Here is what I just posted in another thread:
Some people are bent on Stihl chains and won't buy anything else. I'll admit they probably are the best but when price is factored in, not even close to a good buy.
For example I bought a single loop of 20", 3/8ths 50 gauge Stihl RSK as I wanted to try it before purchasing a roll. The dealer, (real chainsaw shop) wanted $26 but sold it to me for $22 when I balked and said he would go to $20 for 5 or more. The local Hardware Hank now handles Stihl and they wanted $28 for a loop. (roll price when made up into 20" loops is $15.50)
I've bought Forester/Carlton unbranded loops for $7/loop for 16" .325 and under $10 for 20" loops of 3/8ths.
Currently I am spinning Oregon LGX loops and they come out to $9.09/loop.
The point of this diatribe is chain is an expendable item and I keep to the bitter end when I should just pitch them. However with grinders it is easy to keep them going and worn ones cut faster since they pull less kerf. Sure Stihl is real good, but it's not 1.5 to 2.5 times better than Oregon LGX which is very similar to Stihl RSC.
The Forester/Carlton is a very good value when price is factored in.
Wait till next year when Husqvarna starts making saw chain rather than re-badging Blount/Oregon. I am hoping for a teaser rate in order to garner market share.
For bars I just bought a pair of Tsumura bars in 3/8ths and ordered some in .325 but they haven't come in yet. They are supposed to be very good although tips are spendy.
Total bars are made by Tsumura,
More bars,
Techlite are pretty good.