Bar question

[Tired Squirrel]

Ok, so its time to replace the worn bar on my stock Jred 2171 and thought I'd get the opinion of the masses here on the site. I currently run a 24" bar and have had no complaints with it as it's handled most of what I do. I have thought about stepping up to a 28" bar as I do occasionally have the need for it and during those times the longer bar would just make things a little easier. So the question is...will the slightly longer bar effect performance enough to notice a difference? And, will a 28" bar on a 2171 give me any AV mount issues from increased vibration etc.. I appreciate any input as I always value advice given by those with experience.

 

[Efisher26]

There's a thread on here somewhere that explains the only difference on a larger bar is slightly more drag drom extra friction. Not noticeable until it hits wood as big as the new bar. I don't anything about it but that's what I read. So 2 different size bars in same size tree(say 20in tree) u won't notice a difference. (Just what I read, not opinion)


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[grack]

24 inch balances great IMHO on your saw and nothing looks better than a total super bar I've got some 28 inch bars but I usually run 24 on a 371 plus they are a bit cheaper than 28.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

I recently had the pleasure of running a tsumara 28" light and tough bar. It was on a ms 661. Really a nice combo. If I had to choose between a 24" regular solid bar and a 28" light bar, I'd go light bar every time I think. The extra reach is nice, and it weighs almost exactly the same amount.

They're a bit pricey, but you can get them online (eBay I think). Also, a Total light and tough is the same thing. Alternatively, I'd consider an Oregon reduced weight or a Stihl ES light bar (with an adapter).

 

[Tenderfoot]

You wont be happy with it. I have ran a 28 on a 2172 and a 372. It really wont have the grunt in Jersey hardwoods too cut with the bar buried, or close to it. Learning a few bucking tricks and you will be able to cut nearly anything with a 24 that you can with a 28, and if it is too big, well hell I wont cut it or get a bigger saw. Watch a few of the west coast guys and how they handle big wood. Those bucking tricks work well for 'too small' a bar.

The AV and clutch will be fine, it just wont cut fast enough. You will have to be on your A game with filing if you want it to preform well. A 24 is the right match for it in hardwoods. I have a 28 inch bar I use on my saws for rare occasions and it has never really made me happy about the performance except in softwoods.