At some point in time, you will need to reach something that is way above you and have to use a ladder. Ladders have been there for many centuries since they make it possible to accomplish certain tasks that the normal human height can’t. For activities such as cleaning windows, unclogging the roof, painting and other household chores, you will need to invest in a ladder. However, moving around with a ladder can be cumbersome and hectic but not when you have a extension ladder.
Telescopic ladders are modern versions of the traditional ladders with the ability to collapse and extend to the height you want easily. These advanced type of ladders are becoming popular due to the many benefits they have over traditional ladders such as adjustable height, compactness and increased safety features.
When shopping for a ladder you will come across a lot different types and may get confused on which one is telescopic or just a normal ladder. Additionally, there are those features that you have to look out for to ensure that you not only get a quality product but a safe one too. Let’s explore this comprehensive review of the best telescopic ladders available in the market that will give you that extra height and bring convenience to various household chores.
Top 10 Extension Ladders of 2020 Reviewed
1. WolfWise 10.5FT EN131 Aluminum Telescopic Extension Ladder
Best Telescopic Ladder for Quick RetractionClimbing to high places has never been this easy with the EN131 Telescopic ladder from WolfWise. It easily retracts within 5-8 seconds at the press of a button but does so without pinching your hands. You can easily extend it to a height of 10.5 feet and can accommodate a maximum weight of 330 pounds. It’s made using high grade Aerospace aluminum alloy making it strong and durable.
The clean touch anodized finish not only gives it a sleek look but is also easy to clean. Weighing about 20 pounds, the ladder is ultra-light and one person can easily maneuver with it from one spot to the next. It has various internationally recognized certifications such as EN131 and OHSA which guarantees you added safety.
Pros:
- One touch retraction button
- High grade aluminum construction
- Ultra-light and portable
Cons:
- Limited maximum height
- Doesn’t have that solid feeling
- The steps may jam at times
2. Luisladders Oshion Aluminum Telescoping Ladders
Best Non-Slip Rungs Telescopic LadderMade of corrosion resistant and high grade aluminum, this ladder is just what you need for those household chores that need that extra height. It has a sturdy frame with non-slip rungs that will ensure you are safe as you up every step. For added safety, each rung has double couplings which keeps your hand safe from pinching as the ladder retracts. The bottom has solid end caps that ensure the ladder is stable and holds firmly to the ground as you climb.
The rungs extend upwards in one foot increments and can reach a height of between 12.5 feet or 16.5 feet depending on the item you select. There are protection spacers that ensure a smooth retraction and extension experience. The ladder is light in weight and highly portable using the carrying handle. The heavy duty strap secures the ladder and holds it firmly in place as you move around and store.
Pros:
- Easily retracts and folds
- Safe and stable with anti-slip features
- Stable locking keys
Cons:
- Not the best for cold areas
- Strap isn’t durable
- Not stable at high heights
3. OxGord Aluminum Telescopic Extension Ladder
Best Selling Telescopic LadderEnsure that every step you take up the ladder is safe and stable by choosing none other than this telescopic extension ladder from Oxgord. It can extend to a height of up to 12.5 feet and is fitted with a locking feature at each safe to ensure safety. The two locking pins after every step automatically spring into place every time the ladder is extended. The sturdily built ladder can accommodate a weight of up to 330 pounds safely and without losing balance.
Weighing only 20 pounds, this modern ladder is easy to carry around and move about with when carrying out different chores at home or at the work place. Better yet the steps have a special grip designs to prevent your feet from sliding as you go up and down. It also boasts of various globally accepted safety standards such as the European Safety Standard EN131 and SGS. It’s also made using high duty aluminum that will last you for years. Included in the package is a carrying bag and detailed user manual with safety instructions.
Pros:
- Non-slip grip on feet
- Safety locking clips at every step
- Multipurpose design
Cons:
- Quality of the steps could be improved
- Safety latches may loosen over time
- Not ideal for very high places
4. Xtend & Climb 785P Aluminum Telescoping Ladder
Best Professional Grade Extension LadderAs one of the best selling ladders in the market, you can be sure that the Xtend & Climb 785P Telescoping ladder comes with great features. It can reach to a height of 15.5 feet and easily extends and collapses without much effort. The ladder is designed for both commercial / professional contractors and DIY home owners. The ladder easily locks at every step allowing you to reach any height conveniently. It boasts of a No-Pinch Closure System with red and green indicators to let you know when each step is safely locked.
It also has an angled thumb release that ensures your hand is properly positioned with an advanced ergonomic design for excellent performance. For added stability, the ladder has non-slip end caps to ensure that the ladder remains firmly in place. It also has an integrated firm handle to easily carry it around and a heavy duty closure strap. It’s made of strong and heavy duty materials that will last you a life time. Bring professional quality to your home by investing in this heavy duty and highly secure telescoping ladder.
Pros:
- No-pinch closure system
- Numerous safety features
- Professional grade construction
Cons:
- Carrying bag sold separately
- Collapsing it can be hectic
- May release too fast
5. Finether Telescopic Extension Ladder
Best Value Extension LadderThere’s no need for make shift ladders when this telescopic ladder from Finether is available. It can easily extend to a height of 16.5 feet or 5 meters so that you can reach even the furthest places. It boasts of finger protection spacers which keep your hands safe as the ladder collapses. The end of the ladder has non-slip caps that ensure the ladder is stable when propped up. With a total of 13 non-slip rungs, you have an easy way of going up the steps without much effort.
It’s made of lightweight material and weighs about 30 pounds. Included in the package is a free glove to help with the chores and a carrying bag for easy transportation and storage. It also has a heavy duty strap that holds the rungs firmly for safe and convenient storage. Its EN131 certified and can support a maximum weight of 330 pounds.
Pros:
- Extends to 16.5 feet
- Non-slip end caps for stability
- EN131 certified
Cons:
- A bit heavy
- Top rungs could be stronger
- Quite large
6. Hausse Upgrade Aluminum Telescoping Ladder
Best Light Weight Extension LadderReach into the ceiling with this telescopic ladder from Haussse that comes with great applicability. It allows you to unlock the rungs at increments of 1 foot up to a height of 12.5 feet. At the top of the ladder, you will find two detachable hooks to enhance your safety while the bottom has two non-slip caps that to make the ladder more stable when propped. The ladder is made of non-corrosive aluminum alloy that’s strong and durable. The material used also makes it light in weight for easy transportation.
The ladder can accommodate a maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds without crumbling. The ergonomic design also boasts of a heavy duty strap that holds in place while transporting or storing. It also comes with a branded bag to store the ladder and preserve its life. Clean you windows or decorate your rooms without much hustle with this 12 feet Upgrade Telescopic Ladder.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Heavy duty strap
- Detachable hooks and non-slip end caps
Cons:
- weakly on the wall
- Not for length heights
- Some rungs are faulty
7. Ohuhu 15.5 FT Telescoping Ladder
Best Locking Mechanism Telescopic LadderThere’s no need to struggle with a heavy chunky ladder while this telescopic ladder from OHUHU weighs only 20 feet and can easily carried around. It’s made from high quality aluminum alloy that’s both light and strong. It also boasts of smart locking pins that help protect your fingers from pinching as the ladder extends and retracts. The pins automatically get into place once you extend the ladder. The ladder is unlikely to wobble as you work since the bottom is fitted with non-slip end caps and has a stabilizer bar for added stability.
The steps are extra wide to allow for safe climbing and have anti-skid features for added safety as you go up or down. It can support a maximum capacity of 330 pounds. It’s certified by various bodies having complied with EN131 and SGS safety standards. It’s perfect for all types of handy jobs at home or at the workplace. You can choose between the ladder that extends to 12.5 feet and the one that goes up to 15.5 feet.
Pros:
- Has a stabilizer bar and anti-skid base
- Wide steps for safe climbing
- Smart locking pins for finger safety
Cons:
- Difficult to open
- Bottom rung may jam
- Plastic parts are flimsy
8. Cosco 20309T1ASE Smartclose Telescoping ladder
Best Mini Telescopic LadderGet most household chores done with this 20309T1ASE Smartclose Telescoping Ladder from COSCO. It’s made using high quality aluminum alloy making it light to carry around and durable. It can extend to a maximum height of 12 feet and accommodate a weight of up to 300 pounds. You can also opt for the ladder that extends to 14 or 16 feet. The compact design is easy to move from one point to another and can be stored without taking up too much space. It also has locking indicators at each step for added security and stability.
Pros:
- Lighting indicators at each step
- Smart close technology
- Ultra-light to carry around
Cons:
- Reduced maximum weight capacity
- Can be wobbly
- Not for intense everyday work
9. Werner MT-22 telescoping-ladders
Best Versatility Extension LadderGet most household chores done with this 20309T1ASE Smartclose Telescoping Ladder from COSCO. It’s made using high quality aluminum alloy making it light to carry around and durable. It can extend to a maximum height of 12 feet and accommodate a weight of up to 300 pounds. You can also opt for the ladder that extends to 14 or 16 feet. The compact design is easy to move from one point to another and can be stored without taking up too much space. It also has locking indicators at each step for added security and stability.
Pros:
- Easily converts to different types of ladders
- Wide flared base for stability
- Smooth, curved sides for safe climbing
Cons:
- Too technical
- Heavy
- Pricey
10. Yesker 12.5ft Telescoping Ladder
Best Wide Step Telescopic LadderConveniently reach high places in your home such as the ceiling, attic or change bulbs using this sturdily built telescopic ladder from Yesker. It has a one button retraction design that helps collapse the ladder in one swift motion without pinching your fingers. It’s made from light aluminum alloy that’s light in weight and highly durable. The non-slip caps at the end of the ladder help hold it firmly in place as you climb.
It can extend to a height of 12.5 feet and accommodate a maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds. It’s also certified according to EN131 and SGS European standards. The intelligent locking pins hold the ladder in place as you extend each rung. The steps are also extra wide which makes climbing easy and safe.
Pros:
- Lots of safety features
- One button retraction design
- Extra wide steps
Cons:
- May wobble
- Plastic parts are weak
- Not for very long heights
How to Choose the Best Extension Ladder: The Ultimate Buying Guide
You may be one of those DIY type of home owners who find joy in changing their own light bulbs or painting different rooms in the attic. Or a professional contractor, painter, carpenter or handyman. All these tasks require a boost in your height so that you not only reach these high places easily but safely. However, most people opt to make makeshift ladders with pieces of wood which are not only flimsy but also extremely dangerous.
But that doesn’t need to be the case since the market is filled with telescopic ladders that will transform your DIY experience. Extension ladders are the in thing in the world of ladders with their popularity rising by the day. They are specially designed to extend to your desired height easily and retract quickly at the push of a button.
Why Invest in a Telescopic Ladder?
There are plenty of reasons why you need to have this useful tool in your household. They include;
- Versatility in height – With a telescopic ladder, you have the option to adjust the height to your preference often at increments of 1 foot. Better yet, the ladder comes down to a small height of about 3 feet when closed which helps store it conveniently. For some of these climbing tools, you can lock each rung as you extend which adds to the safety of this ladder.
- Easy transportation – Most are made using high quality aluminum alloy which is not only light in weight but highly durable. Since the ladder can be retracted to a compact size, you can easily move with it everywhere. Most of the ladders rarely weight above 30 pounds which is quite light.
- Sturdy construction – While these ladders may appear weak at a glance, they have been certified and comply with set safety standards in the industry. The materials used to manufacture these ladders are heavy duty but still light for improved efficiency.
Factors to Consider When Shopping for a Telescopic Ladder
Here’s a number of factors that you need to keep in mind before picking that telescopic ladder;
- Weight Rating – To prevent any injuries and accidents, you need to ensure that the ladder can accommodate your weight plus the added weight of any materials that you may need to carry up with you. Most of the ladders in this review have a weight capacity of 300 to 330 pounds. Exceeding the indicated weight capacity may cause the ladder to cave in causing injuries.
- Safety Features – Since an extension ladder works by extending and retracting, you will often find that your fingers may get hurt in the process. These ladders are often fitted with automatic locking mechanisms to secure each rung in place as it extends. Others have indicators to show you that the rung is safely locked in place.
- Ergonomic design – One of the features that adds to your user experience in a telescopic ladder include non-clip end caps at the base to ensure stability. Wide steps with a non-skid grip are also great to ensure safe climbing. Some ladders have a stabilizer bar that to hold the ladder firmly in place as you climb. The sides can also be smooth and curved for a better grip as you go up.
- Portability – Since most of the ladders are made of aluminum alloy, they tend to be light making them easy to carry around from one point to another. A heavy duty strap is also necessary to hold the rungs together once the ladder retracts for easy storage and movement. You may also opt for a product with a carrying bag and handle for easy transportation.
Useful Ladder Safety Tips
Using a ladder is useful when reaching for heights above but can also be dangerous when one isn’t careful. Here are some safety tips for you that will ensure you remain safe:
- For an extension ladder, always ensure that the locking mechanism is in good operating condition. No cracks or bends should be visible while bolts and rivets shouldn’t be loose.
- Ensure that the ladder has non-skid caps at the bottom that are not cracked or worn out.
- Always ensure that you follow the 3-point rule of using a ladder where your body, hand and foot should always be on the ladder at all times.
- Wear safety gear if you will be working above 10 feet off the ground.
- Read the manufacture’s instruction manual thoroughly since it’s packed with useful information on getting the best from the ladder.
Conclusion
Telescopic ladders are a wonderful creation since they make accessing heights easy and safe without dragging a heavy ladder from one point to the next. We hope that this review has shed some light on the best telescopic ladders in the market that are safe, user-friendly and compatible with your DIY projects.