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This article was taken from the April 2014 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
How we tested
Selecting a range of saws, including mains-, battery- and petrol-powered models, we compared performance by felling (dead) trees and logging the wood. Timing how long it took us to safely section the logs gave us an average working speed for the infographic. Rick Gunning, a trained arborist with 20 years of experience, provided the expert opinion and ensured that the only limbs being removed were the wooden ones.
Chainsaw carving
Chainsaw sculptor Raymond Wirick adapted the STIHL saw, which offered the best power-to-weight ratio for his needs, with a sculpting bar. He carved the Test logo from a log of ash and the W from yew.
STIHL MS 231 C-BEAs inventor of the modern chainsaw in 1926, STIHL brings experience to bear in this excellent tool -- hough it is the heaviest saw on test. Its ErgoStart system uses an extra spring to ensure it starts with a single pull, and, once running, it feels like it will slice through anything in your path. "This saw feels very well built and reliable," says Gunning. "It could last a lifetime with regular maintenance." £490
Wired Great build quality and all-round performance
Tired Noise and petrol fumes
Spec
Energy source: Petrol
Power: 2.7hp
Chain speed: 26m/s
Bar length: 40cm
Weight: 5.2kg
Husqvarna 536Li Husqvarna has developed Li-ion cells that can outlast a full tank of fossil fuel -- and the 536LI held up well against the petrol-powered STIHL in our speed test. However, the battery fades much faster when it gets hot, so continuous use made it grind to a halt after 30 minutes. Gunning was still impressed: "I use petrol saws because I need them to last all day, but I can see how this is probably the future." £315 (inc batteries)
Wired
Compact, clean and powerful
Tired
Expensive battery system
Spec
Energy source: Battery
Power: 36v
Chain speed: 15m/s
Bar length: 35cm
Weight: 2.5kg
This mains-powered electric saw is no use to a woodsman (or during the zombie apocalypse). But with the performance of a petrol saw, it's ideal for the woodshed. The plastic casing feels robust, and Black & Decker claims its steel gears prolong its life. Gunning was unconvinced by its ergonomics: "The motor sticks out so far, it bangs against your body, and the handle is ridged the wrong way." £120
Wired
Powerful and easy to operate
Tired
Power cord; slippery handle
Spec Energy source: Electric
Power: 2,200W
Chain speed: 12.5m/s
Bar length: 35cm
Weight: 5.6kg
Bosch AKE 30 LIThe Bosch offers all the advantages of battery power -- low noise and vibrations, and zero emissions -- in a relatively affordable package. It's user-friendly, but less powerful than the other saws, and the Li-ion battery fades far sooner than the Husqvarna's. "It's simple to operate, but the battery life isn't long enough for a day's work," says Gunning. "And its power-to-weight ratio isn't great." £399
Wired
Clean and safe to use
Tired
Short battery life; tired arms
Spec
Energy source: Battery
Power: 36v
Chain speed: 8m/s
Bar length: 30cm
Weight: 5.2kg
With a 42cc petrol engine and similar specifications to the STIHL, this looks like remarkable value for money. However, despite performing well in the speed test, the noise, vibration and weight are all greater than the STIHL's, conspiring to make this tiring to use. "You get what you pay for," says Gunning. "This will get most cutting jobs done quickly enough, but it might conk out in a few years." £170
Wired
Powerful engine; great value
Tired
Noisy and difficult to start; tends to stall
Spec
Energy source: Petrol
Power: 2.1hp
Chain speed: 23.8m/s
Bar length: 40cm
Weight: 5.4kg
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
