Adam holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Linguistics, and creative writing has always been his greatest passion. For more than 25 years he's been working for several well-known automobile and travel magazines as an editor and expert consultant, but when Adam started his writing path here, at WisePick, it turned out that he's capable of writing practically anything about everything.
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known household appliances manufacturer, so no wonder he knows everything about almost everything you buy for your home.
Last updated: June 23, 2021
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Nothing beats the feeling of accomplishing a task, except maybe using the best and most efficient tools. As the common saying goes, ‘You are only as good as your tools’. Almost everyone knows that a ladder is necessary for accessing high areas but a lot of people do not know the different types of ladders and their functions. Telescoping ladders, for example, are some of the best designed ladders that offer a couple of benefits. While telescoping ladders are specifically designed to reach high areas, they are incredibly small when they retract.
There are a couple of features that you will look for when purchasing a ladder and this is what we used to review the best telescoping ladders in the market. Size is one of the main features that we considered in our review. You probably do not want a bulky ladder that can’t be easily transported. Similar to size, the weight and weight capacity of each telescope informed our review. Other important features included safety features, certification and even the extended height of the telescoping ladders.
We spent a lot of time (read months) reviewing each product while also comparing notes with other telescoping ladder users. What you will get in the review? Well, there was a lot of information, complex terms and terminology about each product but we have broken everything down to bits. You will find a comparison table, an in-detail review of each product and a great buying guide that points you in the right direction.
Telesteps telescopic ladders are known to be some of the innovative and versatile ladders on the market. They are essential tools for everyone including contractors, home users and even professionals. They are designed with aircraft grade aluminum alloy, which means that they are light and easy to carry around. It also means that they are one of the strong telescopic ladders you can find in the market.
The Telesteps 1600E gives you an adjustable 12.5 feet and can surprisingly retract to about 30 inches. This great feature allows you to store the ladder where the traditional ladders can’t fit. You can adjust the ladder to the desired height by either raising the top rung or by the foot when you extend the bottom rung.
To ensure the ease of use, the ladder has an automatic extension and retraction with a one touch release feature. For safety, the telescopic ladder has been fitted with silicone pivot feet to improve the grip while also adopting the use if elliptical tubes to make it strong. They are also the originally designed and probably the only telescoping ladders that are fully automatic. The Telesteps 1600E is essentially an easy to store, easy to carry and easy to use telescoping ladder that can be used at home, in the farm, at the office or anywhere you need to use a ladder.
Do you have an extremely high ceiling? Not a lot of telescopic ladders cater for those with high ceiling, making the Werner MT-22 Telescopic Ladder a must-have. This 22-foot life-saver was specifically designed to access the high places that need a lick of pain regardless of their height. Think that is impressive? This ladder also has a twenty eight foot option that allows you to adjust it as much as you want.
The Werner MT-22 Telescopic Ladder has an adjustable technology that allows you to use it in about 5 different ways including the twin step ladder, extension ladder, wall ladder, stairway step ladder and the 2 scaffold bases. An attractive position is the step ladder mode, which allows two users to work with a duty rating of 300lb on either side. The extended position will come in handy when you need to clean your gutter or perform other household chores. The twin step ladder, on the other hand, will give you great access to painting high areas or for construction.
Worried about the ability to support heavy loads considering the versatility of the ladder? The Werner MT-22’s bottom is flared extra-wide to ensure maximum safety.
This is the ideal ladder for reaching high ceilings due to the flexibility it offers. With such a ladder, however, safety is a critical concern but the Werner MT-22 Telescopic Ladder is both sturdy and non-slip. Its feet are built to be slip resistant while the ends of ladder have flares for adequate grip and support. The telescoping ladder also has smooth curved rails that makes climbing comfortable regardless of the person’s experience.
What are its best features?
It offers multi-height options
It is designed with professional grade materials
Its bottom is extra wide and flared for sturdy support
This telescoping ladder is one of the best options for both professionals and homeowners because of its easy to use features and its lightweight design. The compact costco telescopic ladder is also easy to carry and store. Although this telescoping ladder is very strong, it has a soft close feature, which makes the rungs collapse slowly one step at a time if you unlock it. What does this translate to? You will never pinch your fingers with this telescoping ladder.
Unlike other telescopic ladders out there, the Cosco SmartClose Telescopic Ladder also has locking indicators that not only ensure safety but also stability of the ladder. With this model, you can climb with confidence when the indicators are green.
This telescoping ladder is designed with industrial-grade aluminum with a load capacity of 300 lb. It also has an ANSI Type 1A certification and comes in three different climbing heights: 12,14 and 16 feet. This is the one of the best telescoping ladders if you are looking for a balance between form and function. With a type 1A ANSI rating and industrial grade aluminum design, the COSCO smartclose telescoping ladder is designed to balance between form and function. With this ladder, not only do you get some innovative design but also some trusted utility.
Why is it special?
The ladder is both strong and study
Versatility and can be used by both contractors and homeowners
More features: aerospace engineered 6061 alloy with a clean-touch anodized finish, over molded feet, integrated carrying handle and heavy-duty closure strap, ANSI certified
The Xtend & Climb 785P telescoping ladder is one of the heavy-duty ladders on the market that is used by different groups. Commercial contractors, homeowners and serious do-it-yourself fans are known to embrace this ladder due to the different features that it offers. This ladder opens by the foot to a 15.5 feet height while retracting to about 36.5 inches when closed. The height and stability makes it a great choice for any high or hard tasks that you need to accomplish.
You may think that this height is not enough for you but the Xtend & Climb 785P has an average reach height of 19.5 feet. So when you need to reach extra heights then this telescoping ladder will be among your choices and is suitable than most traditional ladders. The model is also light enough for you to carry and store while also being small enough to easily fit in your truck. You will never be disappointed if you get rid of your extension ladders and ladder racks off your car after you get the Xtend & Climb 785P. Safety of the climber was a top priority in the design of the telescoping ladder. It has a no-pinch system that helps when closing the rungs with red and green indicators that show when the rungs are locked to show you when it is safe to climb. The model is made from aerospace engineered 6061 alloy with a clean-touch anodized finish to ensure you have a sturdy footing when climbing.
This Good Life Telescopic Ladder is a very compact telescoping ladder that is preferred for its ease of use and storage. Although it can extend up to 15.5 feet, it retracts to a relatively smaller size than most telescoping ladders on the market. This makes it an attractive choice for users who need to access high places and have little storage options.
Unlike the previously discussed telescoping ladders in the market, the good life ladder does not have a pinch closure system so you need to take care when closing the ladder. However, the ladder has an integrated carry handle with end caps that are non-slip for sturdy grip. The weight of the ladder is about 23.5 pounds meaning that any person can move it around easily. It is also made by rugged 6061 aluminum alloy with a load capacity of up to 330lbs, just the perfect capacity.
Although the design of the ladder makes it lightweight and quite compatible, it is quite easy to extend the ladder to 15.5 feet in some few seconds. The locks in the ladder can easily be extended by the foot with an independent locking system that makes it quite easy to select your desired height requirement.
Why are we impressed?
Extends and retracts compatibly
Made of 6061 aluminum, which makes it stable and strong
Do you need a corrosion-resistant telescoping ladder with a sturdy frame for all your climbing needs? The Luisladders Oshion is a great telescoping ladder for novice and even experienced do-it-yourself enthusiasts. Made from aluminum alloy and slip-resistant rungs, this ladder is strong enough to accommodate a load capacity of up to 330lbs. Not only is it made with safe materials but it also has a EN131 certification meaning it is environmentally friendly and offers the best performance.
This ladder also has a safety feature that include the double couplings on each rung to ensure that you do not pinch your fingers when using the telescoping ladder. It also has bottom caps on the feet to ensure you do not tip over when you are using the ladder. The design of the ladder also put great thought into extraction and retraction of the ladder. It has inward slide latches that allow you to to adjust the rungs one by one with minimum effort applied.
With all these features, you might think that the Luisladders Oshion is a bulky telescoping ladder but you couldn’t be any further from the truth. Its lightweight and great compact size makes it a very portable ladder that is not only easy to transport but also to store. Heavy duty securing strap in the ladder helps offer a firm grip on the handle while also allowing you to carry it with one hand. This is a great ladder that is durable and rustproof with a well-thought out extension and lock system that makes using it safe and efficient.
What makes it special?
Its lightweight make it portable and convenient
Safe and reliable
It has a 4-way combination mode allowing you to use for different purposes
Known for its great quality design, the Xaestival Telescopic Ladder is a sturdy telescoping ladder made with lightweight aluminum with a load capacity of up to 330lbs. This high quality material ensures that you can use the ladder without worrying about your safety. It fully extends to about 15.5 feet but the height after you retract it is about 35 inches. This means you can store it in smaller spaces effortlessly in your car trunk or any other place with limited storage. Although the Xaestival telescopic ladder is lightweight, this does not mean that you are getting the short end of the deal. It is a toughly designed ladder that is also appealing to the eye. The ladder is so versatile with a height capacity of about 15ft, which means that you will be able to reach most high spots in your home.
Safety features are also included in the ladder’s design. This model has a extension and lock system with thumb buttons that allow you to click effortlessly. You can operate the ladder with ease without having to worry about hurting your fingers in the retraction and extension process.
The Xaestival Telescopic Ladder is also highly adjustable. A unique feature with the ladder is that each locking section is separate from the other allowing you to adjust the ladder to your preferential height. Retracting the ladder is also easy. You simply have to retract it from top down by pressing the black button on the edge of the rung.
This is a multi-purpose ladder that has an extended height of bout 12.5 feet. The WolfWise Telescopic Ladder is designed to be an easy to use but reliable ladder that you can always count on when you need to paint higher walls or ceilings.
Safety is one of the main thing that makes this ladder to stand out from other products in the market. First, the ladder is made from aluminum and has a load capacity of about 330lbs despite weighing a meager 23.5 pound. Furthermore, it boasts of an outrigger ground support that adds on to the ladder’s stability making it suitable for reaching those hard-to-reach places in your house. The aluminum material not only makes it strong but also minimizes the need for maintenance as it prevents corrosion. The anti-slip rubber on the ladder steps improves the sturdiness while climbing.
Apart from design, applicability also makes this a great telescoping ladder. For example, it allows you to make minimal height adjustments according to your preferences since it extends in 1-foot increments. The design also ensures that each rung is well-locked and lies parallel to the rung beneath it. Its light weight and sturdiness coupled up with its ability to retract make it one of the best RV telescoping ladder in the market. Although there have been questions as to the pricey nature of the ladder relative to its features, the quality of this ladder is also high. It is easy to carry and portable, which means that it is the perfect home-maintenance tool to change your bulbs or even clean your windows.
Why did it make our list?
Safe and quick extension
Easy to use and carry
Sturdy design
What is not ideal about it?
It may pinch your fingers as it lacks a locking mechanism when retracting
Is considered loud to shut
Things to Consider
With the many options presented above, it is only natural for you to get overwhelmed. These telescoping offer some similar features but your choice will largely be determined by your needs and preferences. In this buying guide, we will give you an idea on how to select the best telescoping ladder and what you need to look out for when purchasing a telescoping ladder. But first things first, why do you need a telescoping ladder? Find out below.
All the way up – why invest in a telescoping ladder
A telescoping ladder can easily be described as an improved version of the extension ladder. Unlike the traditional ladders, these types of ladders are fitted with innovative technology and versatile designs to help do-it-yourself enthusiasts and professional contractors reach higher places safely. A significant similarity, however, between telescoping ladders and traditional ladders is that they are both designed to access the highest points. How they do this is the main difference. Telescopic ladders are meant to reach great heights when extended and to fit in small sizes when they are retracted.
Most of the telescopic ladders in the market are also designed with safety features. It is not uncommon to find tab locking indicators that are colored to show when each tab is locked. The Xtend & Climb 785P, for example, has red and green indicators, with the green indicator showing when each step is well-locked to ensure you can use the ladder safely.
Step vs telescoping ladder
The step ladder is perhaps the most commonly used ladder thanks to its versatility. Unlike other types of ladders, the step ladder requires no surface, tree or even wall to support it as it can stand on its own. Whether you want to climb the center of the room or an open field, the step ladder is something you can rely on. It also comes in a number of forms including the twin sided, single sided, foldable step ladder and the multi-position ladder. A key benefit of step ladders is its multi-purpose use, where you can not only use them in your house, in your compound and even in construction sites.
Telescoping ladders, on the other hand, are known for their sleek design and ability to perform various functions. Think of it as a multi-function type of ladder that allows you to conduct different jobs with the same ladder. There are a number of striking similarities between these two types of ladders such as the materials used, strength and durability. Some advantages, however, that telescoping ladders have include the ability to retract, easy to use, easy to carry and safety features that they offer to users.
Safe and sound
Safety is one of the primary features that most users care about when shopping for any ladder. After all, you will be climbing high places and this can quickly turn into a dangerous situation if you get the wrong tool for the job. Safety is a primary feature for almost all telescoping ladder with each company making different provisions to enhance and ensure the safety of their clients. The Cosco SmartClose Telescopic Ladder, for example, has a smart close feature that prevents the pinching of fingers while also ensuring that the ladder is stable when extended. This is a great reason why you should choose telescoping ladders over all the others.
Features to consider while buying the best telescoping ladder
Selecting the best telescoping ladder depends on your needs but it will ultimately determine whether you will have a pleasant time using the tool. It is thus important to review and understand each feature of the telescoping ladders before purchasing your next ladders. Here, we will outline some of the important features to consider before choosing a telescoping ladder and its importance.
Material
The material of your telescoping ladder is not simply a feature that accentuates the beauty of your ladder. Trust us, it contributes to a lot more. For example, the weight of your telescoping ladder is likely to be determined by the material that you choose. Since portability is also an important consideration, you probably want to choose a telescoping ladder made of aluminum alloy or fiberglass. Also, the material will also determine whether your ladder will need a lot of maintenance. Aluminum has been found to be non-corrosive and that is why a significant number (if not all) telescoping ladder are made with the material.
Size
Size is not mostly of concern when it comes to telescoping ladders since one of the main reasons for choosing this type of ladder is to have a smaller size ladder. With this regard is the size of the ladder when extending and the size of the ladder when it retracts. The Werner MT-22 Telescopic Ladder was found to have the most desirable size with an extended height of 22 feet and can also retract to some desirable inches. This will ensure that the ladder is convenient at the workplace and you can also fit it easily in your truck.
Weight
The importance of weight can also not be understated. No one wants to carry a bulky ladder as the job you are about to do is equally tiring. You also want something that your partner at home can easily carry or use. With this regard, it is important to check the weight of each ladder before purchase. While some models such as the Luisladders Oshion are quite bulky at 43lbs, there are equally lighter telescoping ladders such as the Telesteps 1600E that weighs 23lbs.
Weight capacity
Load capacity of the telescoping ladders did not vary much with most of the ladders having a maximum weight capacity of 300 to 330 lbs. The Luisladders Oshion stands out in this regard since it has a 4 way combination system that allows two people to use the ladder. Always keep in mind that you will climb the ladder with a load and it is important to also factor this in. Most telescoping ladders will have a general load capacity of about 300lbs but you will need to look a little further if you need more weight capacity.
Safety
Safety is one of the main feature that has been reviewed for each ladder. Almost all telescoping ladders reviewed have different safety features. For example, the Costco smartclose ladder has a system that prevents the pinching of fingers when you are using the ladder. The Xtend & Climb 785P, on the other hand, has red and green indicators to determine whether the rungs are well locked. It is also important to check whether your desired telescoping ladder is fitted with some non-slip material to prevent accidents. The OSHA and ANSI standards can help you determine the safest telescoping ladder.
Feet construction and Steps
A good telescoping ladder puts in a considerable amount of detail in feet construction and steps. You probably want a ladder that is fitted with slip resistant material at the feet steps. You also want a telescoping ladder that can be easily extended to a greater height if need be. In this regard, your best bet would be the Werner MT-22 Telescopic Ladder, which has some great extended height capabilities. To ensure that the ladder can offer maximum support, the ends of the ladder are flared to give you the confidence you need when climbing high areas.
Portability
Perhaps one of the main reason for choosing a telescoping ladder instead of the other different types of ladders. Portability should always be on your mind when out shopping for a telescoping ladder. Choose a ladder that can easily be retracted and carried around. Portability will ultimately depend on the weight of the ladder and the ability to retract. Whether you have the space in your trunk or garage, you will appreciate the importance of a portable ladder once you experience it.
Ease of use
You may need a telescoping ladder to accomplish some difficult tasks and it is not in order to also have a complicated telescoping ladder that makes the work even harder. This is one of the main reasons why you need to choose a ladder that is easy to understand and use. Although you want a ladder with lots of features, it is also important to consider how easy it will be to use all those features. For example, the Werner MT-22 has some spring loaded J locks and soft touch knobs to assist you adjust the height quickly.
Telescoping ladders, unlike other type of ladders are extremely easy to carry since they are fully collapsible. It is worth noting that a 12 to 15-foot ladder can be collapsed to about 32 inches, making carrying the ladder a breeze. Well, how do you carry one? The telescoping ladders come fitted with straps and you need to secure these straps to prevent the rungs from sliding out. After you lock the rungs, you can easily store or even carry your telescoping ladder around without any worries. The light weight of these ladders also make it easier to carry them.
Maintaining your ladder requires you to be aware of its condition at all times. For example, you need to always check your ladder before you decide to use it and after you use it. Depending on the material of the ladder, you also need to look out for any signs of corrosion. Aside from this, you also need to ensure that the lock mechanisms on the ladder operate well. Constant inspection on the bolts and rivets is also critical and will save you a lot of trouble.
First, you need to check that the rungs, feet and stiles are correctly placed and are in good working condition. Stabilize the ladder on the floor but make sure that the lock mechanisms are properly placed in the right angle. Ensure the ladder is placed on the correct angle before climbing but always be sure to avoid any sudden movement when extending or closing it. Similarly, do not touch or move the locking system when you are on the ladder. After use, store the ladder in a dry environment to reduce the chance of rust.
Our Verdict
We loved the Telesteps 1600E Telescopic Ladder best due to the numerous features that it has. First, it is the only fully automatic telescoping ladder, which makes it easy to use and also improves the safety of the ladder. Standing at 12.5 feet, you can be sure to reach those high areas at home or when working. Safety, lightweight and ease of use also makes it our best telescoping ladder.
Our second choice is the Werner MT-22 Telescopic Ladder. This ladder is quite impressive since it is built to access higher areas with an extended height of 22 feet. The ladder is also slip-resistant and is made with some professional grade material to give you one of the best ladders in the market.
Lastly, the WolfWise Telescopic Ladder was our budget pick for those who aren’t willing to break the bank on a new telescoping ladder. Although it is affordable, it offers almost the same features as the rest.
