Editrial Review

Reviewed by: Meir Reiz
Reviewed on: 1/28/2009 4:32:03 PM

Pretty Cool

What it claims to do: The Little Giant Ladder claims to be the strongest, safest, most versatile and easy-to-store ladder in the world. It advertises 24 different positions and the ability to hold up to 300 lbs, and the manufacturer claims you will never buy another ladder after trying this one.

What we found: The Little Giant Ladder is definitely very versatile. My at-home extension ladder cannot instantly transform into a step ladder.

Actually getting the ladder into each of its potential positions was fairly straightforward. We were able to get the ladder into every position but the scaffolding in just under two minutes. After a little practice, changing positions took under 30 seconds a piece. One surprise: no matter how hard we tried, we could only find 18 positions - not 24. Seems the manufacturer counted some of the positions twice.

Figure 1. 24 positions? We found 18.

For the positions we did find, though, the locking mechanism seemed very safe and we felt very comfortable when using our new product around the office. It was also easy to tell when the ladder was locked into position.

And for portability? It is definitely easier to store the Little Giant than a 15-foot extension ladder. Despite its weighing 35 lbs, we still found it to be easier to carry around the office and up the stairs than a large extension ladder. It also saves a lot of storage space.

As for being the sturdiest ladder around, well, most of its positions seemed pretty safe, but as you can see in the video, the scaffolding was definitely not confidence inspiring. I would not let my kids paint the house while using it.

Little Giants also claim that this patent-pending design makes it one of the sturdiest and safest ladders possible. We must admit that there is a degree of truth to how sturdy and safe it feels, however it is not as unique as they would have you believe. Other ladder systems, such as the Gorilla, are almost an exact replica of the Little Giant design and cost far less. Check out our review and comparison of the Gorilla as well.

The Bottom Line: This is very useful, sturdy, versatile, and easy-to-store ladder. It is not the only ladder of its kind and is not great for use in the scaffolding position. But if those are not deal-breakers for you and if you don't mind the price, we think you'll be very happy with it.

Model Tested: Little Giant 17. 1A Aluminum Ladder

Recent Changes: Little Giant has added wheels to the bottom the ladder for easier transport.

Comparison of Little Giant Ladder Models:

	Model 13	Model 17	Model 22	Model 26
Weight capacity:	300-lbs.	300-lbs.	300-lbs.	300-lbs.
Ladder weight:	26 lbs.	35 lbs.	42 lbs.	54 lbs.
Min extension height:	7'	9'	11'	13'
Max extension height:	11'	15'	19'	23'
Min A-frame height:	3'	4'	5'	6'
Max. A-frame height:	5'	7'	9'	11'
Storage height:	3'7"	4'7"	5'7"	6'7"
Max scaffolding height:	3'	3'	3'	3'
Max workbench height:	3'	4'	5'	6'
Width at base:	24"	24.50"	27.50"	31"
Warranty:	Lifetime	Lifetime	Lifetime	Lifetime

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Average Customer Rating

Awesome!

by: Long time user, 8/16/2009 5:32:57 PM

Pros: Easy to operate. Very durable, transports easily, adjust and conforms for most applications

Cons: Maybe a little expensive but I would do it again

Bottom Line: I also have t 3foot ladder made by Werner which is great for around the house or used as an extension ladder to get into attics by stepping into instead of pulling myself into the attic.

Recommended: Yes

by: Ish Tam, 6/16/2009 2:01:21 AM

Pros: When collapsed, the ladder is very compact and can be transported inside a smaller vehicle (for those who don't have a pick-up or ladder rack).
Very versatile - reduces the need to bring multiple ladders to a jobsite.

Cons: Pricey - check Walmart and Costco for best value. There are lower cost versions produced by Werner that must be using the same patents.

Bottom Line: Meir indicated that one of the scaffolding trusses is not stable. The ladder should come with a second set of hinges to be used when the ladders are separated. With these hinges installed, the second truss is as stable as the first and can even be used as a separate ladder.

Recommended: Yes

by: mel, 2/9/2009 10:41:27 AM

Pros: Its the original and made in the USA

Cons: Its heavy but it has wheels

Bottom Line: I looked at the Chinese knock offs of the Little Giant and I couldnt believe how bad they were! Some didnt even weld the rungs on. They just used some rivits. This isnt like buying a screw driver, when it fails no one gets hurt, when a ladder fails you could be 15 - 20 feet in the air. The safety of me and my family is way more important than buying some piece of junk made in China.

Recommended: Yes

by: Ronald, 2/5/2009 12:36:11 AM

Pros: Versatile. Small.

Bottom Line: This ladder is quite versatile. I've only used the A-frame and extension versions, but both setups work well. The fact that it's so small when not in use makes it easy to move around inside the house without hitting into the walls as much.

Recommended: Yes

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