4 Best Pole Saws, Based on CR's Expert Testing
Pole saws can make trimming branches safer and easier. The best models cut fast, and are both rigid and well-balanced.
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For those of us who have trees on our property, a pole saw can make it a lot easier and safer to prune overhead branches. And Consumer Reports just published its first pole saw ratings.
A pole saw is essentially a small chainsaw mounted on the end of a long pole. Most models can reach roughly 8 to 12 feet, allowing you to trim branches without having to use a ladder. Some have telescoping shafts as well.
Which Type of Pole Saw Should You Buy?
Like chainsaws, pole saws come in several varieties, including gas, corded electric, and battery-powered.
Gas-powered models generally offer a lot of cutting power and long run times, but they tend to be heavier and noisier than other pole saws, and they require more maintenance.
Corded electric models are generally lightweight and relatively inexpensive, but the cord can limit where you can work, and you risk accidentally cutting it.
We’ve focused on battery-powered models, which offer the best combination of convenience and performance. If you already own cordless outdoor power equipment, buying a cord saw that uses the same battery platform can save you money.
Best Pole Saws
The best pole saws balance cutting ability with control and balance, since you’re supporting the saw at the end of a long pole. The pole should be sufficiently rigid to support it without excessive flex. And make sure the pole is long enough: The manufacturer’s “maximum reach” may include the user’s height and arm length, which can vary from person to person.
Here are our top pole-saw picks from our testing.
How CR Tests Pole Saws
Pole saws are designed to help you cut and trim branches that would otherwise be difficult to reach safely from the ground. Cutting speed matters. But because you’re holding a relatively heavy cutting tool several feet away from your body, handling is critical, too. CR’s testing protocol helps us evaluate both of those factors, along with characteristics such as noise.
Cutting speed is measured using the pole saw at its fullest extension, if it’s adjustable. We time multiple cuts of a 4x4 oak beam held 10 feet off the ground.
Rigidity is important because a pole that flexes excessively when extended can make it difficult to position the bar accurately and control the saw before, during, and after cutting.
We also provide ratings for noise and ease of use.
You can find the weight of every pole saw, with its battery, on its model page. However, how the tool balances is even more important to its overall handling. Saws that are top-heavy—with most of the weight in the cutting head—can be difficult to use. We discuss handling on the model pages.
