Groz Heavy Duty Sledge Hammer, 14 lb Forged Induction-Hardened Head 50-58 HRC, 36" Indestructible Handle with 6 Spring Steel Bars, BS 876 / SANS 387 / ANSI, Demolition & Stake Driving (34520)

I almost gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I think the cost could come down a little, but taking into consideration this is a tool that will likely last for most if not all of the rest of my life and possibly beyond, the extra cost spread out over the time that the hammer will last is negligible. Additionally, the time it saves me from regularly replacing broken handles that couldn't withstand the force I exert is priceless. The main reason I bought this was because I got tired of replacing handles all the time. I opted for the 14lb head instead of the 10lb that I had originally planned to get, and I have no regrets. I've been using it regularly for the past few weeks to pound a diamond-shaped wood-splitting wedge into large tree rounds. After a couple medium hits to secure the wedge in the wood, one good hit is all it takes. The rubber handle absorbs/distributes the strike very well; my hands don't feel as much of it as they did with a wooden handled sledge. I did have one miss when I was delivering a series of hits to separate a branch from the trunk of the tree round, which caused the round to bounce off of the chopping block a little and become unbalanced while I was bringing the hammer down. The result was a very small blemish on the handle near the head, but nothing likely to affect the structural integrity of the tool. I am curious to see how the rubber handle holds up over a long time. I will report here if I experience any issues with this sledgehammer, especially within the 12 month warranty period. So far, so good!

This is the same exact sledge that SnapOn and Matco sell with their logo on it for HALF THE PRICE! Well worth it! No need to pay more money just for the name!

Perfect for what I need it for. Great grip and absolutely no shock to the hands compared to a wood or fiberglass handle. Totally worth the money.

My guys have had a tendency to break sledge hammer handles. This one, so far is holding up to regular abuse.

Sturdy hammer will be swinging for years to come!

Awesome hammer! Solid hits without reverberating.

I really like the heads on the GROZ hammers better than Wilson's. This is my second Groz 14 pounder, among many others.. This one bent rather quickly just under the head. I suspect some one had an over strike. It happens. It still works fine seeing as it's only slightly bent. Finding the heads eventually become loose on the Wilson hammers drives me crazy! Both brands have their strong suits but the GROZ is definitely preferable by me and mine. Smash..smash..smash!