Thanks for the compliments guys! nah, the original wasn't torn up, just a couple of minor nicks and dings. i suppose it will stay that way now that its covered up. the mid-range stuff goes for about $25, and you get two rolls, so when this gets shredded i can redo it. would be nice to spend the money on some Brooks stuff which i'm sure would last forever, but i don't see myself dropping $60 on this project. can't wait to go cut with it tomorrow!
I love the new bar! a huge upgrade from my 24". its allot lighter, the saw balances much better. all of the deadfall i clear at one of our trail areas is used to line the edges of our 'pedestrian' pathways, so its really nice to be able to work on this without hunching over. on wednesday i cleared a 80'+ deadfall snag, it was also really nice to have that reach when it came down.
the bar is definitely more flexible, but it doesn't appear to be a real problem, i've just been more conscious not to beat on it unnecessarily.
cleans up nice and easy with a scotchbrite pad as well, so even after about 9 tanks she's still pretty enough for AS fashion model duty.
no idea where to get some more jolly roger stickers, i got a whole pack from a friend. its kind of a big-wall climber joke, yaknow, we go sailing the granite seas. yar!
now i just wish i could find some cedar within a weekend trip from chicago.... i want to go build some cool trail features!!