Sorry, probably a repeat question on Stihl Vs. Oregon Chains

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Scottnc

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Stihl 33R8-84 versus Oregon 72LP-84. 24-25" bar 84 tooth 3/8" pitch, .050" gauge. Is there a nickles worth of difference between them? I've running running a Stihl chain on an Oregon 24" bar on a 044 and would like put a 24-25" bar on my 036 Pro as well. I know the 036 power is better suited to a 20" in hardwoods but when limbing downed trees a (lighter saw with) little more reach would be nice.

Topic drift - Anyone tried the new Stihl Rapid chain?
 
For me, in my location and personal experience- Oregon has dropped way down the quality levels to be ranked somewhere near the bottom of the known name brands, but above the box store brands, for both chains and bars.
30 years ago, I would have sung the Oregon praises- not so much now, I still use their bars on occasion, but tend to stay away from their new chain.
If there is not much difference in price, I would be opting for the RS (R8 typo?) Stihl every time- but in saying that, I have been having some good return from some rolls of Carlton A3 of late, in my opinion and for what I cut- it is alongside the RS for lifespan and quality.
 
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If there is not much difference in price, I would be opting for the RS (R8 typo?)

I was looking a Oregon/Stihl cross reference with pixelated print so small I used a magnifying glass on the monitor and swore it was an "8".
thought it was suposed to be an "S" but there it was. Guessed wrong.
 
Is there a nickels worth difference in the weight of 036 and 044? Maybe look into a light bar for the 044?
 
I have admit, after running both saws side-by-side a couple days ago recovering a large walnut tree spanning a creek - I wasn't impressed by the difference. The job forced holding the saws at arms length and outside of the diference in bars, one felt as heavy as the other by days end. The 036 is newer and stone stock (less muffler baffle) while the 044 has been ported, compression raised, muffler, etc. I have aways thought of the 044 as my "big" saw. On the scale... maybe not so much.
 
The Stihl is the better chain.

Look into a 026 or a 260 for small limbing. I use a 20 inch 3/8 chain on my 036. 24" inch would be awkward for me.
As of lately Stihl chains havent been the best. The last 4 chains I had needed a link taken out. The stretch is crazy. I would run out of enough tensioner
 
When s52 chains from China were 5$ each on eBay for my cs 400s they worked good for clearing brush and were throwaways because alot of dirt was being cut. I usually run oregon without issue. Surprisingly the chicom chain would sharpen good. And they were full chisle!
 
As of lately Stihl chains haven't been the best. The last 4 chains I had needed a link taken out. The stretch is crazy. I would run out of enough tensioner
Interesting you noticed this stretching. I just serviced an Echo CS-590 with a 20" bar that needed a brand new sprocket. The used Stihl chain could no longer be tightened using the old sprocket and could barely be tightened with the new one installed.
 
I like either or but having trouble getting it right now due to supply constraints. Been using carlton lately and can say it is on par with the other brands and it certainly seems more old school in design compared to say Oregon and stihl.
I have also heard good things on the new husqvarna chains on the market.
 
I like either or but having trouble getting it right now due to supply constraints. Been using carlton lately and can say it is on par with the other brands and it certainly seems more old school in design compared to say Oregon and stihl.
I have also heard good things on the new husqvarna chains on the market.
The old USA Carlton was good chain. Haven't used any since early 1990s
 
I cant tell the difference between stihl Oregon and husqvarna branded chains. I doubt theres 3% that can tell then one sharpn and its **** so after that.
 
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