, my 5100 is faster with a 7 pin 3/8ths than a 7 pin .325. by a bunch.
Replace that 7 pin .325 with an 8 and its a dead heat.
For whatever reason it makes more diff than the percentage of chain speed.

 

[MCW]

[video=youtube;fXG38RL7lno]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXG38RL7lno[/video]

Phew, thanks for posting that as I was just about to source the link!
Most people simply need to try both chain pitches and convince themselves what guage is better for them. Sawtroll is correct in saying that .325" chain is nicer and less grabby when limbing but I've found the 261's once tuned correctly have more than enough torque to pull a 20" bar with 3/8" chain. When talking about newer strato designs like the 261 older theories on the limitations of a 50cc saw need to be seriously reconsidered - these things have torque by the bucketload and 3/8" chain is pulled easily, even in our hardwoods.
Not for everybody of course and in clean green wood I'm sure there is a definate place for .325" but the increase in chain wear over 3/8" is definately noticable in dirtier stuff.