.325 20LP or 33LG

[McC]

There was a discussion in a thread about the PS5100 about the best .325 chain. In my Oregon manual, it shows 20LP with a bumper link plate, and 33 LG with no bumper. In the 5100 thread, it sounded like 20LP would cut faster, and last longer. Is it available without the bumper, or is the bumper small enough not to bother?
Scott

 

[Diesel JD]

The bumper doesn't slow down the LP at all. The LG may be a bit faster...I was told Oregon was going to make the LG series in .325 obsolete if that makes any difference. It is still current and I haven't confirmed the obsoletion. Either way, you'll be happy. I cut with a bunch on 33LG and a loop of 22LP on my 025 for a long time(firewood) both stayed sharp well and cut fast. If I was buying now though, I'd buy the LG, just don't see the need for the bumper strap...why is it there? Neither chain meets ANSI low kickback standards, but both are "reduced kickback" and I haven't had a violent kickback on the 025 in 7 years of using them on and off.

 

[SawTroll]

I have never used LP or LG in .325, but from what I have read I believe that the smaller cutters on the LG make it slower in many cases.

The ramps in front of LP and VP depth gauges does not seem to slow them down at all, unless chip clearance becomes an issue, but I think the low cutters of the .325 LG may provide even less space for chips.
Even Stihl has adopted a similar design lately.

Just to avoid confusing someone; In 3/8" the LP and LG cutters are the same.

 

[davefr]

For what it's worth, I bought some Bailey's Woodsman Pro 20RC chain for my Dolmar PS5100. It performs very good and is cheaper then Oregon Chain.

Bailey's doesn't sell 20LP yet. (only Oregon 33LG and Woodsman Pro 20RC in .325 X .050)