Best Manual Pole Saw [2024 Review]

Trees need regular trimming, but if they are tall then pruning can be very difficult. Enter the pole saw – a handy tool that can help you trim those messy trees to perfection.

We’re helping you find the best manual pole saw for your needs and budget.

Top Manual Pole Saw Reviews

As its name suggests, a manual pole saw runs on your physical power. Not only will this save you from your neighbors’ noise complaints, but the long poles on this tool also allow you to reach high tree branches that’d be problematic to trim otherwise.

We’re reviewing the best manual pole saws on the market. Each model has something unique to offer, so you’ll find a unit that meets your trimming requirements.

Best Overall Manual Pole Saw: Jameson LS-Series Hollow Core Manual Pole Saw Kit

The Jameson LS-Series Hollow Core Manual Pole Saw Kit is my favorite on today’s list as it offers a great balance between durability, efficiency, and price. Also, this unit has plenty of pole reach, a good range of length adjustability, and a reliable pruner.

The Jameson LS-Series manual pole saw houses a Barracuda Tri-cut blade. Not only is it sturdy, but it’s built to cut branches as quickly and precisely as possible.

We like that the blade is 16 inches long as this makes it easier to trim stubborn vines and branches. Although it’s shorter than the blade on the Scalebeard pole saw, it beats all the other candidates on my list.

The blade’s teeth are impulse-hardened, which makes them both sharper and last longer than blades missing this feature like the Fiskars Power-Lever. It’s also a big help that the blade has a low profile to support easier movement through thicker foliage.

Product Specs

• Blade length: 16 inches
• Maximum pole reach: 18 feet
• Weight: 7.4 pounds
• Handle material: fiberglass

The Jameson LS-Series manual pole saw includes a built-in pruning head. While it doesn’t involve any additional mechanism like the chain drive in the Corona TP 6870 or the power-lever in the Fiskars saw, it’s capable of cutting branches between 2 and 3 inches in diameter, which is wider than the other brands.

What’s extra impressive about the Jameson LS-Series is the pole design. It’s not telescoping like most options on the market, instead, the poles are fastened onto each other which some people find easier to deal with.

This manual pole saw comes with 2 extension poles along with the base pole that carries the saw blade. Each piece is 6 inches long, so you can adjust the overall length to either 6, 12, or 18 inches.

One thing I wish I could add is a grip material on the handle to help people with slippery hands hold onto the pole better. Other than that, the Jameson LS-Series manual pole saw is a bang for the buck.

Pros

• Has a pruner head that cuts branches up to 3 inches thick
• The extension poles fasten onto one another using aluminum ferrule with a sturdy lock
• The blade has a low profile which helps against dense foliage

Cons

• The handle doesn’t have a grip so it can be a bit slippery
• The blade could need sharpening out of the box

Best Value: Corona TP 6870 MAX RazorTOOTH Manual Pole Saw

The Corona TP 6870 MAX RazorTOOTH Manual Pole Saw is a great option for anyone looking to get the most out of their money.

The pole saw is packed with impressive features such as the heavy-duty pruning attachment that you won’t find on other units in the same price range including the Jameson LS-Series and the Fiskars Power-Lever.

The Corona TP 6870 manual pole saw uses a blade made from chrome-coated carbon steel. Yes, the 13-inch blade is shorter than the rest of the options on today’s list, but it tries to make up for it with excellent resistance against friction and rust.

The blade’s teeth are designed to cut your cutting time by half as they’re sharpened at 3 sides, unlike conventional saws. The teeth are also impulse-hardened, which adds to their lifespan compared to a unit like the Fiskars Power-Lever that isn’t as sharp or durable.

Product Specs

• Blade length: 13 inches
• Maximum pole reach: 14 feet
• Weight: 6.5 pounds
• Handle material: fiberglass with foam grip

Boosting the value of the Corona TP 6870, it comes with a heavy-duty pruning head that produces clean and precise cuts on branches up to 1.25 inches wide. This feature doesn’t exist in the Scalebeard nor the Notch pole saws.

What’s extra special is the mechanism involved in this attachment; a sturdy chain drive that cuts smoothly and quickly with 3 times the power of regular rope-triggered pruner heads like the one in the Fiskars Power-Lever or plain pruning heads like in the Jameson LS-Series.

The Corona TP 6870 extends up to 14 feet, which is equal to Fiskars Power-Lever but less than the rest. That said, this length is enough for average homeowners.

One last thing I want to highlight is the foam grip on the fiberglass handle. Not only does it prevent slipping for additional convenience when trimming, but it also takes a lot of the pressure off of your wrists to make you more comfortable.

Pros

• The blade is chrome coated to minimize damage from rust and friction
• The teeth are 3-side sharpened to save time
• The pruning head operated via a chain drive mechanism to increase its cutting power

Cons

• The blade is shorter than all other pole saws on the list
• The saw can get in the way of the pruner, so you’d have to remove it every time for pruning

Best Budget: Fiskars 393981-1001 Power-Lever Extendable Pole Saw and Pruner

The Fiskars 393981-1001 Power-Lever Manual Pole Saw is my go-to recommendation for anyone on a budget and looking to buy a reliable manual pole saw that’ll get the job done as effectively as possible.

The Fiskars Power-Lever manual pole saw is equipped with a WoodZig blade made of strong steel to easily cut through unruly branches and annoying vines. It measures 15 inches long, which is longer than the 13-inch blade on the Corona TP 6870 but shorter than the rest of today’s options.

The blade has 13 teeth that lack the impulse hardening applied in other units such as the Notch Sentei and the Jameson LS-Series pole saws. This does affect their longevity and their ability to retain sharpness, but they still perform well given the price.

The blade is also coated with a low-friction layer to reduce jamming, resist rusting, and ensure smooth cuts. I did notice that the blade on the Fiskars tends to be a bit more flexible than other brands today, which makes cutting tricky if the pole is at an angle.

Product Specs

• Blade length: 15 inches
• Maximum pole reach: 14 feet
• Weight: 5.35 pounds
• Handle material: fiberglass

That said, I do like that this manual pole saw includes a pruner head, unlike more expensive models like the Notch Sentei and the Scalebeard. It even uses Power-Lever technology to double the cutting power for branches up to 1.125 inches wide.

The Fiskars 393981-1001 manual pole saw extends up to 14 feet, which is similar to the Corona TP68 but shorter than the rest of the candidates. For the price, however, you should be happy it offers what the average homeowner needs.

To make sure the pole remains extended, this unit is built with a double-locking mechanism that combines the security of both a flip-lock and a spring-loaded button lock.

The last thing I want to talk about is the lightweight construction of this pole saw, weighing less than 5.5 pounds. It’s lighter than any of the other options on the list, which makes it the best choice for older people.

Pros

• It has a longer blade than the pricier Corona TP68
• It’s equipped with an efficient pruner head, unlike the more expensive Notch Sentei and Scalebeard
• At 5.35 pounds, this is the lightest option on the list and the most suitable for elderly use

Cons

• The blade is a bit too flexible that it makes cutting an angle problematic
• The blade’s teeth don’t retain sharpness as well as the other candidates

Best for Professionals: Notch Sentei Telescoping Manual Pole Saw

The Notch Sentei Telescoping Manual Pole Saw is a premium option that perfectly suits the cutting needs of professionals when it comes to power, convenience, and durability.

The Notch Sentei manual pole saw is equipped with a Silky Hayauchi blade made of hard Japanese steel that cuts through branches and vines with unmatched ease. It’s chrome plated to resist corrosion, similar to the Corona TP 6780 but using higher quality metals.

The blade features a sharpened upper hook and a sharpened lower sickle to increase cutting efficiency. It’s 15.4 inches long, which is longer than the Corona TP 6870 and Fiskars Power-Lever but shorter than the Jameson LS-Series and the Scalebeard.

To boost the cutting performance more, the blade also has extra-large teeth to tackle stubborn branches from all sides. These teeth are impulse-hardened and every inch of the blade houses 5.5 teeth.

Product Specs

• Blade length: 15.4 inches
• Maximum pole reach: 21 feet
• Weight: 7.7 pounds
• Handle material: aluminum with foam grip

The unit even comes with a customized scabbard to protect the blade when not in use and keep it sharp.

The length of the Notch Sentei pole saw is one of its selling points. It’s the second-longest option on the list after the 26-inch Scalebeard, extending up to 21 inches.

It consists of 4 sections that you can quickly connect without needing tools. The fool-proof assembly is complete with an upgraded locking mechanism to ensure that the pole stays extended after you elongate it.

Another unique aspect of this manual pole saw is the material of the pole. Unlike all other candidates on the list, the Notch Sentei is built out of aluminum, not fiberglass. This is why it has superior resistance against bending.

You’d think this pole saw would be quite heavy due to the aluminum construction but it’s surprisingly lightweight at 7.7 pounds. Yes, it’s heavier than the previous options, but the durability trade-off is worth it if you’re looking for a professional tool.

Pros

• It comes with a sheath to protect the blade when stored
• The pole is made out of aluminum that effectively resists bending

Cons

• It costs at least 3 times the price of other options on the list

Best Adjustable: Scalebeard Manual Pole Saw Trimmer and Cutter Set

The Scalebeard Manual Pole Saw is a terrific option if you’re mostly concerned about length adjustability.

This manual pole pruning saw comes with 8 separate sections that fit together to extend from 3.3 feet up to 26 feet. You won’t find such a range on any of the other candidates today, which gives Scalebeard the lead when it comes to length adjustability.

Material-wise, this saw pole is made out of epoxy resin, which is comparable to fiberglass in durability but not as rigid as the aluminum in the Notch Sentei.

Product Specs

• Blade length: 17 inches
• Maximum pole reach: 26 feet
• Weight: 11 pounds
• Handle material: epoxy resin with rubber grip

The blade on this unit, however, is the longest out of all the options on my list at a whopping 17 inches. It’s built using strong carbon steel with a chrome coating to minimize sticking and corrosion.

The handle is also impressive thanks to the rubber grip that prevents slipping and keeps your hold comfortable. One last thing that you’ll only get with this model is the two carry bags included to make storage and transport more convenient.

Pros

• The longest on the list, this pole saw has a 26-inch maximum reach
• The blade is also the longest on the list at 17 inches

Cons

• The heaviest option on the list, weighing 11 pounds at full length

Manual Pole Saw Features to Consider

Here are the most important features to consider when choosing the best manual pole saw:

Maximum Reach

The maximum reach of the pole saw determines the maximum height you can trim at. This is really important to take into consideration as you use your pole saw.

A pole length between 14 and 16 feet is enough to meet the cutting needs of most homeowners. If you want to trim especially high branches, go for a pole saw more than 20 feet long.

If you’re not sure what height you’ll be working at every time, you can choose an adjustable pole saw to enjoy better flexibility.

Blade Length

The length of the blade affects its ability to cut through branches of varying thickness and how easy you can finish the job.

In any case, you don’t want a blade less than 13 inches long. This is as short as you can go for light-duty trimming of branches about 2 to 3 inches in diameter.

For thicker branches, a 16 or 17-inch blade should be enough to tackle heavy-duty cutting.

Weight

Manual pole saws require you to carry and work the tool without electrical assistance. You need to make sure the unit isn’t too heavy so you won’t quit a couple of minutes into the job.

Since the weight depends on the material and the length of the pole, you need to consider these factors when you’re choosing a unit. On my list, you can find pole saws as light as 5 pounds and as heavy as 11 pounds.

Gas powered pole saws will be heavier because they come with a motor. Electric pole saws are typically a bit lighter, but not as powerful. Manual pole saws are the lightest option on the market.

Material

Fiberglass is the most commonly used material in manufacturing manual pole saws because it’s both sturdy and lightweight. While this is true, it’s not the most durable or suitable for heavy-duty work.

In this case, aluminum or steel is a better choice as these materials are more resistant to bending and corrosion. While a bit more expensive, the best pole saws on the market are made from these sturdier material.

FAQs

Wrap Up

No trimming job is complete without a reliable pole saw to help you get rid of wild branches, stubborn vines, and rough limbs that ruin the way your lawn or garden looks.

If you’re looking for the all-around best manual pole saw, I recommend the Jameson LS-Series Hollow Core Manual Pole Saw Not only does it offer sufficient reach and blade length for medium-duty cutting, but it also has a pruner head for precise trimming of smaller branches.