True Temper Poly 18 - Best Overall Performance

The True Temper Poly 18 stands out as a remarkably well-balanced snow shovel that excels across multiple performance categories. The curved aluminum shaft design represents a sophisticated approach to ergonomics, providing the benefits of a bent handle while maintaining the stability and hand placement flexibility of a straight shaft. This design allows users to maintain a straighter back during shoveling motions while offering multiple grip positions along the shaft. The 18-inch poly scoop strikes an ideal balance between capacity and manageability, capable of handling significant snow volumes without becoming unwieldy. The nylon wear strip deserves particular attention for its dual functionality - it effectively scrapes snow and ice while being gentle on delicate surfaces like wood decks, brick patios, and stone walkways.

This shovel demonstrates impressive durability, with many users reporting years of reliable service without significant degradation. The D-grip handle accommodates gloved hands comfortably and provides secure control during lifting and throwing motions. While the thicker nylon edge requires slightly more effort to penetrate compacted ice compared to metal-edged shovels, this trade-off ensures the shovel won't damage valuable outdoor surfaces. The Mountain Mover performs competently in all snow conditions, from light flurries to heavier wet snow, making it an excellent choice as a primary snow removal tool for most residential applications.