I have a big old maple tree in my backyard. Every winter, I need to cut back dozens of branches. For years, I used a cheap pair of loppers that made the job a workout. My arms would ache. My hands would cramp. Then I bought the Fiskars PowerGear2 loppers and everything changed.
This review covers what I learned after using these loppers for two full seasons. Good stuff and bad stuff. No sugar-coating.
What Is the PowerGear2 Technology?
Fiskars has a patented gear mechanism inside the pivot point of these loppers. When you squeeze the handles, the gears multiply your force. Fiskars claims it gives you 3 times more cutting power than standard loppers. In my experience, that claim holds up.
Here is what that means in real life: A branch that would take two hands and all your strength with regular loppers gets cut with one smooth squeeze on the PowerGear2. The gears do the work. Your arms do less.
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Cutting Performance
The PowerGear2 is a bypass lopper. That means two curved blades pass each other like scissors. It cuts branches up to 2 inches thick according to Fiskars. In my testing, it handles 1.5-inch hardwood branches cleanly. Up to 2 inches on softwoods like pine or on green spring growth.
The blade is made from hardened steel with a non-stick coating. The coating helps sap and debris slide off instead of sticking. After a full day of pruning, I just wipe the blade with a rag and it looks clean. That coating really works.
The cut quality is excellent. Clean edges. No tearing. No crushed stems. Your plants heal faster with cuts like these.
What the Gears Feel Like in Use
The gear mechanism has a unique feel to it. When you start squeezing, the handles move easily for the first part of the stroke. Then the gears engage and there is a slight resistance. Once you push through that, the branch snaps clean. It takes a few cuts to get used to the rhythm but after that it feels natural.
The handles are 32 inches long. That gives you good reach into shrubs and small trees. The grips are comfortable with a soft texture. They do not slip when wet.
One thing I really like: the bumpers at the end of the cutting stroke absorb shock. Some loppers jar your wrists when they snap through a thick branch. The PowerGear2 has rubber bumpers that soften the impact. Your joints will thank you.
Weight and Balance
These loppers weigh about 4 pounds. That is average for loppers this size. The balance point is slightly forward of center, which helps when you are reaching into branches. You do not need to fight the tool to keep the cutting head where you want it.
After about 2 hours of continuous use, my shoulders start to feel it. That is not the tool’s fault – cutting branches overhead is just tiring. But compared to my old loppers, the PowerGear2 reduces the effort by a noticeable amount.
Durability Concerns
Here is where I need to be honest. I have read some reviews from people whose PowerGear2 loppers broke at the gear mechanism. I have not had that problem myself. But I also do not try to cut branches thicker than 2 inches, and I do not twist the loppers when cutting.
The gear mechanism has more moving parts than a simple pivot. More parts means more things that could potentially fail. That said, Fiskars has a lifetime warranty and their customer service is known to be good about replacements.
The blades hold an edge well. I have not needed to sharpen mine after two seasons of moderate use. The non-stick coating is still intact with no peeling or flaking.
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What I Do Not Like
The weight can be a problem if you have wrist or shoulder issues. Four pounds does not sound like much but after holding it overhead for a while, you feel it.
The gear mechanism requires a full open-and-close stroke. You cannot take short choppy cuts. Each cut needs the handles to open completely, engage the gears, and close completely. This slows you down on small branches where a quick snip would be faster.
The price runs about $35 to $45. Not cheap. But also not crazy expensive for a tool you will use for years.
Fiskars PowerGear2 vs Corona DualLINK
| Feature | Fiskars PowerGear2 | Corona DualLINK |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$40 | ~$45 |
| Mechanism | Patented gear | Compound linkage |
| Max Cut | 2 inches | 1.5 inches |
| Length | 32 inches | 32 inches |
| Weight | 4 lbs | 3.5 lbs |
Who Should Buy These Loppers
Get the PowerGear2 if you prune trees and large shrubs regularly. The gear mechanism saves real effort. If you have arthritis or weak grip strength, these are a great choice because the gears reduce the force you need to apply.
Get them if you want clean cuts on branches up to about 1.5 inches. If most of your branches are thicker than 2 inches, you should be using a pruning saw instead.
Skip them if you only need to trim a few small branches. A pair of hand pruners will do that job for less money. Skip them if you want something ultralight – 4 pounds is noticeable during long sessions.
My Verdict
The Fiskars PowerGear2 lopper is a solid tool. The gear mechanism is not a gimmick. It really does reduce the effort needed to cut through thick branches. The cut quality is clean. The non-stick blade coating works.
Are there tougher loppers out there? Yes. A professional arborist might want something heavier-duty. But for a homeowner who prunes several trees and shrubs each year, the PowerGear2 hits the sweet spot of price, performance, and ease of use.
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Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the PowerGear2 blades be sharpened?
Yes. Use a fine-grit file or diamond stone. Be careful not to damage the non-stick coating. Sharpen only the beveled edge, not the flat side.
Do these loppers come with a warranty?
Fiskars offers a lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects. It does not cover normal wear and tear or misuse. Keep your receipt.
Are replacement blades available?
Fiskars does sell replacement blades for the PowerGear2. However, most people find it is easier to sharpen the existing blade than to replace it.
Can left-handed people use these?
Yes. The PowerGear2 is ambidextrous. The gear mechanism works the same regardless of which hand is dominant.
How do I clean and maintain the gear mechanism?
Wipe the gears clean after use. Apply a drop of household oil to the pivot point and gear teeth once or twice a year. Do not use WD-40 as a long-term lubricant – it dries out.
