Worx WG303.1 Review

Worx is widely known for making super-affordable power tools that often cost a small fraction of the products manufactured by competing brands. However, more often than not, the lower cost correlates to an unimpressive performance. With their corded chainsaw, the WG303.1, this is precisely the case. The person we would recommend this saw to is someone who is shopping on an extremely tight budget and is willing to spend extra time tinkering with their chain and dragging extension cords around instead of making a larger investment.

Performance Comparison

Likes

The strongest suit for the Worx WG303.1 is its cutting performance. We tested all of our chainsaws head-to-head using the exact same dimensions and type of lumber. We timed how long it took each model to completely slice through our "fake log" consisting of four 4x4s several times, then calculated an average.

During this evaluation, the WG303.1 showed an impressive average time of 7.4 seconds, finishing ahead of the majority of the pack. Our power tool experts also found this model to have good balance and handling while cutting through logs at the test site.

We like that the WG303.1 comes with metal bucking spikes, and we found the oil tank cap to be in a location that is very easy to use.

Dislikes

While we did find some features on the Worx WG303.1 that improve its overall ease of use, there is a flaw where the designers missed the mark. The tool-free chain tensioning system consists of one wheel that you turn in one direction to tension the chain and then the other direction to secure the bar. This seems to do an ok job once you have found the sweet spot where this functions properly. However, if you are completely removing the bar and replacing the chain there is quite a bit of trial & error involved to get the correct amount of revolutions on the knob to where it will tension the chain and also secure the bar.

We considered the pros and cons of having either a corded electric, battery-powered, or gas-powered motor. While some manufacturers claim that corded electric models have an unlimited runtime, we quickly discovered that this is not the case. All chainsaws require bar & chain oil and the levels must be checked often and filled up as needed. Also, motors such as the one used by the Worx WG303.1 are not designed to constantly run and are prone to overloading and overheating.

Although it is nice to forget about battery charge times or filling tanks up with gas, being limited to the length of an extension cord is far from ideal. In our experience, the vast majority of tasks that require a chainsaw are further than 100 feet from a power outlet. Considering that cordless and 2-cycle models are infinitely more mobile than corded versions, we'd say that those who are going to want to purchase this type of saw are in the minority.

Value

The Worx WG303.1 is extremely budget-friendly, but with a lackluster overall performance compared to other corded-electric models, we'd recommend spending more money for more performance.

Conclusion