Werner Glidesafe Extension Ladder Makes Extending and Lowering Easier with More Control
Werner isn’t new to climbing the ladder…get it? But seriously, professionals that depend on quality know that Werner is a prime contender when they’re in the market for a new ladder or looking for the latest innovation. We got our hands on the Werner GlideSafe extension ladder to see what the hype is all about.
Pros
- Easy to extend and retract
- Dual locking system to help prevent ladder extension during transport
- Pre-pierced holes for accessory installation
- Pivoting feet shift for use on a variety of surfaces
Cons
- Heavier than some fiberglass options
- Pricey
Werner Glidesafe Extension Ladder Design Notes
Werner Glidesafe Technology
Werner’s lift-assist technology is the key feature on this ladder and is what we were most interested in learning more about.
The lift assist technology does more than just lighten the load when extending the ladder, it also helps prevent slamming and rope burns when you’re lowering the extension.
The Glidesafe mechanisms offer resistance to assist in raising and lowering the extension. A pair of small cables run on the inner channel of the ladder rails. These cables extend and retract from tensioners that provide resistance.
Glidesafe strays from the more traditional dual-pulley which simply employs a simple mechanical advantage and it really does work to make raising and lowering the extension easier and safer.
Build Materials And Duty Rating
Werner’s non-conductive fiberglass construction makes it ideal for electricians or anyone working around electricity. The aluminum rungs and Alflo rung joints help to mitigate any twisting or flexing while you’re on the ladder. Two aluminum guides on either side at the top provide support and prevent any lateral shiting.
With the initial GlideSafe series, all of the options have a Type 1A/300-pound duty rating.
| Type | Weight Rating | Duty Rating |
| 1AA | 375 pounds | Super Heavy Duty |
| 1A | 300 pounds | Extra Heavy Duty |
| 1 | 250 pounds | Heavy Duty Industrial |
| 2 | 225 pounds | Medium Duty Comercial |
| 3 | 200 pounds | Light Duty Household |
Aside from the Glide Safe tech, there are a couple of other features to point out about this model. First, the feet on this Werner extension ladder are a bit different than you might be used to. They flip down to create a pivoting foot that’s great for gripping hard surfaces like concrete. You can also flip them up to get spikes that dig into softer ground and improve the stability.
When the feet lock in place for soft ground, they’re not the easiest to kick back out. That’s good in the sense that they won’t slip while you’re on the ladder. You need to pull the feet toward the bottom of the ladder before you can make them pivot. We find it easiest to lay the ladder on its side to make it happen.
Dual Locking System
The Werner T6228-2GS features a dual locking safety system that prevents accidental extension while you’re transporting the ladder. Step one is a buckling nylon strap that connects a parallel rung from each of the sections in order to prevent any vertical shifting. Step two is a thumb lever on the left side that you press before you can raise the extension.
Available Accessories
- Padded Fixed V-Rung
- QuickClick Ladder Stabilizer
- Cable Hooks
- Adjustable Pole Lash
Additional Features
- Polypropylene rope
- Mar-resistant moulded end caps
Werner Glidesafe Extension Ladder Price and Options
Werner’s Glidesafe extension ladder is a Pro-level product and unsurprisingly carries a premium price. At $399.99 for the 28-foot model we tested, it’s more than homeowners are typically willing to spend, but Pro’s know quality is worth shelling out a little extra especially when safety is a concern.
Here are the other lengths and prices available:
- 20ft – $279.99
- 24ft – $339.99
- 28ft – $399.99
- 32ft – $469.99
- 36ft – $525.99
- 40ft – $659.99
The Bottom Line
The Werner Glidesafe extension ladder offers noticeably lighter and smoother extension along with a controlled descent for safer operation. While it is a bit on the heavier side than some fiberglass options, the lift assistance makes it feel like you’re working with a much lighter ladder.
Werner Glidesafe Extension Ladder Specifications
- Tested Model: Werner T6228-2GS
- Length: 28 ft
- Max Extenable Reach: 27 ft
- Ladder Rating: Type 1A – 300 lbs.
- Ladder Type: Extension
- Max Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Material: Fiberglass
- Product Weight: 59.5 lbs.
- Rung Type: Tri-Rung
- Foot Design: Shu-Lok with spur plate
- Collapsed Dimensions (LxWxH): 14.3 x 1.6 x .5 ft.
- Price: $399.99
