It’s not often developments in chainsaw chain technology cause a stir, but STIHL Rapid Hexa is fully deserving of the attention it’s gained around the world.
Consisting of a patented ‘V’ shaped cutting tooth and hexagonal file, Hexa offers professional forestry chainsaw users a 10 per cent boost in cutting performance and a much-enhanced sharpening experience unlike anything else on the market.
So, how has this been achieved? Firstly, the top plate kerf of each cutting tooth is narrower than the equivalent Rapid Super chain, leading to improvements in cutting speed and efficiency. Shrewd readers may see a similarity to the Rapid Super Pro chain available in .325 pitch – this too features a narrower kerf and cutting speed improvements.
A second optimisation is the 25-degree sharpening angle. Testing has found that a slightly reduced angle performs better in diagonal felling cuts. Finally, the most striking update to the chain is the 60-degree, V-shaped side plate angle. The hexagonal file sits perfectly in the tooth’s profile, leading to simplified and faster sharpening.
With Rapid Hexa, it’s easy to achieve a high-quality cutting edge. Due to the less acute angle of the leading cutting corner, the tooth is less prone to wear and therefore stays sharper for longer. STIHL Rapid Hexa chains need to be used with a Hexa file.
The lower 1/6th of the file is smooth, meaning that it’s impossible to accidentally graze the file on the drive links. A top ridge makes it clear which orientation the file needs to be held, and because the Hexa system is so simple to use, a file guide is not necessary.
These features combine to deliver a chainsaw chain that cuts faster, takes less time to sharpen, stays sharper for longer and boosts productivity. Compatible models include professional STIHL chainsaws ranging from an MS 362 C-M up to MS 661 C-M, and every professional petrol model in-between.