SawTroll said:The decomp valve is there primarily to protect the starter on the saw from premature wear/failure, and only secondary to make the pull easier on the user.
It is most useful if you frequently stop and start the saw, instead of letting it sit idling.
I've heard that and disagree. Even with the plastic starter pawls used today, if the pawls are engaged prior to the pull the wear will be minimal. If the user is jerking the rope without engaging the pawls, wear will be accelerated.
Now, for starting between the legs, I highly recommend using the decomp valve.