BIG MAUL SHOOTOUT COMPARISON

Checkout the comparison between 4 different $100+ mauls.
HELKO VARIO 2000 LINK: amzn.to/2tdpeyo
HELKO LUCAS AXE LINK: amzn.to/2vh1Hhq
WILTON BASH MAUL: amzn.to/2uATMxG
OCHSENKOPF BIG OX MAUL: amzn.to/2tdVBwQ
In this video I test the mauls out on Silver Maple and some Siberian Elm. I often referred to the elm as grainy, but actually meant to say stringy, since it's very tough to split.
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[@thepowertoact]

The Wilton BASH maul handle has rods of spring steel inside of the vulcanized rubber. It is virtually indestructible and SUPER flexible. The handle design was developed for sledgehammers, which have a lot more impact forces on your hands than mauls (with strength and skill, mauls will carry through the round, but a sledge stops or bounces off its target). The good of this is that there is way less vibration on your hands from splitting (even with the 20 lb BASH sledge pounding away at rocks all day, my hands feel perfect afterwards, unlike the next best steel-reinforced composite handle by NUPLA/Trow&Holden, which left my hands aching after a long day of rock breaking). Wood splitting isn't as hard on your hands and elbows, but if you don't like vibrations or impact the Wilton maul can't be beat. However, the bad of this is that there is a weird effect where the maul head does its own thing when it buries itself in the round. There is probably some energy loss, but for me the big thing is how unnatural it feels. Maul handles are traditionally very stiff in comparison to this maul (yes, even the "springy" hickory handles) so it takes some getting used to. The steel is good, but my Wilton BASH maul came with a 1/16" flat on the bit. It works better sharpened. If you want to get an ergonomic and indestructible 8 pounder, the Wilton BASH maul is probably worth the $120. And their sledgehammers are worth every penny.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Interesting information! I haven't sharpened my Wilton Maul yet. I'll plan on doing that and see what kind of difference it makes. Thanks!

[@chriskellas2902]

Great review! it's really cool when a guy can see videos of other guys using their splitting mauls.. any way I have tried a few and finally spent the money on the Ochsenkoph 8lb, branded by Stihl, it's by far the best I have tried on heavy wet red oak and gnarly willow oak. Those smaller mauls and splitting axes are fun to use on the smaller 10" and smaller pieces that are straight and free from knots, they will split fast and easy.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Thanks! The Big Ox Maul is pretty amazing! I'm putting together another video featuring a splitting wedge comparison.

[@jesseheilman]

I understand the idea of splitting on the crack I've been doing it for years just because the crack is in the middle don't hit the middle of your piece hit in line with the crack near the edge of the wood closest to you you will split it and you will not hit your handle hello please give that a try

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I understand your idea. I'll give it a try. Thanks!

[@willh1082]

You mentioned getting a faster speed with a shorter ax, if my think is correct you'll end up with a faster head speed the longer the ax.

[@eltonsipes3713]

Great video. You left us wondering what the other mauls were that you had in your truck and skipped. On a different wood splitting idea. The effectiveness of splitting wood with an axe or maul is how fast you can swing the handle, resulting in impact between the head and the block of wood. Increasing that swing speed increases the foot pounds impact, and increases the dept the splitting edge goes into the block of wood. I have always wondered that we are stuck with this basic splitting tool which has been almost the same design for thousands of years. Why hasn't anyone came up with a powered or power assisted spitting axe or splitting maul? If a good diy person could rig up some type of acceleration device on the axe head or maul head that when activated would instantly accelerate the velocity of the head just before it goes into the block of wood. Maybe using butane for propane gas going through a flexible hose to the handle rear end connection, going through the handle and ending at an rocket engine like opening on the back of the head's rear that would be ignited during the swing. Sort of like a rocket. Someone in the right engineering sector could rig up an adjustable automatic ignition system that would measure the acceleration when you begin the swing so the head is ignited at the precise moment prior to impacting the block of wood, this would eliminate the possibility of ignition too soon and pulling the axe out of the operator hands. Further tuning adjustments could be done for adjustable acceleration pressure so the axe head didn't have so much thrust that it went through the block of firewood, through the chopping block and into the ground. I pay to see someone use one. Imagine going out to chop the pile of firewood with you gas power assisted splitting axe and a 20pound bbq cylinder of propane. The wifey come out after a little while and says "what was all the noise, it sounded like a someone shooting a 4guage bunt gun".....lol.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Wow, that's an interesting concept and I like the creative thinking. At first I was thinking of something that would pop the wood apart when it strikes, like the EZgo axe. The next maul I want to get, that's not in my collection yet, is a Gransfors. After that, maybe a propane powered item, lol👊

[@harryklippton]

After about 4 years, I broke my stihl big ox. I'm on the hunt for a replacement and had been looking at the helko vario heavy log splitter, which led me here. I think I'm gonna need multiples to replace my broken big ox!

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

The Helko heavy log splitter is one of my favorites for busting up the big rounds. Their professional splitting maul is very similar to the Big Ox. Good luck in your search!

[@erickkiessling5570]

Good to see someone using elm to compare mauls. I've been using a Stih 5 lb splitting axe for the medium hard splitting. But the elm just doesn't cooperate. So on to a 8 lb truper or 10 lb wedge and sledge. The truper has a nice high center line profie which makes it easier to release than the Stihl when it gets stuck. Down side of the truper is broken handles and soft steel. So I'm ready for a better maul. the Fiskars, Husqvarna and oxhead are my final cut list, or a 30 ton splitter. For my light work I've refurbished a Collins boys axe and a Vaughn standard axe. Much better head speed on those lighter axes and good steel especially the old Vaughn. Great videos. Thanks

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Thanks, I occasionally rent a hydraulic splitter and prefer to tackle the elm first and leave the other stuff to split by hand. I haven't tried a Vaughn axe yet. I'll keep my eyes open for one.

[@vibhupande]

Hey, thanks for the hard work. My arm's presently sore from an injury, and I'm refraining even from pushups, and you reviewing a maul collection as so!

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Best of luck in your recovery. Which maul is your favorite?

[@vibhupande]

@@MarkThomasBuilder Hey Mark, am just starting with knowing about these.. Mauls aren't common in my region.. I've only seen axe type bits, but thanks for sharing such a big collection; I'll keep my eyes open and probably visit a local smith to confirm.

[@vanillaguerilla5250]

Nah not excessive at all I've been eye balling that Wilton maul lately

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

It just needs to be sharpened when you get it.

[@johncraftenworth7847]

Not a maul but a heavy splitting axe is the Chopper 1, there are lots of youtube vids on it and it's back in production (was from the lates 70s-90s in the original production run I believe). I suppose with shipping it 100+ dollars, but it is an interesting device. I'm definitely curious to try one. Wranglerstar did a video on it.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I watched that video a few weeks ago, it was a great comparison to the German style maul. I think the Vario 2000 would compete well to the Chopper 1.

[@johncraftenworth7847]

I watched your vario 2000 vids and had seen that device earlier on the helko website. That thing looks awesome, I think I may have to pick one of those up. I like the looks on that thing and it has the finnish style splitting head where the wedge returns back to the width of the handle once it meets the handle. Fiskars axe and now their maul, and some old designs from john neeman are like this, as well as a few of the helko non vario splitting axes which I think you also did a vid on. They are pretty and also excellent splitters from what I gather from your videos.

[@michaelkearney5562]

That was an interesting video, Mark. When rounds become difficult to split, because of increased size or/and knots, you need a maul with a bit of weight. In my opinion, Gransfors Bruks and Wetterlings are too light for what you are working on. It would be easier to split your pile with an 8 pounder rather than a 6 pounder, regardless of make. Having said that, it seems that the Wilton is the heaviest, without being the most effective. I suspect that the edge is too blunt and that a sharpening would make a big difference. You tend to strike your rounds in the middle instead of aiming for the near edge, where you are more likely to get a split going. They are all good implements, but the lighter Helko is too light for this particular pile. A true test of the implements would need more time than you are able to give in the video. Anyway, you have the thumbs up.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I agree that the Wilton needs to be sharpened. It's pretty much brand new and has the factory edge, which isn't that sharp. I'll give it a try and see what happens. Thanks for the other advice and taking the time to comment!

[@johncraftenworth7847]

I think it's not weight you need, as a 6 lb maul is enough to drive a wedge...the wedge is the key on the nasties. Why even waste energy, even if you can ultimately drive through with a maul? A wedge makes sure the energy from every strike goes into the same splitting spot, whereas even the best maul swinger has some variation in location which translates to wasted energy.

[@2011persol]

Yeah i think youre right about tht sir, the WILTON DOESNT LOOK SHARP.....

[@ShlisaShell]

I'd go with the red and yellow "Big Ox" and the "Vario 2000"

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Good call!

[@hotpoker4212]

Have not seen s better splitting axe or maul,to compare with d isocore or x27, top job

[@mariobros8012]

10:27 you can lift it up and hit with the other side of an axe. No need to remove axe from wood

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Thanks, good point.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Mark - Another awesome video! I teach axemanship to the scouts and thru the years I have found that the reason there are so many axe designs is because of all the variables between wood and the person chopping. Some guys love big heavy axes and others prefer light fast axes. Also what types of wood will effect your choice, guys on the West coast wonder why East coasters struggle with certain species. One thing I like to mention is that guys like us who own and use a lot of different axes have a slight disadvantage in accuracy because switching back and forth so often doesn't give your brain enough muscle memory so we tent to over-strike and miss our mark much more then we would if we always used just one axe. Remember how hard it was the first time to plunk down over $100 for an axe?!?! It gets easier with time doesn't it? 😃👍

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Haha, yes, you've made some good points there. It's amazing all the different variables that come into play. So far, the elm shown in this video is the toughest of them all.

[@kdwb32]

I would choose the big ox first then the vario2000 second. For the elm I would choose a huskee 22ton. haha! Thanks for the video

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Haha, I agree!

[@fz1xr650lyz426kx500]

best one I have ever used was an antique with two spring loaded teeth that would catch and spread the log open wish i could find one again

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I've seen a video of one of those, pretty interesting design. I wonder when they stopped making them?

[@andyd2949]

@@MarkThomasBuilder You mean the Chopper One Axe?

[@adamatdavis7049]

The first one maybe the third

[@olehemlock]

I have scoured the internet and can not find one review of the Ochsenkopf OX 638 H-3509. The biggest of the Big Ox.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Check out my video from 7 years ago. I believe it's the maul you're wanting to see. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5qkpYqBhZ6md5o

[@olehemlock]

@@MarkThomasBuilder I watched the review👍 The 638 head is 1.1lbs heavier than the 635, the overall weight of the 638 is 1 3/4lbs heavier than the 635.

[@pedropla299]

Good work ser. And the best tools.!

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Thanks!

[@JimmyHagar]

I've got about 6 different splitting mauls and I tell you the one that'll beat them all is a Fiskars. There's nothing like the combination of speed and Power and that follow through punch.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I've own a Fiskars 28" maul that I really like. It's an older style that's no longer made.

[@JimmyHagar]

markthomasbuilder that 28 might be alright if you're short but that 36 you can get that thing moving. I've got one of the shorter ones too so if a piece don't split all the way through I'll just grab it one handed and cut the grains that are hanging up

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I like the 28 for medium and smaller pieces, because I can use a quick, compact swing. The 36 works well on the bigger stuff. I need a one handed axe like you mentioned.

[@gangunitsergeantmartinez7656]

Very good video. Your property looks like a paradise.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Thanks, I thankful to have it for video shooting. I love spending time outdoors.

[@hotpoker4212]

Just purchased a fiskers isocore splitting maul, it has to b the best splitting maul on d market,I also have a x27 super splitting axe, which is just super,the balance in the swing is perfect, greetings from the Emerald Isle,

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I would like to try the Isocore. If I ever get it, I'll make a video. I think I bought the x27 the day it was released. Fiskars didn't make a 36" handle axe before that.

[@hotpoker4212]

I find,for balance,weight,to swing ratio,the fiskers are hard to beat,if you have to swing for a full day,🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@marioburgos8381]

Is not the arrow is the indian throwing the arrow

[@fuelediowa]

hey Mark good video I am an axe junky as well. one you should really get is the Husqvarna large splitting maul. It takes a bit to get used to but once you do wow it is such a versital tool and kills the stringy elm. I do like your collection and really need to add some helko to my colection

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Thanks, the Husqvarna maul looks like a nice one to add to my collection! I'm planning on making another maul video this week from another German company (Stay tuned for details). I'm happy with my Helko Mauls and recommend them.

[@JimmyHagar]

If you're going to hit it on a log you need to just cut about a 4 inch piece of that log cuz you're losing power sitting on top of that log you might be gaining a solid surface but your Best Bets just doing on a hard piece of ground

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I haven't experimented too much with chopping block height. I'll have to try something lower to the ground and report back.

[@JimmyHagar]

markthomasbuilder here's the trick cut you a four-piece chunk off of one that's real knotty that way it won't crack

[@patrickwelch620]

No offense, but based on his body mechanics I would be willing to bet that he didn't get through that pile with any of those mauls.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I've never had my form corrected and now it's my habit. I keep getting free firewood, so that pile seems to never go away, lol.

[@patrickwelch620]

@@MarkThomasBuilder I hear that. Same here. Take care. Happy new year.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

@@patrickwelch620 You too, Happy 2020!

[@waynejohnson9855]

when people say people are not using the right form or swinging right not all things work the same for everybody, not all ball player swing the same they use what works best for them.

[@shockley1002]

Nice reviews, elm is a complete nightmare!

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Yeah, I recall hearing a story about some elm that bent a rented log splitter from a local hardware store. Someone bent the splitter by trying to push the limits with some twisted elm. The hardware store owner wasn't happy.

[@shockley1002]

@@MarkThomasBuilder Wow, we don't have many left on our property due to Dutch elm disease. When they come down they are basically standing deadwood, so I buck them up smaller than normal and then they split. I'm thinking of picking up the Vario log splitter maul next, looks really nice from your video.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

The Vario is one of may all time favorites. If you get it, let me know what you think.

[@hendriperdamaianregar1680]

Thanks for, watching, di Indonesia tidak ada Kampak seperti itu, mister

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

👍

[@jameswaggoner3619]

If you hit the log on the outside edge it will split easier

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Thanks for the advice. I own a Leveraxe and I always go for the outside edge with that. I've got in the habit with the big mauls to bust it in half if it has a crack to hit. Then break it up from there.

[@jameswaggoner3619]

markthomasbuilder yeah I can see that, plus elm is not the easiest thing to split. I'm glad peaple like you do these videos so the rest of us don't want our money on stuff that doesn't work well thank you sir.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I'm glad to hear that. My goal is to show my results and opinions and you can make your own decision from there.

[@chasekateman3769]

Which one would you prefer?

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I seem to use the Helko Vario 2000 most often. I never thought I would like it at first, but it's a nice maul overall. If I'm using a wedge, I grab the Big Ox.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

What maul is you favorite?

[@saeidmoshiri6007]

markthomasbuilder Hi I'm from Canada Is hard to find those good axe like vario 2000 and red and yellow one Would please let us know where we can get it with phone number???? Thank you so much I really enjoy your show mark

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Thanks! Can you order from Amazon? I provided a link to the Vario 2000 in the video description.

[@gorned999]

I think maybe my Sotz Monster Maul would beat all of these. Too bad they don't make them any more.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I own a monster maul, maybe not that exact brand. I tried it out on red oak and didn't get the results I was hoping for.

[@thepowertoact]

Having tried all of the modern Sotz clones (and a few of the originals) as well as making my own, my experience tells me the Ironton 12 lb maul is the best of the new ones. It has the longest handle, the best wedge profile, and the strongest welds. www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200621546_200621546 Have fun splitting firewood!

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Thanks for the link! I have to check it out.

[@frankorner1990]

If you're gonna spend all that money on mauls why not just buy a splitter?

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Haha, good point!

[@merlet.willie352]

Was your wood wet?

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I believe it was cut into rounds about 6 months before the video was made.

[@waynejohnson9855]

@@MarkThomasBuilder i cut a fair amount and i have found splitting it green and not letting it dry it splits easier. i use a fiskarsx27 and i have the fiskars iso core maul but i find i can split pretty much anything i come across as easily with the x27 so my maul gets no use, i have a lot of 20 to 30 inch red oak i am cleaning up from a storm that went through. one huge plus with the fiskars is the lifetime warranty so if it breaks they replace it and i have broke a few. i had one that split 150 full cord before it broke.

[@arjunarho1884]

Did you say.... Maulberry wood?? 😂

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Yes, awesome color wood.

[@deanoboland]

That’s a work out mate great work

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Thanks, it's a great stress reliever!

[@arnilazarev1771]

🤝🤝🤝 👍👍👍

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

😀👊💯