1. Fiskars Pruning Stik Lowes

Handling and reachWith the Fiskars 9240, you’ll get most of the traditional advantages of manual pole saws – it’s very light and easy to use, doesn’t make any noise and there is no maintenance or limitations of chain saws, either in the form of electric cord, battery running time or fuel. On the other hand, you have to cut everything yourself 🙂 (which also takes more time when dealing with larger branches)The telescopic pole offers 7.9 feet minimum and 12 feet maximum length (which is slightly less when compared to similar models) and it’s easy to adjust. Even when fully extended, it feels lightweight and can be easily controlled, only flexes a little.However, it’s not a heavy-duty tool by any means, many users report problems with the plastic parts – that they are not durable, loosen over time (particularly the lock holding the telescoping part) and may even break. CuttingThe main cutting device of this tool is the Pruning Stik – a lopper for cutting small branches up to 1' (users report only 3/4' with harder wood like oak or maple). It doesn’t use the classical rope&pulley system, but rather a chain-drive gearing with a strap going inside the pole.That presents two main advantages: firstly you can use both your hands to operate the pole (see the videos above) and secondly it’s easier to maneuver in dense shrubs and tighter spots as there is no tangling of the rope.

Fiskars Pruning Stik Lowes

And what’s also very nice is the ability to rotate the head so you can reach even branches at difficult angles.Plus a 15' WoodZig saw is also included so you can deal with larger branches as well (cuts 4 or 5' limbs without problems) and the attaching is quite easy (see the video in FAQ section below).As other pole saws, it has slight problems with thinner branches that bounces away from it, but is very effective on stronger limbs. Just remember it cuts only during the pull stroke.