Oregon vs Stihl Chainsaw Chain: Which One Should You Buy?
Oregon and Stihl-side chainsaw chains compared by pitch, gauge, drive links, low-kickback features and pack size, with two examples on each side.
On this page
Top picks at a glance
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- 1
OREGON 72RD084G 84 Drive Link 3/8-Inch Ripping Saw Chain9.7/10View on Amazon - 2
KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8" LP Pitch .043" Gauge 559.7/10View on Amazon - 3
Oregon Chainsaw Chain for 20" Bar9.6/10View on Amazon - 4
STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20" Bar .325 pitchView on Amazon - 5
Stihl Chainsaw Chain- 26RS68- 18 InchView on Amazon - 6
STIHL 33RS72 Rapid Super Chainsaw ChainView on Amazon - 7Stihl 26RS 74 Chainsaw Chain Rapid Super 18" BarView on Amazon
- 8
STIHL 26RM3-74 Oilomatic Rapid Micro 3 Saw ChainView on Amazon - 9
5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355View on Amazon
Fall cutting season is here, the woodpile is half stacked, and the saw is due for a fresh chain. Oregon vs Stihl chainsaw chain is the classic brand question, and the answer comes down to pitch, gauge and drive links, not the name on the box. This comparison pits two Oregon listings against two Stihl-side listings, then gives one example from each side of the common 16-inch setup.
Verdict: Choose the Oregon 16-inch 2-pack if your bar calls for 3/8-inch low-profile pitch, .050-inch gauge and 56 drive links. Choose the Stihl 61PMM3 2-pack if your saw needs 3/8-inch pitch, .043-inch gauge and 55 drive links. Choose the JINFFR 5-pack if you run an 18-inch bar with .325-inch pitch and .063-inch gauge on a Stihl MS250-class saw. Choose the Oregon 100-foot reel if you cut your own loops in bulk.
FirewoodGearHQ may earn a small commission if you buy through links on this page. The price you pay stays the same. Affiliate disclosure.
Oregon Chainsaw Chain for 16" Bar, 3/8" LP
A 2-pack of Oregon 16-inch chains with 3/8-inch low-profile pitch, .050-inch gauge and 56 drive links.
Pros
- 2-pack gives a spare chain
- Low-kickback bumper drive link design
- Fits Husqvarna, Echo, Ryobi, Greenworks and Craftsman models listed
- Heat-treated, chrome plated steel with built-in oiling system
Cons
- Spec table says 62 drive links; trust the title and bullets at 56
- Fits chainsaws up to 42cc only
- No concrete warranty term is stated
- 16-inch bar only
Stihl 16 in Picco Micro Mini Oilomatic Chainsaw
A 2-pack of genuine Stihl 16-inch Picco Micro Mini chains with 3/8-inch pitch, .043-inch gauge and 55 drive links.
Pros
- Genuine OEM Stihl chain
- Narrow kerf, low-profile, low-kickback design
- 2-pack gives a spare chain
- 55 drive links for 16-inch bars
Cons
- .043-inch gauge fits fewer bars than .050
- No concrete warranty term is stated
- Listing says to consult the manual for part number identification
- 480 gram weight for the 2-pack adds up in the kit
5 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chains Fits Stihl .325"
A 5-pack of 18-inch chains with .325-inch pitch, .063-inch gauge and 68 drive links, made to fit Stihl saws.
Pros
- 5-pack covers a season of chain changes
- Low kickback to ANSI standards stated
- Semi-chisel cutter with chrome-plated finish
- Fitment listed for Stihl MS251, MS250, MS230 and 025 series
Cons
- Not a Stihl-made chain; it fits Stihl saws
- 2022 and newer MS250 may have a .050 bar, so the gauge must be checked
- No concrete warranty term is stated
- 18-inch bar only
Oregon Chainsaw Chain, 3/8" Pitch, .050" Gauge
A 100-foot bulk reel of Oregon 3/8-inch pitch, .050-inch gauge professional chain.
Pros
- 100 feet of chain for high-production cutting
- LubriTec oiling for less friction
- Blued cutters resist corrosion
- Top-plate filing indicators ease sharpening
Cons
- The spec table's drive link value is a listing error; no usable drive link count applies to a reel, you cut loops yourself
- No low-kickback design is stated
- 19.6 pound reel is heavy to handle
- No concrete warranty term is stated
More options to compare
STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20" Bar .325 pitchCheck price on Amazon
Stihl Chainsaw Chain- 26RS68- 18 InchCheck price on Amazon
STIHL 33RS72 Rapid Super Chainsaw ChainCheck price on Amazon- Stihl 26RS 74 Chainsaw Chain Rapid Super 18" BarCheck price on Amazon
STIHL 26RM3-74 Oilomatic Rapid Micro 3 Saw ChainCheck price on Amazon
5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355Check price on Amazon
Side by side: Oregon vs Stihl chainsaw chain
| Factor | Oregon chainsaw chain | Stihl chainsaw chain |
|---|---|---|
| 16-inch bar example | Oregon 2-pack: 3/8 in LP, .050 in, 56 links | Stihl 61PMM3 2-pack: 3/8 in, .043 in, 55 links |
| Other example | Oregon 100 ft reel: 3/8 in, .050 in | JINFFR 5-pack: 18 in, .325 in, .063 in, 68 links |
| Low kickback stated | Yes, on the 16-inch 2-pack | Yes, on both listings |
| Pack size | 2-pack or bulk reel | 2-pack or 5-pack |
| Warranty | Not stated | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 22 October 2026.
Pitch and gauge: what fits your bar
Pitch and gauge must match the bar, and the four listings show how different the two sides can be. The Oregon 16-inch 2-pack lists 3/8-inch low-profile pitch with .050-inch gauge, while the Stihl 61PMM3 2-pack lists 3/8-inch pitch with .043-inch gauge, a narrower setup for smaller saws. The JINFFR 5-pack runs .325-inch pitch with .063-inch gauge for 18-inch bars on Stihl MS250-class saws, and the Oregon 100-foot reel is 3/8-inch pitch with .050-inch gauge. Neither side is better on gauge alone; the bar decides.
Drive links and bar length
Drive link count is per listing, not per brand. The Oregon 16-inch example lists 56 drive links and the Stihl 16-inch example lists 55, a one-link difference that still means the chains are not interchangeable. The JINFFR example lists 68 drive links for its 18-inch bar. The Oregon 100-foot reel lists no drive link count because it is bulk chain you cut to length. When in doubt, the JINFFR listing says to find pitch, gauge, bar length and drive link count on the owner’s manual or the guide bar side stamp.
Low kickback and safety
Both sides state low-kickback designs. The Oregon 16-inch 2-pack pairs a bumper drive link with a depth gauge design for reduced kickback. The Stihl 61PMM3 is a narrow kerf, low-profile, low-kickback chain. The JINFFR 5-pack states low kickback to ANSI standards with a semi-chisel cutter. The Oregon 100-foot reel does not state low kickback. A low-kickback listing is no substitute for chaps, helmet, gloves and boots, and never cutting alone.
Pack size and value
Pack size is where the listings differ most plainly. The Oregon and Stihl 16-inch examples both come as 2-packs. The JINFFR example is a 5-pack for 18-inch bars. The Oregon 100-foot reel is bulk chain at 19.6 pounds for high-production cutting. Buy the 2-pack when one saw needs a spare; buy the 5-pack or the reel when several chains will get used up in a season. For chain sharpening gear, see our rapid micro vs rapid super chain comparison.
The four examples
How we scored them
The Woodlot Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For chainsaw chain, safety means a stated low-kickback design or safety standard; three of the four listings state one, and the 100-foot reel does not. None of the four listings states a warranty with a concrete term. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Woodlot Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon 16in 2-Pack | 9.6 | 29 | 20 | 21 | 5 | 0 |
| Stihl 61PMM3 2-Pack | 9.5 | 29 | 20 | 20 | 5 | 0 |
| JINFFR 18in 5-Pack | 9.5 | 28 | 19 | 21 | 5 | 0 |
| Oregon 100ft Reel | 9.5 | 29 | 21 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
Wear eye protection and gloves for cutting, splitting and handling, follow every tool's manual, install stoves to code, and have the chimney inspected and cleaned every year. See EPA Burn Wise and NFPA heating safety. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Around the Woodpile
- Verify fit first: the Oregon 16-inch listing says to double check the chainsaw manual and verify the fit.
- Match the stamp: the JINFFR listing says to find pitch, gauge, bar length and drive links on the owner’s manual or the guide bar side stamp.
- Use the right part number: the Stihl listing says to consult the owner’s manual for proper part number identification and installation.
- Keep spare chains oiled: the JINFFR listing describes a protective oil design that resists corrosion in storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Oregon 16-inch 2-pack fit my saw?
It fits saws that run 3/8-inch low-profile pitch, .050-inch gauge, 56 drive links on a 16-inch bar, up to 42cc. The listing says to double check the chainsaw manual and verify the fit.
What is the difference between .050 and .043 gauge?
Gauge is the thickness that must match the guide bar slot. The Oregon 16-inch example is .050 inch and the Stihl 61PMM3 example is .043 inch; they are not interchangeable.
How many drive links do I need?
The Oregon 16-inch example lists 56, the Stihl 16-inch example lists 55, and the JINFFR 18-inch example lists 68. Count the links or check the bar stamp.
What does low-kickback mean in these listings?
It is the maker’s stated design claim: the Oregon example uses a bumper drive link with a depth gauge design, and the JINFFR example states low kickback to ANSI standards. It does not replace protective gear.
Does the 100-foot reel fit my bar?
Not directly. It is bulk 3/8-inch pitch, .050-inch gauge chain with no stated drive link count; you cut loops to length. It suits cutters who make their own chains.
Do any of these state a warranty?
None of the four listings states a warranty with a concrete term. The Oregon 16-inch spec table has a warranty description field with no term.
Related guides
See the chainsaw gear hub, our rapid micro vs rapid super chain comparison, the best chainsaw for green wood and premixed chainsaw fuel picks.
