Stiga Loppers

Stiga Telescopic Bypass Lopper: £49.99*

Stiga Anvil Lopper: £39.99* 

*Price correct at time of publishing

Tested May 2025

I have two different Stiga loppers to review; the Anvil Tree Lopper and the Telescopic Bypass Lopper. Stiga also offer the bypass lopper with standard length, non-telescopic handles. Both lopper types have some similar features so I’ll go through those first, then I'll go through the differences.

Both loppers feel really strong and well designed. They have a recommended 42mm max. cutting diameter; Japanese carbon steel blades with a Teflon non-stick coating, a clear plastic cover slots over the blades when not in use and this also means they can hang on a hook; integrated bumpers to absorb pressure and vibrations, reducing jarring on hands and arms; easy-cut power multiplier mechanism, providing leverage and cutting pressure; ergonomic rubberised extra grip handles – these are a strong alloy, finished with vibrant yellow highlights to make them easy to locate in any garden setting and Stiga 5 year extended warranty.

The Anvil Tree Lopper: Stiga recommended these for cutting dry and dead branches, rather than living wood – this is because anvil secateurs and loppers tend to squeeze stems before the blade cuts and this isn’t ideal for living branches. Overall length 71.5 cm. Closed width 24 cm. Weight 1.424 Kg.

The Telescopic Bypass Lopper: Stiga recommended these for cutting fresh living wood and not for dead branches, not sure why as I feel they can do both. These loppers have the telescopic option which means more reach and more power with the handles extended. The telescopic handles have a simple mechanism to alter their length; a sturdy plastic clip opens to allow movement and they’re held in place when the clip is shut - it couldn’t be more simple. Overall length 65.7 cm with handles retracted, 93 cm with handles extended. Closed width 22.5 cm with handles retracted, 35 cm with handles extended. Weight 1.864 Kg.

I tested both loppers on the same materials to give a fair comparison. On living and dead wood they both cut extremely well, dry hazel poles (45mm diameter), mahonia, forsythia and conifer stems of varying diameters. I found that the ridged surface of the anvil gripped wood really well so the cuts were clean and precise with no slipping, they’re not recommended for living wood but I found they caused minimal damage so I wouldn’t be put off. The telescopic bypass loppers are slightly heavier than the anvils but have the advantage of more reach and more force with the handles extended, they can be used for both for dead and living wood. I liked that the lower blade is hooked so it holds the branch firmly when the main blade cuts, there’s no chance of the branch sliding out.

Conclusion: Both of the loppers are great tools and I’d happily recommend and use either. If I had to choose between the two, I’d go for the telescopic bypass as they have a broader range of use for us at Barnsdale.