Class 1 or Class 2? It is the first question every chainsaw protection buyer faces, and confusing the two systems is the fastest way to end up with stock you cannot sell. This article explains what the classes actually mean and how to choose.

The European class system: it is about chain speed

Under EN ISO 11393-2:2019 (formerly EN 381-5), the class describes the maximum chain speed the protective material stopped during laboratory testing:

• Class 1 - 20 m/s (about 65 ft/s): covers most common petrol saws in the 30 to 50 cc range used for general forestry work.
• Class 2 - 24 m/s (about 79 ft/s): aimed at more powerful professional saws and heavy-duty felling.
• Class 3 - 28 m/s (about 92 ft/s): the top tier, used by specialist harvesters.

Important: the class applies to the protective material, so the class on the label must match the test report of the actual production batch.

The American class system: it is about coverage

Here is where many importers get burned. Under ASTM F1897-20 with UL classification, the US market uses Class A, B, C and D to describe coverage area, not chain speed. Class A means full wrap coverage, Class B means front-only coverage. A US Class B apron and a European Class 2 trouser are simply different systems with different letters and different meanings.

The golden rule

European classes (1, 2, 3) = how fast the chain was moving. American classes (A, B, C) = how much of the leg is covered. Never let a supplier tell you a Class 2 garment automatically satisfies a US Class A requirement, or the other way around. Certification is market by market.

Layer count and construction

In the market you will commonly see 6-layer constructions positioned at Class 1 level and 8-layer constructions at Class 2 level. Layer count is an indicator, not a guarantee: what matters is whether the finished garment passed the official test at the declared chain speed. A cheap 8-layer build with recycled low-grade fiber can fail where a well-engineered 6-layer build passes. Ask for the test report, count the layers in a cut sample, and check the fiber quality yourself.

How to choose the class for your product range

• General European forestry range: Class 1 Design A trousers are the volume product; add Class 2 for the professional segment.
• US distribution: ASTM F1897-20 apron chaps (Class B coverage) for the homeowner channel; full-wrap (Class A coverage) pants for the arborist channel.
• Arborist and utility programs: Design C trousers, Class 1 or 2 depending on saw size used by the target crews.
• Electric saw note: battery saws behave differently in clogging tests, which is why ASTM F3325-20 exists. If your market sells electric saws alongside PPE, look at this standard.

Frequently asked questions

Is Class 2 always better than Class 1?

Better protection, yes, but also more layers, more weight and higher cost. Match the class to the saws your end users actually run. Overspecifying kills sales in price-sensitive channels.

Does Class 2 fabric satisfy US requirements?

No. For the US market you need ASTM F1897-20 (and ideally ASTM F3325-20) with UL classification. These are separate certification projects.

Which class does Aisycle recommend for a first order?

For European distributors we usually suggest Class 1 Design A as the core SKU with a Class 2 option for professionals. Talk to us about your market and we will help you build the range.