I've been running a chainsaw for years. Never used chaps until about a year ago (or so). Since then, they've saved me TWICE. DON'T cut without them. Its not a matter of IF, but WHEN..
Same injury ten years ago, same double bounce, 29 stitches left knee cap. Hedge jumped at felling cut gave me a quick lesson in chaps, 100 percent of the time even when just making a couple quick cuts they are on now. Ruined a pair of stihl chaps already, now running husqvarna technical chaps. They wrap up tighter around the leg.
The newbie of each chainsaw owner need to see this catastrophe. When they try to use any chainsaw; they should use the helmet, chaps, gloves, boots etc.
Cut your chaps and you think , crap I gotta buy a new pair of chaps. Cut your leg and it's not even in the same thot process. And it will ALWAYS cost exponentially more.
Been waiting for mine and yes I am very lucky, I have never used them and when I was younger cut many cords of wood, just recent I was trying to start a saw and got a small bandage injury, had the saw started it would have looked like your injury I am sure. I lost control when the pull cord abruptly stopped when pulled. I was trying to start the saw after replacing the fuel system. Thanks! For sharing I am sure I would have broken down and worked on the wood before the chaps arrived as I got a notice today the shipment was delayed. Good thing I read this this afternoon. Thank you! I will be waiting.