For most adults, a 66cm reacher grabber handles everyday tasks comfortably. If you're taller than 175cm, use a wheelchair, or need to reach items from a low bed or floor while standing, an 81cm reacher will serve you better.
The right choice comes down to a few simple factors. Read on and you'll know exactly which length to order.
In this article
- The two main lengths explained
- How to choose the right length for you
- Foldable reachers: same lengths, travel-ready
- Key takeaways
The two main lengths explained
66cm: the all-purpose choice
The 66cm reacher is the most popular length in Australia, and it's easy to see why. It gives you enough reach to pick items up from the floor while seated or standing, without feeling heavy or awkward to hold.
It works well for most adults under 175cm and covers the tasks people use reachers for every day: picking up something you dropped, grabbing clothes from the floor, reaching into low cupboards, or retrieving items from a bedside table.
If you're buying your first reacher and aren't sure where to start, the 66cm is the safe choice.
81cm: for taller users and wheelchair users
The 81cm reacher adds an extra 15cm of reach. That extra length makes a real difference in a few specific situations.
It suits you well if you're taller than 175cm and find the shorter option has you straining or leaning. It's also the preferred choice for wheelchair users, who need greater reach to cover the distance from a seated position to the floor. And if you're standing beside a low hospital-style bed and need to pick something up without bending, the longer length keeps you upright and steady.
The 81cm is slightly heavier to hold, so if arm strength or fatigue is a concern, keep that in mind.
How to choose the right length for you
Your height as a starting point
Height is the simplest starting point. Here's a rough guide:
| Your height | Recommended length |
|---|---|
| Under 165cm | 66cm |
| 165cm to 175cm | 66cm (or 81cm if you find yourself straining) |
| Over 175cm | 81cm |
These are guides, not rules. The way you use the reacher matters just as much as your height.
Sitting vs standing use
If you use a wheelchair full time, go with the 81cm. The extra length compensates for your seated height and gives you the reach you need to get to floor level without straining.
If you mainly use your reacher while standing, your own height is the better guide. Most standing users find the 66cm comfortable without feeling like they're over-extending.
What you are reaching for
Floor items, low shelves, and picking up laundry are all common floor-level tasks that both lengths handle well. The 81cm gives you a little more comfort on these if you're tall or seated.
For higher shelves or overhead reaching, a longer reacher helps. Keep in mind that reachers aren't designed for heavy overhead lifting. Use the tool for light to moderate items only.
Some people find it useful to have two reachers: one by the bed for nighttime use and one in the kitchen or living area. Many go for a 66cm as the bedside option and an 81cm for standing use throughout the home.
Foldable reachers: same lengths, travel-ready
If you travel between home and a care facility, or you simply want something easy to pack into a bag, foldable reachers are worth knowing about. They come in the same 66cm and 81cm lengths, but fold down neatly for storage and transport.
The folding mechanism doesn't affect how they work. You get the same grip and reach as a standard reacher, just with the added convenience of being able to tuck it away.
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Standard 66cm | Everyday home use, most adults under 175cm |
| Standard 81cm | Taller users, wheelchair users, low-bed reach |
| Foldable 66cm or 81cm | Travel, care facilities, small storage spaces |
Key takeaways
- The 66cm reacher suits most adults and handles the majority of everyday tasks from floor level.
- The 81cm reacher is the better choice for users over 175cm, wheelchair users, and anyone reaching from a low bed while standing.
- Sitting vs standing use matters as much as height when choosing between the two.
- Foldable versions come in both lengths and are a good option if you travel or move between locations.
- Some people keep one of each: a shorter one by the bed, a longer one for the rest of the home.
We stock both 66cm and 81cm reachers at Mobility Shop Direct. Browse our full range on the long-handled reachers collection page to compare options side by side.
Not sure whether a reacher is the right daily living aid for your situation? Our guide to daily living aids for independent living covers a broader range of tools that help with dressing, kitchen tasks, and more.
Because independence matters.