Basically reading the reviews in here I opted for the Fiskars Isocore maul. But I need a complimentary axe. According to their sizing video the X25 fits me perfectly. It's smaller and lighter than the X27 and seems like it would be a good combo with the maul as that may be a bit on the heavier side. Smack it with the heavy duty maul and whippersnap it with the 25 if it gives me trouble. Plus I do have some tendonitis in my elbow. And yet I understand the power of a heavier splitter. I may decide that the maul may be tiring over time and using the x27 as a more than adequate substitute. I can't afford buying both. Anybody with experience using the x25 vs the x27 model? Which axe/set do you recommend?
6'2" and split with an X-25 when I'm not using hydraulics. Biggest use for it now is to quarter rounds that are too big to lift and too far from the splitter. I find it to be appropriate for my height. Never tried an X-27 though.
Im about the same, the x25 ist just fine. Also easy to sharpen with a wetstone, as its has more of a flatgrind instead of convex grind (i used knife terms for the grind, i hope you know what i mean).
I wanted the longer handle for safety. Hold the x25 in a splitting stance, clock the head down with arms extended, the blade comes at your shins. Do the same with the X27 and it will go into the ground unless you are very tall
Depends on your stance. I make sure that my hands are low enough so if I miss the split, the head will hit the ground... If I was swinging at a baseball with a similar but horizontal swing, it would result in a foul ball down the right field line. I lead with my hands... If you have your hands high at the point of impact and miss and would have hit your shins with the X25, you’ll be taking off your toes with the X36.. This coming from a guy who removed a small amount of skin from his little piggy who cried wee wee wee all the way home with an X15 while splitting... JMHO.
I have both. If hand splitting, I find myself using the 25 more. I'm 5'10" . I can use the 27 just fine, but the 25 feels better for me. Ymmv.
6 feet exactly, and love the x27. Never tried an x25. Why don't you go to Lowes or somewhere that carries them, and handle one to see what you think?
I only used an 8# maul for 30yrs. I got the x25 because that is what the sizing indicated. When I got it, I thought it was too short. As I learn how to use it, I like it. Will split most anything I have. I can choke up on the handle and it is good for splitting kindling. It is a nice tool. I'm 5-9, 155#.
This is my height too. I did try the X25 in store but they did not have the X27 in stock. Actually this seems to be the problem everywhere here, x27 is tough to find.
6' (with shoes on) Fiskars splitting ax (same length as X27 and ISO Core) works great for me, never had a problem with it coming back towards feet or shins. If I miss swing it just goes toward the ground or block. I've never swung an X25 so (no reason to) so I can't compare. I like that the ISO Core and splitting ax are the same length.
I have the x-27 and I really like it. 6'-1" here. Add two inches with boots. Perfect length for me. I hefted an X-25 at big box orange and it felt short. I hope there is a GTG next spring, I'll bring it and hopefully there will be others to compare. I do wish the x-27 was a litte heavier, it swings very fast for me, but I like that. I've had no elbow tendonitis issues with the X - 27 handle. Very shock absorbing compared to wood handles.
I have both and use the x27 more, I'm 5'8", like walt said, if you can control it the longer handle gets you more head speed and so more force.
I bought the maul first and haven't even used it yet. But I know a maul isn't the answer to everything and i'm going to need an axe. So in my case I'm going to be using them together for the 'first' time.
I bought the x27 first. If splitting is easy, I use it more. If the rounds fight me, I use the Isocore more. I really don't flip back and forth based on the individual round though.
