First post here. Just got my first set of sectionals and beginning the learning curve. I’ve noticed they can get quite heavy after the third section. My question is for anyone who’s used alaco before they went under, are they lighter than metallic? or better in any way?
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Welcome. They are a tad lighter and better than metallic. In a training video I saw a long time ago I noticed that Alaco ladders don’t stick together like Metallic sections do so it makes them easier to use. In my opinion 4 sections of metallic ladders are not to heavy if proper technique is used. Back in the day a good window cleaner could handle five or six sections no problem with proper training. I wouldn’t give more than two or three pieces to a new guy because there is a learning curve. Forget about Alaco they’re almost impossible to find used. Metallic ladders are fine. Here’s a great video by Dangerous Dave on how to stack sectionals.
It’s been some time since I used an alaco set… if I remember they were definitely a little lighter but I think they were just a touch longer as well… I always thought they had a little more twist to them than metallic. It’s been so long I don’t remember that well but I do remember I ALWAYS preferred the metallic sectionals over alaco.
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Thanks for all the info guys! good to know. I’m going to continue until I’m comfortable with my metallics!
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There are quite a few informative threads about the sectional ladders on this forum. Check’m out. It’s a lost art that was passed down from one generation to the next. THEY ARE NOT USED THE SAME WAY AS EXTENSION LADDERS. 
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agreed! I love them just got to get used to them now. Whats the max amount of 6’ sections you guys use?
I only use four pieces now, 21ft. I’m semi retired. Back in the day I had 6 pieces, 31ft. The big dogs use to use 45ft. in Downtown Boston doing commercial window cleaning. The sectional ladder is safe to climb at 45ft but people get nervous when it bends and twists. It’s not going to break but some people get scared anyway. Personally I wouldn’t set them up higher than 4.5 or 5 sections. You’d be better off at 45ft with an extension ladder in most cases.
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Nothing like walking into a business or home with 20 plus feet of ladder on one shoulder… it’s a head turner to say the least. Through doorways, up and down winding stairwells. Back in our day we used to have competitions in the parking lot, who could set up and tear down 4.5 pieces straight up and down, no building to guide it up. To date, I don’t remember any of us dropping them lol.
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They’re a Brilliant design. Maybe down the road I’ll move up to 5. probably won’t go beyond that for safety. Good to know my metallics are still a great product!
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The Metallics feel sturdier but are definitely way heavier. Metallics don’t bend or twist easily. But when it’s time to put on that fourth section, it gets pretty heavy. Almost better to use an extension ladder with leg levelers at that point, imo. Plus, the metallic 4’ sections are really hard to find.
I’ve been using Alaco and would never switch to Metallics after having tried both. It’s true, they are hard to find at this point but if you want Alacos, be patient. Check Craigslist, Offerup, & Letgo often. Sometimes people get rid of a set for the price of a new metallic section. I see them all of the time .
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Oddly… I’d rather use 4 pieces than 3.5
The height of that. Half price just throws me off.
(Hope that made sense)
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I’m not sure I’d call 5.5-6 sections “easy” 
Alex: Easier than bringing extra long extension ladders into a wealthy persons high class home. HaHa
PS
All I can think of is the three stooges trying to maneuver their way through that home with an extra long extension ladder breaking half a dozen item as they go. LOL
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AGREED! The half piece is awkward at first… But it’s well worth getting used to.
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32’ er 
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I keep mine locked in the cab lol. It is truly the only “non replaceable” piece of equipment I have that is truly important.
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