Transforma Ladder

[RedShirtGuy]

I have to admit, I drool a little whenever I see the ads for the Transforma ladder on telly. But being the sort of "late night" ad that it is makes me skeptical of the product.

Does anyone have one, or tried one?

[fubar]

had the fireys over to attend a small house fire the other week and they were using what I think is the original transformer ladder and it was solid as .It had a folding hinge in the middle and both ends telescoped they used it to get over garden bed then upto roof while avoiding live wires and arcing melting exploding phase box
The construction seemed very solid and the way that bloke handles the one in the add it seems very lightweight in comparison to the one I have seen used
But no I havent seen the transformer one in the flesh

[NCArcher]

Do not buy that ladder. Well you can if you really want to but it is a copy of the Gorilla Contractor ladder. I've had one for about 5 years and it's the best ladder i've ever owned or used. I'm pretty sure i paid $99 when i bought it from the green shed. Definately not nearly $400.

Gorilla Ladders - Multi Purpose Contractor

[Malperth]

Do NOT buy that piece of junk or any other multi-purpose ladder!

Here's my story; I bought a Bailey BXS 20 multi purpose ladder. I paid $240 for the well known Bailey quality, I thought I paid for a premium made in Australia ladder. The ladder was wobbly as hell when extended to its max 4.5m height and it weighs a ton. Now I know why the Bailey BXS series are the only ladders in Bailey's industrial range that's made in China.

Luckily the retailer I bought it from accepted an exchange and now I've got a high quality made in Australia Bailey Comet Plus 7 dual purpose ladder that does almost everything.

[artme]

I have the Gorilla version of that ladder, bought at The Big Green Shed.

I don't use it as an extension ladder, as I have no need to. BUT it is the BEST ladder I have ever owned.

My brother -a born sceptic - was so impressed after borrowing to help him build his shed, that he bought one. Nuff said.

[RedShirtGuy]

Thanks muchly for the opinions and alternatives folks

I figured the Transforma might have been a bit dodgy - just a feeling. I'll go have a peek at the Gorilla/Bailey alternatives when it comes time.

[Malperth]

I'll go have a peek at the Gorilla/Bailey alternatives when it comes time.

When you do, compare the Gorilla/Bailey multi purpose ladders to ordinary ladders, you'll find them:

1. Very heavy (almost 20kg) - that's almost 3x the weight of an ordinary ladder!!!
2. Very wobbly (when used as extension ladder) vs no wobbles from ordinary ladders
3. Narrow treads vs almost 3x wider treads for comfortable foot support on ordinary ladders

BTW, when have you seen a tradie carry Gorilla/Bailey multi purpose ladder in their ute instead of multiple ordinary ladders?

[RedShirtGuy]

All very good points Mal and I'll make sure to take notice when I'm looking. Safety is a top concern.

The thing with the tradies versus my own home handyman use is a bit different though (I think). They can have multiple ladders (or specific one(s) suitable for their field of work) and get good, regular use out of them; whereas if I bought a purpose styled unit for each of the various tasks I'd need it for, I'd use each only a small number of times over many years. So a multi-purpose ladder, to me, is good value in both budget and usage.

[hughie]

I've got a very early version of one its about 30+ olds and still going strong. Mainly I would say to the thickness of the ali around 5mm on average, its just well made

[Malperth]

I wouldn't trust any of those clickety-clack multi-purpose ladders. Forget to check one of those locking buttons and you'll land in the emergency dept.

Watch video: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZhMfzc9RbU"]YouTube- Home Shopping Ladder Blooper[/ame]

[RedShirtGuy]

An oldie but a goodie

[Stewey]

I'm a tradie, with about 5 ladders and 4 trestles.
Our Gorilla version of that ladder, gets 66% or more of the work and use.
It would be the last I'd get rid of...

It was about $180-$200, 6 years ago-before they were on TV.

[BeeBusy]

They have just started adverting the Transforma ladder on TV again in Australia. I would not recommend it. It costs AU$747 including post as a two for one special offer. There are two versions and the one called '24' expands to 4.52 m and weights 15.2kg (the cost provided is for the '24' version). You can buy a Bailey's one here BXS 13 for AUS$229 each and it weight 13.1kg - much better value.