They are both solid ladders. Research what you want (fiberglass or aluminum) and see if they have differing warranties. I used to work at Fastenal and we only stocked Louisville ladders for whatever reason. I would go with whatever one fits your needs, has the best warranty, is still made in America (if that matters to you) and has the cheapest price with all the previous things considered.

 

I have both -- stick with the glass --- there will be one time - a live wire is involved - whether its this week or 20 years from now -- your last thought shouldn't be --

"Aluminum" !

 

I know Rice is kidding around here but what he says is very serious. I had a friend's dad in middle school that died from that very thing. Someone had left a ladder out and he went to move it so that kids wouldn't get on it or someone wouldn't take it. He hit the overhead lines with it and that's all she wrote. Get fiberglass even if it's more expensive.

 

IMO, I would stay away from anything that is not fiberglass, I almost broke my neck last year when I was cleaning my rain gutters standing on an aluminium step ladder made by Werner. The ladder literally folded-up when one of the legs bent, I wind-up grabbing a hold of my rain gutter and was hanging until the gutter started to give way and I had to let go. I had a nice size bruise on my shin that didn't go away for almost 6 months. Never again will I stand on and aluminium step ladder.

 

I've used many different lengths and styles of both over the years with no complaints against either. I do tend to prefer Louisville however because they have, at least in my past, offered features that I needed when Werner didn't. For example my 24' 300lb Fiberglass Extension has a "Pro-Top" which has a V-groove for use on poles, rubber feet for non-slip against metal, and quick attachment hooks for attaching directly to aerial cable assemblies.

 

At my work we use pretty much Green Bull ladders. We have one werner ladder and it is ok but I much prefer the Green Bull. Just something to think about.

 

I work in aviation, where ladders are a must to climb on the jets and helicopters. Werner fiberglass, double sided ladders with the highest ratings are what I use.

Louisville also makes equivalent ladders, but the ones I see around here are sub standard. I'll stick with the Werner.