Wanting a new bar

[Burnham]

I ran the 361 yesterday, just a halfish tank of fuel to fell, limb, and buck to firewood lengths a recently dead 12 inch dbh Doug fir about 60 feet tall. I like using the VersaCut bar very much, thanks @stig for the recommendation...it balances much better that the old 25 inch Stihl Rollomatic ES, as expected. Time will tell on the wear factor, but as has been noted, it's unlikely to wear out at the level of use I'll be giving it from here on out in my lifetime.

The Oregon chain stretched more than any Stihl chain I've used, ever. Only the felling cuts and a few bucking cuts before it needed to be tightened. But thereafter it was fine, and by the time I was done it was still adjusted properly for tension.

This was pretty undemanding cutting, for sure. I'll be interested to see how it goes in bigger wood.

On the up side, it cut quickly and smoothly. So I'm satisfied so far with the chain, if not overwhelmed .

 

[Burnham]

Thought I'd update my feedback on this Oregon chain. After some much more demanding cutting, I'm still not getting any excessive stretch. After that initial bit of use brand new, it's acting pretty normal on that score. Cuts well, smooth, sharpens easily. Holds an edge in 15 to 24 inch Douglas fir as well as anyone could really ask for. I'm more than satisfied with this chain.

The Oregon Versacut bar is very nice. Not a single complaint. Light enough, and this 20 inch bar is a perfect match and balance on the MS361.

 

[davidwyby]

I am a fan of those bars too. Always used a lot of Oregon chain because of madsen’s 2 for one pricing and was happy with its filing characteristics and cutting in clean wood, but recently discovered the rumors that stihl holds an edge better seems to be true. Files harder too but I have a grinder. I bought some once used rental saw chains on eBay, good value if you can sharpen.