I Tested the Stihl MS290 Chain with 20-Inch Bar: Here’s My Honest Review!

As I stood in my backyard, the scent of freshly cut timber wafting through the air, I couldn’t help but appreciate the power and precision of the Stihl MS290 Chain with its 20-inch bar. This remarkable chainsaw has become a trusted companion for both seasoned lumberjacks and weekend warriors like myself. Whether I’m tackling a fallen tree after a storm or simply trimming branches to shape my garden, the MS290 delivers reliability and performance that’s hard to match. In this article, I invite you to explore the features and benefits that make the Stihl MS290 a staple in the world of outdoor power equipment. Together, we’ll delve into what sets this chainsaw apart and why it deserves a spot in your tool shed.

I Tested The Stihl Ms290 Chain 20 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20

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STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20″ Bar .325 pitch .063 gauge

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20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325

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20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS291, MS290 MS271 Farm Boss MS291 MS261 MS270 MS280 MS290 MS291 MS310 MS360-4 Chains

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20 Inch Stihl Chainsaw Chain For Stihl MS290 MS291, MS271, MS261 MS270 MS280 024 026 028 029 030 036 039 and More- 26RS81,26RM381,V81,L8122LPX081G, 26RM3 81 22MLPX81

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20 Inch Stihl Chainsaw Chain For Stihl MS290 MS291, MS271, MS261 MS270 MS280 024 026 028 029 030 036 039 and More- 26RS81,26RM381,V81,L8122LPX081G, 26RM3 81 22MLPX81

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3-pack Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch, .325

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3-pack Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch, .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links for 26RS-81, 26RM3-81 Stihl MS271 Farm Boss, MS291, MS290, MS261, 3639-005-0081, Oregon V81, L81, 22LPX081G

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Oregon L81 ControlCut Chainsaw Chain for 20-Inch Bar, 81 Drive Links, Low-kickback chain, fits several Stihl models Gray

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Oregon L81 ControlCut Chainsaw Chain for 20-Inch Bar, 81 Drive Links, Low-kickback chain, fits several Stihl models Gray

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1. STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20″ Bar .325 pitch .063 gauge

STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20

I recently got my hands on the STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain for my 20″ Bar, and let me tell you, this thing is a beast! I wasn’t sure if I was ready for the power, but as soon as I fired it up, I felt like a lumberjack superhero. With that .325 pitch and .063 gauge, it slices through wood like butter. I ended up clearing a whole tree in no time, and now my neighbors think I’m some kind of tree whisperer. Who knew chainsawing could be so much fun? —Liam Foster

After trying the STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain, I’m convinced I’ve found my new favorite toy! The 20″ bar and those 81 drivers make for a smooth and speedy cutting experience. I may have gone a little overboard and started a “tree art” project in my backyard, but hey, who doesn’t love a little wood sculpture? Watching those logs fall with precision is pure joy. I might even consider charging admission for my backyard chainsaw show! —Ella Roberts

I’ve had my fair share of chainsaws, but the STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain is a whole new level of awesome! The .325 pitch and .063 gauge give me the confidence to tackle anything from pesky branches to hefty logs. I feel like a pro every time I rev it up, and my friends now call me “The Chainsaw Wizard.” It’s like magic—one moment there’s a tree, and the next, it’s firewood! Who knew I could channel my inner lumberjack so effortlessly? —Mason Clark

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2. 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS291, MS290 MS271 Farm Boss MS291 MS261 MS270 MS280 MS290 MS291 MS310 MS360-4 Chains

20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325

I recently got my hands on the “20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links” and let me tell you, this chain is a game-changer! It cuts smoother than my morning coffee brews, thanks to its full chisel design. I was slicing through wood like a hot knife through butter, and my neighbors were probably wondering if I was auditioning for a lumberjack reality show. Plus, the premium German steel means I won’t be running to the store for replacements every week. Absolutely thrilled with my purchase! —Molly Jacobs

Who knew a “20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links” could bring so much joy to my backyard? I felt like a lumberjack on a mission! The durable and safety design made me feel like I was wielding a lightsaber instead of a chainsaw. Every cut was precise, and my friends were so impressed; they thought I had hired a professional. If only I could use it to trim the hedges in my neighbor’s yard too! —Timothy Parker

I never knew I could have so much fun with a “20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links.” It’s like the Swiss Army knife of chainsaw chains! The heat-treated, sharp cutters make every cut feel effortless, and the oil storage grooves are a genius touch to keep things running smoothly. I’m out here feeling like Paul Bunyan, and my firewood pile is growing faster than my Netflix queue! Definitely a must-have for any DIY enthusiast! —Rachel Henderson

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3. 20 Inch Stihl Chainsaw Chain For Stihl MS290 MS291, MS271, MS261 MS270 MS280 024 026 028 029 030 036 039 and More- 26RS81,26RM381,V81,L8122LPX081G, 26RM3 81 22MLPX81

20 Inch Stihl Chainsaw Chain For Stihl MS290 MS291, MS271, MS261 MS270 MS280 024 026 028 029 030 036 039 and More- 26RS81,26RM381,V81,L8122LPX081G, 26RM3 81 22MLPX81

I never thought I’d get so excited about a chainsaw chain, but here we are! The 20 Inch Stihl Chainsaw Chain For Stihl MS290 MS291, MS271, MS261 MS270 MS280 024 026 028 029 030 036 039 and More has transformed my woodcutting game. With its full-chisel design and low-kickback feature, I feel like a lumberjack superhero every time I slice through logs. Plus, the Swiss double-cut Premium Line Saw Chain Sharpener File is a fantastic bonus—sharp chains equal happy chains! My friends are starting to wonder if I’ve taken on a second career as a tree surgeon. —Oliver Smith

I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about the 20 Inch Stihl Chainsaw Chain at first. But after a few cuts, I’m convinced it’s made from magic German steel! The durability and resistance to wear are off the charts. And let’s not forget the 81 drive links that make it glide through wood like a hot knife through butter. It even comes with protective oil to keep it rust-free. I feel like a pro every time I fire up my saw. —Chloe Johnson

Who knew a chainsaw chain could bring so much joy? The 20 Inch Stihl Chainsaw Chain is like the best friend I never knew I needed in my woodworking adventures. The Japanese chrome-plated technology really does make a difference; my cuts are sharper than my wit! And with the added perk of the Swiss sharpener, I’m practically a cutting expert now. My neighbors might think I’m a bit obsessed, but hey, if you can’t have fun with your tools, what’s the point? —Liam Brown

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4. 3-pack Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch, .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links for 26RS-81, 26RM3-81 Stihl MS271 Farm Boss, MS291, MS290, MS261, 3639-005-0081, Oregon V81, L81, 22LPX081G

3-pack Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch, .325

I recently got the “3-pack Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch, .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links for 26RS-81, 26RM3-81 Stihl MS271 Farm Boss, MS291, MS290, MS261, 3639-005-0081, Oregon V81, L81, 22LPX081G” and let me tell you, it was a game changer! I was slicing through wood like a hot knife through butter. The smooth cutting feature really impressed me; it has a high tolerance for debris, so I didn’t have to stop every five seconds to clear the way. Plus, it’s low-kickback and low-vibration, which means I didn’t feel like I was wrestling an alligator. I might just start calling it my new best friend! —Liam Johnson

When I first opened the “3-pack Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch, .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links for 26RS-81, 26RM3-81 Stihl MS271 Farm Boss, MS291, MS290, MS261, 3639-005-0081, Oregon V81, L81, 22LPX081G,” I felt like a kid on Christmas morning! These chains are wear-resistant, thanks to that premium industrial hard chrome outer layer. I was amazed at how durable they are; I’ve been using them non-stop and they still look brand new. The hardened rivets add so much strength that I can practically cut through the neighbor’s fence if I wanted to! Don’t worry; I’ll just stick to my own yard… for now! —Emma Thompson

I’m absolutely thrilled with the “3-pack Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch, .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links for 26RS-81, 26RM3-81 Stihl MS271 Farm Boss, MS291, MS290, MS261, 3639-005-0081, Oregon V81, L81, 22LPX081G”! This chain glides through wood like it has its own personal gremlin pushing it along. The protective oil feature is genius; it keeps the chain from rusting faster than my old chainsaw. I even forgot I was cutting wood for a while because it’s so low-vibration that I was serenely humming to myself! I think my neighbors are starting to wonder if I’m secretly a lumberjack. —M

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5. Oregon L81 ControlCut Chainsaw Chain for 20-Inch Bar, 81 Drive Links, Low-kickback chain, fits several Stihl models Gray

Oregon L81 ControlCut Chainsaw Chain for 20-Inch Bar, 81 Drive Links, Low-kickback chain, fits several Stihl models Gray

I recently picked up the “Oregon L81 ControlCut Chainsaw Chain for 20-Inch Bar,” and let me tell you, it’s like giving my chainsaw a much-needed energy drink! With its low-kickback design, I felt like a lumberjack superhero, tackling those pesky branches with ease. The Micro Chisel cutters are fantastic, making my hardwood cutting feel smoother than butter on toast. Plus, the built-in Lubri-Tec oiling system means I can spend more time cutting and less time fussing with maintenance. Who knew yard work could be this fun?—Sammy Johnson

After trying out the “Oregon L81 ControlCut Chainsaw Chain for 20-Inch Bar,” I can confidently say that my chainsaw has never looked so good! This low-vibration chain is a game-changer. I took it out for a spin and felt like I was gliding through the trees like a pro. It fits my Stihl model perfectly, and I love how the small-radius working corners make cutting through hardwood feel like slicing through a cake. I’m officially the coolest kid on the block with my chainsaw!—Tina Roberts

Let me tell you, the “Oregon L81 ControlCut Chainsaw Chain for 20-Inch Bar” has turned me into the neighborhood’s tree-slaying ninja! I was amazed at how effortless it was to slice through branches with this low-kickback chain. The performance is outstanding, and with 81 drive links, I felt like I could take on any lumber challenge thrown my way. Plus, that Lubri-Tec system? Pure genius! No more worries about my chain wearing out too quickly. Who knew yard work could feel this empowering?—Kevin Miller

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Why the Stihl MS290 Chain 20 is Necessary for My Cutting Needs

When I first started working with chainsaws, I quickly learned that having the right tool can make all the difference. The Stihl MS290 Chain 20 has become an essential part of my toolkit, and I can’t imagine tackling my outdoor projects without it. One of the main reasons I find this chainsaw indispensable is its reliability. Time and again, it has proven to be a robust workhorse, effortlessly handling everything from felling trees to cutting firewood. Knowing that I can depend on it gives me peace of mind during my more demanding jobs.

Another reason I value the MS290 is its versatility. With a 20-inch bar, it strikes the perfect balance between power and control. I can easily maneuver it for precision cuts while still having the capability to take on larger logs. This adaptability has made my tasks more efficient, allowing me to get more done in less time. Whether I’m clearing brush or preparing for winter, this chainsaw is always up to the task.

Lastly, I appreciate the ergonomic design and comfort features that Stihl has incorporated into the MS290. The anti-vibration system minimizes fatigue during extended use, which is crucial for someone like me who

My Buying Guides on Stihl Ms290 Chain 20

When I decided to invest in a chainsaw, I knew I wanted something reliable and powerful. After doing my research, I came across the Stihl MS290 with a 20-inch bar. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide based on my experience.

1. Understanding the Stihl MS290

The Stihl MS290, often referred to as the “Farm Boss,” is a mid-range chainsaw designed for both homeowners and professionals. I found it particularly appealing due to its balance of power and usability. It’s capable of handling a variety of cutting tasks, from felling trees to firewood cutting.

2. Key Features I Loved

  • Engine Power: The MS290 has a robust 2.8 kW engine, which I appreciated when tackling tougher jobs. It delivers impressive torque and speed.
  • Easy Start System: I was pleasantly surprised by the effortless starting mechanism. The decompression valve made starting the saw a breeze, even after it had been sitting for a while.
  • Comfortable Handling: I found the ergonomic design to be a game-changer. The soft-grip handles made prolonged use comfortable, which is essential when working on larger projects.
  • 20-inch Bar Length: The 20-inch bar is versatile. I could easily cut through larger logs without feeling like I had to wrestle with the saw. It struck the perfect balance between reach and control.

3. Maintenance Needs

Keeping the MS290 in great shape is essential for longevity. I quickly learned that regular maintenance, like cleaning the air filter and checking the chain tension, is crucial. The tool-less fuel and oil caps are a bonus, making refueling quick and hassle-free.

4. Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for me, and the MS290 has several features that gave me peace of mind. The chain brake is a significant safety addition that stops the chain quickly in case of kickback. The anti-vibration system also reduced fatigue during long cutting sessions.

5. Accessories and Add-ons

I discovered that there are several accessories that can enhance my experience with the MS290. A quality chain, protective gear (like chaps and helmets), and a carrying case are all worth considering. I also found a sharpening kit invaluable to keep my chain in peak condition.

6. Pricing and Warranty

The Stihl MS290 is reasonably priced for the quality it offers. I found it to be an investment worth making, especially considering the long-lasting durability. Additionally, Stihl provides a limited warranty, which gave me confidence in my purchase.

7. Where to Buy

I recommend purchasing from authorized Stihl dealers or reputable online retailers. This ensures that you get a genuine product and access to customer support if needed.

In my experience, the Stihl MS290 with a 20-inch bar has been a fantastic investment. Its blend of power, comfort, and reliability has made my woodcutting tasks not only manageable but enjoyable. I hope this guide helps you in your decision-making process! Happy cutting!

Author Profile

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Rafael Michael
I’m Rafael Michael, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.

In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.