Best Manual Pole Saw Pruners for the money under $100, $200, $300 & over | Review & Buyer Guide [2022]

Did you know that some manual pole saws are longer than mechanical ones and can help you reach the smaller but higher up branches with the longer pole. 

But all manual pole saws are not created equal. Like everything there are some good and bad high priced products and some good and bad cheaper ones. I have spent hours reviewing and comparing the top models in each price class so you don’t have to.

I hope that you find my 4,000+ word article helpful. Please consider sharing this article with others, let’s help them too!

Here are my top manual pole saw picks in each price category:

• Under $100: Fiskars Power-Lever
• Under $200: Fiskars Chain Drive
• Under $300: Silky 179-39
• At any price: Barnel Z555P3

Read on to read a comparison of the top choices available on the market!

 

Best Manual Pole Saw under $100: pay less for great quality

The Fiskars Power-Lever is my top pick under $100.

First, here’s a little about the company, Fiskars makes every tool designed for your body, the way you like to work and the activity you love. The company puts in the research before they create which has made their tools favorites among many passionate people worldwide.

The Power-Lever has a pole that has a solid length of 7 feet which can be extended up to 14 feet. This is a great feature for getting to those high branches but the models under $100 can only reach up to 14 feet so if your trees are quite tall then I suggest you look at other models above $100.  With the pruner tool you can prune smaller branches up to 1-1/8 inch thick and for the larger branches you can easily attach the saw which is 15 inches. So you can cut small and larger branches with this model!

Another great feature is its’ oval-shaped fiberglass pole that greatly reduces flex (bending of the pole), which allows you to control the cut direction and it fits the natural shape of your hand. It’s designed to fit your comfort and get all your tasks done.

The model weighs 5.35 pounds and it’s a good weight considering some of the other products weigh a lot more. I give this product 4.5 stars, it has great customer feedback and it has full lifetime warranty. That is right, lifetime warranty!

Check current price and customer reviews of the Power-Lever by Fiskars here on Amazon.

Related: How to prune a tree with a chainsaw

 

Best Manual Pole Saw under $200: great for DIY home use

The Fiskars Chain Drive is my top pick under $200.

That is right another Fiskars model as best in price class. This model (the Chain Drive) is a bit more expensive but also has better features. It has a longer pole than the Fiskars power lever (my top pick under $100) and also more powerful pruning shear that can handle slightly bigger branches. It is a bit heavier at 5.85 pounds because of the extra pole length.

 

The Fiskars Chain Drive is significantly better than the power level model and I think worth the extra money you spend.  

 

Go check out the latest price and customer reviews of the Chain Drive by Fiskars here on Amazon.

 

Best Overall Manual Pole Saw under $300: best for professionals

The Silky 179-39 is my top pick under $300.

The 179-39 is designed by Silky, which is a Japanese company that have nearly 100 years of experience, known to have the finest cutlery steel known to man. Silky continues to raise the bar for quality, endurance and cutting efficiency that none can match, leading the industry in both design and innovation. This model has 3 extensions that have a full length of 21 feet, this is a great length for really tall trees and high branches. There are only a few pole saws that offer this great feature. The aluminum alloy extension poles are oval shaped, which provides precise control over the direction of the blade which is very important for high cutting and giving strength and rigidity to the pole thus reducing bending to the minimum.

As in for ergonomics, the base pole has a pole-end shock absorber and comfortable rubberized overgrip which ensures good hold and control, which is very significant if you’re planning on working for long hours. The 15-2/5-inch curved blade utilizes proprietary Silky 4-RETSUME Technology, which means that the teeth are set in such a way that there appear to be 4 rows of them. It’s ideal for the toughest pruning jobs!

The blade can be adjusted to two different angles for lower or higher cutting and features an upper and lower sickle. The upper sickle is used to cut vines. The lower sickle is used to undercut bark and it provides a clean cut without damaging the tree, while upper sickle prevents blade from slipping off the limb.

This is a 5 star item which has outstanding customer reviews that all seem to be very satisfied. This is my overall recommendation if you’re looking to purchase a pole saw, it can be used for small and tough jobs. Go check out the latest price and customers reviews of the Silky 179-39 on Amazon. If you’ve checked it out then you have probably realized the price is a bit high but this product will 100% sure meet all of your expectations.

As I’ve mentioned above my overall choice is the Silky 179-39 but it’s also important to look at every option available. Here are some of the finest tools under the same price category:

• Wicked Tree Gear Tough Pole Saw – it has a great blade made perfect for clearing shooting lanes and getting those branches way above your head and it even folds down for easy transport!

• Jameson Fiberglass – great model that provides high quality performance and it’s very easy to use.

 

Best Manual Pole Saw at any price (over $300): performance

The Z555P3 by Barnel, the company offers an array of new products and upgrades that will take your field experience to a higher level, complimenting productivity. They have one of the most complete professional product portfolios on earth and have continued to incorporate the best of the best steel and aluminum alloys that set Barnel apart. It has a pole of 7.3 feet that can be extended up to 23 feet. Out of all the products I have reviewed this is the one that has the longest length, so if your daily struggle is not being able to reach all the branches then this is definitely the one for you.

It has a laser impulse hardened tri-edge teeth that never need sharpening, this means you don’t ever have to worry about replacing it! This feature also improves the power of the model since it’s made from such a strong material and it leaves great finishes that you’ll be very happy with.

The blade is made from SK4 Japanese high-carbon samurai sword steel with a hard chrome protective finish it also has a 4-stage extruded aircraft alloy aluminum pole with comfortable TPR grip. I give this model 4 stars, check out the current price of the Z555P3 by Barnel on Amazon.

If you have reviewed the price then I know you’re probably thinking it’s way over your budget but it’s a very high quality tool and will surprise you and help fix all your gardening issues.

Related: How to make garden mulch from tree waste

Best Manual Pole Saws Review – Comparison Table

 

Related: Best woodchipper for use at home

Having a hard time choosing?

After viewing all the models above you’re probably even more lost, so in the section below I’m going to do a full review of each model, listing down the pros and cons you should consider.

 

Reviews of Manual Pole Saws under $100

Milliard Foot Extendable

If you want to make a breeze out of pruning trees, a Milliard Telescoping Pole Saw and Tree Pruning Tool will do that with ease. The sharp blades on their pruning shears help make cutting easier, but applied physics make it even easier still. It has a large 1.5 inch cutting aperture which also means you can cut bigger branches. If it fits, it snips without annoying power cords or batteries to slow you down.

The 14 inches saw blade is tempered with high-carbon steel to hold its edge over prolonged use, which is the same process that’s used in forging quality knives and swords! Each saw tooth is also 3-sided and specially sharpened for maximum cutting on each stroke back and forward, for twice the efficiency with half the effort. The 1.2mm thick blade is also treated with a non-stick surface to reduce friction for smooth cutting with fewer snags. Wipe it down after every use to keep it clean and neat!

 

It doesn’t matter if you’re small or tall, the tree pruner will make short work out of high branches. The lightweight extension pole equals to no treacherous climbing or wobbly ladders necessary. The extension pole is fiberglass-reinforced for strength and rigidity while you work, and collapses to half its size for storage and portability when the work is done.

 

It also offers an adjustable grip handle that’s great for getting the leverage you need for pulling on the full-length pulley rope. With the compound pulley system built in to the pruning head, your effort is multiplied 4x when nipping through branches, so you have 4x less work to do. Isn’t that great?

 

I give this tool 4 stars, it has good customer reviews and it’s a very strong and durable design. It also has good weight compared to expensive models.

 

Go check out the current price of the Milliard Telescoping Pole Saw here on Amazon.

 

Key features

• Pole length: 14 feet
• 5.05 pounds
• Fiberglass for easy maneuverability
• $ Cheaper price

 

Pros	Cons
Great price	Bends a bit
Very easy to use
Comfortable

 

 

Fiskars Power-Lever

Here’s a little about the company, Fiskars makes every tool designed for your body, the way you like to work and the activity you love. The company puts in the study before they create which has made their tools favorites among passionate people worldwide.

 

The Power-Lever has a pole that has a solid length of 7 feet which can be extended up to 14 feet. This is a great feature for getting to those high branches but most models under $100 can only reach up to 14 feet so if your trees are quite tall then I suggest you look at other models above $100.  With this tool you can prune smaller branches up to 1-1/8 inch thick and for the larger branches you can easily attach the saw which is 15 inches. So yes you read that right you can cut small and larger branches with this model!

 

Another great feature is its’ oval-shaped fiberglass pole that greatly reduce flex, which allows you to control the cut direction and fit the natural shape of your hand. It’s designed to fit your comfort and get all your tasks done.

The model weighs 5.35 pounds and it’s honestly a good weight considering some of the other products weigh a lot more. I give this product 4.5 stars because it’s very well reviewed by customers and it has full lifetime warranty.

 

Check current price and customer reviews of the Power-Lever by Fiskars here on Amazon.

 

Key features

• Pole length: 14 feet
• Full lifetime warranty
• 2X more power
• Oval-shaped fiberglass pole
• $ Cheaper price

 

Pros	Cons
Really good price	Not a sharp cutter
Great performance
Easy to use

 

Reviews of Manual Pole Saws under $200

Fiskars Chain Drive

The Chain Drive by Fiskars gives you up to 3X more cutting power than traditional designs, which is great if you’re looking for a lot of power and speed. A great advantage is the oval-shaped, lightweight yet strong pole that reduces flex, allowing you to control the direction of the cut and fit the natural shape of your hand. Now if you’re one of those people that think about safety then get this, it has an unique double locking system that ensures the pole stays extended for superior control without movement.

 

The model has two different cutting options, the pole saw and the detachable saw. The pole extends up to 16 feet which is great for reaching high branches, it also trims branches up to 1-1/4″ thick with the sharp, durable steel pruner that has a special low-friction coating for smooth cutting, reduced gumming and enhanced rust resistance. The compact design helps prevent snagging when reaching into tight spaces. For the thicker branches, you can easily detach the 15 inch WoodZig saw within seconds, that features a special hooked end that anchors the saw and prevents the blade from slipping out of the cutting groove for your own safety.

I give this model 4.3 stars because it has great customer reviews and a great plus is that it has full lifetime warranty. In all honestly this tool isn’t designed for heavy duties, I recommend it for home users.

 

Go check out the latest price and customer reviews of the Chain Drive by Fiskars here on Amazon.

 

Key features

• Pole length: 16 feet
• Warranty: full lifetime
• 5.85 pounds
• $ Cheaper price

 

Pros	Cons
Very easy to use	Bends a bit
Safety features	Not for heavy use
Good control

 

Corona TP 6870

Here’s a little bit about Corona, for over 90 years, they have been dedicated to offering a full range of professional lawn and garden tools. They provide you with the highest quality tools, parts and support for all your gardening needs. The TP 6870, works with the pull of the rope handle, Corona’s Chain Drive Dual Compound action pulley system triples the cutting power as its’ heavy duty zinc alloy pruning head hooks onto branches up to 1 1/4 inches in diameter and slices through the branches with the fully heat treated.

Each whetstone-ground MAX RazorTOOTH on the saw blade is sharpened on three sides for a blade that cuts twice as fast as a conventional saw blade and the teeth are impulse hardened for a longer life. Impressive, right? The model has a high-strength zinc-alloy pruning head and a fully heat-treated, high carbon coated steel blade which reduces friction and improves efficiency. The overall length of the pole is 14 feet, which isn’t really a lot but this tree pruner is an ideal choice for personal or professional use. Other features include a comfortable 24-inch foam grip and a lightweight telescoping fiberglass pole.

 

The pole also features a twist-lock adjustment for quick and safe pole adjustment. I give this product 4 stars because it comes from a very well-known company that’s very dependable and the item has great customer reviews too! If I may also add it has a great price that provides quality.

Go check out the latest price and customer reviews of the TP 6870 by Corona here on Amazon

Key features

• Pole length: 14 feet
• Limited lifetime warranty
• 7 pounds
• $ Cheaper price

 

Pros	Cons
Great price	A bit heavy
Easy to use

 

Reviews of Manual Pole Saws under $300

Barnel Z555P2

Barnel pole saw blades are tri-edged, laser impulse hardened hollow ground SK4 Japanese Samurai sword steel with a hard chrome finish. The Z555P2 features a 3-stage extruded aircraft alloy aluminum poles with a comfortable TPR grip. This is a very well-built model that has a very strong material that ensures durability. It includes a telescoping aluminum pole that is designed exclusively to fit Barnel professional products and accessories.

The pole extends up to 21 feet, being one the longest one in all of these models. This model features high quality construction with unmatched, lasting performance that will be appreciated by landscape professionals and garden enthusiasts alike. One of the disadvantages is the weight, unfortunately it’s very heavy which could prolong your tasks and work.

I give this product this product 4 stars because it’s manufactured from a trustworthy company that will exceed your expectations.

Check out the current price of the Z555P2 by Barnel on Amazon

Key Features

• Pole length: 21 feet
• 10 pounds
• Fits other products
• $$$ Expensive

 

Pros	Cons
Extends longer	Heavy
Comfortable	A bit expensive

 

Wicked Tree Gear Tough Pole Saw

The Tough Pole Saw by Wicked Tree Gear has a telescoping design and an 11 inch curved arborist blade that’s made perfect for clearing shooting lanes and getting those branches above that are too high. The pole extends up to 15 feet which isn’t a lot compared to some of the other models. It cuts through all types of trees very smoothly and fast! On the other hand if you’re thinking about safety then guess what this model has a zero hinge lock that eliminates movement and a safe blade lock with hardened steel lock-pin and hardware. The blade is designed to cut at maximum efficiency and to last a long time.

A plus feature is its’ quick way of folding it down to a super compact size for easy transport, you won’t have to worry about the struggle of carrying it from one place to another. Another advantage is the weight, this is the lightest one out of all the models, this is a great feature if you get tired easily or just simply know you’re going to be working for hours.

 

I personally give this product 4 stars because it’s very well-built and it doesn’t weight so much.

Check out the current price of the Tough Pole Saw by Wicked Tree Gear here on Amazon

Key features

• Pole length: 15 feet
• 4.6 pounds
• Easy to carry
• $$$ Expensive

 

Pros	Cons
Safety features	Pole isn’t too long
Easy to use
Cuts smooth and fast

 

Silky hayauchi 21-ft pole saw pruner – New Professional Series 179-39

The 179-39 is designed by Silky, which is a Japanese company that have nearly 100 years of experience, known to have the finest cutlery steel known to man. Silky continues to raise the bar for quality, endurance and cutting efficiency that none can match, leading the industry in both design and innovation. This model has 3 extensions that have a full length of 21 feet, this is a great length for really tall trees and high branches. There are only a few pole saws that offer this great feature. The aluminum alloy extension poles are oval shaped, which provides precise control over the direction of the blade which is very important for high cutting and giving strength and rigidity to the pole thus reducing bending to the minimum.

 

As in for ergonomics, the base pole has a pole-end shock absorber and comfortable rubberized overgrip which ensures good hold and control, which is very significant if you’re planning on working for long hours. The 15-2/5-inch curved blade utilizes proprietary Silky 4-RETSUME Technology, which means that the teeth are set in such a way that there appears to be 4 rows of them. It’s ideal for the toughest pruning jobs!

The blade can be adjusted to two different angles for lower or higher cutting and features an upper and lower sickle. The upper sickle is used to cut vines. The lower sickle is used to undercut bark and it provides a clean cut without damaging the tree, while upper sickle prevents blade from slipping off limb.

 

This is a 5 star item which has outstanding customer reviews that all seem to be very satisfied. This is my overall recommendation if you’re looking to purchase a pole saw, it can be used for small and tough jobs.

 

Go check out the latest price and customers reviews of the Silky 179-39 on Amazon.

 

If you’ve checked it out then you have probably realized the price is a bit high but this product will 100% sure meet all of your expectations.

 

Key features

• Pole length: 21 feet
• Limited lifetime warranty
• 6.9 pounds
• $$$ Expensive

 

Pros	Cons
Strong	A bit heavy
Good performance

 

Jameson Fiberglass

Jameson has been around for nearly 60 years, their feedback has been the basis for every new product and re-design. Jameson tools are field tested to ensure real-time productivity and they back it up with a guarantee to perform. Their tools are preferred by professional arborists, landscapers and line clearance teams. The Jameson Fiberglass is part of a series that was introduced over 50 years ago to meet the needs of telecommunication linemen. It’s composed by fiberglass, and its’ strength and durability proved indispensable when lifting leak detection equipment onto aerial cables and soon replaced wooden poles as the industry standard.

This model is Jameson’s thinnest walled pole, that offers less fatigue during extended work periods and easier handling. As in for weight it has the lowest one out of the whole series, which is great for long working hours. It’s also very durable, it has a high gloss enamel coating for long life, easy cleaning, and prevention of fiber bloom. I give this product 4 stars because I personally think it’s better for simple tasks and not for heavy duties.

 

Go check out the current price of the Jameson Fiberglass here on Amazon.

 

Key features

• Pole length: 18 feet
• 4.8 pounds
• Easy handling
• $$$ Expensive

 

Pros	Cons
Very light
Good performance

Related: How to chop a tree in a direction that you want

Reviews of Manual Pole Saws over $300

Barnel Z555P3

The Z555P3 by Barnel, the company offers an array of new products and upgrades that will take your field experience to a higher level, complimenting productivity. They have one of the most complete professional product portfolios on earth and have continued to incorporate the best of the best steel and aluminum alloys that set Barnel apart. It has a pole of 7.3 feet that can be extended up to 23 feet. Out of all the products I have reviewed this is the one that has the longest length, so if your daily struggle is not being able to reach all the branches then this is definitely the one for you.

It has a laser impulse hardened tri-edge teeth that never need sharpening, this means you don’t ever have to worry about replacing! This feature also improves the power of the model since it’s made from such a strong material and it leaves great finishes that you’ll be very happy with. It has a 17 inch curved 5.5mm-pitch aggressive raker tooth blade, that’s perfect to cut strong and wide branches and ideal for speed sawing.

 

The blade is made from SK4 Japanese high-carbon samurai sword steel with a hard chrome protective finish it also has a 4-stage extruded aircraft alloy aluminum pole with comfortable TPR grip. This is a product that will last you years considering how powerful the material is, so I give this model 4 stars. In all truth it’s the most heaviest out of all the models so if you’re planning on spending hours doing some backyard work then I suggest you consider the other models.

Check out the current price of the Z555P3 by Barnel on Amazon.

If you have reviewed the price then I know you’re probably thinking it’s way over your budget but it’s a very high quality tool and will surprise you and help fix all your gardening issues.

 

Key features

• Pole length: 23 feet
• 12 pounds
• Hard chrome finish
• $$$ Very expensive

 

Pros	Cons
Blade never needs sharpening	Very expensive
Great material	Heavy
Great speed

Related: Types of saws and what they are used for

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What are the differences: Fiskars vs Corona pole pruner?

Fiskars Chain Drive Vs. Corona TP 6870

Starting with the most important quality you could look for in a pole saw, the Fiskars Chain Drive has a pole length of 16 feet meanwhile the Corona TP 6870 has a pole length of 14 feet. The Fiskars Chain Drive has a 15 inch hooked WoodZig saw for removing larger branches, which can be detached while the Corona TP 6870 has a curved 13 inch toothed saw blade.

 

Fiskars Chain Drive	Corona TP 6870
Pole length: 16 feet	Pole length: 14 feet
5.85 pounds	7 pounds
Full lifetime warranty	Limited lifetime warranty
Secure double locking system	Twist-lock adjustment

 

Fiskars Power-Lever Vs. Corona TP 6870

The Fiskars Power-Lever includes a precision-ground steel pruner for cutting branches up to 1-1/8 inch thick meanwhile the Corona TP 6870 cuts up to 1-1/4 inches of diameter. The Corona TP 6870 features a high-strength zinc-alloy pruning head and a fully heat-treated, high carbon coated steel blade. The  Fiskars Power-Lever has a durable steel pruner boasting a special low-friction coating for smooth cuts, reduced gumming and enhanced rust resistance.

 

Fiskars Power-Lever	Corona TP 6870
Pole length: 14 feet	Pole length: 14 feet
5.35 pounds	7 pounds
Full lifetime warranty	Limited lifetime warranty
Secure double locking system	Twist-lock adjustment

 

What are the differences: Jameson vs Silky pole saw?

Jameson Fiberglass Vs. Silky 179-39

The Jameson Fiberglass is the thinnest walled and lightest pole, which means less effort during extended work periods and easier handling while the Silky 179-39 is a lot heavier. The Silky 179-39 has an extension range of 8 feet to 21-feet while the Jameson Fiberglass only reaches up to 18 feet. The Silky 179-39 has aluminum alloy extension poles that are oval shaped, providing precise control over the direction of the blade and giving strength and rigidity to the pole thus reducing bending to the minimum. The Jameson Fiberglass has a high gloss enamel coating for long life, easy cleaning, and prevention of fiber bloom.

 

Jameson Fiberglass	Silky 179-39
Pole length: 18 feet	Pole length: 21 feet
4.8 pounds	6.9 pounds
	Limited lifetime warranty
4 stars	5 stars

 

What are the differences: Barnel vs Silky pole saw?

Barnel Z555P3 Vs. Silky 179-39

The Barnel Z555P3 has the longest pole at 23 feet long whilst the Silky 179-39 has a pole length of 21 feet. The Barnel Z555P3 is a lot heavier than the Silky 179-39. The Silky 179-39 has a 15-2/5-inch curved blade that utilizes proprietary Silky 4-RETSUME (Four Rows of Teeth) technology and can be adjusted to two different angles for lower or higher cutting, meanwhile, the Barnel Z555P3 has a 17-inch curved 5.5mm-pitch aggressive raker tooth blade that does not need sharpening. As for safety, the Silky 179-39 has two locking systems that are incorporated to assure structural rigidity of the extended poles. The two systems are designed to work together and allows 100% of the effort at the handle to be effectively transferred to the blade.

Barnel Z555P3	Silky 179-39
Pole length: 23 feet	Pole length: 21 feet
12 pounds	6.9 pounds
	Limited lifetime warranty
4 stars	5 stars

 

Pole Saw Pruner Buyer’s Guide

After looking at all the models, you should have a few in mind right now or at least I hope so. There are some things you should consider before making the final decision. Think about the tasks you’re going to complete with this tool, are they simple or tough? Can the one you have in mind handle it? Here they are:

 

• Use: pick your model according to your personal needs, if you know you’re only going to use it once in a while then don’t spend too much but if this is not your case then I highly recommend you consider having a higher budget.
• Specifications: you should take a look at the work you’re going to be doing before purchasing the tool, is the height going to be enough to complete the work? You should also consider the weight of the product because it’s a really important factor to think about.
• Budget: Know what you are prepared to spend. Spending more can get you a better pole saw if you choose wisely but you don’t need to have a big budget to get a quality one.
• Features: you should think about the warranty. If for some reason this item breaks then are you going to lose your money or get a new item.

 

Taking in all this information is a lot, trust me I know but it’s very important you are aware of all the factors when making such an important purchase. In reality these elements could come in use when buying any kind of product and I hope you take them under consideration.

 

Ready to decide?

Again, here are my top picks in each price category:

Best manual under $100: Fiskars Power-Lever

Best manual under $200: Fiskars Chain Drive

Best manual under $300: Silky 179-39

Best manual at any price: Barnel Z555P3

My overall recommendation is the  Silky 179-39, if you have a higher budget then this is definitely the one to get. If you don’t want to spend that much you could get the Fiskars Chain Drive for under $200, which is also a great manual pole saw. For those on a tight budget I strongly recommend the  Fiskars Power-Lever it is a great low price option that is still good quality.

I hope this has helped you decide or at least have a few models in mind. If you choose any of the recommended mentioned above you will be spending your money in the best way possible!