Does bar type really matter?

[wysiwyg]

I'm in the market for a 16" bar/91vg chain combo for my Poulan Pro 4218. As a reference, I found the online dealer cost for an Oregon combo w/ shipping was around $47. I stopped at Tractor Supply today and got the Oregon bar/chain combo labeled for this saw for $34, thinking I got a good deal. When I got home I looked up the part number on the bar (160SDEA041) and found out it was the lower-grade "Double Guard" bar: http://www.oregonchain.com/cub.htm#DG91 . The combo listed on the dealer website (160GPEA041) "Pro 91" was the one I got the price for: http://www.oregonchain.com/com.htm#P91 . It seems the watered down combo at Tractor supply is not sold through the online dealers.

Given that I WANT the low kickback 91vg chain, is there really a noticeable difference between the two bars, for the casual homeowner user, that is worth the extra price?

 

[elmnut]

you will be fine.

 

[computeruser]

Either should be fine for your purposes. I doubt you'd notice any difference between the two bars in normal household firewood, trimming, and felling duties.

 

[ciscoguy01]

eh

I wouldn't worry if you don't cut much wood. Chances are the metal in the bar is not as resistant to friction. You'll be ok dude if your not cutting 100 cord a year of firewood. Then you might see a diff. You'd be replacing bars more frequently...

 

[wysiwyg]

Thanks for the help, very much appreciated.