Stretch Air Chainsaw Trousers

Tim Craig · 23rd February 2007, 04:10 AM

Just bought a pair of Pfanner's Arborist's Stretch Air chainsaw trousers for ?200.00 including VAT.

I had to pay a ?10.00 extra due to long leg length.

I've been using Stihl Hi Flex for the last 18 months.
They've been ok.....but they've needed to be sewn many times.

I will be reporting on Treeworld every few months on how good or bad the Stretch Airs are over the next year.

I am expecting them to be excellent considering the huge price tag.

Has anyone else had any experience of these chainsaw trousers?

Eric Frei · 23rd February 2007, 06:47 AM

Man alive, they must be good.

That's like $500 here.

I occasionally wear the Stihl pant style ones with the yellow azz ... I should get a few more.

Get some pics mate.

Tim Craig · 24th February 2007, 05:39 AM

Ok, first day wearing the Stretch Airs, distmantled a couple of medium size trees - Sycamore and Elm.

They are very comfortable when climbing.
Ease of movement is not a problem.

On first impressions they seem to be very durable.

The only thing I did notice was that they get hot quickly, the temperature outside today was only about 12 Degrees Celcius/52 Degrees Farenheit.

But, even with the heat, they stayed comfortable.

Eric Frei · 24th February 2007, 07:55 AM

Is this them?

Tim Craig · 28th February 2007, 08:24 AM

Yeah,

But mine are grey!

The red is too loud for me.

Eric Frei · 28th February 2007, 08:47 PM

The Stihl dacks are like $220 here, I don't know of anyone selling those here. I wore mine today ... you definately feel safer but sweat like pig!

Tim Craig · 1st March 2007, 06:38 AM

Rained all day today at work, Stretch Airs stayed dry on the inside, they do have some water resistance, but I reckon this will lose it effectiveness after a couple of months. After we had finished it stopped raining, they dryed up very quickly.

At the moment they are easily the best chainsaw trousers I have ever worn. Far better than the Black Stihl HiFlex.

It remains to be seen if they will stand the test of time. My last pair of Stihl HiFlex lasted 18 months.

Eric Frei · 6th March 2007, 11:13 PM

You work in the rain?

Tim Craig · 7th March 2007, 05:04 AM

Yeah, its great fun. Especially climbing Sycamore and Beech.

Brother Colin · 7th March 2007, 11:57 AM

In Glasgow, you would not work at all if you did not work in the rain.

Rains everyday, doesn't it.

Eric Frei · 7th March 2007, 05:04 PM

Crikey, rain, what about wind? And I'm not talking the baked beans type of wind either.

Next you'll say it snows too.

Sean Freeman · 7th March 2007, 05:06 PM

Not just glasgow, there wouldn't be a British Arborist working in the whole country if they stopped for rain!!!

When I started working for Steve, they used to stop when it rained, sometimes it better to keep your mouth shut!

SF

Tim Craig · 8th March 2007, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brother Colin

In Glasgow, you would not work at all if you did not work in the rain.

Rains everyday, doesn't it.

No, every third day. And during the night.

Tim Craig · 8th March 2007, 08:24 AM

[QUOTE
Next you'll say it snows too.[/QUOTE]

Last year, I distmantled a large Beech tree during two days of heavy snow.

Rigged it down, ornamental 100 year old wall underneath, that's why it took two days. It wasn't snowing when we started the job. At one point on the second day I could not see the groundies for about half an hour. I just pulled my jacket over my face and weathered the storm wishing I'd worked harder in school. Then it got so bad for about 5 mins I couldn't see my hand in front of my face.

Anyway, the snow had cleared by the time we could fell it. Blue skies.

I was glad to see the back of that job.

Glorious sunshine today though, rigged down a pine growing over a pond. One of those days your glad you climb trees.

Mike Poor · 8th March 2007, 03:38 PM

Hey Tim Craig, Have you ever tried S.I.P. 5.1's or the old blue husky pants? If so I was wondering how the Stretch-airs or the Stihls compared? I think the 5.1's and the Huskys are almost as breathable as denim.

Tim Craig · 9th March 2007, 06:11 AM

Mike,

I've never tried the Sips. Huskys yes but mostly used Stihl or Svensk Tradvard(Swedish make). I've only had the Stretch Airs for a couple of weeks but they are the very comfortable, better tear resistance than any other chainsaw trousers I've had. They just feel like much better quality than the Stihl Hi-flex.
I'm not a fashion victim but there was no way I was gonna buy Bright red Chainsaw trousers for ?200.00!!!
Thats why before now, I went for the Black Stihl Hi-flex.

The Stihl Hi-flex have poor tear resistance, and if you clip the MS200T into your harness and the exhaust touchs the material for a fraction of a second, they melt!

I was forever sowing the Hi-flexs up, always repairing tears and stitching, they need to improve these trousers before I would consider buying them again.
Anway, Pfanner changed the colour of the Stretch Airs to grey.

I decided to try them.

The Stretch Airs are expensive, but so far after 2 weeks, they are by far the best chainsaw trouser I've ever worn.

But I can already tell they will be extremely hot in the summer, and it only ever gets to about 80 degrees farenheit here.

Eric Frei · 9th March 2007, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Craig

but so far after 2 weeks, they are by far the best chainsaw trouser I've ever worn.

Some day when your ready to wash them let us know how that goes.

Gerhard · 11th March 2007, 09:55 PM

The factory of pfanner is only 100 kilometers away from me. I like strech air and they have a very good quality.

Mike Poor · 14th March 2007, 04:25 PM

Thanks Tim Craig and Gerhard for the feedback. I'll have to try them next time i buy some pants. And yeah Ekka, I'll try to wash them before they get foul!

Steve Tipton · 9th October 2007, 09:33 PM

I occasionally wear Clogger pants and sometimes Clogger chaps. Too bloody hot and the pants tear easily on sharp twigs and melt on hot mufflers.
I prefer to be careful with the saw instead!

pomme · 10th October 2007, 10:09 AM

i liked the sip s but i think they only make groundsmans type a trousers now.have gone over to stihl kneeflex now they re ok. can t believe you aussies wont climb without a lid but not worry about chainsaw trousers.

Eric Frei · 10th October 2007, 07:55 PM

Chainsaw trousers are law now, ya gotta wear them, I wear them ...

... cowboys still wear what they like, even shorts.

In many of Lopa's pics you'll see he wears Stihls.

Drouin Tree Service · 10th October 2007, 09:47 PM

IMO the Kiwis make the best chainsaw pants,Just Stihl branded,they were just called "cloggers"b4 that...

Joos-tree · 9th June 2008, 08:39 PM

Hi Tim, how's your pair of 'pfanner stretch air` holding out after 15 months?
I am wearing Francital, which something like it in a red colour, but I have a hard time getting it clean (it holds out for about 15 months, then it is worn) Costs around 150 euros. (See FRANCITAL - Pantalon Elagage)

Now you guys might think 'clean'??? We are tree cutters, man! But I am visiting potential customers every week in between jobs, and ofcourse I don't want to frighten them

by looking like a muddy bigfoot

kimtree · 18th June 2008, 09:58 PM

i just bought a pair of husky pro tech 20 pants $380 aus dollars,hopefully they will be a bit cooler than clogger pants,certainly feel alot nicer to wear. anyone in aus tried them out?

TrevMcRev · 19th June 2008, 05:25 PM

Yeah i got some a few weeks back. Comfy as!

I put em on on sundays to lay on the couch and watch tv in instead of trackky dacks..... well not quite

but they are real comfy, you'd never buy a non stretch pair again after wearing these.

jtrouse · 14th July 2008, 11:07 PM

I can get these pants if anyone is interested pm me and the price is much better depending on location.

Ace Master · 14th July 2008, 11:19 PM

I have the summer Clogger plants, they are a good fit and a little bit lighter.
jtrose how much are they?

Garry Brockley · 21st July 2008, 03:55 AM

ditto how much are they?

chadd · 12th August 2008, 04:24 PM

i've always likes the cansaves, they are like a pair of jogging pants with kevlar. light and comfortable, but develop little holes that don't tear. not so water proof. but 130 bucks canadian. excellent for falling and climbing. even in winter in 4 feet of snow and wind i can where them with rain pantts and be at a good temperature

23rd February 2007, 04:10 AM	#1
Tim Craig Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 132	Stretch Air Chainsaw Trousers Just bought a pair of Pfanner's Arborist's Stretch Air chainsaw trousers for ?200.00 including VAT. I had to pay a ?10.00 extra due to long leg length. I've been using Stihl Hi Flex for the last 18 months. They've been ok.....but they've needed to be sewn many times. I will be reporting on Treeworld every few months on how good or bad the Stretch Airs are over the next year. I am expecting them to be excellent considering the huge price tag. Has anyone else had any experience of these chainsaw trousers?

23rd February 2007, 06:47 AM	#2
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Man alive, they must be good. That's like $500 here. I occasionally wear the Stihl pant style ones with the yellow azz ... I should get a few more. Get some pics mate. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

24th February 2007, 07:55 AM	#4
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Is this them? __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

28th February 2007, 08:47 PM	#6
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	The Stihl dacks are like $220 here, I don't know of anyone selling those here. I wore mine today ... you definately feel safer but sweat like pig! __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

6th March 2007, 11:13 PM	#8
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	You work in the rain? __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

24th February 2007, 05:39 AM	#3
Tim Craig Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 132	Ok, first day wearing the Stretch Airs, distmantled a couple of medium size trees - Sycamore and Elm. They are very comfortable when climbing. Ease of movement is not a problem. On first impressions they seem to be very durable. The only thing I did notice was that they get hot quickly, the temperature outside today was only about 12 Degrees Celcius/52 Degrees Farenheit. But, even with the heat, they stayed comfortable.

28th February 2007, 08:24 AM	#5
Tim Craig Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 132	Yeah, But mine are grey! The red is too loud for me.

1st March 2007, 06:38 AM	#7
Tim Craig Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 132	Rained all day today at work, Stretch Airs stayed dry on the inside, they do have some water resistance, but I reckon this will lose it effectiveness after a couple of months. After we had finished it stopped raining, they dryed up very quickly. At the moment they are easily the best chainsaw trousers I have ever worn. Far better than the Black Stihl HiFlex. It remains to be seen if they will stand the test of time. My last pair of Stihl HiFlex lasted 18 months.

7th March 2007, 05:04 AM	#9
Tim Craig Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 132	Yeah, its great fun. Especially climbing Sycamore and Beech.

7th March 2007, 11:57 AM	#10
Brother Colin Sappling Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 40	In Glasgow, you would not work at all if you did not work in the rain. Rains everyday, doesn't it. __________________ A new site for digital madia storage goto : http://brothercolin.pictureyourbusiness.com/

7th March 2007, 05:04 PM	#11
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Crikey, rain, what about wind? And I'm not talking the baked beans type of wind either. Next you'll say it snows too. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

7th March 2007, 05:06 PM	#12
Sean Freeman Monument Status Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 1,985	Not just glasgow, there wouldn't be a British Arborist working in the whole country if they stopped for rain!!! When I started working for Steve, they used to stop when it rained, sometimes it better to keep your mouth shut! SF

8th March 2007, 08:24 AM	#14
Tim Craig Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 132	[QUOTE Next you'll say it snows too.[/QUOTE] Last year, I distmantled a large Beech tree during two days of heavy snow. Rigged it down, ornamental 100 year old wall underneath, that's why it took two days. It wasn't snowing when we started the job. At one point on the second day I could not see the groundies for about half an hour. I just pulled my jacket over my face and weathered the storm wishing I'd worked harder in school. Then it got so bad for about 5 mins I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. Anyway, the snow had cleared by the time we could fell it. Blue skies. I was glad to see the back of that job. Glorious sunshine today though, rigged down a pine growing over a pond. One of those days your glad you climb trees.

8th March 2007, 03:38 PM	#15
Mike Poor Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Urbana, IL,usa Posts: 69	Hey Tim Craig, Have you ever tried S.I.P. 5.1's or the old blue husky pants? If so I was wondering how the Stretch-airs or the Stihls compared? I think the 5.1's and the Huskys are almost as breathable as denim.

9th March 2007, 06:11 AM	#16
Tim Craig Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 132	Mike, I've never tried the Sips. Huskys yes but mostly used Stihl or Svensk Tradvard(Swedish make). I've only had the Stretch Airs for a couple of weeks but they are the very comfortable, better tear resistance than any other chainsaw trousers I've had. They just feel like much better quality than the Stihl Hi-flex. I'm not a fashion victim but there was no way I was gonna buy Bright red Chainsaw trousers for ?200.00!!! Thats why before now, I went for the Black Stihl Hi-flex. The Stihl Hi-flex have poor tear resistance, and if you clip the MS200T into your harness and the exhaust touchs the material for a fraction of a second, they melt! I was forever sowing the Hi-flexs up, always repairing tears and stitching, they need to improve these trousers before I would consider buying them again. Anway, Pfanner changed the colour of the Stretch Airs to grey. I decided to try them. The Stretch Airs are expensive, but so far after 2 weeks, they are by far the best chainsaw trouser I've ever worn. But I can already tell they will be extremely hot in the summer, and it only ever gets to about 80 degrees farenheit here.

11th March 2007, 09:55 PM	#18
Gerhard Sappling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austria Posts: 12	The factory of pfanner is only 100 kilometers away from me. I like strech air and they have a very good quality. __________________ www.treetec.at

14th March 2007, 04:25 PM	#19
Mike Poor Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Urbana, IL,usa Posts: 69	Thanks Tim Craig and Gerhard for the feedback. I'll have to try them next time i buy some pants. And yeah Ekka, I'll try to wash them before they get foul!

9th October 2007, 09:33 PM	#20
Steve Tipton Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 823	Re: Stretch Air Chainsaw Trousers I occasionally wear Clogger pants and sometimes Clogger chaps. Too bloody hot and the pants tear easily on sharp twigs and melt on hot mufflers. I prefer to be careful with the saw instead!

10th October 2007, 10:09 AM	#21
pomme Mature tree Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: england Posts: 251	Re: Stretch Air Chainsaw Trousers i liked the sip s but i think they only make groundsmans type a trousers now.have gone over to stihl kneeflex now they re ok. can t believe you aussies wont climb without a lid but not worry about chainsaw trousers.

10th October 2007, 07:55 PM	#22
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Re: Stretch Air Chainsaw Trousers Chainsaw trousers are law now, ya gotta wear them, I wear them ... ... cowboys still wear what they like, even shorts. In many of Lopa's pics you'll see he wears Stihls. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

10th October 2007, 09:47 PM	#23
Drouin Tree Service Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 1,697	Re: Stretch Air Chainsaw Trousers IMO the Kiwis make the best chainsaw pants,Just Stihl branded,they were just called "cloggers"b4 that... __________________ Drouin Tree Services \| Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland \| Landclearing Melbourne

9th June 2008, 08:39 PM	#24
Joos-tree I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Netherlands Posts: 3	Re: Stretch Air Chainsaw Trousers Hi Tim, how's your pair of 'pfanner stretch air` holding out after 15 months? I am wearing Francital, which something like it in a red colour, but I have a hard time getting it clean (it holds out for about 15 months, then it is worn) Costs around 150 euros. (See FRANCITAL - Pantalon Elagage) Now you guys might think 'clean'??? We are tree cutters, man! But I am visiting potential customers every week in between jobs, and ofcourse I don't want to frighten them by looking like a muddy bigfoot

18th June 2008, 09:58 PM	#25
kimtree Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: Kununurra WA Posts: 124	Re: Stretch Air Chainsaw Trousers i just bought a pair of husky pro tech 20 pants $380 aus dollars,hopefully they will be a bit cooler than clogger pants,certainly feel alot nicer to wear. anyone in aus tried them out?

19th June 2008, 05:25 PM	#26
TrevMcRev Mature Tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Posts: 1,605	Re: Stretch Air Chainsaw Trousers Yeah i got some a few weeks back. Comfy as! I put em on on sundays to lay on the couch and watch tv in instead of trackky dacks..... well not quite but they are real comfy, you'd never buy a non stretch pair again after wearing these.

14th July 2008, 11:07 PM	#27
jtrouse Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Melbourne, Aus Posts: 63	Re: Stretch Air Chainsaw Trousers I can get these pants if anyone is interested pm me and the price is much better depending on location. __________________ Regards Jim http://www.arborclimb.com.au CONTRACT CLIMBER CERT IV HORT(ARB) NMIT CERT III HORT (NMIT)

14th July 2008, 11:19 PM	#28
Ace Master Mature tree Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Australia, Vic, Melbourne Posts: 387	Re: Stretch Air Chainsaw Trousers I have the summer Clogger plants, they are a good fit and a little bit lighter. jtrose how much are they? __________________ Website: The Mt Dandenong Ranges Tree Specialists YouTube: Ace Tree Master

21st July 2008, 03:55 AM	#29
Garry Brockley Bayside Tree Care Brisbane Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brisbane Aus Posts: 1,649	Re: Stretch Air Chainsaw Trousers ditto how much are they? __________________ My business:- Brisbane Bayside Tree Care

12th August 2008, 04:24 PM	#30
chadd Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: canada Posts: 93	Re: Stretch Air Chainsaw Trousers i've always likes the cansaves, they are like a pair of jogging pants with kevlar. light and comfortable, but develop little holes that don't tear. not so water proof. but 130 bucks canadian. excellent for falling and climbing. even in winter in 4 feet of snow and wind i can where them with rain pantts and be at a good temperature

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