๐ The Value Proposition: An In-Depth Look at Forester Chainsaw Chain
For many chainsaw users, the choice of cutting chain boils down to a debate between expensive OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) chainsaw chain from brands like Stihl or Husqvarna, and reliable, high-value aftermarket options. The Forester Chainsaw Chain is a leading contender in this latter category, often providing a solid blend of performance, durability, and affordability that appeals to budget-conscious professionals and high-volume homeowners alike.
This comprehensive article explores the performance metrics, popular sizes like the Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch and Chainsaw Blade 18 Inch, and addresses the critical comparison: Forester chainsaw chain vs stihl. We also offer guidance on finding a Forester chainsaw chain replacement and where to find a Forester chainsaw chain for sale.
🔬 A Forester Chainsaw Chain Review: Quality and Performance
The Forester Chainsaw Chain brand is known primarily as a manufacturer of aftermarket chains, bars, and forestry accessories. A Forester chainsaw chain review often highlights its value for money.
Performance and Durability
Testing of Forester chains, particularly their full-chisel and semi-chisel options, reveals that they are highly capable. In cutting speed comparisons against premium competitors:
- Speed: Forester chains generally rank well, though they may not match the initial cutting speed of top-tier full-chisel options from brands like Stihl or Oregon. One competitive test showed a standard Forester chain being slightly slower than Stihl and Oregon on initial cuts.
- Edge Retention: The most significant difference often lies in edge retention after extended use. While the initial speed is competitive, some reviews suggest that Forester chains may dull slightly faster than the premium, highly-hardened steel used by leading OEMs. For instance, in one documented test, a new Forester chain lost more of its original speed after a full tank of fuel compared to Stihl and Oregon chains.
Specialization: Carbide and Skip Tooth
Forester addresses specific cutting challenges by offering specialized chains:
- Carbide-Tipped Chains: Forester is a popular source for carbide chains, which are designed to resist dulling when cutting dirty wood, old barn wood, or cutting near the ground. While slow, a Forester chainsaw chain review for their carbide option praises its exceptional resistance to dulling in highly abrasive conditions.
- Skip Tooth and Semi-Chisel: They offer skip tooth configurations (fewer cutters for better chip clearance on long bars like the Chainsaw Chain 24 Inch) and the forgiving semi-chisel cutter style, which is easier to maintain and sharpen for the average user.
⚖️ Forester Chainsaw Chain vs Stihl: The Value Debate
The debate of Forester chainsaw chain vs stihl boils down to balancing cost against peak performance and longevity.
| Feature | Forester Chainsaw Chain | Stihl (OEM Rapid Super/Micro) |
| Initial Cutting Speed | Very Good; competitive with other aftermarket chains. | Excellent; often the fastest due to aggressive geometry and premium steel. |
| Edge Retention | Good; may require more frequent sharpening in heavy use. | Excellent; renowned for holding a sharp edge longer in ideal conditions. |
| Price | Significantly Lower; strong value for bulk replacement or combos. | Higher; considered a premium investment. |
| Availability | Excellent through online retailers and specialized for sale sites. | Exclusive to authorized dealers. |
| Specialty Options | Wide range, including popular carbide-tipped versions. | Excellent options, including high-speed Rapid Super Full Skip (RSF). |
Conclusion: For a professional logger where every second counts and the saw runs all day, Stihl often provides the optimal mix of speed and edge retention. However, for a homeowner, farmer, or firewood cutter who needs a high-quality, readily available chainsaw chain replacement for their Chainsaw Blade 18 Inch or Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch, Forester offers better affordability without a major drop in usable performance.
📏 Selecting the Correct Forester Chainsaw Chain Replacement Size
Forester is primarily an aftermarket chain supplier, meaning their products are designed to fit the exact specifications of major OEM bars. To ensure a correct Forester chainsaw chain replacement, you must match the three crucial numbers of your existing bar, regardless of length (Chainsaw Chain 14 Inch, Chainsaw Blade 18 Inch, Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch, or Chainsaw Chain 24 Inch).
Common Chainsaw Chain Sizes and Drive Link Counts:
| Bar Length | Typical Pitch | Typical Gauge | Common Drive Link Count |
| Chainsaw Chain 14 Inch | 3/8″ Low Profile (LP) | 0.050″ or 0.043″ | 50 or 52 DL |
| Chainsaw Blade 18 Inch | 3/8″ LP or .325″ | 0.050″ or 0.058″ | 62, 66, or 68 DL |
| Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch | 3/8″ or .325″ | 0.050″, 0.058″, or 0.063″ | 70, 72, or 78 DL |
| Chainsaw Chain 24 Inch | 3/8″ or .325″ | 0.050″, 0.058″, or 0.063″ | 84 DL |
Forester makes it easy to find a replacement by clearly listing the pitch, gauge, and drive link count on their packaging and product descriptions, often cross-referencing to the specific Stihl or Husqvarna mount type the bar is designed to fit.
🛒 Availability: Finding Forester Chainsaw Chain for Sale
The primary distribution channel for Forester chainsaw chain for sale is online. Unlike OEM chains that must be purchased through authorized dealers, Forester chains are readily available through large e-commerce platforms and specialized forestry suppliers.
- Online Marketplaces: These retailers offer a wide selection of lengths (from Chainsaw Chain 14 Inch to Chainsaw Chain 24 Inch) and gauges, often providing multi-pack deals that enhance the affordability of the Forester chainsaw chain.
- Combo Kits: Many Forester products are sold as bar and chain combo kits, which offer excellent value when you need to replace both components on your saw (e.g., a Chainsaw Blade 18 Inch combo).1
🤝 Beyond Chains: The Value of Aftermarket
While chains are their core product, Forester’s presence in the market underscores the increasing demand for high-quality aftermarket forestry equipment. The brand’s ability to offer a reliable chainsaw chain replacement at a reduced cost allows users to run premium professional saws (like large Stihl or Husqvarna models) without the continuous expense of OEM consumables. This flexibility is what makes the Forester Chainsaw Chain a vital player in the world of logging and heavy-duty property maintenance.
1. How does the longevity of Forester chainsaw chain vs Stihl compare?
Stihl chains, made from highly hardened steel, typically maintain their sharp edge longer under ideal cutting conditions. The Forester chainsaw chain offers very good durability and is often preferred for its lower cost and ease of replacement, making it a smart choice for general-purpose cutting where the chain may encounter occasional dirt or grit.2
2. Is the Forester Chainsaw Chain safe?
Yes. Reputable aftermarket chains like Forester must adhere to safety standards (like the ANSI low kickback requirements) unless they are specifically marketed as “non-safety” or “full-chisel square” professional chains (which are clearly labeled as having increased kickback potential). When purchasing a Forester chainsaw chain replacement, ensure you select the appropriate type for your saw and skill level.
3. I need a Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch. How do I find the correct Forester part number?
You cannot buy a Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch based on length alone. You must check the three key numbers on your existing chain or bar: Pitch (e.g., 3/8″), Gauge (e.g., 0.050″), and Drive Link Count (e.g., 72 DL). Search for the Forester chainsaw chain for sale using all three of these specifications to guarantee a perfect fit.
4. What is the benefit of a Forester Chainsaw Chain with Carbide inserts?
Forester’s carbide-tipped chains are designed for cutting extremely dirty, abrasive, or contaminated wood, such as lumber that has been sitting on the ground or has embedded sand. The carbide tip is much harder than standard steel, drastically increasing the time the chain remains usable, though it cuts slower than a sharp standard full-chisel chainsaw chain.3
5. Where can I find the best Forester chainsaw chain review information?
The best Forester chainsaw chain review information can often be found on independent video testing channels and specialized forestry forums where users compare Forester’s performance and longevity directly against OEM brands like Stihl and major aftermarket competitors like Oregon, particularly for common sizes like the Chainsaw Blade 18 Inch and Chainsaw Chain 24 Inch.
