Fiskars X27 vs X25: The Battle of the Super Splitters
Is bigger always better? We break down the critical differences between the 36-inch X27 and the 28-inch X25 to help you choose the safest, most efficient axe for your woodpile.
Introduction
If you are looking for a splitting axe, you have undoubtedly come across Fiskars. Their “X-Series” has revolutionized the industry, replacing heavy, rot-prone wooden handles with lightweight, indestructible FiberComp composite. But once you’ve decided on Fiskars, you hit a common roadblock: Should you buy the Fiskars X27 or the Fiskars X25?
At first glance, they look identical. They share the same signature orange and black handle, the same wedge-shaped forged steel head, and the same PTFE coating. Yet, the 8-inch difference in handle length dramatically changes how they perform, who should use them, and—most importantly—how safe they are to swing.
In this comprehensive comparison, we will analyze the physics of swing speed vs. control, user height recommendations, and splitting efficiency. We will also touch on how these giants compare to smaller siblings like the Fiskars X11 vs X7 for kindling tasks.
Quick Comparison: At a Glance
Before we dive into the mechanics, here are the raw specifications. While the heads are virtually identical in design, the leverage changes everything.
| Feature | Fiskars X27 (Super Splitter) | Fiskars X25 (Splitting Axe) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Length | 36 Inches | 28 Inches |
| Total Weight | ~5.85 lbs | ~5.3 lbs |
| Recommended User Height | 6’0″ (183cm) and taller | Below 6’0″ (Average height) |
| Head Design | Heavy Convex Wedge | Heavy Convex Wedge |
| Swing Speed | Maximum Velocity | Fast & Controlled |
| Best Use | Large Rounds (>12″ dia.) | Medium to Large Rounds |
Deep Dive: Head-to-Head Comparison
1. The Length Factor: 36″ vs 28″
The defining difference between these two tools is the handle length. The Fiskars X27 boasts a massive 36-inch handle. In the world of physics, a longer lever arm means greater tip velocity for the same amount of rotational force. When you swing the X27, the head is traveling significantly faster when it hits the wood compared to a shorter axe. This velocity translates directly into splitting power.
The Fiskars X25, at 28 inches, is no slouch. It is still considered a “full-size” axe by many standards, but it feels much more compact. The shorter handle allows for a faster “cycle time”—meaning you can reset and swing again more quickly. It also offers better accuracy for users who find a 36-inch handle unwieldy.
2. Splitting Power and Head Geometry
Both axes utilize the exact same head design. Unlike the thinner profiles found on felling axes (like those discussed in our Hultafors vs. Hults Bruk comparison), the X-series heads are pure wedges. They flare out aggressively to push wood fibers apart rather than cutting them.
Because the X27 generates more speed, it is the superior choice for “tough” wood—knotty oak, wet elm, or massive rounds exceeding 20 inches in diameter. The X25 is capable of handling these, but you will need to put more muscle into the swing. The X27 lets gravity and leverage do the heavy lifting.
3. Ergonomics and Handling
Fiskars uses a proprietary material called FiberComp for their handles. It is lighter than wood and absorbs shock exceptionally well. However, the experience of swinging them differs:
- The X27 Experience: It feels like a golf club driver. You need a wide stance and plenty of overhead clearance. It is a two-handed tool exclusively.
- The X25 Experience: It feels denser and punchier. Because the weight is closer to your hands, it feels slightly heavier in a static hold but is easier to manipulate. It is excellent for “rapid fire” splitting of medium-sized firewood.
Which One Fits You?
We often see users debating Fiskars X27 vs Super Splitting Axe alternatives, but the internal debate between X27 and X25 is simpler. It comes down to your body mechanics.
Who Should Buy the X27?
- Tall Individuals: If you are 6’0″ (1.8m) or taller, the X27 is ergonomically safer for you.
- Heavy Duty Splitters: If you deal with large rounds (24″+ diameter) regularly.
- Physics Lovers: If you prefer to let the tool doing the work via momentum rather than muscle power.
Who Should Buy the X25?
- Average to Shorter Height: If you are 5’10” or shorter, the X27 might feel dangerously long. The X25 will give you superior control.
- Space Savers: The 28-inch length fits easily into car trunks or camping bins, making it a versatile option for RVers who find the Fiskars X7 too small but the X27 too big.
- Speed Splitters: If you are splitting straight-grained softwoods (pine, fir), the X25 allows for a faster rhythm.
Pros and Cons Breakdown
✅ Fiskars X27 Pros
- Maximum Power: Unmatched splitting force for a hand tool.
- Safer for Tall Users: Missed swings hit the dirt, not your shin.
- Effortless: Requires less physical force per swing.
- Durable: Virtually unbreakable FiberComp handle.
❌ Fiskars X27 Cons
- Unwieldy: Can be difficult to control for shorter users.
- Storage: 36 inches is long; harder to pack for camping.
- Overkill: Too much axe for simple kindling or small campfires.
✅ Fiskars X25 Pros
- Great Control: Easier to land precise hits.
- Versatile Size: Bridges the gap between a camp axe and a maul.
- Portable: Fits in standard toolboxes or trunks.
- Punchy: Excellent balance for medium-sized logs.
❌ Fiskars X25 Cons
- Less Velocity: Struggles more with massive, knotty rounds.
- Safety Risk for Tall Users: Requires careful foot placement to avoid injury on missed swings.
Fiskars X25 Splitting Axe
Best for: Average height users and general firewood duties.
Check Price on AmazonAlternatives to the X-Series
While the X27 and X25 are market leaders, they aren’t the only tools in the shed.
For Kindling: Neither the X27 nor X25 should be used for making small kindling sticks—it’s dangerous. For that task, consider the Estwing Fireside Friend or the Hultafors Hatchet. These smaller tools offer the precision needed for fine work.
For Traditionalists: If you despise plastic handles and want the warmth of hickory, check out our comparison of Gransfors Bruk vs. Hults Bruk. Be warned, however: wooden handles cannot withstand the “overstrike” abuse that Fiskars handles shrug off.
For Indestructibility: If you are splitting in rocky terrain where even FiberComp might get damaged, look at the full-steel construction of Estwing axes in our Fiskars vs. Estwing comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sharpen the Fiskars X27 and X25?
Yes. The steel is moderately soft to prevent chipping. You can use a puck stone, a file, or Fiskars’ own dedicated sharpener. Since these are splitting axes, they don’t need a razor edge—just a clean, smooth wedge.
Will the plastic handle break in cold weather?
It is extremely unlikely. Fiskars FiberComp handles are rated for temperatures as low as -40°F. They are widely used in Nordic countries and are famous for their durability in freezing conditions.
Is the X27 too heavy for a beginner?
Not necessarily “too heavy,” but potentially “too long.” The head weight is manageable for most adults. The challenge is controlling the 36-inch swing arc. Beginners often find the shorter X25 less intimidating to learn on.
Can I use the back of the axe as a sledgehammer?
No. Fiskars warns against striking the poll (back of the head) with a metal sledgehammer or using it to strike metal wedges. The metal is not hardened for that impact and can deform or crack the polymer housing. Use a dedicated maul for wedges.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
The battle of Fiskars X27 vs X25 doesn’t end with a single winner—it ends with a measurement. Your height is the deciding factor.
If you are tall (6’0″+), the Fiskars X27 is the undisputed king. It maximizes your natural leverage, keeps your shins safe, and obliterates large rounds with laughable ease. It is the gold standard for modern splitting axes.
If you are of average height (under 5’11”), the Fiskars X25 is likely the smarter choice. It delivers 90% of the splitting power with 100% better handling and control for your frame. It is easier to store, easier to carry, and safer for your swing geometry.
Whichever you choose, you are getting the reliability of the Fiskars X-series—a tool that will likely outlast the woodstove you are feeding.
Ready to Start Splitting?
Get the right tool for your height and conquer that woodpile today.
