Customer Reviews

Xtend & Climb 780P Aluminum Telescoping Ladder Type IA Professional Series, 12.5-Foot

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The Xtend & Climb ladder was purchased for accessing attic crawl spaces for work as an inspector and appraiser. Being 250 lbs I was concerned about buying a less expensive and lower pound rated ladder. There is a trade-off between weight and strength here. I am very satisfied with the quality and operation and it fits nicely into the trunk of a smaller car. Its heavier but can be carried under one's arm. I would recommend it for someone who is heavier or needs a stronger well built telescoping ladder.

I had a pretty unique situation needing to access an open storage/sleep loft at a small cottage. I didn't want a standard pull-down ladder and assumed I could get something I could drop off the front. Well, I could, for about $700. This ladder was the answer. This 12 footer folds up to about 2 feet high and easily fits behind the futon against a wall.
As far as the quality - I am impressed. The fit and feel of the piece is that of a fine piece of machinery. It is extremely easy to open (extend) and closing is just as easy. The mechanism for locking and unlocking each step is ingenious. Safety is built in when it comes to closing. The system stops short of full closure for the step closest to your hands until you close the last step - this prevents accidental pinching of your fingers between the closing steps - I was impressed.
I'm 6-3 and weigh 225 lbs. I extended this thing to its fullest and went up in several situations - inside and out; I felt just as secure as on any of my extension ladders - all of which are high quality. In addition, the feet have a heavy duty rubber pads that are extremely secure and gripping for inside use.
I am very, very pleased with this purchase.

Good idea but I can not close it without placing it horizontal. The weight of the extended ladder makes it impossible to push the thumb latched to release. it's OK for half extension. I've written the manufacturer twice and not rec'd a reply. I had a less expensive one that worked well until my car was rear ended. I thought the upgrade would be better; what a disappointment!

I researched a couple of telescoping ladder products and found the Xtend & Climb 780p to be a perfect choice. The measurements were conflicting on the Amazon website so I will give a definitive measurement. If you were to build a storage container it would fit inside of 4.75x19.75x32". The 4.75x19.75" measurement is at the base...at the top it tapers to 18 1/8x 3 1/8". It comes with a velcro strap that keeps the ladder compacted while transporting it. Built into the strap is a padded base that creates a natural holding position while transporting. The measurement from where your hand cusps the handle to the top of the ladder(which would be under your armpit) is 15". So someone with a shorter arm could easily carry this ladder. It's build sturdy and it weighs 29.6lbs. Extended it feels stable and well built. Time will tell on how it holds up.

The other aspect of the past reviews seems a little murky on how the telescoping feature works so I will try to paint the perfect picture...One note: The older version of this design must have been a finger pincher, However this design is brilliant. It has a fail-safe design that when retracting the ladder it only retracts the selected segment 5"(each rung spacing is 12" extended)
Selecting the next lower segment retracts the previous segment the final 7" and retracts the selected segment 5". This design keeps the compacting segments(the pincher) 7" away from your hands! In order to retract a segment you have to have both hands on each side of the ladder, with your thumbs horizontal contacting a safety latch. A simultaneous pushing action with your thumbs allows the segments to retract. The tolerance of the retracting tube design creates air pressure that deflects the weight of the retraction...a great design!

Another note the other reviews don't cover is that the first rung is a fixed 6" above the ground. This enables you to put your foot under the rung while positioning the ladder on the ground (while the ladder is not fully extended... you will figure this out sooner or later). And another note is that it's very difficult to retract the ladder in a horizontal position (and I would not recommend it since you really don't want to get the segments dirty or filled with abrasive grit since this will diminish the retraction design). With this in mind it would be a good idea to keep it covered when not in use.

This is a great ladder. I also have the 770 225 lb ladder and have been using it daily (I'm a contractor) for almost 5 years. The individual locks per rung is safer than the others. You do not have to worry about these ladders dropping back down if one is not in the 100% locked position when you are using it.

They are very handy and being a roofer, I no longer have to carry all my ladders with me. Therefore I save a lot more gas driving down the road. I can get up on 95% of all homes with this ladder. If it is a 2 story, I climb up on the porch roof and pull the ladder up and climb up to the next level. Yes, it is that light.

I suggest buying a second set of rubber pads (the feet). They will wear out. You can order them direct from the manufacturer. My pads lasted all this time and just now need to be replaced on the other ladder I have. They do last a long time but sooner or later, they will wear out.

I am also a home inspector and it is perfect for getting on the roofs and into attics.

I've only had to use it a couple of times but it seems solid and well built. I'm 235 and it's not wobblie or scary when I go up/down and it collapses nicely. It isn't a toy, it's pretty heavy and solid. At this point I'd say it was a very good item; if anything changes I'll be back to let you know.

Great product. It lives up to its hype. It works very well & feels solid & safe.

This is my 3rd one , I own a chimney service & would "NEVER" leave home without it!!! I got the 780P with the bag. I live in Michigan LOTSA SAND) Sand is a killer for these tolerances being so close. But if U own a biz that requiers 2 do estimates & other small jobs, you'll pay 4 it in less then a month!!!! Believe Me. Ive been doing this for 37 years!! If theres a easy way 2 do things , I know it!! Ha! I put my ladder through HELL & BACK!!! They're just plain GREAT!! Sure beats luggin a fiberglass ladder around !!!

This ladder is so much more handy than lugging around an extension ladder. It seems very sturdy and easy to use. It is definitely worth the money.

I use this ladder for attic access. I'm about 330lbs and I feel safe on it. It's pretty heavy. An adult male can handle it, but I don't recommend it for women or children without help. The strap makes it a lot easier to carry than it would otherwise be. It's pretty easy to extend. Make sure you read and follow the safty instructions. Closing the ladder is dangerous (possible crushed fingers) if you do not follow the safety instructions.

Like other reviews have pointed out, the surface area in contact with the ground is pretty small. If you don't take this into account when you place the ladder, there is the possibility of kickout.

This is a good ladder for my purposes. I don't have enough room in my closet for a regular ladder, and it was hard to find a telescoping ladder that was rated for my weight.

If you are lighter weight, or don't need to get into tight spaces, other ladders may be a better option for you.