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Telescoping ladders sound great in theory. They are compact, portable, and easy to store, but most of the ones I’ve tested have felt flimsy, unstable, or downright unsafe. I’ve reviewed my share of telescoping ladders over the years, and until now, I wouldn’t have recommended one for professional use.
Then I tested Werner’s TS1250.
Here’s what impressed me, and where it still has room to improve.
Top Pick
Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder
No Slipping. No Slamming. Just Smart Safety.
Most telescoping ladders I’ve tested have two major flaws: the top of the ladder tends to slip sideways when leaned against a wall, and the rungs slam shut when collapsed. That’s a safety risk, especially if you’re not fast enough to get your fingers out of the way.
Werner fixed both of these problems. The TS1250 has non-slip wall bumpers that keep the ladder steady against siding or drywall. And its air-assisted soft-close system lowers the rungs slowly, eliminating the risk of sudden, finger-pinching freefalls.
The last few rungs need a firm push to close, and if I had my way, Werner would add fold-down feet to better stabilize the base, but overall, this is still the safest telescoping ladder I’ve used.
The TS1250 Goes Where Other Ladders Can’t
When fully collapsed, the Werner TS1250 is just 35 inches tall, 21 inches wide, and weighs 33 pounds—compact enough for a car trunk and easy to lift into a truck bed.
I strapped it to the back of my truck toolbox for transport, and it stayed put the whole way. Whether you’re a contractor, home inspector, or just short on garage space, this ladder packs pro-level reach without the bulk and hassle of a full-size extension ladder.
Built for the Jobsite
The Werner TS1250 is built for pros who need to haul a ladder from site to site, especially when a traditional extension ladder won’t fit in the truck. It’s Type 1A rated to hold up to 300 pounds, and from what I’ve seen, it’ll handle that without a problem.
At around $469, it’s not cheap, but for contractors, insurance adjusters, or inspectors who need a durable, travel-ready ladder, it’s a smart investment. That said, I still prefer the feel of a sturdy extension ladder when space isn’t an issue, but the TS1250 has earned its spot in my truck.
Where to Buy the TS1250
Get the Werner TS1250 Telescoping Ladder at:
