chaps recomendations?

jdog2 · May 4, 2011

ok i have been cutting firewood since i was about 12 years old.

i have never used chaps in my life. never had any accidents. did have one close call and tore my jeans a few years back but thats about it. at the time i was given a old beat up pair of chaps that actually did fit me well but i gave them to a freind (another short guy) who was just starting a new job with a tree trimming service. he was broke and i figured they would do him more good then me.

anyway im looking for some recomendations on what to get for chaps.
i dont want something so heavy it will be irritating to wear them, as then they will just get left behind.

now what im assuming is going to make it hard. im not a big guy by any means, im 5' 5" and around 130lbs ive got a 30 inch inseam and a 29 in waist

i dont want chaps so long that i cant use them. as far as the waist strap goes im sure that wont be as big of a problem as the length.

ok any recomendations?

Hank Chinaski · May 4, 2011

I've ran Stihl chaps and like them well enough.
I just made an order from Baileys tho to get some Labonville X-Treme Competition Chainsaw Safety Chaps. They offer 10ply of Kevlar/Polyester vs 6 or some even only have 4 layers.

The Stihl chaps were also just square cut, no wrap around calf area like the Labonville X-treme's.

Almost all chaps are "short" unless you get the large size. I wear a 32" inseam pants, but the normal chaps length were a little short on me and I ordered Large this go around.

Look on the Baileys site (Husqvarna Chainsaws, Outdoor Power Equipment and Tree Care Supplies from Bailey's) they've got all the measurements and a decent selection of styles/pricing etc.

jdog2 · May 4, 2011

thanks for the input i have looked around online a littebit but not alot.

im not to sure as to how many layers i should need for protection i know it never hurts to have to much but im also on a budget.

does anybody have any realworld insight into what a good workable thickness level is that will still adequately protect you? :cheers:

Hank Chinaski · May 4, 2011

youtube has some great vids of chainsaw chap testing

I've never tested them out myself mind you, but I'd consider 6 layers minimum, and go from your hip to the top of your boots.

As far as budget goes, if they protect better, and cover more area, what's $40 difference? that's not even the gas $ it will take to get to the ER now days, much less the end cost of the trip.

be safe, be educated, and don't take the cheap way out. You (and your family) only have one you.

jdog2 · May 4, 2011

well i got all excited and ordered a pair:hmm3grin2orange:

https://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=L850+BO+RG&catID=11601

especially when i seen that they come in green:msp_tongue:

i ordered the regular size so when they get here we will see how they fit.

even with shipping this is cheaper then the shops around here sell them.

Hank Chinaski · May 5, 2011

Congrats !

I don't cut without "suiting up". Boots/Chaps/Gloves/Headgear. It becomes habit, and then it's actually uncomfortable starting a saw without having it all on.

ETA: I like mine in orange, so the rescue party can find my leg easier and I make the doc's job go better trying to plug the stump