Multi-Purpose/Position Ladders and recommend height?

[xjfish]

I'm interested in picking one up. I have used in the past and found them handy. I would like one that will comfortably allow me to reach a 13.5' ceiling in the "A" frame position if possible. I would also like to use as an "extension ladder" for painting and related tasks. If it gets shorter, even better... The advertised "reach height" and folded heights are somewhat confusing personally. I'm tall and 200+lbs. Suggestions on what size to buy? 22' 26' reach?

Brands matter much nowadays? Gorilla worked well for me years ago, can't remember height.

 

[gtcs]

I have a little giant that I can put to 14' as an a frame, it gets to over 24' as an extension. I bought it at Lowes and it has levelers for uneven terrain. It is heavy as he'll and was about $300 when I bought it, but it works for all kinds of stuff, I just wouldn't get one as my only ladder as its so difficult to move around and set up. I have a six foot a frame and a 6'/10' king cobra to round it out

 

[duneslider]

I have two sizes of that style ladder and the smaller lighter one gets used a lot more than the bigger one and my super light fiberglass 6 foot ladder gets the most use. I am in need of one of the big boys but dread the thought of having to move it around. I almost want to just pay someone to come do that work instead.

One of mine is a little giant and I can't remember the brand of the other.

 

[finn]

Mine is a Little Giant, at, I think 16’ extended, and around 8’ in the A frame position.

Personally, I would buy conventional ladders if you need something taller. The collapsible ladders are just too heavy and clunbsy to use above that length.

I also have an older folding ladder of some other brand, and maybe a little taller at the shop. Same issues. It’s more or less dedicated to providing access to the small mezzanine above the boiler room. If I need to go higher a regular 10 or 12’ fiberglass step ladder is easier to handle.

 

[xjfish]

Thanks for the replies. I ended up coming home with a "22' reach" Gorilla ladder from the Big Orange today. Shopped around a bit locally and figured it was a good value for my use. Used it today in the shop and honestly could have used another 1' in the "A frame position" a couple of times but the ability to stand on both sides vs conventional stepladder does get you up higher safely. For comparison my favorite 8' step ladder Measures 7'8" to the very top when open and Gorilla is 9' 1". As an "extension ladder", it should work well for my needs.

Gorilla overall quality seems good vs weight and price. Comes with a snap in tool tray thing.