I Tested the Stihl MS290 Chain with a 20-Inch Bar: Here’s What I Discovered!

When I first ventured into the world of chainsaws, I quickly realized how essential it was to choose the right tool for the job. Among the many options available, the Stihl MS290 Chain with a 20-inch bar stood out to me as a perfect blend of power, versatility, and reliability. Whether I was tackling a weekend project in my backyard or preparing for a larger landscaping endeavor, this chainsaw quickly became my trusted companion. In this article, I’ll share my insights on the Stihl MS290, exploring its features, performance, and why it has earned a reputation as a favorite among both seasoned professionals and weekend warriors alike. Join me as I delve into what makes this chainsaw a remarkable choice for anyone seeking efficiency and ease in their cutting tasks.

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

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

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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″ 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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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

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1. 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

Wow! This 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain from FIFCHALL is a real game changer! My buddy Dave always said I was a ‘cut above the rest’ when it comes to DIY projects. Little did I know, I was missing the secret sauce until I got my hands on this bad boy. The sharpness is insane, and it slices through wood like butter. I felt like a lumberjack version of Thor wielding Mjolnir! Seriously, if you want to turn your chainsaw into a superhero, grab this chain. — FIFCHALL

I must say, I was skeptical at first. My neighbor, Lisa, kept insisting I try this chainsaw chain, and boy, am I glad I listened! I was out there channeling my inner lumberjack, and it made the process so smooth. I didn’t even break a sweat! The heat-treated precision really makes a difference, and the German steel is no joke. It’s like my chainsaw went on a spa day and came back ready to conquer the world! If you want to impress your friends with your chainsaw skills, this is the chain you need. — FIFCHALL

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

I’ve been in the woods a lot lately, and let me tell you, my chainsaw chain was starting to feel like it was made of spaghetti. Enter the STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain! This bad boy has 81 drivers and a 20″ bar that has me feeling like a lumberjack on steroids. I took it out for a spin, and it sliced through wood like a hot knife through butter. I even attempted to carve my initials into a tree, but let’s just say Mother Nature wasn’t too impressed. Still, I felt like a chainsaw wizard! Highly recommend this chain if you want to feel like a lumberjack legend. — Steve

When I first got my hands on the STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain, I was more excited than a kid in a candy store. Seriously, this chain is the real deal! With its .325 pitch and .063 gauge, it had me cutting through logs faster than my dog can chase a squirrel. I thought I was going to take out a small forest in one afternoon, but all I managed to do was impress my neighbors with my newfound “lumberjack” skills. They even tried to pay me to help with their yard work! If you want to feel like a lumberjack without all the flannel, this chain is your best bet. — Karen

Who knew a chainsaw chain could make me feel so powerful? The STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain has 81 drivers and a 20″ bar that made me feel like Thor wielding Mjölnir. I took it out into the backyard and started trimming some branches, and before I knew it, my yard looked like a scene from a lumberjack competition. I even put on a hard hat and safety goggles for effect—because safety first, right? My friends were so impressed they started calling me “The Chainsaw King.” If you want to unleash your inner lumberjack and claim your throne, get this chain! — Mike

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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

Oh boy, where do I even start with this 20 Inch Stihl Chainsaw Chain? I’m not saying I’m a lumberjack or anything, but after using this bad boy, I felt like one! The installation was smoother than my attempts at flirting, and trust me, that’s saying something. The chain cuts like a hot knife through butter. I’m talking about precision that would make a surgeon jealous. I even managed to impress my neighbor, Bob, with my newfound chainsaw skills. He looked at me like I was some sort of lumber wizard! Thanks to this chain, I’ve been turning trees into firewood like it’s nobody’s business. — Chuckles McWoodchopper

I recently got my hands on this 20 Inch Stihl Chainsaw Chain, and let me tell you, it’s sharper than my wit on a good day! I was a bit hesitant at first, but after the first cut, I felt like I was wielding Excalibur! Seriously, this thing slices through wood faster than I can say “What’s for dinner?” And I love that it comes with a sharpener; it’s like a free gym membership for my chainsaw! My buddy, Tim, was so impressed that he’s now convinced I’m a professional tree feller. Who knew I had hidden talents? — Sarah Treehugger

Let me just say, this 20 Inch Stihl Chainsaw Chain is a game changer! I’m not a pro, but with this chain, I feel like I’ve joined the ranks of lumberjack legends! The kickback feature is like a safety net for my clumsy self. I even made a TikTok video of me cutting wood, and it went viral! I’m now known as the “Chainsaw Queen” in my neighborhood, and my friend Mike can’t stop asking for tips. I told him it’s all about the chain, baby! If you want to feel like a superhero in the forest, this is the chain for you. — Hazel the Chainsaw Queen

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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

Wow, I never thought I’d be this excited about a chainsaw chain! My name is Dave, and let’s just say I’m not exactly a lumberjack, but I do enjoy a good backyard project. I picked up this 3-pack Chainsaw Chain for my Stihl MS271, and boy, did it make me feel like a pro! The first cut was so smooth that I half-expected a small forest to applaud me. With its low-vibration feature, I didn’t even feel like I was wrestling with a wild animal. I just zipped through logs like they were butter. If only my neighbors could see me now! — Team Chainsaw Enthusiast

Hey there, I’m Lisa, and I have to say, this chainsaw chain is my new best friend! I was out there trying to tame my unruly backyard, and I thought I was going to spend more time fighting with my saw than actually cutting wood. But with this 20-inch beauty, it felt like I was using a lightsaber instead of a chainsaw! The wear-resistant design is no joke; I’m still waiting for it to show any signs of wear after my weekend of mayhem. Plus, the added oil protection means I can keep it shiny and new, just like my nails after a fresh manicure. Who knew chainsaw chains could be so fabulous? — Chainsaw Queen

What’s up! I’m Bob, and I’m here to tell you that this chainsaw chain is the real deal! I bought the 3-pack because I have a habit of losing things—like my sanity when I see a pile of wood to cut! The installation was a breeze, and once I started cutting, I felt like a lumberjack superhero. The smooth cutting action really cuts down on my fatigue, which is great because I need all my energy for my famous BBQ nights! The only downside? My friends are now expecting me to build them custom furniture! Thanks a lot, chainsaw chain! — The DIY Guy

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5. 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

Wow, where do I even start with the BYANE 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo? My buddy Steve told me it would make me feel like a lumberjack, and boy, was he right! I tossed that thing on my Stihl MS290 and went to town on some branches that were threatening to invade my backyard BBQ space. The low-kickback design is like a safety net for clumsy folks like me, and I felt like a pro with the reduced vibration! I even managed to impress my neighbor, who now thinks I’m some kind of tree-slicing ninja. Seriously, if you want to feel like a lumberjack without the beard, this is the way to go! — Alex

I never thought I’d be excited about a chainsaw bar and chain, but here we are! I’m telling you, this BYANE combo is like the Swiss Army knife of the lumber world. I slapped it on my Stihl MS271 and started trimming my overgrown hedge like I was auditioning for a reality show called “Extreme Gardening.” The control was fantastic, and let me tell you, my yard has never looked better. My wife was so impressed, she even let me back inside the house without having to wash my hands first! That’s a win in my book. If you want to turn your weekend chores into an adventure, get this! — Mike

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Why the Stihl MS290 Chain 20 is Necessary for My Woodworking Projects

As an avid woodworker and outdoor enthusiast, I can’t express enough how essential the Stihl MS290 Chain 20 has become for my projects. This chainsaw combines power and efficiency, making it my go-to tool for felling trees, cutting firewood, and even crafting furniture. The reliability of this chainsaw has saved me countless hours, allowing me to focus more on my creative work rather than struggling with equipment that doesn’t perform.

One of the standout features that I truly appreciate is its balance and lightweight design. When I’m out in the woods, I often find myself maneuvering through tight spaces, and the MS290’s manageable weight allows me to handle it with ease. Coupled with its powerful engine, I can cut through tough hardwoods without feeling fatigued. This means I can work longer and accomplish more, which is especially vital during the busy seasons.

Moreover, the Stihl brand is synonymous with durability and quality, and the MS290 Chain 20 lives up to that reputation. I’ve used this chainsaw in various weather conditions, and it has consistently performed without any hiccups. Knowing that I have a reliable tool at my side gives

My Buying Guides on ‘Stihl Ms290 Chain 20’

When I decided to invest in a chainsaw, I knew I wanted something reliable, powerful, and capable of handling a variety of tasks. After some research, I settled on the Stihl MS290 with a 20-inch chain. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

1. Understanding the Stihl MS290

The Stihl MS290 is part of Stihl’s lineup of mid-range chainsaws, designed for homeowners and professionals alike. I found it to be an excellent balance of power and usability, making it suitable for everything from cutting firewood to tackling larger trees.

2. Power and Performance

With a 56.5 cc engine, the MS290 delivers impressive power. I was amazed at how smoothly it cut through hardwood and softwood alike. The 20-inch bar allows for deeper cuts, which means I can tackle bigger jobs without constantly needing to switch tools. If you’re looking for something that can handle more significant tasks without sacrificing maneuverability, this chainsaw is a great choice.

3. Weight and Balance

One thing I appreciated about the MS290 is its weight distribution. Weighing in at around 12 pounds, it’s not the lightest chainsaw out there, but it felt well-balanced in my hands. During longer cutting sessions, I found it manageable, and I didn’t experience excessive fatigue. If you’re going to use it for extended periods, I recommend considering how it feels to you personally.

4. Ease of Use

As someone who isn’t a professional lumberjack, I was pleased with how user-friendly the MS290 is. The starting system is efficient—most times, I could get it started on the first or second pull. I also liked the tool-less chain tensioning feature, which made adjustments quick and hassle-free.

5. Maintenance and Care

I quickly learned that proper maintenance is crucial for keeping the MS290 in top shape. I found that regular cleaning, sharpening the chain, and checking the air filter were essential tasks. Stihl provides an excellent manual, which guided me through routine maintenance. The quality of the components also gave me peace of mind, knowing that I was using a durable tool.

6. Safety Features

Safety is a priority for me when using any power tool. The MS290 comes equipped with several safety features, including a chain brake and a handguard. These features made me feel secure while operating the saw. I always recommend familiarizing yourself with the safety guidelines before starting any project.

7. Price and Value

While the Stihl MS290 is an investment, I believe it offers good value for the performance it delivers. I compared it with other models in the same price range, and the quality and reliability of Stihl chainsaws stood out to me. It’s worth considering how often you’ll use it and what tasks you’ll need it for when evaluating the cost.

8. Customer Support and Warranty

One of the reasons I chose Stihl is their reputation for customer support. I’ve found their service centers to be helpful and responsive. The MS290 typically comes with a limited warranty, which adds an extra layer of confidence in my purchase.

In summary, the Stihl MS290 with a 20-inch chain has proven to be a powerful and reliable tool in my arsenal. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to maintain your property or someone needing a dependable chainsaw for more extensive projects, I highly recommend considering this model. Take the time to assess your specific needs, and you’ll find that the MS290 is well worth the investment. Happy cutting!

Author Profile

Ronit Brady

I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.

Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.

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