SOYUS 8-Inch Cordless Pole Saw & 18-Inch Hedge Trimmer 2-in-1 Review: The Ultimate Backyard Versatility Test

There’s a moment every homeowner with a yard knows well. You step outside, coffee in hand, and suddenly see it: the unruly branch from the old oak tree creeping over the roofline, the privet hedge looking more like a wild thicket than a neat border, and the rose bushes launching a thorny offensive across the walkway. My own yard was staging this exact rebellion. For years, my solution was a precarious balancing act on a wobbly ladder with a manual saw, followed by a separate, cumbersome corded hedge trimmer that always seemed to snag on something. It was inefficient, exhausting, and frankly, a bit dangerous. The alternative—calling in a professional landscaping crew for every minor trim—felt like setting money on fire. This is the exact predicament where a multi-function tool like the SOYUS 8-Inch Cordless Pole Saw & 18-Inch Hedge Trimmer 2-in-1 promises to be a game-changer, offering a single, battery-powered solution to reclaim control over your property from the safety of the ground.

What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Pole Saw Combo

A Pole Saw is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for property maintenance, safety, and aesthetics. It empowers homeowners to tackle high branches and overgrown hedges without the inherent risks of ladders or the recurring cost of professional services. The primary benefit lies in its extended reach, allowing you to prune trees that could threaten your roof during a storm, clear sightlines along your driveway, and sculpt your landscaping with precision. By combining a saw and a hedge trimmer, these 2-in-1 models add a layer of versatility and value, condensing two essential tools into one, saving storage space and money. This convenience is what transforms a weekend of arduous chores into a quick, satisfying task.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the typical challenges of a suburban or rural property: mature trees, tall hedges, and a desire for DIY yard maintenance. If you’re tired of being limited by extension cords or unnerved by climbing ladders, a cordless pole saw combo is built for you. However, it might not be suitable for those who need to fell large, mature trees or run a commercial landscaping business. The battery power and bar size are designed for trimming and pruning, not heavy-duty logging. For those tasks, a more powerful, dedicated gas-powered chainsaw would be a more appropriate, albeit less convenient, choice. For simple, low-level shrubbery, a standard handheld hedge trimmer might suffice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The most critical dimension is the maximum reach. The SOYUS model boasts a 15-foot reach, which is calculated based on the pole’s length plus the average user’s height. Consider the height of your tallest trees and hedges. Also, think about storage; a telescoping or sectioned pole is much easier to store in a crowded garage or shed than a long, fixed one.
• Capacity/Performance: For the pole saw, look at the bar length (8 inches on the SOYUS is good for branches up to 6-7 inches in diameter) and chain speed (16 ft/s indicates a reasonably quick cut). For the hedge trimmer, the 18-inch blade is a great all-around size. Battery voltage (20V) and amp-hours (2.0Ah) determine power and runtime; for larger properties, you might consider a model with a higher capacity battery or purchasing a spare.
• Materials & Durability: The pole should be made of a lightweight yet strong material like aluminum or fiberglass to minimize fatigue during use. The saw’s bar and chain, and the trimmer’s blades, should be high-quality steel. Pay attention to user feedback on the durability of plastic components, like the housing and adjustment knobs, as these are often the first points of failure.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like tool-free chain tensioning and an automatic oiler are huge conveniences that streamline operation and prolong the tool’s life. Consider the tool’s overall weight and balance, especially when fully extended. The inclusion of a shoulder strap, like with the SOYUS, can make a significant difference in comfort and control over long periods.

While the SOYUS 8-Inch Cordless Pole Saw & 18-Inch Hedge Trimmer 2-in-1 is an excellent cordless choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, including different power sources. For a broader look at all the top models, especially those designed for maximum power, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the SOYUS 2-in-1 Yard Warrior

Upon opening the box for the SOYUS 8-Inch Cordless Pole Saw & 18-Inch Hedge Trimmer 2-in-1, the contents were laid out logically: the main motor and handle unit, the extension pole, the 8-inch chainsaw head, the 18-inch hedge trimmer head, the 20V battery and charger, a shoulder strap, and a blade cover for each attachment. The initial feel of the components is decent for a tool in this price range; the plastics feel robust enough for residential use, and the aluminum pole sections are lightweight.

However, the assembly process immediately highlighted a significant issue echoed in many user experiences: the instruction manual. It relies on small, dark, black-and-white photos with virtually no explanatory text. As one frustrated user noted, “you have to try and decipher the photos. It’s tedious!” For someone unfamiliar with chainsaw assembly—specifically, seating the bar and threading the chain—this is a major hurdle. We managed it, but it took more trial and error than it should have. Once assembled, the tool felt reasonably balanced, and the quick-connect mechanism for swapping the heads and adding the extension pole was surprisingly secure. Before its first use, it’s a tool that demands a little patience, but promises a lot of versatility, a value proposition you can explore in its full feature set and user reviews.

A Deep Dive into the SOYUS 2-in-1’s Real-World Performance

A tool can look good on paper, but the real test is in the yard, battling against stubborn branches and tangled growth. We put the SOYUS 8-Inch Cordless Pole Saw & 18-Inch Hedge Trimmer 2-in-1 through a series of typical weekend warrior tasks over several weeks to see if its performance lived up to its promise. From high-altitude pruning to large-scale hedge shaping, here’s how it fared.

The 2-in-1 Advantage: From Surgical Pruning to Broad Strokes

The core appeal of this tool is undeniably its dual personality. Switching between the pole saw and hedge trimmer heads is straightforward. A simple locking collar mechanism allows you to swap them in under a minute without any tools. We started with the 8-inch chainsaw attachment, targeting some overgrown maple branches, about 2 to 3 inches in diameter, that were scraping against the siding. The 16 ft/s chain speed felt adequate, biting into the wood cleanly. As one user confirmed, “branches with a diameter of 2 inches were easily sawed down. It has strong power.”

We pushed it further, testing it on a tougher 5-inch oak limb. Here, the 20V motor had to work harder, and it required a patient, steady hand, but it got the job done. It sliced through the thick branch without binding, confirming another user’s report that it can handle “six inch diameter branches like it’s slicing through melted butter.” The automatic oiler did its job, keeping the chain moving smoothly, though we did notice it goes through bar and chain oil quite quickly. Heeding one user’s advice to “keep oil on hand” is wise. Switching to the 18-inch hedge trimmer, we tackled a long, six-foot-tall row of forsythia. The dual-action blades made quick work of the new growth, and the overall reach allowed us to easily shape the top and back without stretching. This seamless transition from a powerful cutting tool to a precise shaping tool is a feature that really sets it apart in the homeowner category.

Reach for the Sky: Ergonomics and Handling at 15 Feet

Working with any tool at a 15-foot extension is a workout, and balance is everything. Without the extension pole, the SOYUS 8-Inch Cordless Pole Saw & 18-Inch Hedge Trimmer 2-in-1 is nimble. Once you add the middle section, its character changes. The tool becomes noticeably top-heavy, which is expected. This is where the included shoulder strap becomes essential, not just a bonus accessory. By properly adjusting the strap, we could transfer much of the tool’s weight from our arms to our core, significantly improving stability and reducing fatigue. This allowed for longer, more controlled cutting sessions.

The multi-angle head, which offers three pivot positions, proved invaluable. For trimming the tops of high hedges, we could set the blade parallel to the ground. For undercutting high branches, a slight upward angle prevented the bar from pinching. This articulation is a premium feature that makes difficult cuts not just possible, but safer and cleaner. We were able to systematically limb a tall pine tree, removing the lower branches to allow more sunlight into the yard, all while our feet were firmly planted on the ground. This feeling of safety and empowerment was a common theme among users, with one 65-year-old reviewer stating, “I was able to trim a very tall overgrown tree! … It made trimming and cutting so much easier and safer.” The ability to ditch the ladder is perhaps this tool’s greatest single benefit, making it a worthy addition to any homeowner’s arsenal. You can see if this reach meets your needs by checking the specs online.

Power, Performance, and Pitfalls: Battery Life and the Chain Tension Dilemma

No cordless tool review is complete without a hard look at the battery. The included 20V 2.0Ah pack is the heart of the system. We found that on a full charge, it provided roughly 30-40 minutes of intermittent cutting and trimming, which was enough to complete most of our targeted tasks. For a major yard cleanup, you’d either need a break for recharging or a second battery. One user had a stellar experience, noting that after chopping for about an hour, the “Battery life worked the entire time.” This suggests performance can vary based on the intensity of the work.

However, the most significant performance variable we encountered was the chain. The tool-free tensioning system is designed for convenience—a simple dial on the side of the housing tightens the chain. In practice, we found it to be a double-edged sword. It’s easy to adjust, but it also seems prone to loosening during heavy use, especially when cutting at awkward angles. This directly corroborates the most serious user complaints. We had the chain slip off once during our testing. Re-seating it was simple enough, but it highlights the need for constant vigilance. As one user bluntly put it, “the chain likes to slip off often.” Another reported a more catastrophic failure, with the chain losing teeth and the mounting screw hole wearing out after a single day’s use. Our experience wasn’t that dire, but it’s clear this is the tool’s Achilles’ heel. To get the best performance from the SOYUS 8-Inch Cordless Pole Saw & 18-Inch Hedge Trimmer 2-in-1, you must check the chain tension frequently—before every use and after every few major cuts.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings align closely with the spectrum of user feedback. The positive reviews are enthusiastic, often calling the tool a “game changer.” Many, like the user who said it “pays for itself in one use,” praise the incredible value and the money saved on landscaping fees. The convenience and effectiveness for average homeowners are consistently highlighted, with people successfully trimming trees around pools, clearing branches that block sunlight, and managing lemon trees and rose bushes with newfound ease. These users feel empowered and safer using this tool over traditional methods.

On the other hand, the negative feedback is sharply focused and consistent. The abysmal instruction manual is a universal point of frustration for those not mechanically inclined. The most critical issue, however, is the chain’s tendency to loosen and slip off. Reports range from minor annoyances (“you have to stop progress, try to get it realigned”) to severe safety concerns (“the chain flew off! We were lucky my husband wasn’t hurt!”). This suggests a potential quality control or design issue with the tensioning mechanism that buyers should be aware of. It’s a powerful tool when it works, but its reliability can be questionable.

How Does the SOYUS 2-in-1 Compare to the Competition?

No product exists in a vacuum. The SOYUS 8-Inch Cordless Pole Saw & 18-Inch Hedge Trimmer 2-in-1 offers a compelling feature set, but several strong competitors cater to slightly different needs and priorities. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.

1. CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Saw 14-Foot

The CRAFTSMAN V20 is a dedicated pole saw from a highly reputable brand. Its main advantages are its build quality and integration into the massive V20 battery ecosystem. If you already own other CRAFTSMAN V20 tools, this is a huge plus. It offers slightly less reach at 14 feet compared to the SOYUS’s 15, and it lacks the hedge trimmer versatility. However, users who prioritize brand reliability, a robust battery platform, and a tool dedicated solely to powerful sawing might prefer the CRAFTSMAN. It’s a less versatile but potentially more dependable choice for tree trimming alone.

2. Skil PWR CORE 40 Pole Saw Kit Telescoping

The Skil PWR CORE 40 steps up the power game significantly. Its 40V brushless motor and 10-inch bar give it more cutting capacity and efficiency than the 20V SOYUS. This is the tool for someone who faces consistently larger branches and wants to make cuts faster. The trade-off is its shorter reach (over 9 feet) and, like the CRAFTSMAN, it’s a dedicated pole saw without the hedge trimmer function. The Skil is the choice for the power user who needs maximum cutting performance for lower-hanging, thicker limbs and values the longevity of a brushless motor over the all-in-one convenience of the SOYUS.

3. V-MODEST 2-in-1 Cordless Pole Saw 8″/6″

The V-MODEST is perhaps the most direct competitor to the SOYUS. It’s also a 2-in-1 pole saw combo with a similar 15-foot reach and an 8-inch bar. However, it brings two major advantages to the table: a brushless motor for better efficiency and durability, and the inclusion of two high-capacity 4.0Ah batteries. This doubles the potential runtime right out of the box, addressing a common pain point of cordless tools. For a user who plans on long work sessions and wants a bit more modern motor technology, the V-MODEST presents a very compelling alternative, likely at a slightly higher price point.

Final Verdict: A Versatile Tool with a Few Sharp Edges

After extensive testing, the SOYUS 8-Inch Cordless Pole Saw & 18-Inch Hedge Trimmer 2-in-1 reveals itself to be a tool of compelling contradictions. On one hand, its 2-in-1 design offers fantastic value and versatility for the average homeowner. The ability to switch from pruning high branches to shaping tall hedges with a single, battery-powered tool is incredibly convenient and empowering. Its 15-foot reach genuinely makes yard work safer by keeping you off a ladder. For light-to-medium duty tasks, it performs admirably, turning dreaded chores into manageable projects.

However, this value is tempered by significant drawbacks. The assembly is a frustrating experience due to a poor manual, and the chain tensioning system requires constant babysitting to prevent the chain from slipping—a potentially dangerous flaw. If you are a patient DIYer, comfortable with tool maintenance, and willing to diligently check the chain tension, the SOYUS offers an unbeatable combination of reach, versatility, and affordability. It’s best suited for homeowners with varied trimming needs who prioritize convenience and price over flawless, heavy-duty performance. For those who can look past its rough edges, it’s a capable and budget-friendly way to conquer the suburban jungle. If you feel this balance of features and price is right for you, you can check the latest price and availability here.