Black & Decker 18-Volt Cordless Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer #NPT318

This is a good product that does what it promises: it extends your reach in trimming bushes and weeds. You can reach about five or six feet beyond your arm's length.

That's the good news. The bad news: even though the trimmer is relatively light, you are still holding six or seven pounds at the end of a pole. That's a fair amount of leveraged weight.

After twenty or thirty minutes of use, I was exhausted. And for days afterward my shoulders and back ached. I was forced to stop using the trimmer and return it to Amazon (which took it back, no questions asked--excellent customer service.)

I'd like to see a designer come up with a trimmer that puts much more of the weight at the lower end of this device. Don't know if it is possible, but I do know that this unit as it is sold right now is too heavy for comfort.

The trimmer is just what I'm looking for to reach higher areas in my yard. Because it is a B&D 18 volt, the compatibility of using other tools is a great idea. The only negative comment I have is it's weight. It is pretty heavy. Otherwise, it is fine. The tilting head is a great idea.

Probably a little heavy for many to handle, but does the job. Reach capability is misleading, as others have mentioned.

This a good product that works well. Due to it's increased length it's heavier than a normal hedge trimmer. Additionally it only came with one battery. Overall I am very satisfied with the product.

I purchased this product in September 2008 based on my positivie experience with the B&D cordless weed trimmer. I have used it to trim a 20 foot Bottle Brush and a 10 foot bush. I was able to trim both of these bushes, cut down weeds and blackberry brairs, and then use the battery in my B&D weed trimmer before it died. B&D claims the pole hedge trimmer will cut up to 7/16 inch branches. That is was I got and found the cutting action good. You can lock the head into different positions to the pole: 180, 90 degree, etc. You can use it for clearing ground growth, which is great. The rubber covering on the pole in front of the hand guard is very comfortable and makes handling the hedge trimmer easier. The disadvanges to this product are: 1. It is heavy and the weight is at the end of the pole (the cutting head). When you swing the pole to cut a bush the head it is going to want to keep moving. If you are on a ladder, you could lose your balance trying to stop it. My wife can not use it because of the weight. 2. The pole does not telescope. It is about 6 feet from the handle to the end of the cutting bar, but if you need more reach than that, you have to have the arm length and strength to supply it. 3. It only comes with one battery. Final thoughts, check the tension were the handle and the cutting head join. I notice mine did loosen during the job. Make sure your getting the best price. Prices vary across the internet and the various bricks and morter stores. Happy trimming.