Pros: Specially-patented curved tines pick up more leaves, built for comfort, extra-long handle with cushion, lightweight

Cons: While the design makes for fast cleanup, the tines have been known to break more easily than metal-tined options

The Fiskars Leaf Rake features a patented design with curved tines to more easily grab leaves. The 24-inch wide head also makes it simple to transport large quantities of leaves quickly and easily. The durable resin tines are designed to bend without breaking, so they'll stand up to heavy use year after year. 

This tool will not only cut down your raking time but it's built for comfort, too. The extra-long and durable aluminum handle measures 67 inches to help you avoid back strain. The length and the lightweight design make it easy to maneuver without bending or adding extra stress. The teardrop-shaped shaft also provides extra comfort and control.

The Fiskars Leaf Rake comes with a lifetime warranty, so if anything should go wrong, you're covered.

Pros: Adjustable tines make reaching small spaces easy, lightweight, durable, rust-resistant handle

Cons: Handle isn't as comfortable or long as other options

Bond's rake is a popular lightweight and easy-to-use tool that takes the cake in terms of versatility. Designed to reach smaller areas that are difficult for conventional rakes to access, the 22 flat tine head expands from 7 inches up to 22 inches. The adjustable head is a major benefit, but be advised that the handle can feel pretty uncomfortable.

Keep in mind that the with the adjustability of the head, you'll sacrifice some effectiveness in overall length. The rake is 48-inch long, so it won't cover as much ground as other options. This rake is also not designed for rocks and other heavy materials.

Pros: One-size-fits-all, closed scoop design, cuts down on leaf gathering time

Cons: The scoopers can be clunky and difficult to manage

Who couldn't use an extra pair of hands? Part rake/part hand scoops, these popular Leaf Scoops get your yard work wrapped up quickly and efficiently, whether your leaves and grass are wet or dry. The one-size-fits-all, plastic scoops are excellent for transporting and spreading compost and mulch, too. The closed scoop design keeps small items from slipping out.

The lightweight scoops are easy to store — simply fit them together and hang them up. The Leaf Scoops are covered by a 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Lifetime Guarantee.

Sized to fit all yard bags and trash cans, the closed scoop design keeps small items from slipping out. You can use one as a rake to gather stray leaves to stack for easy bagging or mulching, which can help cut down on the time it takes to gather leaves and finish gardening projects.

Pros: Well made, welded to handle, great for heavier duty tasks, lifetime warranty

Cons: Slightly heavier than most rake

There are rakes and then there are bow rakes, which are for jobs that the former just can't do. The bow rake from Bully Tools is perfect for tasks that are just a bit more labor-intensive than, say, clearing your front lawn of leaves of the fall. If you're looking to do some slightly more serious landscaping — like spreading mulch or moving small rocks — then this rake is ideal.

There are 16 tines on the end of the rake, and they're shorter but much thicker than the tines you might find on a traditional leaf rake. Because it's level-headed, it's better suited for moving around heavier materials.

Made of commercial-grade steel, there's not much that this rake can't handle. The head is actually welded to the handle so you won't have any problems with separation.

The handle is made of reinforced fiberglass so it's solid and easy on your hands, and at 54 inches, it's long enough — but also lightweight enough at three pounds — to keep you from constantly bending over and straining your back. Plus, Bully Tools actually offers a lifetime warranty behind all its products, and this particular bow rake is made entirely in the US.

This rake can be unwieldy when it comes to casual leaf-raking jobs and is heavier than other rakes, which can take its toll over an extended period of time. However, if you have a bigger job that requires something a bit sturdier than what you'd find in most tool sheds, then this is definitely a rake to consider.

Pros: Extremely affordable, lightweight, durable, makes quick work of raking

Cons: Comes with a large label that doesn't easily come off, not for heavy-duty projects

There are 11 tines on this rake, each measuring 8 inches in length. The head is made of tempered steel and lightweight aluminum, which means that the Corona Clipper will last you more than enough time.

Each of the tines is actually surprisingly wide, which allows you to clear more area in less time. And because the rake itself is extremely light (it's just 11.2 ounces), it won't put any undue pressure on the surface you're raking. So if you're looking to protect moss or save any shrubs and plants, you can rest easy knowing that this delicate rake will get rid of the detritus you don't want, while keeping alive the life you do want.

While some rakes seem to be more effective in their middles than on their sides, this is not the case with the Corona Clipper. Because its bow is bi-curved, you'll find that you're able to apply even pressure across the entire surface area you're working with.

Perhaps my favorite element of the rake is its handle. Not only is it made of lightweight aluminum, but it's actually covered with an anti-slip vinyl sleeve. It's not only comfortable on your hands even during long projects, but will also stay put even if you find yourself getting sweaty. The handle is 54 inches long, which should be long enough to help prevent any lower back aches and pains.

• Durability: Cheap plastic rakes are meant to be disposable, but you can get a few good years out of them if you're careful. Otherwise, it's common for them to break by the end of the season. If you want a rake for all tasks that's also built to last, look for one with a hardwood handle, as well as metal tines that are attached with a spring metal hinge. 
• Handles: Hardwood handles are best because metal handles tend to bend or warp with heavy use, especially over time. Metal is also a valid second option as it will last a lifetime and has very little impact on the environment. However, if you live in a colder climate, you may opt to avoid metal rakes as they can be uncomfortable to handle in chilly weather without gloves. I highly suggest avoiding plastic handles. They are typically not re-useable, can become brittle and break, and take thousands of years to decompose.
• Tines: Metal tines are important for many reasons. First, unless they become rusted from poor care or storage, they will last you a lifetime or longer. Second, they provide the appropriate amount of flex and strength necessary for leaves, small twigs, and debris. Plastic tines often break under the same pressure or fail to provide enough flexibility to be of use for the gardener.
• Comfort: Raking can be taxing on muscles. When it comes to rakes, bigger doesn't mean better. It's important for the rake's dimensions to be comfortable and have good ergonomics for the user. Ideally, each family member should have their own rake. If this isn't doable, find a lightweight rake with an adjustable handle and perhaps even adjustable tines.