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  1. HDRock Minister of Fire

    joined: Oct 25, 2012
    1,118 posts
    Grand Blanc, Mi
    well, I like the X 25 it works good, and I think it gives me a little more control than a longer handle.

    Maybe they should make the handles like this ;lol
    ergonomic-snow-shovel.jpg
    #26

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  2. Dune Minister of Fire

    I have both the long and the shorter fiskars. I am much happier with the performance of the longer one. Save your money.
  3. Bigg_Redd Minister of Fire

    joined: Oct 19, 2008
    2,939 posts
    Shelton, WA
    You have the one with a 2.25lb head and 24" handle? Rilly?
  4. Dune Minister of Fire

    Yes. It was the only one available in my area at the time. I now keep it in my utility truck for some emergencies.
    Later I found the longer 4.4 pound version in a hardware store several hundred miles from here and bout it on the spot.
  5. Bigg_Redd Minister of Fire

    joined: Oct 19, 2008
    2,939 posts
    Shelton, WA
    You have used and own both, eh. . . you are a rare specimen, indeed.

    Next question: does your preference for the longer handle have anything whatsoever to do with your height?
  6. Dune Minister of Fire

    I doubt it. I didn't say you were incorrect about the height.
  7. Bigg_Redd Minister of Fire

    joined: Oct 19, 2008
    2,939 posts
    Shelton, WA

    WTF? That was my main point to the OP.
  8. Dune Minister of Fire

    My only point is that a longer handle imparts more impact.
  9. Bigg_Redd Minister of Fire

    joined: Oct 19, 2008
    2,939 posts
    Shelton, WA
    Right, until you were made to concede, by me, that at a certain length handles become unwieldy and inefficient.

    What length is that, BTW? And how do you know?
  10. Dune Minister of Fire

    Well, let's see. For the first 30 years or so I split wood with a 36" 8 pound mail.
    Eventually I found that a certain axe, with half that head weight could split better than the maul, and leave me less tired.
    Since I know from experience that if I have to, I can swing an 8 pound head 3 feet out, it is a given that the 4.4 pound head can also be readily swung 3 feet out, and clearly it strikes that much harder 3 feet out than 2 feet out.
  11. salmonhunter Member

    joined: Apr 16, 2012
    99 posts
    newbrunswick canada
    longer is better! maybee bigg_redd believes smaller is better because thats what his wife keeps telling him to not hurt his feelings!:p nah im just kidding. I think the longer handle is better but never used the smaller one so?
    Boog Powell likes this.
  12. mossycup New Member

    joined: Dec 4, 2010
    73 posts
    Northern Illinois
    I first bought the X25 and thought the handle was too short, so I sprang for the X27 as soon as it was available. I am 5'-10" tall and when I'm splitting and get into the groove, I have found that the X25 feels better when using a stump/block to split on. Now, when a crotchy, knotty piece sneaks onto the stump I sometimes have to break out the X27 for the bit of extra explosive swing that can go into it. My X25 and a sledge/wedge make good wood.
  13. trailmaker Member

    joined: Sep 24, 2010
    155 posts
    Northern California
    I've heard the term "kinetic chain sequence" when people discuss the mechanics of pitching. It's basically the idea that different parts of the body "unwind" like a whip cracking. The same physics must apply to swinging an axe. Each person has different physical dimensions and style of swing, so each person probably has a theoretical best handle length and head weight. I own both lengths and prefer the 28in axes, I feel like I'm getting a sharper faster "whip crack". I'm 5 feet 8 inches and use a splitting stump.
  14. freddypd Member

    joined: Jan 3, 2012
    125 posts
    Long Island NY
    Just got the X27 yesterday. Very nice. Gave it a few swings and it felt great. Of course I am a beginner and have nothing to compare it to. I also got the Fiskars sharpener.

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