EGO is a brand we know and love for their incredible OPE  lineup that is heavy on performance but skips the gas in favor of battery power. If there was ever a brand I could credit with making me believe in the potential of battery power, it is EGO. Today we check out the 16-inch chainsaw, a staple in the EGO lineup. Let’s see why this has been a leader in the industry,  in the EGO 16-inch Chainsaw Review.

About the Brand-

EGO 16 Inch Chainsaw Review

EGO is no stranger to battery-powered OPE. While a slew of major power tool companies are adding more OPE to their lineups, and often creating new battery platforms to power them too, EGO has an entirely different history. Their start was all about OPE and how they could take their 56V batteries and bring them up to snuff to compete with gas-powered equipment.

The EGO lineup isn’t massive, rather focusing on the main needs of consumers and launching thoughtful additions that have the same performance needed to back of the EGO name. Like so many others, the only negative we can say about the EGO brand as a whole is that we wish we had switched to them sooner!

About the Tool-

EGO 16 Inch Chainsaw Review

Chainsaws are a staple in the OPE world. No doubt about it, if you own a home, you have likely had some need for a chainsaw over the years. The truth is, Chainsaws intimidate a lot of people. Particularly when you factor in the needed maintenance and routine service of the motors and the extra effort to purely operate them. What ends up happening is a wide range of users opt to hire a pro to wield a chainsaw, rather than invest the time and energy into their correct use and maintenance.

This is where I love that battery-powered options are available today. While it should never take away the caution you should use with all power tools, especially a tool like a chainsaw, I love that it is easier to gain familiarity and comfort during use. Advances like this are amazing to see in the tool world, as they empower more and more users to do it themselves.

Detailed Look-

EGO 16 Inch Chainsaw Review

EGO start their 16-inch Chainsaw, Model CS1600, with its legendary 56-Volt battery platform that is well known for its performance. Operating at 6800 RPM this chainsaw has sufficient power to cut a wide range of common materials. The brushless motor provides better run time and efficiency as well.

EGO designed this chainsaw with an IPX4 construction, making the tool water-resistant. From personal experience with power tools and batteries, this extra bit of protection makes all the difference in the world!

The handle allows for the user to operate the chainsaw both vertically and horizontally, and has thick foam overmolding for optimal grip. As well the upper lock protects against unintended use

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The physical bar and chain is well designed, and are high quality from a well-known maker, Oregon. The Narrow Kerf allows clean cuts that need very little cleanup, and assist in minimizing kickback. Additionally, the chain has a kickback brake, offering additional protection for the user.\

The tensioning adjustment knob is responsive and easy to operate. The larger knob allows for chain maintenance and bar removal.

On the other side of the chainsaw, you have the refillable reservoir for bar and chain oil. You are also able to verify the oil level during use. EGO includes an automatic oiling system to ensure that proper lubrication is always maintained on the bar and chain, this prevents unintended damage to the tool from under-lubrication.

Value-

EGO 16 Inch Chainsaw Review

The EGO Chainsaw Kit, which includes the 16-Inch Chainsaw, a 5.0 Ah battery and a charger, is available from The Home Depot for $299.00. For me, it is a no brainer. EGO provides incredible performance and the price point allows homeowners and the professionals who use chainsaws occasionally to get a lot of bang for the buck and skip the hassle of gas-powered equipment.

My Thoughts-

EGO 16 Inch Chainsaw Review

EGO is easily my favorite battery-powered OPE lineup. While there are a slew of brands available today, EGO offers a comprehensive lineup that has yet to let me down. With more tools coming out that push the envelope even more in utilizing their battery platform and launches like their Professional Line, I think there is no stopping EGO.

Taking a closer look at the 16-inch Chainsaw, I would say it is a solid performer. It’s no wonder it has over 1200 reviews on Home Depot’s website with an average of 4.6 stars. I have used their 14-inch Chainsaw and their Pole Saw Attachment for a year now and have had an excellent experience with both. I had high expectations for his model since I knew how well EGO could put together a chainsaw and thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed.

This chainsaw is exponentially quieter than gas-powered chainsaws. The controls such as tensioning adjustment as well as the trigger placement are both designed well. I also think the ergonomics as a whole are great, the chainsaw is light and well balanced.

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One thing people often criticize about the EGO chainsaws is the bar and chain oil consumption. Yes, absolutely, this chainsaw, like the other EGO models I have owned does tend to go through the oil. Is this a bad thing? No, not to me at least. Bar and Chain oil is a very inexpensive consumable, and I have never found it cumbersome.  I always saw this as a small price to pay to protect what really matters in this tool, the actual chain and bar mechanism. Because it automatically lubricates these parts, it also saves extra steps for the user. Few things can kill a good chainsaw quicker than being under oiled, but truth be told, the little extra I just see as insurance.

All in all- this tool is a no brainer for users that need solid performance but don’t want to hassle with gas. It packs a significant punch of power, has excellent cut capacity and solid features that make it both easy to use and easy to maintain.  I have definitely enjoyed adding this chainsaw to my outdoor maintenance rotation.