Opinions: New pole pruner

[ATH]

I have a Silky Hayate - it was a 21'... I dropped a chunk on the bottom end and smashed all 4 sections. After cutting that end off and drilling new holes for the locking buttons, it now has a total reach of 15'. The good news is that it will be more manageable for climbing use (lighter and shorter when collapsed...).

While 15' is probably good enough...I did find myself using the full length enough to justify replacement. This saw has absolutely paid for itself and I would recommend it.

HOWEVER...since I am replacing it and I now have a great saw for the rare time I want it while climbing, should I look to the traditional attaching poles or just buy another telescoping Hayate?

The benefits I see in the traditional poles:
*I can put a pruner head on them (I am looking at the Corona that is supposed to cut 1.75" diameter) -- this is the biggest benefit I'm looking at these.
*They are a little safer around lines (I'm not using it around lines...but just in case).
*If I am dumb enough to drop something on it again, the fix will be much quicker and cheaper.
*Lighter (?) - especially on the shorter lenghts. I didn't find the Hayate too heavy to use...but I would really would not mind a lighter pole either.

The advantage of getting another Hayate is that I know what I am getting and I like it...

If I get the poles, which ones? (Brand) Jameson/Marvin/? (And style) Wood/Hollow fiberglass(Not the cheapest)/foam filled (not so much for the di-electric testing since I am not working on lines...more for the added rigidity)?

Also, which saw blade is as good as the Hayate?

I am not looking for the "right" answer ('cause there probably isn't one), but just your thoughts.

Finally: (this may be a right/wrong question) Is the best plan to buy an 8' base and (2) 6" extensions?

Thanks!

 

[Blakesmaster]

I'm a fan of the Jameson hollows. The filled are nice for safety but don't add much as far as rigidity is concerned. I hate the orange guys, I think they're the Marvin's. The snap always seems to come undone at the worst times. I've n'er used the Silky telescoping ones but am considering the purchase of that item to try it out.

 

[pdqdl]

The Corona is the best pruning head you can get, IMO. It does have a big drawback though: the lever that delivers that great lopping power sweeps through quite a bit of airspace. If you are crowded with lots of other branches in the way, it will hang up and prevent it's use.

 

[Jlarnard]

I like the marvin square mount for climbing. I use a 2x4 ripped in half. As long as you put the grain the right way the flex is minimal. I like corona double pulley heads for ground work.