FISKARS PRUNER, €44.99
We are simultaneously impressed and mildly horrified by this implement. We are assured it will make cutting 3½ times easier than with lesser pruners. Whatever about that, it definitely makes light work of twigs and branches, even fresh and irritatingly bendy ones. The handle rotates to help us make more use of our hand, which makes each cut less arduous. The blades are made from "extra-hard, corrosion-resistant steel" and seem very sharp. Time will tell how resistant to corrosion it is. It is nice and lightweight and we like the telescopic handle. But it is very expensive, so you will need to take care of it. Verdict: Very good but very dear. Rating: 4/5
QUALCAST, €14.99
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This is competitively priced and fares well when it comes to cutting through overgrown bushes, as long as the branches are not very thick. The blades are coated with a chemical we have never heard of before, which makes the tool – we are told – rust-resistant and leads to smoother cutting. The rubber grip is excellent and works in all weather conditions. It falls down a little bit when it comes to dealing with even moderately thick branches, however. We are not entirely convinced by the wisdom of making a garden pruner predominantly camouflage-coloured, however. Verdict: Gets the job done. Rating: 3/5
TRUE TEMPER, €14.99
This is a very fine product. It is lightweight and easy to use and can cut through even the most stubborn of foliage without any fuss. It also seems more durable than its rivals in a similar price category, although we cannot say for sure how long it will last. The handle is nicely moulded and the grip is solid. At this price we reckon it is very good value for money. Verdict: Very good value. Rating: 4/5
GARDEN PLUS, €6.99
If you are the kind of person who buys garden implements and treats them with great care with a view to passing them down through the generations, this is not for you. If, on the other hand, you are more likely to treat garden implements as things that you might get a year or two out of, then this could well be ideal. It is the cheapest pruner and it does what we ask of it, although not without some cajoling. The grip is not as secure as the others but at least the red handle makes it harder for us to lose. Verdict: If price is the most important thing. Rating: 3/5
