Forester 3/8 LP Review

Why I Picked Up the Forester 3/8 LP Chain

I have been running chainsaws for years, and I have a bad habit of burning through chains on my smaller saws. I mostly use a 16 inch bar on a 40cc class saw for limbing, storm cleanup, and cutting up firewood that is already on the ground. I do not run a mill or do commercial tree work. When I needed a few extra loops for my saw, I saw the Forester 3/8 LP chain listed for a price that made me double take. It was significantly cheaper than the name brand chains I usually buy. I was skeptical. A chain that cheap had to be junk, right? I decided to buy two loops and run them hard to see if they were a waste of money or a genuine budget gem. This is my honest experience after several months of use.

How I Tested the Forester 3/8 LP Chain

I did not run this chain in a lab. I ran it in my backyard, in my woodlot, and on a few storm cleanup jobs for neighbors. I used a single saw for consistency, a Husqvarna 435 with a 16 inch bar. I kept the bar oil reservoir full with standard bar and chain oil. I did not use any special sharpening tools or techniques. I used a standard 5/32 inch round file and a flat file to lower the depth gauges.

Test Conditions

• Wood Types: Seasoned oak, green ash, and some dry pine.
• Cutting Tasks: Bucking logs from 6 to 14 inches in diameter, limbing, and some light noodling.
• Duration: I used each loop for about 4 hours of actual cutting time over two months.
• Sharpening Frequency: I touched up the chain every time I refueled, which is my normal habit.

I paid close attention to how the chain felt in the cut, how quickly it dulled, and how much it stretched during the first few tanks of gas. I also made a point to cut through some dirty wood near the ground to test how the cutters held up to minor abrasion.

Performance in the Cut

Right out of the box, the Forester chain felt sharp. It was not as aggressively sharp as a new Oregon or Stihl chain, but it was certainly usable. On the first cut through a 10 inch dry oak log, the chain pulled through smoothly without any excessive vibration. It did not grab or jerk. For light limbing and cutting softwoods like pine, it felt almost identical to a premium chain. The chips were consistent and the saw did not bog down.

Cutting Speed and Smoothness

I would rate the cutting speed as adequate for a homeowner. It is not a racing chain. When I was bucking larger, harder logs, I noticed the Forester chain required a bit more forward pressure than a high end chain. It did not self feed as aggressively. This is likely due to the slightly less precise grind on the top plate cutting angle. For normal firewood cutting, this difference is negligible. You will still get through a cord of wood without any frustration. The chain ran fairly smooth with minimal kickback tendency, which is a plus for safety.

Dullness and Sharpening

This is where the Forester chain surprised me. It does not hold an edge as long as a name brand chain. I noticed it started to feel dull about 20 percent sooner than my usual Oregon chain. However, the flip side is that it sharpens very easily. The steel is softer, which means a few passes with a round file bring the edge back quickly. I was able to touch it up in the field without much effort. If you are someone who hates sharpening or struggles to get a good edge, this chain will be your friend. The softer steel files away cleanly without leaving burrs.

Stretching Issues

This is the most significant con. The Forester 3/8 LP chain stretches more than any chain I have used in the last decade. On the first tank of gas, I had to stop and tighten the chain three times. It stretched noticeably. After about an hour of cutting, the stretch slowed down, but it never stopped entirely. I had to adjust the tension on every single refuel for the first three sessions. Even after it broke in, I found myself checking tension more frequently than with a premium chain. If you run a saw with an automatic chain tensioner or you are forgetful about checking tension, this could be a problem. A loose chain can derail or damage your bar. You must stay on top of tension adjustments with this chain.

Build Quality and Value

When I first held the Forester chain, I could tell it was not a premium product. The rivets looked slightly rough, and the tie straps did not have the same polished finish as an Oregon chain. The chrome plating on the cutters looked thinner. None of these things affected function in my testing. The chain did not break, no rivets popped, and it did not throw off the bar. For the price, the build quality is acceptable. You are not getting a professional grade chain, but you are getting a chain that will cut wood safely and reliably for light duty work.

Value Proposition

Let me be direct about the value. This chain costs roughly half of what you would pay for a Stihl or Oregon loop. If you are cutting one or two cords of firewood a year or doing occasional yard cleanup, the savings are significant. You could buy two Forester chains for the price of one premium chain. I found that the Forester chain dulls faster, but because it is easy to sharpen, I can keep it working with minimal effort. Even if I have to replace it after one season, I am still money ahead compared to buying a premium chain that might last two seasons. The math works in favor of the Forester for light use.

Durability Concerns

I did notice that the cutters seemed to lose their chrome plating faster than I expected. After a few sharpening sessions, the cutting edge looked a bit rough. This is typical of budget chains. The steel is not as hard, so it wears faster. If you hit a nail or a piece of gravel, you will likely damage the chain more severely than a hardened premium chain. For clean wood cutting, this is not a major issue. But if you frequently cut dirty or buried wood, this chain will not last as long. I also noticed the drive links wore a little faster, but not alarmingly so.

Who Should Buy the Forester 3/8 LP Chain

This chain is not for everyone. But for a specific group of users, it is an excellent choice. I have broken down the ideal buyer profile based on my experience.

Perfect for Homeowners and Hobbyists

If you own a small to mid sized saw like a 35cc to 45cc saw and you use it a few times a month for trimming limbs, cutting fallen branches, or splitting small firewood, this chain is a great fit. You will not notice the slight performance difference in these tasks. The low price means you can keep a spare loop in your toolbox without feeling guilty. The easy sharpening is a bonus for anyone who does not want to spend time filing.

Good for Budget Conscious Users

If you are on a tight budget and need a chain that works, this is a no brainer. You get a functional chain that cuts wood. It is not the best, but it is far from the worst. I would rather use a sharp Forester chain than a dull premium chain. The price point allows you to replace it more often, which can be a better strategy than trying to make an expensive chain last forever.

Not for Heavy Cutting or Professionals

I have to be honest here. If you are a tree service professional, a firewood cutter processing 10 cords a year, or a sawmill operator, do not buy this chain. The stretching alone will drive you crazy. The faster dulling will cost you time on the job. You need a chain that holds tension and edge for hours, not minutes. This chain is simply not built for that level of abuse. Stick with Oregon, Stihl, or Carlton for professional work.

Not for Large Saws

This is a 3/8 LP chain, which is designed for low profile saws. Do not put it on a 70cc or larger saw. It is not built to handle the torque and power of a big saw. Use it on the saw it was designed for. I used it on a 40cc saw and it was fine. On a larger saw, you risk breaking the chain or damaging your bar.

My Verdict After Months of Use

I went into this review expecting to hate the Forester 3/8 LP chain. I thought it would be a waste of money that would break or dull instantly. I was wrong. It is not a great chain, but it is a good chain for its intended purpose. It cuts wood. It is safe. It is easy to sharpen. And it costs very little. The stretching is a real annoyance that you cannot ignore, but if you stay on top of tension adjustments, it is manageable.

I have two loops of this chain in my shed right now. One is on my saw, and one is a backup. I use them for light work around the property. When I need to cut a lot of wood in one sitting or when I am working on a big project, I switch to a premium Oregon chain. But for everyday small jobs, I grab the Forester. It saves me money and it gets the job done.

If you are a casual user who wants to save a few dollars and you do not mind checking your chain tension often, buy this chain. If you need reliability and performance under heavy use, spend the extra money on a premium brand. My final recommendation is simple: the Forester 3/8 LP chain is a solid budget option that works as advertised. It is not a professional tool, but it is not pretending to be one. For the price, it is a fair deal.