Best Telescopic Ladders: Always Stay Within Reach
Telescopic ladders help get the job done without sacrificing space or safety
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Ladders are a hassle. The tiring motion of going up and down one to get a job done cannot be avoided. However, telescopic ladders make carrying and storing the equipment less of a struggle. This buying guide includes some of the best telescopic ladders on the market.
Xtend & Climb Pro Series 785P+ Telescoping Ladder
Good Life 15.5FT Telescopic Professional Folding Aluminum Multi Purpose Telescoping Ladder
Xtend & Climb Pro Series 780P+ Telescoping Ladder
Summary List
Types of Telescopic Ladders
Telescoping vs. Extension Ladders
Each rung of a telescoping ladder slides down and piles on top of the following rung and collapses on itself. When extended, each step locks into place. Many people prefer these ladders because they are compact and easy to store in the trunk of a vehicle.
In contrast, extension ladders have a base and two or more sections that slide up and down the frame. They tend to be bulkier and heavier than telescoping ladders. Both telescoping and extension ladders can only be used as straight ladders.
Best Telescopic Ladders: Reviews & Recommendations
This ladder opens to 15.5 feet and retracts to 36.5 inches. It meets ANSI/OSHA standards for safety compliance and is designed with airplane-grade aluminum alloy for durability and strength. The ladder features a no-pinch closure system with an angled thumb release.
It's small enough to store in the back of a pickup truck and is light enough to carry with one hand. It's also very easy to use and retracts smoothly. The ladder comes with a carrying handle and heavy-duty closure strap. It feels very sturdy even in its most extended form, and it's comfortable going up and down the ladder carrying tools even if you're a larger individual.
One problem is the ladder’s feet could be a little more stabilizing. It may also be a little heavy for some people, and you have to be careful with your fingers when retracting it.
Best Value
Good Life 15.5FT Telescopic Professional Folding Aluminum Multi Purpose Telescoping Ladder
This aerospace-engineered aluminum alloy 15.5-foot ladder extends in one-foot increments and retracts to 36.5 inches. It is EN131-certified and can hold up to 330 pounds. It features a pinch-free closure system, non-slip bottom end carry handle, and the space between rungs is 14 inches.
The best thing about this ladder is its price. It's also very sturdy and flexes very little even if you're a larger individual. It's easy to use and adjust to a variety of heights, the frame is sturdy, and it's much easier to extend and retract than some rival ladders.
However, it's a little heavy, and you have to be careful when collapsing the ladder to avoid injuring your hands and fingers because it retracts very quickly. The ladder also wobbles a bit.
This ladder opens to 12.5 feet and retracts to 32.25 inches, so it's easy to transport and store. It's made of airplane-grade aluminum alloy and features an anodized finish for easy cleaning. It has double overmolded feet for durability and traction and meets ANSI/OSHA standards for safety compliance.
The ladder comes with a patented locking system that makes it easy to extend it to a specific height as well as retract it smoothly. It's very sturdy even if you weigh more than 200 pounds. When retracted, the ladder is compact, easy to carry, and simple to store.
However, collapsing the ladder may not be as quick as you expect, and it's possible you may pinch your hands or fingers. It's also a little heavy and flexes a little when you climb it, which may take some getting used to.
Our Verdict
Our top pick for the best telescopic ladder is the Xtend & Climb Pro Series 785P+ Telescoping Ladder. It’s portable, durable, and extends to 15.5 feet.
A more affordable option is the Good Life 15.5FT Telescopic Professional Folding Aluminum Multi Purpose Telescoping Ladder.
Benefits of Telescopic Ladders
- Easy to carry and store. One of the best things about telescoping ladders is some of them retract to as little as 27 inches, so you can easily store them in a closet. They're also lightweight and portable.
- Safe. Many telescoping ladders can support up to 300 pounds. They're typically made of aluminum and have strong locking systems as well as angled thumb releases and no-pinch closures. They also have non-slip feet for safety and security.
- Versatile. You can use a telescoping extension ladder for a variety of purposes. Both contractors and DIYers rely on them to work on projects at home, in warehouses, and on recreational vehicles.
Telescopic Ladder Pricing
- Under $100: Telescoping ladders in this price range are typically shorter in length. Many feature one-button retraction systems and handles/straps for easy transport. They are also designed to support around 300 pounds.
- $100-$350: Telescoping ladders in this price range are longer in length. They are heavy-duty and able to withstand around 300 pounds of weight. They feature non-slip feet and comply with safety standards.
Key Features
Length
You can find telescoping ladders that are as short as eight feet or those that extend 16 feet or more. Decide what length you need based on the task and where you will be using it. For example, if you live in a two-story home, you will need a longer ladder than you would if you reside in a one-story dwelling.
Weight and Weight Limit
Some telescoping ladders are heavier than others. In general, they are designed to be lightweight and are usually made of aluminum. Some are light enough to carry in one hand, which is very convenient. Be sure to check the weight of the ladder to determine if you can comfortably transport it. Also check how much weight it can hold. Consider your weight as well as the weight of any items you plan on taking up the ladder.
Quality
As we already noted, most telescoping ladders are constructed of aluminum alloy. This type of material is very lightweight yet it's sturdy enough to withstand heavy-duty use and a good amount of weight. It's critical that the ladder you purchase doesn't flex too much or wobble when you're using it.
Other Considerations
- Closure System: The telescoping ladder you purchase should feature a no-pinch closure system. When you retract the ladder, you don't want it to crush your hands and fingers. This type of system prevents that from happening, which is important if you want to keep working on a project and don't want to end up at the hospital.
- Handle: Look for ladders with an integrated handle or carrying strap. Many brands feature this accessory, which makes them much easier to transport. While you can carry the ladder by simply grabbing the rungs, it's much easier to have a specific strap so it doesn't strain your hands.
Tips
- Determine whether you are looking for a heavy-duty ladder that will be used frequently and for long periods of time, or an emergency on-the-go ladder for quick-fix jobs.
- Think about the weight limits of the ladders as guidelines. Be cautious when going up and down the ladder, and be aware that it is generally unsafe to stand on the top two rungs of a ladder.
- Dust, rust, and water can wear down a ladder. Without proper maintenance, retraction can become less smooth over time.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between one-button retraction and individual locking pins?
A: One-button retraction allows for the entire ladder to collapse at one time, while individual locking pins require users to collapse each individual rung of the ladder.
Q: Can I use this as an alternative to a fire escape or rope ladder?
A: Generally, telescopic ladders still require time and patience to assemble. It is also not advisable to rely on this type of ladder for emergency procedures since they extend from the bottom up, unlike other emergency ladders that drop down from the top.
Q: Will a telescopic ladder work on carpet?
A: Most ladders are reinforced with non-slip end caps and non-slip pedals to ensure that the product is versatile and can be used on any surface.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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