The Fiskars Pro IsoCore Splitting Maul is designed to split big logs that most axes struggle with. Make no mistake, this tool is a beast. It is 36” long and weighs in at 8 pounds. That’s heftier than anything else in the Fiskars Axe range.
After a glance at the features, we were impressed with this tool. But is it any good in practice? In this article, we’ll review the Fiskars Pro Maul to uncover its features, strengths, and weaknesses
What is a Fiskars Pro IsoCore Maul?
The Fiskars Pro IsoCore is an extra-large splitting maul that powers through big, knotted rounds of wood. While it’s great for challenging jobs, splitting small logs is also a breeze, so long as you’re comfortable lifting a heavy tool. The pole of the maul has a sledgehammer for striking and driving in wedges.
How does the Fiskars Pro perform?
The Fiskars Pro maul combines a well-designed head with a comfortable handle to make splitting the toughest logs a reality. Its anti-vibration system isn’t just marketing fluff. Your hands, wrists, and arms feel less jarred compared to a wooden handle. Even on rock-hard seasoned elm the vibration was bearable.
We tested the Fiskars maul on various types and sizes of wood. It drives through softwood like juniper and pine like a knife through butter. Hardwood like beech and oak took a bit more effort to split. But we found most logs took 1-2 swings to get the job done.
We got landed with a couple of pieces of beech crotch. That’s the twisted, gnarly section where the trunk and branches combine. The second strike got the bit stuck in the fibers of the wood. Thankfully, the poll of the Fiskars Pro is made for hammering. So, a couple of well-directed bashes from a sledgehammer and the blade was forced through the wood.
The Fiskars Pro maul is long and heavy which means it won’t be suitable for people uncomfortable swinging a big weight. It’s not the heaviest maul on the market. For example, the Halder Simplex is 9 pounds while the Razorback is 10½ pounds. But in the Fiskars range, this is the heaviest we’ve tested.
Check out the video below which shows the Fiskars Pro Maul in action. See how well it performs against some long, challenging bits of wood.
Features
- Inseparable riveted head
- Built for bigger splitting jobs
- A sledgehammer on the head’s poll
- Unique anti-vibration handle
- Blade cover for added safety
- Full lifetime warranty
Parts of the Fiskars Pro Isocore Maul
The Pro IsoCore is loaded with features that set it apart from the competition. It’s not the biggest maul you can buy, but it’s certainly one of the most effective. Let’s look at this tool’s components and what there is to like and dislike.
Maul head
The Fiskars Pro IsoCore’s head is a little sleeker than the bigger, more traditional maul heads. With a convex wedge shape, the blade is designed to efficiently tear along the wood grain. It forces the wood apart without constantly getting stuck.
Although most rounds of wood will break apart with one well-directed strike, the blade will occasionally get stuck. Pulling blades out of wood can be frustrating, but this maul has a large poll suitable for hammering on. If you have a sledgehammer nearby, it will allow you to split any log!
When you’re not splitting wood, the Fiskars poll makes a useful sledgehammer for bashing in stakes and wedges.
Heat-treated steel is used to construct a tough and durable head. Its coating is rust-resistant and reduces binding when driven deep into wood. From our long-term use with the X-Series axes, the coating does tend to wear off over time. When this happens, the blade will stick more.
Without the coating, you’ll also lose some of its rust resistance, but that’s not a big problem to overcome with some fine-grit sandpaper and a little WD-40.
The designers at Fiskars always include one or two excellent safety features in their tools. The Pro IsoCore’s head is riveted onto the handle. That makes it inseparable, so you don’t have to worry about it flying off and injuring anyone. There’s also a shoulder guard that is steel reinforced to prevent overstrike damage.
Maul handle
The Pro IsoCore Maul has a super-comfortable handle made from composite materials. Its shape is flatter than most mauls which helps prevent rolling.
Unlike the X-Series axe range which has hollow handles, the maul has a steel-reinforced fiberglass core. This adds extra bulk, so if you’re used to wielding one of their axes, be prepared for a much heavier tool.
Of course, the handle of a Fiskars maul is built solid for a reason. It’s made to absorb shock for optimal comfort. When you’re splitting extra-tough wood, the shock waves get absorbed and dispersed. That means less pain and discomfort in the hands, wrists, and arms.
Extra weight is also useful for swinging a splitting maul. With the help of gravity, you can drive the axe blade into wood with impressive force without exerting much downward swing energy.
The handle is also covered in thermoplastic rubber which has textured dimples for improved comfort and control. This orange overmold covers the lower section of the handle and doesn’t become slippery when wet.
In hot weather, you can swing without gloves and, depending on your experience, probably won’t have to deal with blisters or hot spots.
A flared knob at the end of the handle is useful for better control and safety. Compared to Fiskars axes, the maul’s knob has less flare and lacks a lanyard hole, making it harder to hang.
Traditional axe users may think the handle’s material doesn’t compare to the look of hickory, but it’s hard to doubt this tool’s durability. It’s built to last and outperform even the strongest wood.
Fiskars axes and mauls may not appeal to those who like to work on and maintain their tools. They’re not wood, so you won’t be able to thin, sand, or varnish them.
Protective sheath
Not all axes and mauls have a sheath, but it’s great when they do. The bit is protected from unwanted chips and injuries are less likely.
The Fiskars Pro comes with a small rubber bit cover. While it’s better than nothing, we much prefer their X-Series sheaths. They cover the entire head and can also be used as a carrying handle.
Worth reading
Do you need a light, easy-to-carry axe that’s ideal for camping, hiking, and hunting? We’re reviewed to Fiskars X7 Hatchet so be sure to see how it rated.
Strengths
- Explosive power for splitting the biggest logs.
- Constructed with durable materials that won’t break easily.
- Significantly less vibration and jarring than wooden-handled mauls.
- Doubles as a sledgehammer for added versatility.
- Made in Finland by a trusted, long-established company.
Weaknesses
- A long, heavy maul that some will find cumbersome to use.
- Lacks the versatility of a shorter, lighter splitting axe.
- Can’t make alterations like thinning the handle.
- More expensive than smaller splitting axes and mauls.
Commonly asked questions
What type of blade is used for the Fiskars Pro IsoCore Maul?
The Fiskars Pro Maul has a blade that is made from high-quality forged steel. Its shape has a hollow grind that resembles the profile of a knife.
What’s the difference between the Fiskars Pro Maul and X27?
The Fiskars maul and X27 splitting axe are both 36” in length and are designed for big splitting jobs. The maul has a poll that can be hammered on if it gets stuck. It’s also noticeably heavier than the X27, providing more explosive splitting power. The X27 splitting axe is easier to swing and is a better option for everyday yard work, compared to the maul.
Where can I buy a Fiskars Pro IsoCore Maul?
The Fiskars Pro Maul is sold throughout the United States and many other countries in hardware and tool specialty stores. If you can’t find a store near you, they’re available online.
What is the best alternative to the Fiskars IsoCore maul?
While the Fiskars IsoCore maul is excellent for splitting big logs, some will find it cumbersome to use. For lighter options consider the Fiskars X27 or X25. There is also a Fiskars Mini Maul which is hatchet-sized and suitable for anyone to swing comfortably. Check out our review of the Fiskars Pro Isocore 2.5lb Maul here.
High performance mauls made by alternative brands include the Garrett Wade Professional Maul, Halder Simplex Maul, or Estwing Fireside Friend.
Are Fiskars mauls made in China?
The Fiskars maul range is made in the small villlage of Sorsakoski, Finland. By staying local, the company plays an important role in bolstering employment in the community. Finnish production has the added bonus of improving product quality.
Is Fiskars a trustworthy manufacturer?
Fiskars has been making tools since 1649 and has built a solid reputation for long-lasting products. Finland’s oldest private company forges its tools locally under strict quality guidelines.
Fiskars makes a wide range of products and is perhaps best known for its iconic orange scissors. They also own brands like Royal Doulton, Gerber, and Royal Albert.
Fiskars Pro IsoCore Splitting Maul Specifications
Attribute | Imperial | Metric |
Total maul length | 36” | 91.4cm |
Head weight | 8lb | 3.63kg |
Total weight | 10.4lb | 4.72kg |
Summing up
Having tested out most of the Fiskars X-Series, we were excited to give their biggest maul a test run. Within a few swings, it was clear that the Fiskars Pro Maul was another winning product. The combination of durability, comfort, and performance makes this splitting tool one of the best options if you need to split tough or big logs.
If you appreciate modern-looking tools with innovative technology, then the Fiskars Pro should impress. This maul may not be a hand-forged heirloom tool, but it ticks all the important boxes.
Fiskars Pro IsoCore Mauls won’t suit everyone though. The biggest obstacle is their size and weight. Smaller people and those that can’t lift heavy tools shouldn’t choose this maul. We could easily see it causing an injury in the wrong hands. If that’s you, then the X27 or X25 splitting axe are both easier to use and can still deliver a lot of power.
Keep in mind if this maul breaks you won’t be able to fix it. That means survivalists and anyone that loves tinkering with wood may want to choose a more traditional maul with a wooden handle.
Overall, we think the Fiskars Pro Maul is an awesome tool that most axe lovers won’t be disappointed with.