Corona WL 6470 ClassicCUT Bypass Lopper, 36-Inch

IN 2004 I paid about $30 @ at my local hardware store for this same design Corona loppers (but made in the USA). They cut 2" limbs easily; the blades are sharp; and the handles provide excellent leverage. I've always bought Corona because they've been great tools that have lasted. They WERE the reliable, absolute best. These are good so far. But knowing that they were not forged and manufactured in the USA,, and having paid $60+, I have my doubts as to whether or not I'll get my money's worth. We'll see. In 2008 thieves helped themselves to my storage shed and made off with any yard tools they could throw over my fence, including my perfect loppers. I wanted to replace them but they were no longer available at any of the big or little hardware and garden supply retailers. So I bought the second-rate and second quality loppers I could find. During the past 7 years I broke 3 sets of loppers, including the most pricey Corona loppers currently available in retail hardware stores. In 6 years I paid a total of $95 for 3 different loppers, each with an average life of less than 2.5 years. The metal on the last Corona's I bought just snapped. Wow. So I was glad when I found these on Amazon. I am always willing to pay more for Made in the USA. But I paid a lot for these new Corona loppers made who knows where. I could not determine where they were made by the packaging and it is not noted on the product. The old loppers were labelled, "Made in USA". I was seriously disappointed when they arrived and there was no evidence of having been manufactured domestically. Time will tell.

This replaces a similar-sized lopper just adequately. The old lopper had an all-metal shock absorber based on a spring that would not wear out, this one has a shock absorber based on a 'rubber' washer guaranteed eventually to wear out. The old lopper's blades had a gentler arc and a sharper point, so were much easier to work into a tight space. The new lopper's handles are thicker (stronger, but weigh more), probably necessary because they are through-bolted to the tang of the blades rather than being held on by iron bands enclosing the handle and tang as on the old one. The bolt holding the blades together is simply a bolt on this lopper, whereas the old one had provision for lubrication within the bolt. I had sharpened the old lopper so many times that the blades no longer fully mated, and had twice broken one of its handles, so it was time to replace it; but each of the four differences just noted was a step down from the old lopper. Time will tell whether this lopper is as durable, but for now it is clunkier and less maneuverable.

I'm starting out with 4 stars, because I think they're high quality loppers. I like the fact I can replace the cutting blade if needed. However, the handles feel like the weak link. I haven't snapped them yet and I've cut into some tough branches, but I sure feel them flex! I have some Fiskars loppers with fiberglass handles and wish these had that option. I prefer wood handles, but they should have made the part near the end the same thickness. I guess I can replace those as well if they ever break. So far so good, though. Very sharp and leaves a nice, clean cut.

This is a second pair of Corona brand loppers I've owned. I returned to this brand due to robust build quality and great performance.

I am a avid user of corona HD Pro bypass clippers. Not only using them around my home but also in the orchards. Yes I know there are cheaper ones out there but these really do the trick and are easy to handle. I prefer wooden stationary handles to the metal hollow ones offered by most. I still use and have my original 28" pair I purchased in 1986 and now also my new 36" long pair. I have other brands of lopping shears but always get the coronas out after a few cuts from others. I just really prefer using them.Yes I recommend these very highly and yes I got from Amazon.

Corona quality. Use these as a professional gardener. Nothing but the best. Prefer wood handles over aluminum.Quality, thick steel head with deep throat, sharp edges and long handles that will cut through moderately dense branches up to two inches with no problem. Dense or dead wood takes considerably more effort.

Quality of product, durability and the price

The wood handles are tapered right where you don't want them to be tapered (just above the plastic grip cover, which is slippery. I hate that too). If you have tiny hands you might like it. But, it is enormously frustrating for me. I may have to return these.