Class of chainsaw protection

[Toad]

Morning. I've been slowly becoming more responsible as I become older, recently upgrading to a proper pair of chainsaw boots rather than chancing it with a pair of steel toecaps for example. For some time I've been using an older pair of Oregon big and braces for leg protection, but these are unwieldy, not that comfy and a bit too warm for a fatty like me, so I've been looking at proper trousers instead of the bibs but I'm unsure as to which class I should go for. 

 

I'm an occasional user, so probably the most dangerous, cutting fallen trees and logs on the farm every so often. I use a husky 135, 55 and 371 with bars ranging from 14 to 24 inch. Would class 1 trousers be sufficient, or should I be looking at class 2? I understand that type a is ok for ground work, would type c be preferable?

[Stere]

I have stihl dynamic trousers type c (allround protection) class 1 lasted well & being used & abused for yrs.

 

 

Class 1 won't stop a bigger saw with faster chain speed as well as class 2 though.

 

 

[outonalimb]

It really just depends on how much you value your legs.

[Toad]

Hah. So, assuming I'm quite keen on my ankles, is class 2 the appropriate level of protection for 70cc saw?

[outonalimb]

It's what I use.

[htb]

Class 1 here but then I cut wood not my legs as a rule.

[outonalimb]

The thing is any class of protection is fine until the sh*t hits the fan.

[Spruce Pirate]

For occasional use I'm pretty sure that they recommend type C with the all round protection, even for ground work. 

 

As far as class 1 or 2 goes you'd have to work out your chain speed which isn't overly easy.  Bigger bar and chain is going to lower chain speed, changing pitch can affect the speed.  I did have a pair of class 2's for a while, but there's more choice in class 1 trousers so I'm back with them.  It's academic until you have an accident at which point you want as much protection as you can get.

 

I'd be really interested to see some comparison tests between the different classes of trousers and saws running at different chain speeds.  Don't know if there is any videos or such like out there.

[Toad]

Cool, thought about it and was tempted to pop into mole country stores tomorrow and pick up some stihl ergos as they are on offer but ordered some class 2s online instead. Makes sense to go for greater protection.