Gorilla Ladders GLF-5X Hybrid Ladder Review

Why do I climb a ladder? Well, It's not because it's there. But if my task at hand is above my head I'm going to be looking for a ladder to climb. All ladders are designed, one way or the other, to elevate your reach, but can't a ladder also make your reach a little easier? So I climbed atop the Gorilla Ladders Fiberglass Hybrid ladder to see if its design is worth the climb.

In my experience, the typical hardware store A-frame ladder offers little in the choice of function. They fold out; offer you some climbing steps; and as an added bonus, give you a top shelf with a few random holes that never seem adequate to hold whatever tool you might be using, and that appears so much more like a step than a tray that it has to be labeled, "this is not a step." 

The Gorilla GLF-5X Fiberglass Hybrid Ladder, however, has a design that seems to recognize a purpose for standing on it in the first place. But before you can stand on a ladder, you have to get it open. One thing I quickly noticed about the Gorilla hybrid ladder was how easily it folds out. No wrestling to spread apart pairs of legs. I could do it with one hand, which is great when I have a screw gun in the other hand.

When compared with a typical 6-foot ladder, which is a misnomer considering again those forbidden "steps", the top platform of the 5.5-foot Gorilla ladder puts you at about 45 1/2 inches, with a standing surface deep enough to support your feet. And if your work puts you facing a wall, this ladder puts you closer. With the leg of the ladder touching the baseboard, your toes will be about 9" from the wall, whereas most ladders put you twice as far (18") at the same height.

So, once you're on the ladder you've got to set down an occasional tool, right? The top tray of the Gorilla  GLF-5X fiberglass hybrid ladder offers a well-designed array of holes, slots, bucket hooks, and a nice nesting spot for a drill that won't have it toppling to the floor. And of course, Gallon and quart size paint cans can be centered in place.

Gorilla Ladders also has an aluminum version (GLA-5X) of their hybrid ladder, which is just as sturdy but is lighter to carry, and also cost a little less. It opens up just as easily, and has the same deep standing platform, but the tool tray seems to be more adequately designed for painters.

I really liked using this ladder; it's easier to lift and carry, easier to open, easier on the feet, and yet has a sturdy feel to it. It has a Type I Duty Rating with a 250 lb. weight capacity, which is plenty enough for me and my tools, though it feels like it can support much more. Priced at around $70 for the Fiberglass model GLF-5X and $50 for the Aluminum model GLA-5X, they don't even cost more than a traditional 6-foot ladder; and in my opinion, the Gorilla Hybrid ladders are much better. BUY - Homedepot