Formula 1 is about speed, on the track AND in the pit. Taking out 1 lug is faster than 5. I’m not sure they make one lug because it is stronger than 5, I think they need to make it bigger so it is as strong as 5.
Anyway, so far I haven’t seen any sprocket nose tips with just one big rivet. Lol. I prefer 6 to 4 for peace of mind, that’s all. Though, at the end of a day, I’m sure my back would prefer the 4 rivet lightweight bar to the solid 6 rivet. Hell, it would probably prefer a laminate bar over a solid bar with RSN. So would my wife and my wallet. Luckily I don’t schlep a saw around all day. I cut a little here and there. It’s just a question of what trade off for durability you want to live with. Some can get a million board feet out of a 4-rivet tip, others maybe not even a season. It all depends on the variables. I’m just a firewood hack with a lot of residential property in the family to help maintain, not some logger. So my use is less than a full time sawyer, but so is my technique.
Finally, I asked about the old style Tsumura and they used to come with 5-rivet tips. At some point they changed over to mostly all 4 rivet tips (at least in their 3/8 lightweight line). Knowing that a factory is running a punch or drill operation to make those tips, going from 5 to 4 means you gain 20% efficiency. Meaning if you could stamp out 500 5-rivet tips in a day, you could stamp out 625 4-rivet tips in a day. Add in that it’s one less rivet in cost, and the bottom line drops further. And if the end user has to buy a replacement tip sooner, or a whole new bar sooner, hooray for the company profits. Just my opinion that the move was about cost cutting, not making a better product.
I don't by it, I'm not saying your definitely wrong but I believe both Sugi & Tsumura have quality at the forefront of their products. While its possible I just don't think they'd be doing themselves any favours cheaping out on strength there. I think load testing & R&D would be there focus. Anyhow I've worn out a 3/8" Tsumura bar and the nose sprocket was still serviceable (although mostly all bucking cuts). Obviously .404 creates higher stress so 6 rivets is what they consider is required. Until folks report unusual numbers of tip failures its something I wouldn't worry about at all. I think the quality of the bearing & race & sprocket along with gap tolerances are probably just as important. The cheap Taiwan homeowner noses are a little crude when pulled apart.
