Not much any of these guys said that I would disagree with. Coming from a fairly occasional user who cut his teeth on small saws and laminated bars...the difference between those and any pro bar is pretty darn incredible. So, I think it is a balance between cost and durability. I think you'd probably have to be a professional user or miller to really notice the difference in longevity. I suggest if you get any professional replaceable sprocketnose bar and take good care of it...good oil, grease the tip every so often flip it every other chain sharp, etc, if you a a fairly light/med duty user any of them will last you a very long time. ZIf you cut for a living, considering a high dollar bar like a Cannon or a Woodsman pro(same mfg I think) makes sense. A Stihl bar is pretty good metal it will last and last even in the professional environment. I'd also be curious about some of those long bars from chainbars.com blue babe is their brand I think...anyone have experience with them?