Ryobi’s 45cm pole hedge trimmer is cheap to run and easy to reach

Is the Ryobi ONE+ 18V OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer worth buying? Yes — if you already own Ryobi ONE+ batteries or want a 2.9m reach hedge trimmer at a relatively low £98.95, it offers strong value, a 4.3/5 rating from 2,872 reviews, and a current price that is at the all-time low.

First impressions: what you get for £98.95

At £98.95, this is a bare tool, so the real cost depends on whether you already have ONE+ batteries and a charger. That matters because Ryobi positions this as part of its 18V ONE+ platform, which is a major advantage for existing users but a drawback for first-time buyers who must budget for power separately. The package does include a blade sheath and shoulder strap, which are practical additions for storage and longer trimming sessions.

What are the key features and why do they matter?

The headline feature is the 45cm diamond-ground blade, designed for clean cutting rather than rough tearing. Ryobi says it can handle branches up to 18mm thanks to the blade gap, which makes it suitable for routine hedge maintenance rather than heavy clearance work. The 115-degree articulating cutting head with four positions is the standout feature for usability, because it helps when shaping the tops and sides of hedges at awkward angles.

The removable extension shaft takes the full length to 2.9m, so it is aimed at taller hedges and jobs where you would rather stay on the ground than use a ladder. For many UK gardens, that is a meaningful benefit: typical suburban boundary hedges, Leylandii tops, and mixed ornamental hedges often need seasonal trimming in spring and late summer, and reach matters more than raw cutting aggression.

How does it perform in real garden use?

On paper, the OPT1845 is best suited to regular hedge maintenance rather than thick, neglected growth. The 18mm blade gap suggests it should cope with the sort of soft-to-medium woody growth found in established UK hedges, but not with dense, overgrown stems that need a pruning saw first. The 45cm blade length is also a sensible middle ground: long enough to cover ground efficiently, short enough to remain manageable on a pole tool.

The articulating head is likely to be the main reason to buy this model over a basic pole trimmer. Being able to set the head into four positions makes trimming the tops of hedges and shaping the sides less awkward, especially if you are working around fences, paths, or uneven ground. That said, a pole hedge trimmer is always more tiring than a standard hedge trimmer, so the shoulder strap is not a luxury — it helps offset the weight and makes longer sessions more realistic.

Is the build quality and design convincing?

The 4.3/5 rating from 2,872 reviews suggests buyers generally trust the design and find it effective for the money. The fact that 200+ were bought last month also shows continuing demand, and the sales rank of #1769 in its category indicates it is not a niche product with tiny volume. The build appears focused on practicality rather than premium materials: the extension shaft, articulating head, and included sheath all point to a tool designed for usability first.

How does it compare to alternatives?

Against the DEWALT DCM563PB-XJ at £139.99, the Ryobi is cheaper by £41.04, but the DeWalt carries a stronger 4.7/5 rating. That suggests DeWalt may have the edge in perceived quality, while Ryobi wins on price and pole-trimmer functionality. Compared with the Bosch EasyGrassCut 18V-26 at £49.95, the Ryobi is far more expensive, but that Bosch is a grass trimmer, not a hedge trimmer, so it is not a direct substitute. The EGO Power+ ST1511T at £362.68 is in a different league altogether: it includes a battery and charger and is aimed at users willing to pay for a premium ecosystem and more complete kit.

Is it good value for money?

At £98.95, this is good value if you already use Ryobi ONE+ tools. The all-time-low price and 26% saving from the £133.99 RRP make it easier to justify, especially given the 2.9m reach and articulating head. The warning is simple: because it is body only, new buyers may find the real spend climbs quickly once battery and charger are added.

What should buyers watch out for?

The biggest limitation is that this is not a heavy-duty cutter for thick, neglected hedges. The 18mm cutting capacity is useful, but it still has clear limits. The other issue is platform dependence: if you do not already own ONE+ batteries, the headline price is only part of the story.

Final take

This Ryobi makes sense for UK gardeners who want reach, flexibility, and a lower entry price into a cordless pole hedge trimmer. It is less compelling for buyers starting from scratch, or for anyone with large, woody hedges that regularly exceed the tool’s cutting capacity.