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Purchasing one of the best telescoping ladders available on the market can be very tricky. There are many similar models out there, and sometimes it can be difficult to decide between any particular one or two.
A telescoping ladder is a term that refers to any type of ladder that can slide to extend or retract. The large majority of telescoping ladders have sections that overlap with each other.
There are two main benefits to telescoping ladders:
They are very easy to store, especially in comparison with standard ladders. This is due to their being able to retract into a much smaller volume than your average ladder. Many telescoping ladders measuring 12.5 feet can fit quite easily into the trunk of the smallest of cars.
These ladders can be extremely useful for multiple different applications.
Due to their adjustable sizes and in some cases also shapes and setups, you can use just one telescopic ladder for many different uses, from a stepladder for changing a light bulb to an extension ladder for working on the guttering of your house. The adjustable heights mean that you can always have your ladder resting at the correct, safe angle.
We have compiled a list of 10 of the best telescoping ladders along with a buyer’s guide to help you narrow down which ladder will be best for you.
We hope you find this guide useful.
View The Best Telescoping Ladders Below
1. Xtend & Climb 785P
We have selected this one as the best telescoping ladder on the market.
This aluminum telescoping ladder, measuring 12.5 feet in length, extends and locks near the foot. The thumb release is angled to make sure that your hand is in the right position. It features a carry handle and a strong strap for closure. The molded foot features a grip design so that the ladder is as sturdy as possible when in use.
The Xtend & Climb 785P ladder is ANSI / OSHA rated, meaning it passes all the American safety tests. For more information on these, please see the section in the buyer’s guide entitled “How are Ladders Rated?”.
Pros:
+ 12.5-foot ladder
+ Made of aircraft-grade aluminum
+ Angled thumb release
+ Carry handle
+ Grip design on the base of the feet
+ ANSI / OSHA rated
Why We Like It – We added the Xtend & Climb 785P to our list as the best telescoping ladder, overall, on the market because it’s a well-designed product approved by ANSI and OSHA standards. You can feel secure in the knowledge that this is a great purchase that will last.
2. Telesteps 1600EP
We selected this as one of the best telescoping ladders on our list in terms of its high quality. This ladder also measures 12.5-foot tall, with a reachable height of 16 feet. It weighs only 25 lbs and therefore is easy to store and carry. The silicone feet pivot to provide a sturdy base at all times.
The one-touch release mechanism is patented and effective, so it is safe and reliable.
It is OSHA compliant and ANSI 14.2 Tested.
Pros:
+ 12.5ft ladder
+ Made of aircraft-grade aluminum
+ Reachable height of 16 feet
+ Weight of only 25 lbs
+ Silicone feet to provide a safe base
+ OSHA compliant and ANSI tested
Why We Like It – We liked this ladder and chose to add it to our list because of the lightweight nature of the aluminum and secure base, while also being OSHA and ANSI tested.
3. Ohuhu Aluminum Telescopic Extension Ladder
Here we have another 12.5-foot ladder. We have selected this one as the best for overall value.
This telescoping aluminum ladder from Ohuhu is certified to EN131. Like most ladders of its kind, it is made from a lightweight aluminum alloy. For safety, the company has placed plastic pillars in between each of the steps. This protects your hands and fingers while you are operating the ladder.
The ladder also features a lock mechanism and a carry strap to keep it all together while you are carrying it.
Pros:
+ 12.5ft ladder
+ Made of aluminum
+ Plastic pillars in between the steps to protect your fingers from pinches
+ Lock mechanism
+ Carry strap
+ EN131 certified
Why We Like It – We have chosen to add this product to our list because it is a great ladder made from aluminum that will do the jobs you need it for effectively.
4. Xtend & Climb 770P
This 12.5-foot aluminum ladder also retracts completely. You operate it near the foot, and it comes with a switch to enable you to extend or lock the system. It also features a heavy-duty closure strap.
On the feet of this telescoping ladder, you will find some non-slip end caps. These end caps help to prevent the ladder from slipping while you are using it.
This one is also ANSI / OSHA rated.
Pros:
+ 12.5ft ladder
+ Made of aluminum
+ Heavy-duty closure strap
+ Non-slip end caps on the feet of the ladder
+ ANSI / OSHA rated
Why We Like It – The non-slip end caps and heavy-duty closure strap make this one of the best ANSI / OSHA rated products you can get.
5. WolfWise Aluminum Telescopic
Like most aluminum telescoping ladders, this one from WolfWise has features that make it almost impossible to pinch your fingers while you are extending or retracting the ladder. This lies in the way that the system is designed. It takes only 5 – 8 seconds to fully retract the ladder safely, meaning it is efficient to put down and then carry away.
In total, this aluminum ladder can support 330 pounds and, like many on our list, measures 12.5 feet in total length. It is made of 6061 aluminum alloy.
As well as this, the ladder features a carrying handle and closure strap to prevent it from extending.
It is not explicitly specified whether or not this ladder is OSHA / ANSI certified.
Pros:
+ Aluminum telescoping ladder measures 12.5 feet
+ System to prevent pinching your fingers
+ 5 – 8 seconds to fully retract the ladder
+ Can support 330 pounds
+ Carrying handle and heavy-duty closure strap
Why We Like It – We chose to add this one to our list for its system to prevent your fingers from being pinched.
6. Werner MT-22 Stepladder
This telescoping multi-ladder can be extended up to 22 feet, with a maximum load capacity of 300 pounds. The steps are double-riveted, and the feet are non-marring to prevent the ladder from slipping.
You can use this one as a multi-person stepladder, scaffold, or extension ladder.
Although it has a total length of 22 feet, the extension ladder can realistically reach up to a maximum of 19 feet (which is still plenty). As a stepladder, this height can range from 5 ft to 9 ft. It weighs 19.1 kg (about 42 lbs), so it is reasonably lightweight, too, considering its overall size.
Its rating is also not explicitly mentioned.
Pros:
+ Multi-use ladder – can be used as either a stepladder, telescoping extension ladder, or for
scaffold
+ Can reach 11 feet to 19 feet as an extension ladder, or 5 ft to 9 ft as a stepladder
+ Can support 300 pounds of weight
+ Weighs about 42 lbs
Why We Like It – We added this multi-use ladder to our list to give you some variation in terms of setup. You may find this one useful if you have a wider variety of tasks to complete or need a longer telescoping ladder.
7. Little Giant Ladders Velocity Multi-Use
This ladder from Little Giant is very similar to the previous one in our list, the Werner MT-22 Stepladder, in that it can be transformed into either an A-frame ladder, extension ladder, 90-degree ladders, or into a scaffold system.
It’s useful to have a ladder that can be used in multiple different set-ups, as this is much safer than using the wrong type of ladder. Also, it takes up much less space than having several different types of ladders in your garage or shed – it will be easy to store.
For safety, this ladder features a triple-locking hinge and is much safer to use around obstacles due to the many different setups available.
This ladder exceeds OSHA and ANSI standards and can support up to 300 pounds.
Pros:
+ Multiple setups, including as an extension ladder, 90-degree ladders, scaffold system, or A-frame ladder
+ Triple-locking hinge
+ Made of lightweight aluminum
+ Easy to store
+ Can support up to 300 lbs
+ Exceeds OSHA and ANSI standards
Why We Like It – This is another example of a high-quality multi-use ladder. We liked its triple locking hinge and ANSI / OSHA standards compliance.
8. WolfWise EN131 Extension Ladder
Here we have another telescoping ladder from WolfWise, the EN131. This ladder can hold up to 330 pounds and be fully extended to 12.5 feet quickly and efficiently.
The ladder itself weighs only 23.5 lbs and therefore is very easy to carry around and store.
Be careful to keep your hands out of the way when you are retracting this ladder. This can cause serious injury if you aren’t careful.
Pros:
+ Ladder measures 12.5 feet
+ Made of aluminum
+ Maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds
+ Ladder itself weighs only 23.5 lbs
Why We Like It – We chose to add the WolfWise EN131 to our list because of its lightweight nature.
9. Little Giant 14016-001 Alta One
This aluminum telescoping ladder from Little Giant is very similar to the other products we have featured from them.
This one also features multiple setups for many different possible applications. There are 24 different ways you can set it up.
You can use it with ease in places that could be difficult or dangerous to reach with a standard ladder. Like the other ladder, it also features a triple-locking hinge and also rubber feet to prevent it from slipping.
It is also rated to hold 150 kg (330 pounds) on both sides, which makes it a potential solution to many jobs that require two people.
Pros:
+ 24 different ways to set up this ladder
+ Triple-locking hinge
+ Rubber feet
+ Made of aluminum
+ Can hold 330 lbs of weight on both sides
Why We Like It – This multi-use ladder features 24 different ways you can set it up – perfect if you have a wide variety of tasks that need doing.
10. Handvoll Telescoping Ladder
The total length of this telescoping ladder, when extended, is 15.5 ft. The simple push buttons make it easy to retract, no matter how high up it is. It also features feet with grips on the base to prevent them from slipping, wheels to make it easy to move, and ridged steps.
Although the ladder itself weighs only 23 lbs, it can support up to 330 lbs. It is made of an aluminum alloy.
This telescoping ladder is EN131 certified.
Pros:
+ Up to 15.5 ft when extended
+ Simple push button to retract the ladder
+ Grips on the feet
+ Made of aluminum
+ Can support up to 330 lbs
+ EN131 certified
Why We Like It – We chose to add this ladder to our list in case you need an aluminum telescoping ladder that reaches slightly higher than the standard 12.5 feet. This telescoping ladder can reach up to 15.5 feet. It also features wheels for added maneuverability.
Telescoping Ladders Buyer’s Guide
Who Makes the Best Telescoping Ladder?
There are many different high-quality manufacturers of telescopic ladders. Although we have selected the Xtend & Climb 785P as the best overall on our list, models from Telesteps and Little Giant are also well thought of and trusted. All of the different manufacturers featured on our list produce good quality and reliable ladders.
Which Telescopic Ladder is Best?
As you can see from our list above of the ten best telescopic ladders, we have chosen the Xtend & Climb 785P as the best overall telescoping ladder, but many factors might influence what the best ladder for you might be.
To help you organize your thoughts on this matter and decide which is best for you, please scroll down to the “How Do I Choose a Telescoping Ladder?” section of this buyer’s guide.
What is the Largest Telescoping Ladder?
The largest telescoping ladders on our list are the two multi-ladders from Little Giant and Werner. These ladders measure 22 feet in length, in total, and will give you a safe extension up to 19 feet. If you have a head for these kinds of heights, then perhaps these products might be a good idea for you to look at more.
Of course, the trade-off for getting a slightly bigger and longer ladder is that it will be slightly more difficult to store than some of the smaller examples of telescoping ladders. Don’t misunderstand us – it will certainly be ten times easier to store one of these multi-use ladders than having 4 or 5 different ladders hidden away in your garage. But if you only need to use a ladder up to 12.5 ft, it surely makes more sense to get a smaller telescopic ladder.
Do Telescoping Ladders Have to Be Fully Extended?
Telescopic ladders feature locking mechanisms to make sure they are safe to use at any height. Although these mechanisms often differ from ladder to ladder and manufacturer to manufacturer, they are generally a simple click-lock, usually located near the ladder’s foot.
This is one of the functions that make telescoping ladders so useful; they can be used at many different heights and extensions. Because you can adjust the ladder’s length, you can always make sure it is against the wall at a safe angle.
How are Ladders Rated?
If you know anything about ladders or have gone through our list of products, you will know how a ladder is rated.
Ladders are rated using one of three standards bodies: ANSI, OSHA, or EN131 (or, potentially, none of these).
ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute. OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and EN131 is a CEN (European Committee for Standardization) standard.
ANSI and OSHA tests combine both correct ladder manufacture tests with making sure that the ladders are easy to climb and operate on. Up to 50% of ladder-related accidents are due to improper setup and use.
The EN131 regulation has been recently updated, with the changes coming into effect at the start of 2018. The European Commission was not happy with the previous EN131 standard, and it was not considered to be as safe as other standards, and so an EC mandate was issued to clear this up.
During EN131 tests, a load of 150 kg (330 lbs) is used as the standard. Tests such as a base slip test, lateral deflection, bend test, strength test, and a torsion test are all carried out, along with hinge and durability tests for standing ladders.
Although OSHA tests do not technically recognize EN131 in the United States, the new EN131 tests can be seen as being reasonably safe and secure. Health and safety companies may still expect you to be using ladders that are OSHA / ANSI compliant, though, and so you should bear this in mind if you are buying a ladder that other people may be using.
How Do I Choose a Telescoping Ladder?
There are several important things you should consider when you are buying a new telescopic ladder:
- What do you need it for? – as always, this question covers pretty much everything. What is your priority? How high can you reach? Do you need to use it for many different applications? Should it be able to fit it into a very small area, so it doesn’t take up too much space? What projects do you need to work on?
- Size – when thinking about size, think about both the maximum reach and the minimum size when you completely retract the ladder. Does either of these have a priority over the other? How much space do you have to store it? What do you need to reach from the top of your new ladder?
- How easy and safe is it to extend and retract? – almost all telescopic ladders use a simple locking mechanism that is usually pretty easy to use. If you are unsure whether or not it will be easy, check out reviews from previous customers. A slightly more important concern should be safety when using these locks. Because these ladders are designed to retract into a small space, it may be possible to hurt yourself when you are operating the ladder, particularly when retracting it.
- How easy is it to carry? – although any telescopic ladder will be, by definition, easy to carry compared to their full-size counterparts, some will certainly be easier than others. These ladders can be thought to be easy to carry due to their lightweight structures (most of them will be made from a lightweight aluminum alloy) and small, compact sizes when fully retracted. You may find that some products have better or worse handles, carrying shoulder straps, or closure straps than others – if you need something easy to carry around with you, you should ensure that this will be simple and comfortable.
- Price – while safety must always come before cost, it is still a factor that you may want to consider. If you are stuck choosing between two ladders that seem very similar, perhaps price could be a deciding factor for you.
How to Use a Telescopic Ladder Safely
There are a few well-known ladder safety tips, such as the 4 to 1 rule (for every 4 feet high the ladder is, move it 1 foot away from the wall). In general, though, you should always read the health and safety guidance and operation manual before you use the ladder. This is especially applicable for multi-use ladders, which may have different tips and steps to follow depending on which type of ladder you are setting up to use and how to set it up.
As well as setting it up safely, it is important to maintain your ladder in the ways specified by the manufacturer. As a bare minimum, this should involve wiping the ladder with a cloth to remove dirt, debris, and grease. As well as preventing dirt build-up, this also keeps the ladder safer for you when you are using it. Only lubricate sections of the ladder if you are specifically told to in the instruction manual.
Finally, as well as setting it up correctly and maintaining it correctly, you should also use the ladder in the right way to keep yourself safe. Some brief tips for this include keeping your body mass between the side rails and in towards the ladder, maintaining a 3-point grip (that is, have two hands and one foot on the ladder at all times), and keep a firm grip.
You should also ensure that your footwear is in good enough condition to grip the rungs as you climb. If heights are something you aren’t good with then, as a last piece of advice, don’t look down!
Conclusion
We hope this guide has been useful for you and will help you to narrow down which telescoping ladder will be best for your needs. Finding the right product for you will be very useful for you, allowing you to get the tasks done that you need to do while not taking up excessive amounts of storage space.
Thank you for reading.
