In this paper, the characteristics and range of application of the Martinez and the Offner stretchers in a chirped pulse amplifier system is analyzed theoretically for a multiple-pass amplifier and a regenerative amplifier respectively. The Martinez stretcher can completely compensate the dispersion introduced either from a multiple-pass amplifier or from a regenerative amplifier within a certain bandwidth. In a regenerative amplifier, if it is necessary to obtain broader pulses, the compact Offner stretcher can be applied.