Oregon Double Guard vs Pro-lite bars

[Engineeringnerd]

O.K., I know bar preference is a big deal, but I'd like to get your thoughts on these two specific bars. I have run both the 3/8" Pro-lite and the 3/8" Power Match - Double Guard, and I find the Pro-lite is lighter and seems to perform better. My rails don't seem to wear as much and the bar is lighter. The Pro-lite is also significantly cheaper ($38 vs $60).

Other than the Power Match - Double Guard has a single-rivet replaceable sprocket, do you guys have good reason to use the Power Match - Double Guard over the Pro-Lite? I haven't had any issues on the Pro-lite sprockets, but I just had a sprocket fail this week on my Power Match - Double Guard (I lube it every time I put it away). This is for my 372XP w/ a 24" bar.

I'm kinda thinking use the lighter, less expensive Pro-Lite bar until something wears out or fails, then chunk the whole thing and start over.

 

[SWE#Kipp]

I got two Husky labeled 20" Pro lites for my 372xpg and are not going replace them with a power match until they are toast !
they work fine but are maybe not as durable and stiff, but I see no reason to replace something that work !!!

 

[Four Paws]

Run whatever you can get a deal on. It is pretty easy to find pro-quality bars at $25 or under. NO reason to get raked for a $60+ bar...unless of course, you are over 36"

 

[gdn]

Run whatever you can get a deal on. It is pretty easy to find pro-quality bars at $25 or under. NO reason to get raked for a $60+ bar...unless of course, you are over 36"

lol, dealers over here (australia) wanted $90aud (approx 50USD) + gst for a 12" arborpro bar they had IN STOCK for a husky 338xpt, PLUS $35 (approx 20USD)+ gst for a chain to match - i love the internet.

actually not a huge huge difference BUT i can order the same goods plus 3 or 4 extra chains and after shipping I will be out the same amount of $
the killer over here is 192t=$5-600aud, ms200t $1250-1500aud, what gives?

 

[Engineeringnerd]

Four Paws,

Give me some Ideas for pro bars under $25. I haven't found that source yet, but I'm listening!

 

[Austin1]

Four Paws,

Give me some Ideas for pro bars under $25. I haven't found that source yet, but I'm listening!

I just picked up a stubby 15'' Carlton Pro Camp and I am very happy with it for under 20.00$ on Bailey's clear out sale To bad all the bigger bars are sold out

 

[DGG]

How religious are you guys about flipping the bar over and keeping the chain sharp and tight on the bar?

It is recommended in my Husky manual to flip bar daily, but I don't know of anyone who does it this frequently. Maybe the real commercial/pro guys do this. I may flip mine when I sharpen the chain or replace it but that's about all.

I haven't ever used the Oregon brand, I use the Husky "lite" 3/8, .050, 18 and 20" bars and have had decent success with them. I find that if I use a good chain, keep the bar clean and lubed, file off any burrs that start to build up on the edge of the bar, grease the nose, and run a small screw driver down the bar groove to remove whatever crud builds up from the wood and bar oil, it seems to work well. I have never had a reason to replace any of the bars on my three saws...yet! These are about $25.00-50.00 for the bar/chain combo which is very reasonable.


FT-280-72
20" Laminated Bar/Chain Combo
Nose Wheel
3/8" Pitch
.050" Gauge
Fits 55 Rancher, 257, 261, 262, 357, 359, 357, 362XP, 455 Rancher
Price: 47.95 Sale: 21.95

 

[KMB]

Four Paws,

Give me some Ideas for pro bars under $25. I haven't found that source yet, but I'm listening!

+1. As I'm getting parts for my 044, particularly a 20" and 24" bar for it.

Kevin

 

[ChuckinOhio]

If you look at Bailey's and don't see anything, my next stop would be eBay for a deal on bars.

Lots of dealers even close out or stop stocking bars and you can pick em up on the cheap if you can live with an older bar.

Chuck

 

[Engineeringnerd]

Thanks for the input. I think my sprocket died due to some milling I did on some half-cured oak for about an hour. I probably should have given the saw and sprocket a little more rest time between runs. As it was, I ran them pretty hard.

 

[Gologit]

How religious are you guys about flipping the bar over and keeping the chain sharp and tight on the bar?

It is recommended in my Husky manual to flip bar daily, but I don't know of anyone who does it this frequently. Maybe the real commercial/pro guys do this. I may flip mine when I sharpen the chain or replace it but that's about all.

I haven't ever used the Oregon brand, I use the Husky "lite" 3/8, .050, 18 and 20" bars and have had decent success with them. I find that if I use a good chain, keep the bar clean and lubed, file off any burrs that start to build up on the edge of the bar, grease the nose, and run a small screw driver down the bar groove to remove whatever crud builds up from the wood and bar oil, it seems to work well. I have never had a reason to replace any of the bars on my three saws...yet! These are about $25.00-50.00 for the bar/chain combo which is very reasonable.


FT-280-72
20" Laminated Bar/Chain Combo
Nose Wheel
3/8" Pitch
.050" Gauge
Fits 55 Rancher, 257, 261, 262, 357, 359, 357, 362XP, 455 Rancher
Price: 47.95 Sale: 21.95[/QUOTE


Haven't replaced any bars yet? Commendable. How many hours a week/month/year do you cut?

 

[Engineeringnerd]

I don't cut as much as many on this site, but I try to flip the bar each time I change chains. I don't usually sharpen a chain on the saw, so it's very easy to flip it around and keep things reasonably even. I guess my frequency is several times per day since I usually have to change chains a couple of times during a heavy cutting day.

 

[SawTroll]

I got two Husky labeled 20" Pro lites for my 372xpg and are not going replace them with a power match until they are toast !
they work fine but are maybe not as durable and stiff, but I see no reason to replace something that work !!!

From what I have read earlier, the Pro-Lite wears at least as well as as the Power-Match, but the PM is stiffer, and probably withstands abuse better...

I am very happy with the PLs I have used, but haven't used the single PM I have enough to form a personal opinion on it.

Also, I would avoid the "double guard", as it has a smaller diameter tip, and not good for bore cutting (and funny looking).

 

[RiverRat2]

+ 1 SawTroll

From what I have read earlier, the Pro-Lite wears at least as well as as the Power-Match, but the PM is stiffer, and probably withstands abuse better...

I am very happy with the PLs I have used, but haven't used the single PM I have enough to form a personal opinion on it.

Also, I would avoid the "double guard", as it has a smaller diameter tip, and not good for bore cutting (and funny looking).

Good to see you back on the board,,, hope you are better soon!!!!

Give my regards to Da Witchy,,,,,,

R2'ed

 

[SawTroll]

Good to see you back on the board,,, hope you are better soon!!!!

Give my regards to Da Witchy,,,,,,

R2'ed

Thanks!

Better, yes - but able to work in the woods, or cut wood, no......:bang: :bang: