What to look for in Chaps?

[DoubleB]

I did a quick search and didn't find a whole lot, so I'll ask:

I wasn't raised wearing chaps and know nothing about them. The wife wants to order me something tonight for Father's Day, and I suggested chaps.

Any features that you find particularly nice or annoying? Any lengths (short vs long) I should look for? Are there differences in how much they cover or wrap around your legs/waist/etc? Anything that makes them easy/hard to don? What do you like/dislike about yours?

A manufacturer could say their chaps have this or that, and I wouldn't even know if this or that is something any better than the next guy.

Thanks!

 

[Butcher]

Don't know nuthin bout chaps but really? The wife waited till tonight to order you a fathers day gift?

 

[DoubleB]

We'll, we've also celebrated Valentine's Day in late February before. This is what worked for our schedules this year for Father's Day. I hope I didn't come across disappointed, that's not the case at all, she's a great wife.

 

[velvetfoot]

I have found that the standard Stihl chaps have a tendency to twist around on my leg. I got the wrap around Stihl chaps recently. I find them quite warm. I went back to the originals and try to keep them oriented correctly.

 

[Jags]

Don't over think the issue. The important part is having them and using them correctly. Any recognizable name should do the trick (I personally own Stihl). The rest of the equation is akin to asking "what is the best brand of jeans". Lots of different opinions.

 

[Highbeam]

Nobody can come up with an "assless chaps" joke?

 

[BCC_Burner]

Nobody can come up with an "assless chaps" joke?

It isn't that great a joke, as it's a redundant statement. Chaps are inherently assless.

 

[bobdog2o02]

Nobody can come up with an "assless chaps" joke?

I thought the same thing from the title but didnt want to be "that guy".................

 

[TreePointer]

Nobody can come up with an "assless chaps" joke?

Hey, overheating is a serious issue with chaps. Don't joke around and make people think that we're supposed to wear something under them.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

I did a quick search and didn't find a whole lot, so I'll ask:

I wasn't raised wearing chaps and know nothing about them. The wife wants to order me something tonight for Father's Day, and I suggested chaps.

Any features that you find particularly nice or annoying? Any lengths (short vs long) I should look for? Are there differences in how much they cover or wrap around your legs/waist/etc? Anything that makes them easy/hard to don? What do you like/dislike about yours?

A manufacturer could say their chaps have this or that, and I wouldn't even know if this or that is something any better than the next guy.

Thanks!

When I got mine the store had one pair that fit. So I went with the one's that fit.

I've heard good things from a few pros about chainsaw pants - no hung up buckles, no twisting, ect.

 

[TreePointer]

I've tried Husqvarna, Stihl, Elvex, Labonville, and some name I can't recall but they were inexpensive. I currently own Elvex and Labonville chaps.

I've been using Labonville full-wrap chaps and really like how they fit me. They have wide straps, large buckles, and large areas of stitching on the straps.

Some folks buy them too short. The picture in the link below shows them going all the way to your instep:

http://www.labonville.com/Chainsaw-Safety-Chaps-W850KPX--40-Length_p_33.html#

 

[Beer Belly]

I've tried Husqvarna, Stihl, Elvex, Labonville, and some name I can't recall but they were inexpensive. I currently own Elvex and Labonville chaps.

I've been using Labonville full-wrap chaps and really like how they fit me. They have wide straps, large buckles, and large areas of stitching on the straps.

Some folks buy them too short. The picture in the link below shows them going all the way to your instep:

http://www.labonville.com/Chainsaw-Safety-Chaps-W850KPX--40-Length_p_33.html#

I use these and have no problem with fit, and find them pretty comfortable.

 

[mass_burner]

I thought the same thing from the title but didnt want to be "that guy".................

I thought by the title it was a misplaced English personal ad..

 

[mstoelton]

I think it is less about what kind and more about making sure you wear them and that they fit. I have husqvarna, but they are more than likely all coming from a very limited number of manufacturers and being branded by the various companies.

 

[mstoelton]

I have also found that on a hot day chaps if worn for extended periods can cause serious sweat of the southern giblet region resulting in raging case of tinea cruris (jock itch).

 

[maple1]

I don't use chaps - I have chainsaw pants.

I've had them for years - they're tough.

In cold weather, I wear long johns under them & maybe a pair of sweats or splash pants if it's real cold, and in warm weather, I wear thin shorts or splash pants or cut off sweat pants or the like depending how hot it is. No muss no fuss with twisting & buckles & straps & all that, just slip into them & away you go. If these ones ever wear out, I'll get another pair.

 

[Beer Belly]

I have also found that on a hot day chaps if worn for extended periods can cause serious sweat of the southern giblet region resulting in raging case of tinea cruris (jock itch).

Take my word for it....don't use foot spray

 

[mass_burner]

i thought chaps were used for riding horses? i grew up in the suburbs of LA, no horses or chainsaws.

 

[Jags]

There are chaps specific to chainsaw protection. The chaps have a fibrous interior that in the case of a spinning chain will jam the clutch of the saw - stopping the chain in very short order. They don't claim to stop an injury but to "minimize" it. Highly recommended if you are running a saw. It might just save your life.

 

[velvetfoot]

They don't work with electric saws though.

 

[DoubleB]

Thanks for the tips guys. Now I know some things to keep in mind. Sounds like my best bet is just to try some on and see which ones seem the best. The pants sound convenient.

What about them doesn't help against electric chainsaws?

 

[TreePointer]

What about them doesn't help against electric chainsaws?

Answer: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/electric-chainsaw-and-chaps-warning.36621/

 

[Hogwildz]

Got some Husq's at TSC, work just fine, not too pricey.

 

[blacktail]

Nobody can come up with an "assless chaps" joke?

To the tune of "Give peace a chance"

All chaps are assless,
or else they're just pants

 

[Mischa Shashumshkavich]

Take my word for it....don't use foot spray

or tiger balm.......never again