What is your opinion of the full wrap handlebar vs standard?

Being lefthanded among other things, has had me considering adding a full wrap (west coast) handlebar to at least one of my saws. I find myself in awkward positions fairly often, that seem like would be improved with a full wrap.
I run my saws right handed also, so I do switch back and forth but they always feel more natural to run left handed which is usually not an issue. Holding one in the correct position when making a face cut is where it seems like I need one, most often.

What is your preference?

 

Being able from whatever side of a tree ,or run a saw left handed is a plus for full wrap .
I also think that not being able to use the saw for stumping should be considered a plus .
I have two full wraps , and will be adding a 462 rcm as soon as it gets massaged .

 

Oh Yeah, I didn't think about trying to cut a low stump, or shall we say (cut the stump real low) as I like to do, even at the expense of dulling my chain, being a problem. Well, that's ok, I have enough saws to keep one for stumping cutting. I have old stumps on my farm that others have left just tall enough to hit hard with equipment, pickups, etc. In the woods, it doesn't matter unless you are cutting a road, but a little too tall a stump in the wrong place can wreck machinery.

 

I have some saws with full wrap handles and they are handy to have but it is not a make or break deal for me since I am right handed. So I understand your being left handed that it would make a difference.

For stumping I have certain saws that I use because the exhaust is not facing toward the dirt and they can get real low.

This is a MS460 with a full wrap. I bought the saw used and it came with the handle already on it.

 

I like it. I think I am going to get one, for either my 362 or 462 and give it a try.

 

I’ve never used an R and I’m left handed, but I don’t cut lefty and most of the time my last cut is the stump.

 

The stump is usually my last cut, also. I cut both left and right at times.

 

No full wraps for me. I just don't have a need and the added hassle of clutch cover removal would seal the [no]deal.

 

Taking the clutch cover on and off is a piece of cake. No biggie.

 

Yep, I have looked at pictures of several saws with full wraps and wondered about that, but it looks like some saws might be affected more then others. I can see how it might be a little more inconvenient but it kind of depends on whither the chainsaw bar bolts are blocked or not by the handlebar bar crossing over them.

 

Full wrap clutch cover removal is easier on the stihls with the 3/4 style wrap. The Husqvarnas are not really difficult, but there is a little more in the way. To me it's alot easier using a 3/8 drive 13 mm ratchet than a scrench

 

Yep, I could see that would be true.

 

I have an old Poulan here with a full wrap and still no big deal to take the clutch cover on or off.
I use a 1/4 " drive on the nuts of clutch covers. It prevents me from over tightening them. I hardly ever use a scrench.

 

I've had bar nuts vibrate loose and/or fall off a few times, so I always tighten them just a little tighter than common sense would dictate .

 

Some time when you haven’t had a headache in a really long time, try putting a clutch cover on a full wrap 3120

 

That is one thing I like about the newer Stihls that I own, is the bar nuts are captured so they won't get lost. I would definitely want to have some extras, otherwise.

 

And all this time I thought it was when I pulled in your lane.

 

Well they both work. Just pick one though

 

Got an extra 3120XP Full Wrap Handle you want to sell?
They seem to be made of unobtanium


Doug

 

I called my closest dealer and he told me that they didn't offer a full wrap for the 362, but I went to a bigger better dealer about 20 miles away and they said they could order one. It was kind of expensive it seamed at about $194.00 and I could have gotten one for my 462 for $164.00 but the saw I really wanted one for was the 362 so I just ordered it. They told me, if they had it in the warehouse, (wherever that is) I might get it my Friday, otherwise it might be 3 weeks with Christmas and all.

I handled one on a 462 Rescue Saw, that they had in stock, and it doesn't really block the clutch plate, much at all, that I could tell. I think I can still even use my scrench. I think I will like it, as it does offer the other side of the tree for felling notches to me, a lot easier, I believe. If I really like it, I may add one to the 462 later. Dam chainsaws are kind of like Harley's, you buy one, then you want to start modifying it. I think some of the parts are cheaper for the Harley. I have been riding Harley's for many years, so I been down that road a time or two.