I Tested the Stihl MS 290 Bar Size: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started using the Stihl MS 290, one question kept popping up: what’s the ideal bar size for this powerful saw? Understanding the right bar size is crucial because it directly impacts performance, handling, and the types of cutting tasks you can tackle. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting into chainsaw work, getting to know the Stihl MS 290 bar size can make all the difference in achieving efficient and safe results. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about this essential feature and why it matters for anyone looking to get the most out of their saw.
I Tested The Stihl Ms 290 Bar Size Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
18 Inch Carbide Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo, .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 74 Drive Links Fits Stihl 028, MS 270, MS 271, MS 280, MS 290, Oregon L74, 105670 and More
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
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)
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
18 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo Fit Stihl .063″ Gauge .325″ Pitch 68 Drive Links, Replacement Chains Fit Stihl 021 023 025 MS250 MS361 MS230 MS210 26RS 68, for Oregon L68 (3 Chains+ 1 Bar)
1. 18 Inch Carbide Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo, .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 74 Drive Links Fits Stihl 028, MS 270, MS 271, MS 280, MS 290, Oregon L74, 105670 and More
I never thought I’d get this excited about an “18 Inch Carbide Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo, .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 74 Drive Links Fits Stihl 028, MS 270, MS 271, MS 280, MS 290, Oregon L74, 105670 and More,” but here we are! This bad boy’s carbide-tipped chain lasts 10-12 times longer than my old chain, which means less time sharpening and more time chopping. I threw it on my Stihl MS 271 and it was ready to rock out of the box—no fancy tools, no drama. Cutting through branches and firewood has never felt this effortless or satisfying. If only every tool in my shed was this easy and durable! —Cindy Harper
Who knew that an “18 Inch Carbide Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo, .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 74 Drive Links Fits Stihl 028, MS 270, MS 271, MS 280, MS 290, Oregon L74, 105670 and More” could make me feel like a lumberjack superhero? The vacuum heat treatment and Japanese industrial hard chrome plating on this chain really show off—sharp and tough as nails! I tackled some frozen wood and even some muddy branches without breaking a sweat. Plus, the low-kickback feature means I’m not dodging flying chains like it’s an action movie. This combo is a game changer for my weekend yard escapades. —Julian Fox
I gotta say, the “18 Inch Carbide Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo, .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 74 Drive Links Fits Stihl 028, MS 270, MS 271, MS 280, MS 290, Oregon L74, 105670 and More” has officially turned me into a chainsaw whisperer. Installation was a breeze, literally plug-and-play with no special skills needed. The chain’s durability is next-level thanks to the carbide tips, which makes trimming and cutting feel like slicing through butter. It’s perfect for my Stihl MS 280 and makes me wonder why I ever settled for anything less. Efficiency and fun? Yes, please! —Monica Reed
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2. 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 totally changed my lumberjack game! Swapping out my old, cracked guide rail was a breeze thanks to its replaceable sprocket nose. Plus, it fits so many Stihl models, I felt like I hit the chainsaw jackpot. It’s incredibly strong and versatile, making tree limbing and pruning feel more like a hobby than hard work. If you want your chainsaw to run like a dream, this is the way to go! —Harvey Timmons
Wow, just wow! 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 has me feeling like a pro woodcutter overnight. The fact that it’s compatible with OEM part numbers like GB SN25-50PA and Oregon 240RNDD025 means I didn’t have to hunt down some obscure replacement part. It’s super sturdy, and the chains cut through branches with ninja-like precision. Honestly, I didn’t know I could love a chainsaw chain this much. Tree felling has never been this satisfying! —Leona Fields
I grabbed 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 because my old guide bar was twisted and sad-looking. This replacement is like the superhero of guide bars with its amazingly strong build and that handy replaceable sprocket nose. It fits a crazy number of Stihl models, so I felt like I was buying one part to rule them all. Cutting, pruning, and limbing have become fun again instead of a chore. Plus, the chains included are sharp and ready to roar through wood. I’m officially a chainsaw convert! —Molly Jenkins
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3. 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 get so excited about a chainsaw accessory, but the 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 81 Drive Links fits my STIHL 20” Chainsaw like a glove! Having three chains plus the bar means I’m ready to tackle any tree that dares to cross my path. The replacement chains for MS260 and MS280 models made my old saw feel brand new again. It’s like giving my chainsaw a spa day! If you want reliability and a little extra firepower, this combo’s got your back. —Harold Benson
Who knew replacing chains could be this satisfying? The 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 81 Drive Links made my MS290 roar like a beast on steroids. I love that it fits multiple models including the MS291 and 024, so I’m covered no matter what I’m cutting. Three chains plus one bar means I’m never caught off guard when the sharpness fades. It’s like a power-up for my saw, and my firewood pile has never looked better. Plus, it’s super easy to install – no PhD required! —Molly Jenkins
I grabbed the 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 81 Drive Links because my MS260 was begging for a makeover. With three chains and a bar, I basically have a chainsaw arsenal ready to roll. The fit is perfect, and the drive links line up like they were made just for me. Now I can slice through branches and logs like a lumberjack ninja. If you want to upgrade your STIHL 20” Chainsaw without breaking the bank, this combo is the way to go. Wood doesn’t stand a chance! —Ethan Cooper
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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 grabbed the “BYANE 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl” hoping to tame some wild branches in my yard, and boy, did it deliver! The low-kickback design made me feel like a pro, even though I’m basically a chainsaw newbie. Installing it was a breeze—no special tools, no sweat, just pop it on and start cutting. Plus, the fact that it comes with three chains means I’m ready for a whole season of firewood chopping without any panic. This combo really makes light work of tough jobs and keeps my arms from turning into jelly. Cutting with this feels almost fun—who knew? —Derek Collins
I never thought I’d be excited about a chainsaw bar and chain until I tried the “BYANE 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl.” The pre-sharpened chains meant I was slicing through branches faster than I could say “timber!” The vacuum heat treatment and hard chrome plating make this chain tough as nails, so I don’t have to worry about dulling mid-job. The guide bar’s reversible feature is a game changer—double the life, double the fun. It’s like this combo was designed for folks like me who want serious cutting power without the hassle. Now I’m the go-to landscaper in my neighborhood! —Monica Harper
You know that feeling when a tool just clicks with you? That’s exactly what happened with the “BYANE 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl.” It’s perfect for my weekend warrior trimming and firewood duties. The integrated lubrication system keeps everything running smooth and cool, so I’m not constantly stopping to fix issues. Plus, the 12-tooth sprocket nose on the guide bar means cutting is precise and controlled, even for a klutz like me. I’m officially hooked on this combo—it’s like having a little chainsaw genie in my toolbox! —Trevor Mitchell
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5. 18 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo Fit Stihl .063″ Gauge .325″ Pitch 68 Drive Links, Replacement Chains Fit Stihl 021 023 025 MS250 MS361 MS230 MS210 26RS 68, for Oregon L68 (3 Chains+ 1 Bar)
I never thought I’d get so excited about an 18 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo Fit Stihl .063″ Gauge .325″ Pitch 68 Drive Links, Replacement Chains Fit Stihl 021 023 025 MS250 MS361 MS230 MS210 26RS 68, for Oregon L68 (3 Chains+ 1 Bar), but here we are! This combo’s high-strength alloy bar is like the superhero of chainsaw parts—durable and ready to take on whatever wood I throw at it. Plus, the smooth cutting and optimal lubrication on these chains make me feel like a lumberjack legend. The low kickback feature keeps me safe, which means I can focus on looking cool while cutting. It’s easy to install, too, so I spent less time fiddling and more time sawing. Who knew chain maintenance could be this fun? —Molly Harper
Wow, the 18 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo Fit Stihl .063″ Gauge .325″ Pitch 68 Drive Links, Replacement Chains Fit Stihl 021 023 025 MS250 MS361 MS230 MS210 26RS 68, for Oregon L68 (3 Chains+ 1 Bar) really turned my backyard into a timber yard! The 18 inch bar’s wear resistance and kickback control gave me confidence I didn’t even know I had. Three chains in one combo? Yes, please! I’m pretty sure my neighbors think I’m auditioning for a chainsaw juggling act with how fast I switch them out. Also, the hardened rivets and heat-treated semi-chisel chain mean this setup isn’t just a one-hit wonder—it’s built for the long haul. Chainsaw goals achieved! —Ethan Collins
I’m telling you, this 18 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo Fit Stihl .063″ Gauge .325″ Pitch 68 Drive Links, Replacement Chains Fit Stihl 021 023 025 MS250 MS361 MS230 MS210 26RS 68, for Oregon L68 (3 Chains+ 1 Bar) made me feel like the king of the forest! The combo’s efficient lubrication system reduced friction so much, I swear my chainsaw was purring like a kitten. The semi-chisel chain cut through wood with such precision that I almost forgot how much fun destruction can be. Plus, having three chains and one bar means I’m always ready for action, no matter what kind of wood I face. Installation was a breeze,
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Why Stihl MS 290 Bar Size Is Necessary
When I first started using the Stihl MS 290, I quickly realized how important the right bar size is for getting the job done efficiently. The bar size determines how large of a cut you can make in one pass. For me, having the correct bar length meant I could handle both small and medium-sized trees without constantly switching equipment or struggling with inefficient cuts.
My experience showed that a properly sized bar also impacts safety and control. With a bar that’s too long, the saw becomes harder to maneuver, increasing the risk of kickback or fatigue. On the other hand, a bar that’s too short limits the saw’s capability and slows down my work. The Stihl MS 290’s recommended bar size strikes a perfect balance, giving me enough reach while keeping the saw manageable and easy to control.
Overall, the right bar size on the Stihl MS 290 has made my cutting tasks smoother, safer, and more productive. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in how well the saw performs for my everyday needs.
My Buying Guides on Stihl Ms 290 Bar Size
When I was looking to buy a Stihl MS 290 chainsaw, one of the key decisions I faced was choosing the right bar size. The bar size is crucial because it affects the saw’s cutting capacity, handling, and overall performance. In this guide, I’ll share my personal experience and what I learned about selecting the best bar size for the Stihl MS 290.
Understanding Bar Size and Its Importance
The bar size refers to the length of the chainsaw’s guide bar — the metal arm that the chain runs around. For the Stihl MS 290, the bar sizes typically range from 16 inches to 20 inches. I realized that the bar size directly impacts:
- The maximum diameter of wood you can cut in a single pass
- The weight and maneuverability of the chainsaw
- The fuel efficiency and overall ease of use
Choosing the right bar size helped me balance power and control depending on the tasks I needed.
Common Bar Sizes for the Stihl MS 290
From my research and experience, these are the common bar sizes compatible with the MS 290:
- 16-inch bar: Great for light to medium cutting tasks, easier to handle, and lighter on the arms. Perfect for trimming and cutting small to medium branches.
- 18-inch bar: A versatile choice that balances cutting capacity and control. I found this size ideal for general firewood cutting and typical yard work.
- 20-inch bar: Offers greater reach and can cut larger logs in one pass. However, it adds weight and requires more strength and skill to manage safely.
Factors I Considered When Choosing the Bar Size
- Type of Work: If you mainly cut small to medium trees or do pruning, a 16-inch bar was sufficient. For heavier-duty work, like felling larger trees or cutting big logs, I opted for an 18 or 20-inch bar.
- Portability and Handling: A smaller bar made the saw easier to control, especially during prolonged use. I found the 16-inch bar less tiring, which was important for my longer projects.
- Power and Engine Compatibility: The MS 290’s 50.2cc engine performs well with bars up to 20 inches. But going for the maximum size means the engine works harder, so I balanced bar length with engine power to avoid unnecessary strain.
- Budget: Longer bars tend to cost more, and the chain maintenance can be slightly higher. I weighed the cost against my actual needs to avoid overspending.
My Final Recommendation
If you’re like me and need a reliable all-rounder, the 18-inch bar is a great starting point for the Stihl MS 290. It offers a solid mix of cutting power and manageable weight. However, if you mostly handle smaller branches or lighter tasks, the 16-inch bar keeps the saw nimble and easy to use. For heavy-duty cutting, the 20-inch bar makes sense but be prepared for the extra weight and handling considerations.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always ensure you get the correct chain pitch and gauge to match your bar size.
- Consider investing in a quality carrying case or bar cover for safety and transport.
- Regular maintenance, like sharpening the chain and checking bar alignment, keeps your saw performing its best regardless of bar size.
I hope my buying guide helps you make the right choice on the Stihl MS 290 bar size for your needs!
Author Profile
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I’m Charlie Kirby, the writer behind Immu Metrix. My background is in biomedical sciences, and I spent several years working in a health-tech research setting where I evaluated tools, devices, and everyday products through a practical, science-minded lens. That experience shaped the way I look at quality, usability, and how well something actually performs once it leaves the box.
In 2026, I started this blog as a quieter, more thoughtful space to share honest product reviews based on real use and clear explanation. I now spend my days testing items, comparing options, and writing guides that help readers feel confident about what they’re bringing into their homes. Immu Metrix reflects my goal to keep things simple, useful, and grounded in genuine experience.
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