FLHX Storm
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I used one of these mauls that a friend of mine had. The low weight was the first thing I noticed with it. It isn't seem to have the follow through that a 8lb maul has in hardwood .......................
Anyway, long post to say I agree that the weight of the X27 is too low which causes difficulty when splitting hard wood. My solution is to stick with my old mauls and save the money I would have spent on a Fiskars.
Bob
First, I have to say I have never used a splitting maul least of all anything weighing so much as the one you prefer to use. For that matter I have only been splitting wood since the middle of November this year. I was using an old regular wood handled axe. But it didn't split wood worth a darn. Then I went to lows and saw one that might work. It was their True Temper 4# Splitting Axe. Sure, it worked well, but beat me half to death. Since I had been on here lurking I had read a lot about the Fiskars X25 and X27 and decided to give it a try. That thing, no matter what I put in front of it, it will slice through. Some knotty extremely fibrous Black Birch did give it some trouble, but usually only required a few more swings to bite through it. I've easily sliced through elm, maple, and oak with it. I couldn't be happier with the X27, and it does provide quite a workout for me. When I switched from the True Temper over to the X27, it was a world of difference. My swings became more accurate so my splits became smaller. Since I have a wood stove, this is what I needed. I really do love the X27 and use it whenever I can!
When they finally get around to releasing the X39, 8.5# splitting maul, I will scoop one up ASAP. If it is anywhere near as durable and well balanced as the X27 I can be reasonably sure I will also be using that one on a regular basis as well.
Finally, I don't have big muscles, nor should I have! I don't go to the gym to work out because to me it is a waste of time and money. But give me the X27 and I have all the exercise I could ever need. I have become more toned and my stamina has increased exponentially without beating myself silly so that I can barely stand. I've got a minimum of 6 cords of wood under my belt in a bit over a month, and that doesn't include the seasoned wood I've had delivered to my place that I had to either split or re-split which was 2 cords. Or for that matter doesn't include cleanup. I also do not own or want to own or borrow or rent a wood splitter due to this. I can almost hear you now saying "Big Deal, I can do that with one hand tied behind my back in a day" BUT, here's the rub, I'm a 61 year old (widowed) grandmother!
I'm not saying one is better than the other, just stating my experience, limited as it may be as far as splitting firewood goes. Felling and bucking trees on the other hand, I've been doing since 2004 I believe.
Perhaps when the X39 comes out here in the US, give one of those a shot. You may like it enough to include it with your other splitting tools.