Which Silky - Zubat or Gomtaro?

[The Stig]

Hi Guys,

 

Looking for a new Silky (other makes are available) and can't decide between the Zubat and Gomtaro.

 

Gomtaro i have used and will give a straight cut therefore hinge control.

 

Zubat looks to give more cutting power due to curved blade and slightly better access in between close branches.

 

Will the curve of the Zubat blade really show on hinge cuts (exacerbated by the opposed curved gob)?

 

I could ask dealers and get all the usual sales blurb, but would rather consult the masses of Arbtalk and get a wider feel of what real life users think.

 

Or does it just come down to the fact that the Zubat has a bit of shiny on the scabbard?

 

All replies will be greatfully recieved.

 

Kind regards,

 

The Stig.

[WorcsWuss]

Love my Zubat, nice and quick, never had a control issue [if it's that big, use a chainsaw!], only thing I ever find tricky is trying to cut Ivy off a trunk.... getting a bit worn out now so MIGHT have a change.... probably won't though....

[Gareth Dalzell]

Hi Guys,

 

Looking for a new Silky (other makes are available) and can't decide between the Zubat and Gomtaro.

 

Gomtaro i have used and will give a straight cut therefore hinge control.

 

Zubat looks to give more cutting power due to curved blade and slightly better access in between close branches.

 

Will the curve of the Zubat blade really show on hinge cuts (exacerbated by the opposed curved gob)?

 

I could ask dealers and get all the usual sales blurb, but would rather consult the masses of Arbtalk and get a wider feel of what real life users think.

 

Or does it just come down to the fact that the Zubat has a bit of shiny on the scabbard?

 

All replies will be greatfully recieved.

 

Kind regards,

 

The Stig.

 

Zubat's for our guys. As has been said it's only for light stuff so hinge isn't an issue. It also has a nice we roller thingy at the mouth of the holster which allows the blade to roll into the holster without sticking - and as for the shinny bit - Nothing wrong with a bit of Arb bling

Edited November 21, 2012 by Gareth Dalzell

[The Stig]

never had a control issue [if it's that big, use a chainsaw

 

Fair comment, suppose i was being a bit pedantic.

 

At the end of the day i guess it's not what you've got but how you use it.

 

I know it's not a huge investment, but in these times..........

[The Stig]

It also has a nice we roller thingy at the mouth of the holster which allows the blade to roll into the holster without sticking - and as for the shinny bit - Nothing wrong with a bit of Arb bling

 

Wasn't aware of the 'nice we roller thingy' but am liking the sound of it.

 

Also, Arb bling, midlife crisis bling, any sort of bling, Jesus - i never thought i would see the day that i used the word bling, let alone like it:001_tongue:

[hazzygawa]

I favour zubat

[NI Tree]

Fair comment, suppose i was being a bit pedantic.

 

At the end of the day i guess it's not what you've got but how you use it.

 

I know it's not a huge investment, but in these times..........

 

dont worry about the cost they worth it you should just worry about lossing it

[tuttle]

gomtaro

 

the only one worth having, good price, does the job, nothing flashy and the tip does not snap off as easily.

[Brett]

I have both in kit bag, always grab the zubat

[MattyF]

Ok this does not answer your question but I would choose in there range the straight edge natanoko it feels slightly more aggressive than a zubat but the straight edge is preferable IMO .. I used a zubat for years untill I Tryed one and would not buy another zubat.. never really a fan of the gomtaro it just seems a bit week but I really rate the natanoko.

Entirely off your question but I am using the sugoi and the tsurugi for pruning at the moment the tsurugi is unbeatable for accuracy whilst the sugoi is handy for timber.. The natanoko is a nice compromise between the two I feel... the zubat seems to stay at home.