EGO CS1815 18-Inch Chainsaw — OEM vs Aftermarket Chain Comparison

The EGO CS1815 is one of the most capable battery chainsaws on the market — an 18-inch bar on a 56V ARC Lithium platform that handles firewood, storm damage, and moderate felling work that used to require a gas saw. When the chain gets dull and it is time for a replacement, you have two options: stick with the EGO OEM chain or switch to an aftermarket alternative.

Both options have merits. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide.

CS1815 chain specifications

Before comparing brands, you need to know the exact specs for the CS1815:

• Bar length: 18 inches
• Chain pitch: 3/8” LP (low profile)
• Chain gauge: 0.050”
• Drive link count: 62
• Chain type: Low-kickback, semi-chisel

These specs are standard across the consumer chainsaw market. The 3/8” LP pitch and 0.050” gauge combination is used by dozens of chainsaw brands, which means aftermarket availability is excellent.

OEM EGO chain: what you get

The factory chain on the CS1815 is a low-kickback semi-chisel chain built to match the motor’s power delivery. Key characteristics:

• Consistent factory sharpening — Every cutter is ground to the same angle and depth, providing smooth, predictable cutting out of the box
• Matched to motor speed — EGO designs the OEM chain to work optimally with the CS1815’s brushless motor RPM and torque curve
• Guaranteed fitment — No guessing on drive link count, pitch, or gauge
• Price point — Typically $25-$35 for a single chain

The OEM chain is the safest choice if you want zero compatibility risk and factory-level cutting performance. For homeowners who use the saw a few times a year, a single OEM chain (or a two-pack if EGO offers one) may be the most practical option.

Aftermarket alternatives

Because the CS1815 uses standard 3/8” LP, 0.050” gauge chain with 62 drive links, aftermarket options are abundant:

Oregon chains

Oregon is the largest independent chain manufacturer and produces multiple lines that fit the CS1815:

• Oregon S62 — A direct-fit replacement in 3/8” LP, 0.050” gauge, 62 drive links. Widely available and well-regarded.
• Oregon AdvanceCut — A step up in cutting speed, with modified cutter geometry for faster, cleaner cuts.
• Price: Typically $12-$20 per chain, significantly less than OEM.

Carlton chains

Carlton manufactures professional-grade chains that also come in consumer specs:

• Available in 3/8” LP, 0.050” gauge
• Good edge retention and consistent cutter geometry
• Priced similarly to Oregon

Budget/import chains

Generic chains from overseas manufacturers are available for $8-$12:

• Fitment is usually correct if the specs match
• Cut quality and edge retention tend to be lower
• Rivet quality can be inconsistent, leading to premature stretching
• Acceptable for light-duty use, but not recommended for heavy cutting

Performance comparison

In real-world use, the differences between OEM and quality aftermarket chains (Oregon, Carlton) are modest:

• Initial cut speed — Nearly identical when both chains are fresh and properly tensioned
• Edge retention — OEM chains may hold their edge slightly longer in hardwood, but the difference narrows after the first sharpening
• Sharpening ease — Both OEM and quality aftermarket chains sharpen the same way with a standard 5/32” round file
• Chain stretch — OEM and Oregon/Carlton chains stretch at similar rates. Budget chains stretch faster due to softer rivets.

For most homeowners, a quality aftermarket chain from Oregon or Carlton delivers 90-95% of OEM performance at 50-60% of the price. The savings add up if you keep multiple spare chains in rotation.

56V ARC Lithium battery cross-compatibility

The CS1815 runs on EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium battery system, and every 56V EGO battery works in every 56V EGO tool. This includes:

• 2.5Ah, 5.0Ah, 7.5Ah, and 10.0Ah battery packs
• The same batteries used in EGO mowers, blowers, trimmers, and the LBPX1100 commercial blower (1,000 CFM)
• Higher capacity packs provide longer runtime per charge, which matters during extended cutting sessions

If you also own the EGO Z6 zero-turn mower or other EGO tools, your battery investment is fully shared across the entire platform.

What this means for replacement parts

The EGO CS1815 uses standard 3/8” LP chain specs, giving you the freedom to choose between OEM and well-priced aftermarket options. For the best value, consider Oregon or Carlton chains in multi-packs — having two or three sharp chains ready to swap keeps you cutting without stopping to sharpen mid-job. Check our catalog for CS1815-compatible chains in both OEM and aftermarket options.