Other ladders tested

120kg load rated models

Gorilla DM006C

• Price: $172
• Good points: One-movement engagement of the two latches for the "A" shape. Two clips to hold extended ladder. Pre-drilled holes to attach a Gorilla stabiliser accessory when ladder extended.
• But: As an "industrial" ladder it failed the twist test by a small margin. It also failed by a small margin the back-stile cantilever test because it could be used as a double-sided ladder and had no instructions saying it couldn't be used this way.
• Availability: Placemakers and Mitre 10 (but called "domestic" Gorilla DM006D)

Alco ACH6 Homemaster

• Price: $165
• Good points: The latch holding the ladder when extended has a spring clip to prevent accidental unlatching.
• But: Failed the twist test. Rounded rear stile foot pads limit contact area with ground. Long flexible stays to hold ladder in the "A" shape - with robust use these could become bent and less effective as bracing.
• Availability: Several hardware chains.

Bailey Comet 6

• Price: $260
• Good points: Short stiff bracing for the "A" shape.
• But: Failed the twist test.

Sentinel SE10023

• Price: $129
• Good points: Short stiff bracing for the "A" shape.
• But: Failed three strength tests. Hinge pin a punched rivet rather than a steel bolt and nut.
• Comment: Not recommended.
• Availability: Kmart, but being discontinued once stocks sold.

More than 120kg load rated models

Alco AC6 Trademaster

• Price: $280
• Good points: Two latches with a spring lock hold the extended ladder to prevent accidental unlatching.
• But: Failed the twist test by a small margin. Rounded rear-stile foot pads limit contact area with ground. Long flexible stays to hold ladder in the "A" shape - with robust use these could become bent and less effective as bracing.
• Availability: Several hardware chains

Ullrich CS 06

• Price: $279
• Good points: All front treads braced to stiles. Guide plates to hold rear stiles in place when the ladder is stored flat.
• But: Failed the twist test by a small margin. Rounded rear-stile foot pads limit contact area with ground. Long flexible stays to hold ladder in the "A" shape - with robust use these could become bent and less effective as bracing.
• Comment: From April 2007 the CS 06 has a label warning against using as a double-sided ladder.
• Availability: Ullrich.

Warthog WHSE06

• Price: $281
• Good points: Very rigid. Splayed front and back stiles for additional stability. One pair of clips brace and latch the ladder in the "A" shape and when it's extended.
• But: Failed the cantilever test. Easy Access Ltd. told us stronger rivets were now being used. Double rungs instead of treads could be hard on the feet for prolonged use.
• Comment: At 180kg it had the highest load rating of the ladders tested. Rungs welded to stiles for extra strength.
• Availability: Several hardware chains.