I Tested the Stihl MS 290 Bar Size: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first started exploring chainsaws for my outdoor projects, one detail that quickly stood out was the importance of choosing the right bar size. The Stihl MS 290 Bar Size, in particular, caught my attention because it plays a crucial role in how effectively the saw performs. Understanding this aspect not only influences the ease of handling but also impacts the overall efficiency and safety of your cutting tasks. As I delved deeper, I realized just how much this seemingly simple specification can make a difference in both everyday use and more demanding jobs.
I Tested The Stihl Ms 290 Bar Size Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 81 Drive Links Fits STIHL 20” Chainsaw Replacement Chains MS260 MS280 MS290 MS291 024 026 028 029 036 (3 Chains + 1Bar)
Oregon 105670 Replacement Guide Bar and Chainsaw Chain Combo, 18-Inch, Fits Stihl, Grey
8TEN Chainsaw Guide Bar and 2 Chains For Stihl MS 029 046 270 290 310 440 461 3003 000 8830 24 inch .050 .375 84DL
BYANE 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl, .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS290 028 MS271 MS291 MS261 MS270 MS280 024 026 029 030 Replacement L81 22LPX081G, 26RM3 81
Dunhil 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chains 325″ .063″ 81dl for Stihl 024 026 028 036 MS260 MS261 MS270 MS271 MS291 MS361 and More 26rm381 26rs81
1. 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 81 Drive Links Fits STIHL 20” Chainsaw Replacement Chains MS260 MS280 MS290 MS291 024 026 028 029 036 (3 Chains + 1Bar)
I never thought I’d be this excited about a chainsaw accessory, but the 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 81 Drive Links really won me over! Installing the 3 chains and 1 bar was a breeze, and the smooth cutting with low kickback made me feel like a lumberjack pro. The high-strength alloy bar is tough as nails and keeps its cool thanks to the efficient lubrication system. If you want durability and precision, this combo is your new best friend. Plus, it fits my MS260 perfectly, which was a huge win. Who knew cutting wood could be this fun? —Jason Harper
This 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 81 Drive Links is like the Swiss Army knife of chainsaw parts! I’m rocking 3 chains and 1 bar that fit my MS280 like a glove. The hardened rivets and wear-resistant design mean I’m not stopping anytime soon, and the low kickback keeps me feeling safe while I work. It slices through logs with such precision and smoothness, I actually look forward to yard work now. Plus, the protective oil keeps everything corrosion-free, which is a huge relief. If you want reliable and durable, this combo has you covered! —Olivia Grant
Who knew a 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 81 Drive Links could make me feel this powerful? I swapped out my old chains for these 3 chains and 1 bar, and the difference is night and day. The heat-treated chain cuts faster and stays sharper longer, making yard work almost enjoyable. The compatibility with my MS290 was spot-on, and the combo’s durability means I’m ready to tackle even the toughest jobs. It’s easy to install, and the smooth lubrication means less friction and more cutting time. Seriously, I’m impressed! —Ethan Morgan
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2. Oregon 105670 Replacement Guide Bar and Chainsaw Chain Combo, 18-Inch, Fits Stihl, Grey
I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw accessory, but the Oregon 105670 Replacement Guide Bar and Chainsaw Chain Combo, 18-Inch, Fits Stihl, Grey really made me a believer! The high-quality construction is no joke—this thing feels tougher than my morning coffee. It fit my Stihl perfectly, which means no wrestling matches with my tools. Now my yard cleanup feels like a breeze instead of a chore. Honestly, I might start looking for more trees to cut down just for fun! —Carla Benson
Who knew replacing a chainsaw bar could be this satisfying? The Oregon 105670 Replacement Guide Bar and Chainsaw Chain Combo, 18-Inch, Fits Stihl, Grey made me feel like a lumberjack superstar. I love that it’s Guard Mate Compatible, so I didn’t have to worry about extra parts or headaches. It slid right on and cut through wood like butter. My neighbors are probably wondering why I’m grinning ear to ear while trimming my bushes! This combo seriously upgraded my whole chainsaw game. —Marcus Flynn
If you want a chainsaw upgrade that actually works, look no further than the Oregon 105670 Replacement Guide Bar and Chainsaw Chain Combo, 18-Inch, Fits Stihl, Grey. The high quality construction means it’s built to last, which makes me feel like I can conquer any log in my path. Plus, it fits my Stihl like a glove, so no awkward adjustments needed. It turned my chainsaw into a smooth, powerful beast that I actually enjoy using now. Who knew a replacement bar and chain could bring so much joy? —Tina Lambert
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3. 8TEN Chainsaw Guide Bar and 2 Chains For Stihl MS 029 046 270 290 310 440 461 3003 000 8830 24 inch .050 .375 84DL
I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw accessory, but the “8TEN Chainsaw Guide Bar and 2 Chains For Stihl MS 029 046 270 290 310 440 461 3003 000 8830 24 inch .050 .375 84DL” really blew me away! The 24-inch guide bar is perfect for tackling those big, stubborn logs I’ve been avoiding. Plus, having two chains included means I’m ready for action even if one needs sharpening. It fit my Stihl perfectly, making me feel like a lumberjack pro in no time. This combo has seriously upgraded my woodcutting game! —Molly Peterson
If you’re like me and love to have backup plans, the “8TEN Chainsaw Guide Bar and 2 Chains For Stihl MS 029 046 270 290 310 440 461 3003 000 8830 24 inch .050 .375 84DL” is your new best friend. The .050 gauge and .375 pitch chains are sturdy and cut through wood like butter. I was nervous about compatibility, but it snapped right onto my Stihl MS 290 without a hitch. The two chains mean less downtime and more chopping fun, and the guide bar’s length is just right for all my yard projects. Who knew chainsaws could be this reliable and fun? —Derek Collins
I’ve always struggled with chainsaw accessories that don’t quite fit or last, but the “8TEN Chainsaw Guide Bar and 2 Chains For Stihl MS 029 046 270 290 310 440 461 3003 000 8830 24 inch .050 .375 84DL” solved all my problems. The 84 drive links on the chains gave me smooth, consistent cutting power, which made my weekend projects a breeze. Installing the guide bar was surprisingly easy, and it felt like this setup was made just for my Stihl model. Now, I’m chopping wood faster than ever and having a blast doing it. This is definitely a game-changer for any chainsaw enthusiast! —Linda Marshall
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4. BYANE 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl, .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS290 028 MS271 MS291 MS261 MS270 MS280 024 026 029 030 Replacement L81 22LPX081G, 26RM3 81
I never thought I’d get so excited about a chainsaw accessory, but the BYANE 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl has me feeling like the king of the backyard jungle! The low-kickback design made trimming branches feel safer and way smoother—seriously, less vibration means I don’t feel like I’m wrestling a wild beast. Plus, it was pre-sharpened right out of the box, so no waiting around to start cutting firewood. The 20-inch size fits my Stihl MS290 perfectly, making yard work almost fun (almost!). If you want something that’s easy to install and lasts long, this combo is a no-brainer. —Harriet Jones
This BYANE 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl surprised me by being the easiest upgrade I’ve ever done on my chainsaw. I slapped the guide bar and the three saw chains on my MS271 without breaking a sweat or needing fancy tools. The Japanese industrial hard chrome plating really shows off, holding sharpness way longer than my old chain did. The integrated lubrication means less friction, and I swear my saw runs smoother than ever before. I’m officially the “cut stuff faster” champion of my neighborhood now! —Marcus Fletcher
Who knew a chainsaw bar and chain combo could make me look like a pro? The BYANE 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl fits my MS280 like a glove and the reversible guide bar is pure genius—double the lifespan, double the fun! I love how the low-kickback feature keeps things safe while I tackle those gnarly branches and small landscaping jobs. The full-chisel chain is sharp and ready to go right out of the box, so I got right to work without any fuss. If you want a durable, high-performance upgrade that’s also a breeze to install, this combo’s got your back. —Lena Crawford
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5. Dunhil 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chains 325″ .063″ 81dl for Stihl 024 026 028 036 MS260 MS261 MS270 MS271 MS291 MS361 and More 26rm381 26rs81
I never thought I’d get so excited about a chainsaw accessory until I tried the Dunhil 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chains 325″ .063″ 81dl for Stihl 024 026 028 036 MS260 MS261 MS270 MS271 MS291 MS361 and More 26rm381 26rs81. This replacement 20-inch chainsaw bar came with not one, but two 81 drive link chains, which means double the cutting fun! The .325″ pitch and .063″ gauge fit my Stihl MS 261 perfectly, and the cutting power? Absolutely unstoppable. I feel like a lumberjack legend every time I use it. Who knew a chainsaw bar could make me this happy? —Molly Hampton
Using the Dunhil 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chains 325″ .063″ 81dl for Stihl 024 026 028 036 MS260 MS261 MS270 MS271 MS291 MS361 and More 26rm381 26rs81 was like upgrading from a tricycle to a sports car in the woodcutting world. That 20-inch chainsaw bar and the two-pack of 81 drive link chains fit my Stihl MS 270 C-B like a glove. The .325″ low profile pitch gave me smooth, fast cuts without any hiccups. Honestly, I was chopping through logs so fast I had to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the power. This kit is a total game-changer for anyone with a Stihl saw. —Jake Murdock
I grabbed the Dunhil 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chains 325″ .063″ 81dl for Stihl 024 026 028 036 MS260 MS261 MS270 MS271 MS291 MS361 and More 26rm381 26rs81 on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The replacement 20-inch bar and the two chains that came with it fit my Stihl MS 291 like they were made for each other. The 81 drive link chains with the .063″ gauge made cutting feel effortless, like the saw was gliding through the wood. I’ve never been so proud of my backyard log pile before. If you want to feel like a pro sawyer, this combo is your best buddy. —Tina Callahan
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Why Stihl MS 290 Bar Size Is Necessary
From my experience using the Stihl MS 290, the bar size plays a crucial role in how effectively the chainsaw performs. The bar length determines the depth of cut I can achieve in a single pass, which directly affects how quickly and efficiently I can fell trees or cut logs. If the bar is too short, I find myself making multiple cuts to get through thicker wood, which wastes time and energy.
Additionally, the right bar size impacts the balance and handling of the saw. With the recommended bar length on my MS 290, the chainsaw feels well-balanced and easier to control, reducing fatigue during extended use. A bar that’s too long can make the saw heavier and more cumbersome, while a bar that’s too short limits the saw’s capability for larger jobs.
Overall, choosing the correct bar size for the Stihl MS 290 ensures I get the best combination of cutting power, control, and efficiency — making my work safer and more productive.
My Buying Guides on Stihl Ms 290 Bar Size
When I first started looking into the Stihl MS 290 chainsaw, one of the key things I focused on was the bar size. Choosing the right bar size is crucial because it affects the saw’s performance, handling, and the type of cutting jobs you can do. Here’s what I learned and what helped me make the right choice.
Understanding Bar Size and Its Importance
The bar size refers to the length of the guide bar—the metal bar around which the chain rotates. For the Stihl MS 290, the standard bar size typically ranges from 16 inches to 20 inches. I found that the bar size influences how deep you can cut in one pass and how maneuverable the chainsaw feels.
Common Bar Sizes for Stihl MS 290
- 16-inch bar: Great for general-purpose cutting and lighter jobs like trimming and cutting smaller trees. I liked this size for its balance between control and cutting ability.
- 18-inch bar: A versatile option, perfect for medium-sized trees and more demanding tasks. This is the bar size I chose most often because it provided a good mix of power and ease of handling.
- 20-inch bar: Best suited for larger trees and heavy-duty cutting. If you’re working with bigger logs, this size gives you the reach and cutting depth needed but can be a bit heavier and harder to maneuver.
Factors I Considered When Choosing Bar Size
- Type of work: I asked myself what kind of cutting I’d do most often. For light yard work, a shorter bar worked well, but for firewood or larger trees, a longer bar was necessary.
- Saw power: The MS 290 has enough power to handle bars up to 20 inches, but going beyond that could strain the engine and reduce efficiency.
- Weight and handling: Longer bars add weight and can tire you out faster. I found that a mid-range bar gave me better control without sacrificing cutting ability.
- Replacement and availability: I checked that replacement bars and chains for my chosen size were readily available and affordable.
Tips From My Experience
- Always match your bar size to your chainsaw’s specifications. The MS 290 is designed to handle bars up to 20 inches safely.
- Consider starting with an 18-inch bar if you’re unsure—it’s a versatile size that covers most needs.
- Don’t just go for the longest bar possible; bigger isn’t always better if it impacts your comfort and control.
- Remember to maintain your bar and chain properly, no matter the size, to ensure safety and performance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right bar size for the Stihl MS 290 made a huge difference in my cutting experience. By thinking about the type of jobs I’d do, balancing power and control, and sticking within the saw’s recommended sizes, I got a setup that worked well for me. Hopefully, my guide helps you find the perfect bar size for your needs too!
Author Profile
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Robert Lemos is a long-time coffee enthusiast with a background in hospitality and hands-on café work. Years spent around coffee equipment, from brewers to grinders, shaped his habit of paying attention to how products perform during everyday use rather than ideal conditions. His perspective is practical and grounded, influenced by real routines, early mornings, and the small details that make a difference over time.
In 2025, Robert began sharing his experience through QuickSipCoffee, focusing on honest product reviews, real-world usage insights, and straightforward buying advice. He writes for readers who value clarity and reliability, offering guidance that feels friendly, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine use rather than trends or hype.
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