Want faster cuts with less strain on your saw? There is a lot of buzz around the STIHL 33RSF 84 full skip chainsaw chain being quicker than a standard chain. We put that rumor to the test side by side against the tried-and-true STIHL OILOMATIC RAPID Super 33RS 84. The setup was simple, and the wood was anything but. We used a brand new professional saw, a stubborn pine stump, and the same 25 inch bar to keep things fair.

We ran both chains on a fresh STIHL MS 462, warmed up after a full tank for proper lubrication. The test wood was a big, dense pine stump with lighter knots that fight back. We made several cookie cuts to get a feel for speed, load on the saw, and overall handling. Early spoiler, fewer cutters can mean fewer headaches.

• Stump size: 18 to 20 inches across
• Wood type: Hard pine with lighter knots
• Saw: STIHL MS 462 with a 25 inch bar
• Chains: 33RS 84 (42 cutters), 33RSF 84 (28 cutters, full skip)

For details on the saw used in this test, see the product page for the STIHL MS 462 professional chainsaw.

STIHL’s OILOMATIC RAPID Super (RS) is a full chisel chain built for fast cutting in hard and even frozen wood. The square-cornered cutter profile reduces cutting friction and leaves a slick, clean kerf. It sharpens with a round file or an electric grinder and shines on higher power saws.

The OILOMATIC RAPID Super Full Skip (RSF) is the RS pattern with a skip layout. There are two tie straps between each set of cutters. That spacing improves chip evacuation, keeps chain speed up, and reduces sharpening time since there are fewer cutters.

• RS Chain: 42 cutters, standard pattern, smooth cutting with low friction
• RSF Chain: 28 cutters, full skip pattern, better chip clearance and less sharpening

This stump was no soft pine. It was the base of a big old tree with heavy, resin-rich sections and lighter knots. Those knots smell strong and feel sticky when hot, and they are notorious for making a saw work. The cold snap in Florida added to the challenge, but the saw was fully warmed and oiled to keep the test consistent.

We sliced cookie cuts across the 18 to 20 inch face to judge bite, speed, and how hard the saw had to push. The goal was not to get perfect times; it was to compare real-world feel in dense pine.

• Hardwood features: Lighter knots, heavy resin, thick chips

We started with the standard 33RS 84 chain, 42 cutters on 84 drive links.

1. First cut: The chain bit in, then hit a wall in a dense section. You could feel the resistance as the cutters loaded with heavy chips. The smell of resin and lighter knots was clear. It was not your average soft pine. The saw pushed through, but it felt like a workout.

2. Second cut with a better stance and by using the dogs to pivot, the second cut felt cleaner. The saw tracked steady, and chip flow improved. The reaction said it all, a quick “woo yeah” as it cleared through the round. Technique helped, but the load on the saw was still noticeable on this stump.

Overall, the RS chain did what it is known for. It cut fast and clean, but the dense wood showed how much effort is needed when every cutter has to move a lot of material. On a standard bar length, it was solid, just not effortless.

Next, we swapped to the 33RSF 84 full skip chain, 28 cutters on the same 84 drive links and the same 25 inch bar.

Right away, the first cut felt lighter. The saw pulled with less drag and stayed in the power band easier. It seemed quicker to the cut and easier to guide. The biggest difference was the load on the engine. Fewer cutters meant fewer teeth biting at once, so the saw did not bog down as much.

Perks that stood out:

• Less load: The saw struggled less, which helps with control and operator comfort
• Easier maintenance: With 28 cutters instead of 42, sharpening goes faster

The RSF layout brings chip clearance gains and spreads the work across fewer cutters with more space between them. That spacing matters in heavy, resin-rich wood where chips need room to clear.

The second cut with the RSF told a fuller story. The wood was still hard, and those lighter knots fought the chain. That said, even when the cut took longer through a tough section, the saw felt composed. It kept momentum and did not feel like it was laboring as hard as it did with the standard RS.

Side by side, here is how the two patterns stack up based on this test and how these chains are designed to work:

Why this matters: the gains you feel with RSF scale with bar length. On a 25 inch bar, the difference was noticeable. On a 28, 32, or 36 inch bar, the skip layout often shines. Less cutter engagement at once means the chain holds speed, and the saw can keep its RPM under load.

We did not publish times for each cut, since the wood density varied across the stump. What mattered most was feel. The RSF felt quicker and easier on the MS 462. The RS is still a great chain and cuts clean, but when wood gets gnarly, fewer teeth can be a friend.

You could hear it in the saw note. With RSF, the engine tone was steadier through the cut. With RS, it dug in hard and worked after the knots. Neither chain was dull, and the saw was properly warmed and oiled, so the differences came from the pattern and cutter count.

If you cut a lot of big pine, hardwood, or anything with pitch and knots, that lighter load can help the saw and the operator. Your hands will thank you at the end of the day.

A quick note on technique from the test. Using the dogs to pivot improved control and bite angle. With the RS chain, that change alone made the second cut smoother. The same applies to RSF. Control your pivot, keep the chain tight, and let the saw pull. Sharp cutters and a stable stance do more for speed than raw horsepower alone.

If you felt the saw bog with a standard chain on long bars, you know the drill. Try a skip pattern, keep your rakers set right, and listen to the saw. The RSF helps keep RPM up where the power lives.

Both chains are pro-grade. Your choice comes down to bar length, wood type, and how you value sharpening time.

• Pick the RS 33RS 84 if you want a dense cutter layout and a smooth cut finish on standard bar lengths. It is a strong all-around choice for a high-power saw.
• Pick the RSF 33RSF 84 if you run longer bars or cut dense or resinous wood often. The lower load and better chip flow can feel like an upgrade, even on a 25 inch bar.

1. Faster perceived speed. The RSF felt faster in this test on dense pine. Fewer cutters helped the chain hold speed and clear chips.

2. Reduced saw strain. The MS 462 pulled easier with RSF. Less load on the engine should help with control and comfort over time.

3. Maintenance savings. With 28 cutters, sharpening is quicker. That saves time between jobs and keeps you cutting.

If speed and lower load are your goals, the 33RSF 84 full skip chain is a strong pick. It felt faster and easier on the saw, even in tough pine with lighter knots. The standard 33RS 84 still cuts great and remains a pro favorite for general use.

Ready to gear up? Start with the STIHL MS 462 professional saw that powered this test, and grab the RS 33RS 84 chain to match. The RSF link is on the way. Keep an eye on our store for updates.

More comparisons and tips are coming. Have you run RSF on a long bar, like 28, 32, or 36 inches? Share your experience and what wood you cut most.

Both chains earn their place, but the  RSF full skip stood out for ease and feel in hard pine. It loaded the saw less, seemed quicker through the round, and will save sharpening time. The RS remains a solid daily chain, especially on standard bar lengths and general cutting. Match the chain to your bar and wood, and you will get the most from your saw. Thanks for reading, and keep the chips flying.

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