I am looking for an 18" bar for my 357XP and was wondering if the Oregon bars are decent? If not what would you suggest looking for that is decent and doesn't break the bank? http://www.baileysonline.com/Chains...nks-180SLHK095.axd?PartFinderType=BarSelector
Oregon makes the Husky OEM bars and I would say they are "decent". The Pro-Lite bars are less $$ than the PowerMatch bars and are still good bars.
The power match is only $8 more so maybe I will get that one. Next question what chain do you recommend and are you still making up loops?
I would spring for the PowerMatch too. I like Stihl chain, I'm currently only making loops of PS. (3/8" Lo-Pro) One or two loops, you won't spend much more at a good dealer shop.
Left Coast has the 3/8" - .058 Power Match for $43.87. I was checking there to see if they had a deal on a GB bar and chain combo. They do, but it's .325 and out of stock.
Terry Landrum is getting ready to do a group buy on "Cannon Bars". It may be a little more than your looking to spend? But will outlast and other bar. Without a doubt... Oregon makes a great bar as well, just figured I would throw that out there. Seeing how AS is having problems again (Chainsaw forum not working). I was hoping Terry may come here and ask us One can hope anyways. Because I can't get a reply back from him over there.
How do the Cannon bars compare, weight-wise? Not that it matters so much to me, since almost every saw I buy seems to come with a bar that still has some life in it. My practicality dooms me to a life of using up other people's ugly leftover bars.
The regular bars are probably close in weight to other standard bars. It's the "Fat Belly" competition bars that weigh a lot more.
Oregon is good. I like the ProLite over the PowerMatch on smaller saws, because of the weight diff. Both hold up fine... Carlton Speed tip is a nice bar, quality and good price. I bought a 16" for a 346 for $39 and will get a couple more in 18-20.
He's posted it on SH too. I'm sure he wouldn't mind doing it over here. He's got to get 20 bars for the discount.
Here's the price list. Take 20% off these prices. I'm getting a 36" for $140. Not much more than a Oregon and a lot better bar. Nothing looks better to me than a cannon on a husky. http://www.cannonbar.com/PDFs/PriceListMSRPUSDJune2014.pdf