A telescoping ladder is as simple as a ladder whose height can be adjusted, and often can also be folded up rather small for storage.
That is the simple part, but finding the best telescoping ladder depends on what you want to use it for, and some other factors only you can decide. How you use the ladder, and personal tastes will go a long way in picking out the best one for your situation.
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3 Top Telescoping Ladder Comparison Chart
| Product Name | (Out of Five) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16.5ft Telescoping Ladder with 2 Detachable Hooks DIY Aluminum Extension Ladders for Home Indoor Outdoor |  | | ||||
| Hailo 0850-827 L100 Pro, 8-Ft Folding Lightweight Aluminum Step Platform Ladder, Black |  | |||||
| 16.5FT Aluminum Telescoping Extension Ladder 330lbs Max Capacity A-Frame Lightweight Portable Multi-Purpose Folding with Support Bar Anti-Slip EN131 Certificated |  |
Some pack up smaller than others, and some are easier to use than others, and these are also considerations that may influence a final decision. Telescoping ladders are very flexible and that is the main selling point. Here is your guide to telescoping ladders.
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5 Best Telescoping Ladders Reviewed
How High Is High Enough?
One of the best things about this kind of ladder is that it can be set at a variety of heights with a minimum and maximum. The real value is that you can set it just about anywhere in between as well.
These ladders often come in 10, 12, and 14-foot models. These ladders are generally fairly light and that adds to the value.
These ladders can also be folded up and stored fairly easily. Where to store the ladder is also a consideration. The taller the ladder can go, the more room it will take to store the ladder. Keep that in mind when you are considering the height of the ladder you will need.
Weighty Matters
Ladders can bear only so much weight. Consider your own weight, as well as what you will be carrying on the ladder. Telescoping ladders that go to around 10 feet are rated at 250 pounds, which is the maximum weight the ladder will hold safely.
There is another ladder that can hold 300 pounds, and these are heavier as well. There are ladders that will hold up to 350 pounds. These ratings are what the industry feels is a safe weight to put on a ladder.
Price
You may also pay a little more and get extra-wide steps, which makes the ladder easier to climb and gives it more stability. The drawback is that once again it will weigh more and take up more room when in storage.
When you increase the size of the telescoping ladder, or how tall it will go, you will have to pay a higher price. Paying for wider steps also increases the price. Most telescoping ladders can be adjusted one foot at a time, within the minimum and maximum parameters.
Adjusting the size of the ladder is relatively straightforward. A fairly new development is the air shock system. This allows the ladder to be lowered or closed by squeezing on the bottoms of the ladder. This allows it to be closed in a slower and more deliberate way, which is safer and easier.
Quality
The quality of the ladder itself also matters. The best telescoping ladders are made of aluminum, and so are not very heavy. There are however degrees of quality when it comes to aluminum. Higher quality aluminum costs more than lower quality obviously, so keep that in mind while shopping.
Quality can be a bit relative. If you are going to use the ladder only a few times per year, a lower-quality ladder might be fine for that situation.
If you are going to use it a lot, you will need a higher quality metal to help it stand up to usage. The more you intend to use the ladder, the more you should pay for higher-quality materials.
Safety
When choosing a ladder, safety should also be a concern.
There are an estimated two million accidents per year caused by people falling off ladders. This ranges from very minor injuries to people being killed. Use ladders in a safe way, and get one that will do the job you need to be done properly.
We have brought together the five best ladders we could find for this article. They are compared below, and from this guide, you can choose the one that best fits your situation.
A lot depends on your specific needs, but understanding how types of ladders can address those needs is the key to figuring out which one would be best for you.
5 Best Telescoping Ladder Reviews
Here’s a list of the best telescoping ladders on the market:
1. Werner MT-26 Telescoping Ladders
This telescoping ladder can be extended to 26-feet and has a 300-pound weight capacity. It is made of heavy-duty aluminum.
It may also be used as an A-frame type ladder and two people can work on it at the same time.
It has soft push knobs for extending or retracting. There are 37 possible working heights to use, and it may be used as a scaffold as well. It has double-riveted steps and is designed to resist slipping.
It has an extra-wide flared bottom which gives it more support and a more sturdy feel. It is also comfortable to stand on.
Some ladders of this type have rungs that are too narrow and can be uncomfortable, but not this one. The telescoping ladder is 31 inches wide and weighs 93 pounds. It has a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
It comes with brackets to make it into the A-frame style ladder. It can also be set up on an angle so it can be used on roofing-type projects. It can be used in a variety of ways, but can also be hard to move around.
Pros:
- Professional type ladder
- Sturdy fully extended
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Heavy, hard to move
- Price is high
- Not really compact
2. Ohuhu 12.5 Foot Aluminum Telescopic Extension Ladder
This is a heavy-duty telescoping ladder that adds convenience to the mix. It has one-button retraction, meaning you just press the button and it will shrink itself.
It is still one foot at a time, but this system takes the concern about getting your fingers pinched out of the way. No more struggling to shorten the ladder.
It has a spring-loaded locking mechanism that makes extending, and contraction easy as well. It is made of high-grade aluminum and has a 330-pound weight capacity.
Since it is aluminum it does not weigh a lot – just 25 pounds, so is easy to carry. It offers a lot of versatility as well. You may raise it to 12.5-feet, and use it at any height below that as well.
It can be folded down to 39 inches by 17 inches. You can use this ladder for any type of job around your house. Some people have used it with their camping trailer and found it to be a great convenience.
Pros:
- Folds down to a small package
- 350-pound capacity
- Lower cost than similar brands
Cons:
- Wobbly when fully extended
- Some report rungs can bend
- Not best for daily use
3. Little Giant Ladder Systems
The Little Giant Ladder looks somewhat like a standard ladder. It can be free-standing, no need to lean it against a wall. It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum.
It has a lot of flexibility. You may use it as an A-frame, against a wall, or as part of a scaffold. You may also use it on the stairs. It has a 250-pound capacity.
When in A-frame mode, it can be used by two people. This is a huge advantage over the standard A-frame ladder. It comes in 12-foot to 17-foot varieties.
Even so, it can be packed down into a small rectangle for easy storage. It comes in a 21.5 inch by 43-inch box that is eight inches deep. The rungs are 23 inches wide.
Reviewers say this is a very sturdy telescoping ladder even when extended fully. It uses buttons to retract, and some have said they got their fingers pinched in the process. When used as an A-frame, both sides are rated at 250 pounds, which is a little unique.
Pros:
- Very sturdy construction
- Feels safe even fully extended
- Versatility
Cons:
- Heavy at almost 30 pounds
- Lock releases can pinch fingers
- Takes some time to learn
4. Xtend & Climb 785P Aluminum Telescoping Ladder
This ladder extends to 15.5 feet, and can easily be retracted into a reasonably sized package.
It can be folded down to 38 inches by 21.5 inches, and six inches deep. You may extend this ladder one foot at a time, and the locks are easy to release.
The company says you will not get your fingers pinched, but some reviewers say you need to be careful to avoid pinching.
It will hold up to 300 pounds and feel sturdy all the way up. It is easy to extend, and easy to retract but may take some practice.
Rungs don’t close all the way until you lower the next one, which some have thought was a defect. It comes with a six-month manufacturer’s warranty.
This telescoping ladder is extended or retracted one foot at a time and can be used at lower heights easily. It weighs in at 32 pounds.
Pros:
- Sturdy construction, 300-pound capacity
- Easy to extend and retract
- Folds down to a small package
Cons:
- Retraction buttons take some practice
- Fingers can get pinched
- More expensive than similar models
5. Vulcan Ladder USA EXT-69
This is more a scaffold than a ladder but can be used with a ladder to do some very nice things. You may use it as a scaffold platform between two ladders, or you may use it as a workbench.
It will telescope to half its size for easy storage. It is designed to be used with other ladders and can be used with any scaffolding base. It has a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
You may also use this as an A-frame type ladder or a step ladder.
The rungs are small and can be uncomfortable without proper shoes. It is also heavier than some ladders like this, but it is very sturdy. It will hold a 300-pound person.
You may get this ladder in different lengths from 13 to 17 feet. The stepladder version goes to seven feet, and the extension ladder can be raised to 17 feet. It is easy to extend or retract. It does not come with instructions, but most people say it is easy to figure out.
Pros:
- Versatile product
- Sturdy, holds 300 pounds
- Easy to extend or retract
Cons:
- Rungs are small
- Heavy
- On the expensive side
So, Which Is The Best Telescoping Ladder?
The best of the best telescoping ladder is Werner MT-26. Werner is the Cadillac of ladders, and the MT-26 is as good as any ladder you can get anywhere. It is a little expensive, but when you want the best quality you expect to pay more.
It is also a bit heavy, but it is very sturdy. It is a ladder you can count on when you are a 20-feet above ground working on a project.
You can focus on your work and not have to worry about the ladder. In the A-Frame mode, both sides can be used and both sides will support 300 pounds.
This is great for projects that require two people and will work well even if they are big people. It uses spring-loaded J-locks. You may extend or retract one foot at a time by unlocking both sides. The rungs are also big enough to feel comfortable when standing on in normal shoes.
This is a ladder professional would use and is more than adequate for any project a person might want to do around their house. It does cost a little more than other ladders, but with its heavy-duty construction, it should last a very long time.
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