Excellent representation. STIHL advertised 10% faster cut times than their fastest out of the box chain. I have used X-cut for as long as it has been on the market and like it very much. It makes a nice chip and is very durable...great job Mr. Doug...
Great comparison, Mr. Indiana! I've always stuck to the standard full chisel chain when I cut the occasional cherry or birch. The majority of what I cut is balsam fir for campfires. A semi- chisel chain does just fine. Speed has never been important to me. I enjoy my time on a saw, most people do who are enthusiast and hobbyist.. If I was a logger or production faller, I'd take time into a consideration.
Very good fair comparison. I haven't really considered trying a new chain, but I've been seeing pretty good reviews of the Hexa chain about it cutting almost as fast as a full chisel but much more forgiving and smooth in cutting straight. When I need a new chain I might buy one, since I heard they are easier to sharpen with that new file that chain takes. That might be what sell me on it since I'm not in that big of a hurry that a few seconds faster means much to me. Lol Great video. 😎👍
Based on your videos and saw collection, I believe you to be an unbiased saw enthusiast. Its nice to see an unbiased test of these chains. Thanks Indiana Doug.
Wow! That's crazy! Were both chains out of the box? That HEXA chain is cutting great. Crazy how things flip-flop between different operators and different wood. I also wonder if mine being one of the early chains offered in the UK vs yours (I'm assuming) being purchased in the US? Mine was also .063 gauge, but that shouldn't matter. Your 362 is running great!
I believe there are some variables that can affect performance either way as well, you’re right. Firstly, as you probably know I’m a huge user of C83 xcut like you, do I was rooting for it, lol. Both chains out of box. I was going to give the C83 a good hand file but figured it would void the logic behind the video. I still need to do more testing but was surprised at the results, especially after you vids on the subject.
Was sent by a friend from dealership, I do not know price. However I know Stihl has started pushing this out to you guys, but I’m uncertain of how that process works.
1:56 I *HATE* it when that happens! Every time I throw chain I have to file off all the burs on the drive links so they can fit in the bar again and hope that the tips didn't break off too much. I had to throw away brand new C-83 chain once because the links got completely jammed 😡
Great question! Yes, the Husqvarna C83 XCut has a somewhat similar profile from the factory, however, it’s to be sharpened with a round file. I’m going to resharpen it with the hexa file and see how it performs.
Im having no luck with the hexa files. They cost twice as much as a round file in Australia and I blunt them in 2 sharpening of a 24 inch bar. Surely im doing something wrong. I did notice my file says RH on it as in right hand? is there A LH? My eyes are shot so I really cant tell what's going on but files just skims over teeth like the teeth are hardened after a bit of sharpening. They are obviously not going to last as long as a round file because you only get to use 2 flat sides but still it seems odd.
I’ve personally used alot of hexa chain and here’s my experience and advice: -Don’t sharpen straight out of the box. -if you keep it out of the dirt, it is extremely durable. -when I finally go to sharpen the chain, I only make light consistent passes. -the files are brittle and will break easier than conventional round files. **there’s no right/left hand files, one for all. I’ll try to make a video for you showing some tips👍🏻
@@IndianaDoug yes I broke the first file. it was already blunt which confused me as it was only 1 sharpen old. I agree, the chains seem very hard and in clean wood might last well. I'm just cutting firewood in Australia and im pretty sure round filing is all I need but I'll keep an eye out for your tips. thanks for the reply
I've never tried x cut but I got a loop of hexa and out of the box I am not impressed with it at all compared to the rs chain I have filed ill reserve judgement of the hexa till I sharpen it and set rakers but out of the box performance I would say I wouldn't buy it again
Excellent representation. STIHL advertised 10% faster cut times than their fastest out of the box chain. I have used X-cut for as long as it has been on the market and like it very much. It makes a nice chip and is very durable...great job Mr. Doug...
Pretty noticeable difference. Thanks for the info Doug👊🏻
Great comparison, Mr. Indiana! I've always stuck to the standard full chisel chain when I cut the occasional cherry or birch. The majority of what I cut is balsam fir for campfires. A semi- chisel chain does just fine. Speed has never been important to me. I enjoy my time on a saw, most people do who are enthusiast and hobbyist.. If I was a logger or production faller, I'd take time into a consideration.
Awesome comparison!👍🏻
Well now. Looks like we have a clear winner!!!
Yessir. Both good chain
Very good fair comparison. I haven't really considered trying a new chain, but I've been seeing pretty good reviews of the Hexa chain about it cutting almost as fast as a full chisel but much more forgiving and smooth in cutting straight.
When I need a new chain I might buy one, since I heard they are easier to sharpen with that new file that chain takes. That might be what sell me on it since I'm not in that big of a hurry that a few seconds faster means much to me. Lol
Great video. 😎👍
I’m very surprised how HEXA hold an edge too. I just bought a roll🤣
Based on your videos and saw collection, I believe you to be an unbiased saw enthusiast. Its nice to see an unbiased test of these chains. Thanks Indiana Doug.
I appreciate that! Thanks a lot👍🏻
@@IndianaDoug Sure thing
Thanks for the comparison
Good video. If I ever need chain I'll know what to buy. Besides the chain it's good to watch someone that knows how to cut with a chainsaw.
That’s debatable🤣🤣🤣
so wonderful beautiful video friend Doug i love it so wonderful much see
Nice demonstration... i think 🤔 i need to try one out! Only thing is im so spoiled to using my dremmel to sharpen lol
Whatever works for you buddy, would love to see how your hand file cuts
I am sure the Coriolis effect messed with the chip throw on the tests lol. Real winner is the guy running the saw and having a blast doing the tests.
100%🤣
Good comparison video buddy keep it up!
Glad you liked it Chippers.
Wow! That's crazy! Were both chains out of the box? That HEXA chain is cutting great. Crazy how things flip-flop between different operators and different wood. I also wonder if mine being one of the early chains offered in the UK vs yours (I'm assuming) being purchased in the US? Mine was also .063 gauge, but that shouldn't matter. Your 362 is running great!
I believe there are some variables that can affect performance either way as well, you’re right. Firstly, as you probably know I’m a huge user of C83 xcut like you, do I was rooting for it, lol. Both chains out of box. I was going to give the C83 a good hand file but figured it would void the logic behind the video. I still need to do more testing but was surprised at the results, especially after you vids on the subject.
I'm on my first loop of hexa chain, will report later on my findings after cutting softwoods
What you think?
Nice comparison, brother!
Thank Andre👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Looked like the Stihl hexa won , either way I don't think either is worth the extra time to sharpen!
I like the 83xcut 4sure but i aint ever ran hexa (yet)😁😁
Nice video Doug! Did you get it at your local dealer or online? Pricing for the loop and file?
Was sent by a friend from dealership, I do not know price. However I know Stihl has started pushing this out to you guys, but I’m uncertain of how that process works.
I bought one of those xcuts husky chains&seems like cuts slow too Doug. Great video!
I actually like the C-83 XCut, but in this case, the Stihl HEXA completely out performed it.
I cant talk about the hexicut,it doesnt seem to be on the shelves in my area.
@@tcurlyleethompson1424 yep, typical Stihl product deployment🤦🏻♂️
Not bad good info
Did you prefer the runnability/handling of one versus the other regardless of cut time? I haven't ran either version yet.
HEXA was smoother and more forgiving with this setup/rpm/wood.
1:56 I *HATE* it when that happens! Every time I throw chain I have to file off all the burs on the drive links so they can fit in the bar again and hope that the tips didn't break off too much. I had to throw away brand new C-83 chain once because the links got completely jammed 😡
I got pretty lucky, there was only one spot dragging in the bar so I filed it
Same here. Fresh husky chain, fresh bar. Flipped out on the 3rd cut in quiet easy wood. Drive links complete messed up.
Have you or would you consider using the hexa file on another chain a different chain because that’s what I want to try
Great question! Yes, the Husqvarna C83 XCut has a somewhat similar profile from the factory, however, it’s to be sharpened with a round file. I’m going to resharpen it with the hexa file and see how it performs.
I havent seen Hexa in my area yet. Ive asked. Repeatedly!😆
Not sure but the wood density looked softer using the hexa chain. Just looked slightly more decayed
It wasn’t, there’s a small spot at the bottom, but it’s decent.
Im having no luck with the hexa files. They cost twice as much as a round file in Australia and I blunt them in 2 sharpening of a 24 inch bar. Surely im doing something wrong. I did notice my file says RH on it as in right hand? is there A LH? My eyes are shot so I really cant tell what's going on but files just skims over teeth like the teeth are hardened after a bit of sharpening. They are obviously not going to last as long as a round file because you only get to use 2 flat sides but still it seems odd.
I’ve personally used alot of hexa chain and here’s my experience and advice:
-Don’t sharpen straight out of the box.
-if you keep it out of the dirt, it is extremely durable.
-when I finally go to sharpen the chain, I only make light consistent passes.
-the files are brittle and will break easier than conventional round files.
**there’s no right/left hand files, one for all.
I’ll try to make a video for you showing some tips👍🏻
@@IndianaDoug yes I broke the first file. it was already blunt which confused me as it was only 1 sharpen old. I agree, the chains seem very hard and in clean wood might last well. I'm just cutting firewood in Australia and im pretty sure round filing is all I need but I'll keep an eye out for your tips. thanks for the reply
Let's see the chips!
Shoot, forgot🤦🏻♂️
I'd love to see your 362 against a ported 361
I wouldn’t 🤦🏻♂️🤣
@@IndianaDoug why not?
361’s will turn up hotter.
I've never tried x cut but I got a loop of hexa and out of the box I am not impressed with it at all compared to the rs chain I have filed ill reserve judgement of the hexa till I sharpen it and set rakers but out of the box performance I would say I wouldn't buy it again
This was straight out of the box too, that’s interesting.
And here I thought the Hexa chain was just a gimmick to get you to buy their special files. Wonder which one stays sharp longer.
I hate to say it bc I love C83, but HEXA stays sharper longer, I want to dislike this stuff but I can’t🤣
1:00 my ms170 with 20" blade looks faster than that.
I’m sure it is.