Light 04 and PRO Chains Review

Is the 1.3mm .325″ Chainsaw Chain Becoming a New Favorite?

Stihl has introduced a new narrow kerf cutting system that’s gaining popularity in Sweden. This system uses saw teeth that cut a slim 1.3 mm width with a .325″ pitch. Previously, Stihl offered only the ⅜” Picco chains, but with the new PRO chains of the Light 04 system, they’re entering new territory and competing with established products like Husqvarna’s SP33G X-Cut and Oregon’s 95TX SpeedCut.a

What sets these products apart is their narrow kerf width, making them lightweight, more efficient, and often faster at cutting. The new Light 04 system is already available for purchase in stores.

Trial statement

I had the chance to see Stihl’s new Light 04 system in action during a series of rigorous tests, and I must say, it left a lasting impression. Over 40 different projects, including thinning, windthrow, and edge felling, the system proved its worth. What stood out to me was its durability no visible wear or tear, even after some intense usage.

We also ran side-by-side tests against the Husqvarna X-Cut/X-Force and Rollomatic/Picco setups. To my surprise, both competitor bars had their tips break during the trials, but the Light 04 held strong. Maybe it’s just luck, or maybe it’s a testament to the build quality of this new system. I lean toward the latter.

One professional tester, who’s no stranger to clearing saws, gave the Light 04 a thorough workout, running through several tanks of fuel. Their feedback mirrored my own observations they were genuinely impressed by its cutting capacity, lightweight design, and how well it held up under pressure. It’s hard not to be excited about what this system brings to the table.

Lengths of the saw bar?

One of the more surprising findings during testing was the actual cutting length of the saw bars. Watching the full test video, it became clear that neither Stihl nor Husqvarna delivered cuts as long as their bar lengths suggested. For example, the Stihl 14″ bar only managed a cutting length of 13.4″ (34 cm), while the Husqvarna 15″ bar cut slightly further at 13.8″ (35 cm).

On paper, there’s a one-inch difference between the two bars, but in practice, the gap is just 1 cm. Even when the bark supports were removed, neither saw achieved its full bar length. The Husqvarna 15″ bar, in particular, fell short, stopping just behind the first bar nut. It was an unexpected result, but it’s a useful insight into the real-world performance of these tools.

It’s cutting time!!

It’s cutting time, and this trial put the Stihl and Husqvarna chains to the test with two types of cuts—one on fresh birch and the other on fresh maple. We tested the RM-Pro and RS-Pro against the SP33 G X-Cut, as well as the RS-Pro against the older RS chain with a 1.5 mm gauge. If you’re curious, you can catch all the action in the video.

From what I observed, the RM-Pro and SP33 G performed almost identically. Both are semi-chisel chains, so their efficiency was on par. That said, there was a moment in the video where the RM-Pro appeared to slip—likely due to trunk movement during the first cut.

The RS-Pro, on the other hand, stole the show. Being a full-chisel chain, it was noticeably more efficient. In Test #2, we pitted the RS-Pro against the older 1.5 mm RS .325” chain, and the results were clear—the RS-Pro was significantly faster, especially when cutting fresh maple. This difference really highlights the advancements Stihl has made with their PRO chains.

Wich is more milder .325” or the ⅜”?

When it comes to deciding which chain is milder, .325” or ⅜”, I found the .325” chain to be noticeably less aggressive than the Picco ⅜” chain. While we didn’t conduct direct comparisons between the two, the difference was clear during testing. The Full-Chisel .325” chain felt smoother and more controlled overall.

What really stood out to me was how it handled delimbing—it didn’t bounce as much when making contact with the trunk, which made the process feel steadier. The .325” chain also inserted more cleanly, giving it a less aggressive profile. It made me wonder if the difference in split size was a contributing factor to its milder performance.

Effective kerf

Measuring the effective kerf was an interesting part of the trial. Although the results weren’t scientifically precise, they still provided useful insights for comparison. From what I observed, the RS-Pro chain left the least visible kerf, which matched Stihl’s claims about its efficiency.

According to Stihl, the PRO chains cut at 6.8 mm, whereas the RS/RM .325” 1.5 mm chain cuts at 7.7 mm. This means the PRO chains reduce cutting width by about 12%, making them noticeably more efficient in real-world applications. Even though the data isn’t exact, it’s clear that the slimmer kerf translates to smoother, faster cutting.

Conclusion

After seeing the new Stihl Light 04 cutting system in action, it’s easy to understand why it’s generating so much buzz. It’s user-friendly, delivers consistently high-quality results, and the teeth stay sharp longer than expected, even with its efficient cutting capabilities. Priced competitively with similar products, the Light 04 saw bar is a solid choice for anyone ready to upgrade. That said, it’s best suited for Stihl chainsaws like the MS261 and MS271, which might limit its compatibility.

Stihl plans to offer PRO chains in various lengths, and while they’re designed for their saws, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone tries them on a different model. For users of the older Picco system, the switch to Light 04 with PRO chains seems like a no-brainer. Based on what I’ve seen during testing, it’s a move that most won’t regret. Just remember to update the drive wheels and use a 4.8 mm file to maintain the PRO chains properly.

When it came to sharpening during testing, we experimented with different files, but Stihl’s COMFORT file stood out. It’s specifically designed for these chains, offering precision without being overly aggressive. For anyone adopting this system, the COMFORT file is definitely worth having in your toolkit.

John Carlos

Forestry Author

The beauty of logging isn't just about felling trees. It's about understanding nature, mastering the art of chainsaws, and respecting the environment. I believe in sharing my experiences and knowledge, ensuring that we move towards a sustainable future together.