Before I learned chainsaws, I used my double bit, and whatever hatchet was handy. I can't find a reason to use the axe, at all. But I keep it handy.
I cut some trees down with an ax when I was in Boy Scouts, that was fun at the time. Ill stick to my chainsaw.
I wouldn't want to chop a tree with a single bit. The main advantage of a double bit is that it is balanced. I have a old Kelly Perfect and the chips come off in huge chunks. Well at least until I'm huffing and puffing and out of steam.
I voted for the stihl but would prefer Either my council tools michigan pattern felling axe or a Gransfors of the same size if I could find one.
I believe most double bits I have used were better choppers as well. And definitely well balanced, as you stated. I think it also depends on what kind of tree you’re chopping. Oak is pretty tough stuff once you get through the first layer. It’s pretty fun chopping down a big tree and a very accomplishing feeling afterwards, in my opinion!
I did it a lot before I was allowed to run a chainsaw by myself on the farm. Double bit axe that was my great grandfather's, I still have it but it needs a new handle. Single bit axes with a real nice curve in the handle. I think the old single bits with the big curves help keep the weight of the axe balanced. Most current axe handles are too fat and straight. I used to cut down thorny locust in the pasture after school with axes and broad saws. Then we would burn them in the fall.
One of the go to axes to chop with in the older days was a single bit Michigan axe from what I read. They were supposed to be great for felling trees.
