Best chain for a 550 xp?

[Stgcutter]

I usually run full chisel on my 16 inch bar. I think it balances well. All I've used was husky saw chain and was wondering if the stihl .335 was more aggressive. I do like there 3/8 rs chain on my 372xp.

 

[rburg]

I like the 23rs Stihl chain. I use it or 20lpx on my 346 and 2252.

 

[weedkilla]

I honestly don't find a big difference in stihl, Oregon or Carlton (once sharpened) in 325.
The Oregon might be a little smoother, the stihl might hold an edge a little longer, the Carlton is cheaper.....

 

[KenJax Tree]

Right now i have 3/8 LGX

 

[Stgcutter]

As far as the 3/8 goes I wonder how well the 550 would handle 3/8 on a 16 inch bar?

 

[KenJax Tree]

It'll handle it very well, mine does and its 18"

 

[Stgcutter]

You get the 3/8 sprocket from your dealer?

 

[KenJax Tree]

Yeah....well i had one sitting around so i used it...its an Oregon...part# 18270

 

[CR888]

lf you run 3/8 chain you have many more options than 325. Try finding a roll of fullskip square ground 325. And if your gauge is 050 you have even more chain options including lopro/picco chain. l love 325 chain but now l only run picco and standard 3/8 as it gets messy with lots of saws, pitches & gauges. And +1 on what weedkilla says.

 

[Husqavarna Guy]

Yeah....well i had one sitting around so i used it...its an Oregon...part# 18270

Don't you also have the 545? If so how do you like it compared to the 550?

 

[weedkilla]

I like 325 for limbing, beside the chipper, cutting multi stemmed rubbish, that sort of stuff. Anything smaller than about 6" and 325 is so much smoother than 3/8, and 3/8lp is a bit too easily knocked around for rough work.
Just my 2c, and probably not worth that.

 

[CR888]

l run 3/8 on my 550 and ported 261 but always remember how smooth and well suited 325 was on my last 261. lrrespective of cut times/durability ect l think 325 in 063 is the nicest chain on a 261. lt would be good if there were more chain options for 325 though.

 

[SawTroll]

Assuming you are using .058, 21LPX (H21) would be my choise (and is).

I run 25RSC/RS as well, but will only use up what I have. The LPX is just a little bit faster, and feels smoother.

 

[CapitaineHaddoc]

Assuming you are using .058, 21LPX (H21) would be my choise (and is).

I run 25RSC/RS as well, but will only use up what I have. The LPX is just a little bit faster, and feels smoother.

I agree. And I would add that the Stihl .325 chain cut much less fast once half worn. Oregon .325 chain is good performing almost until the end.

 

[SawTroll]

I agree. And I would add that the Stihl .325 chain cut much less fast once half worn. Oregon .325 chain is good performing almost until the end.

The cutters on the Stihl chain are shorter as well in .325.

 

[7sleeper]

Best chain for a 550 xp? A sharp chain.

7

 

[Stgcutter]

I bought a loop of stihl rs to try. Threw it on today and it feels the same as the re-badged Oregon I get from the husky dealer.