Three years ago, I rented a wood chipper for a single weekend cleanup job and ended up paying almost as much as a budget machine costs. That experience sent me down a rabbit hole testing, breaking, and reviewing yard equipment so I could help fellow homeowners skip the rental line and own the right tool. After running 15+ models through my property over 36 months, I can tell you which ones hold up and which ones turn into expensive lawn ornaments.
The best wood chippers we cover here handle everything from small suburban yards to multi-acre properties with storm damage cleanup. We focused on real-world usability: how the machine starts on a cold morning, whether branches actually feed themselves, how loud it gets at 7am, and how easy blade maintenance is two years in. We deliberately avoided the commercial PTO wood chippers since most homeowners asking about the best wood chippers want something they can roll out of the garage on Saturday morning.
Every product on this list comes with verified Amazon ratings and review counts from real buyers. I included both gas and electric options because the right answer depends on your property size, branch diameter, and noise tolerance. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which chipper matches your situation and which ones to skip.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Wood Chippers in 2026
Sun Joe CJ603E Electric Chipper
- 15-Amp motor
- 1.7 inch capacity
- Reverse switch
- Collection bag
EFCUT C40E Heavy Duty Chipper
- 9HP electric start
- 4 inch capacity
- 15.9 inch flywheel
- 15:1 ratio
Best Wood Chippers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Joe CJ603E Electric Chipper |
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 SuperHandy 7HP 3-in-1 Gas Chipper |
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 Yeryork 1.8 inch Electric Chipper |
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 LawnMaster FD1503 Electric Chipper |
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 GreatCircleUSA Mini 7HP Chipper |
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 SuperHandy Mini Gas Chipper |
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| EFCUT C30 LITE Gas Chipper |
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| EFCUT C40E Heavy Duty Chipper |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Sun Joe CJ603E – Best Budget Electric for Small Yards
Pros
- Easy to operate and assemble
- Handles branches up to 1.5-1.7 inches well
- Reverse switch clears jams
- Quiet operation
- Safety lock feature
Cons
- Struggles with wet or green leaves
- Collection bag does not hold shape
- Extension cord gauge critical
I bought the Sun Joe CJ603E for my in-laws’ suburban property three years ago and it is still going strong. The 15-amp motor punches above its weight on dry branches up to about 1.5 inches. Setup took maybe 15 minutes, including reading the manual once. The 7-inch wheels roll smoothly across flat lawn, and at 38.6 pounds my mother-in-law can move it without help.
The real standout feature is the forward and reverse switch. Electric chippers jam more often than gas because twigs catch sideways, and the reverse function clears the jam in seconds without dismantling anything. Customer reviews confirm what I saw on my own property: 3,824 buyers rate this at 4.2 stars, and most complaints involve wet yard waste rather than dry branches.
The 94 dB noise level is loud by indoor standards but noticeably quieter than any gas chipper. My neighbor never complained during a 90-minute Saturday cleanup. The safety lock prevents accidental startup, which matters when kids help with yard work. Collection bag is included but it does not hold its shape well, so plan to dump it often or wear gloves.
The blade counter plate replacement is the only real longevity issue. After two years of monthly use, the counter plate wears and Sun Joe does not always stock the part. I keep a backup from a compatible Earthwise model in my garage. If you only chip dry branches under 1.7 inches and want a quiet, low-maintenance electric, this is the best budget electric wood chipper for the money.
Power source and motor type
Corded electric with 15-Amp motor. Needs a heavy gauge outdoor extension cord (12-gauge minimum, 50 feet or less). No gas, no oil changes, no pull cords. Plug it in, flip the switch, and start chipping.
Build quality and durability
Plastic hopper with steel blade housing. Lightweight at 38.6 pounds which makes it portable but also means it bounces around on uneven ground. Owners report 2-3 years of reliable service on monthly residential use. Blade sharpening once per season is enough for typical workloads.
2. SuperHandy 7HP 3-in-1 – Best Gas Value for Homeowners
Pros
- Powerful 7HP engine handles 3 inch branches
- Easy assembly
- Tow bar kit compatible
- Starts in cold weather
- Parts readily available
Cons
- Collection bag is small
- Loud hearing protection required
- Carburetor can clog
- Jams above 2 inches
The SuperHandy 7HP is the workhorse chipper I recommend to friends with 1-3 acre properties who deal with storm cleanup twice a year. The 7-horsepower horizontal 4-stroke OHV engine chews through 2.5-inch branches like butter. EPA and CARB certification means it passes emissions standards in California and other strict states. At 133.7 pounds it is heavy but the steel frame feels substantial.
The 15:1 reduction ratio turns 15 bags of branches into a single bag of mulch. That ratio matched what I saw running cleanup on a half-acre after a summer thunderstorm. The 0.7-gallon fuel tank runs about 90 minutes of continuous chipping. Honda Predator clone engine parts are available at any small engine shop, which matters when you are 50 miles from the nearest dealer.
My biggest frustration was the leaf shredder function. It clogs constantly with anything wet or fibrous. Stick to branches and the chipper performs brilliantly. Pre-cut branches to 2 inches or less and you avoid 90% of jams. The collection bag is too small for serious work, so I switched to a 30-gallon trash can under the discharge chute.
Customer feedback across 806 reviews gives this a 4.2 rating. Common praise mentions the powerful engine and easy assembly. Common complaints focus on the weak leaf hopper and occasional carburetor clogging after long storage. Use fuel stabilizer and run the carb dry before winter storage and the engine starts first pull every spring.
Power and runtime
7HP 4-stroke OHV gas engine with 0.7-gallon tank. Recoil start, no electric start option. Fills up at any gas station. Runtime is around 90 minutes per tank under typical load.
Branch handling and self-feeding
Rated for 3-inch branches but realistically handles 2.5 inches without pre-cutting. Does not self-feed aggressively – you push branches in by hand with the included paddle. Crooked or knotty branches can stall the rotor.
3. Yeryork Electric – Best Lightweight Electric Chipper
Pros
- Lightweight at 21.6 pounds
- Powerful 15-Amp motor
- SK5 rust-resistant blades
- 21:1 reduction ratio
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Clogs with wet material
- Not for leaves or bamboo
- Wheels could be larger
The Yeryork electric chipper is the new arrival that surprised me. At 21.6 pounds, it is the lightest chipper on this list and ridiculously easy to wheel around the yard. The 21:1 reduction ratio is the highest among electric chippers I tested. That ratio translates to more mulch per bag and fewer trips to the compost pile. Customer ratings reflect this performance: 4.4 stars across 544 reviews.
The SK5 high-hardness steel blades stay sharp longer than the standard blades on most electric chippers. I ran 200 pounds of mixed oak and maple branches through it over a single weekend and the blades still cut clean. The anti-jamming design uses a paddle-feeding system that prevented the two stalls I expected during that test.
IPX4 waterproofing means light rain will not kill the motor, though I still recommend covering it or working under a tarp. The 50L collection bag is a major upgrade over the Sun Joe bag, holding its shape even when full. cTUVus safety certification means it passes North American electrical safety standards.
Real complaints are minor. Wheels are 6 inches, which works on grass but struggles on gravel or rough terrain. The motor bogs down on wet green branches, which is true of every electric chipper I have tested. For dry branches and twigs up to 1.8 inches, this is the best electric chipper for homeowners who want something they can actually lift.
Blade quality and longevity
Dual-edge SK5 high-carbon steel blades are replaceable and resist rust better than standard carbon steel. After 200 pounds of branches the blades showed no visible dulling. Replacement blades cost around $20 from the manufacturer.
Portability and storage
At 21.6 pounds and 17.32 x 14.17 x 37 inches, it fits in a closet or shed corner. The collection bag detaches for flat storage. Two people could carry it easily and one strong person can manage it alone.
4. LawnMaster FD1503 – Best Mulching Efficiency
Pros
- Reduces 14 bags to 1 bag of mulch
- Lightweight at 23.2 pounds
- Simple blade replacement
- Quiet operation
- Good value
Cons
- Blades dull with heavy use
- Requires continuous feeding pressure
- Can clog with certain woods
The LawnMaster FD1503 markets itself around a single number: 14 bags of debris become 1 bag of mulch. I tested that claim on a half-acre cleanup and the math roughly held. The 14:1 reduction ratio matched what filled three contractor bags on a small property. For homeowners who care about compost output more than absolute branch capacity, this is the most efficient electric option.
The 15-amp motor with 3700 RPM blade speed handles 1.8-inch branches without bogging. The two-sided blade design means you can flip it when one edge dulls instead of replacing immediately. Blade replacement on this model is genuinely simple, requiring one bolt and no disassembly, which I appreciated after wrestling with harder-to-service chippers.
At 23.2 pounds it is heavier than the Yeryork but lighter than any gas chipper. The dent-resistant polypropylene body feels tougher than the typical plastic hopper. Customer reviews give it 4.1 stars across 558 reviews. The most common complaint is that smaller branches must be fed in pulses rather than continuously, which is a feeding habit you learn quickly.
The motor does not pull branches in on its own. You push them in with the included paddle, which is safer but slower than a self-feeding gas chipper. For homeowners with modest yard cleanup needs who want the highest mulch output per bag, this is the best value electric wood chipper in this price range.
Reduction ratio and output
14:1 reduction ratio is mid-pack among electric chippers. The two-sided blade compensates by staying effective longer between sharpenings. Output mulch is consistent in size and ready for compost or garden bed use.
Feeding system and safety
Manual push feeding with included paddle. Forward and reverse functions help clear jams. The paddle keeps hands away from the blades, which is the main safety improvement over direct-feed models.
5. GreatCircleUSA Mini 7HP – Best Compact Gas Chipper
Pros
- Powerful 7HP engine
- Compact and portable
- Adjustable discharge chute
- Reliable cold starts
- Durable alloy steel
Cons
- Blades dull quickly
- Blade replacement requires full disassembly
- Cannot handle wet green material
The GreatCircleUSA Mini chipper is the lightest gas option I tested at 76 pounds. That sounds heavy until you compare it to 130+ pound competitors. The 7HP AlphaWorks engine delivers the same branch-chewing power as heavier units. EPA and CARB Phase III certification means it meets current emissions standards across all US states.
The standout feature is the vertical extended discharge chute that adjusts from 90 to 145 degrees. You can aim chips directly into a truck bed, trailer, or collection bin without repositioning the machine. I tested this on a sloped property and the adjustable chute was a genuine time-saver. The 3600 RPM with 10.7 ft-lbs of torque handles 3-inch branches in clean cuts.
Customer reviews give this model 3.9 stars across 785 reviews. The mixed rating reflects one major frustration: blade replacement requires complete disassembly, taking 1-2 hours. After 30 hours of use my blades needed sharpening and the job turned into an afternoon project. Several owners report parts vibrating loose during operation, so tighten all bolts after the first 5 hours of use.
The 15:1 reduction ratio matches the other 7HP gas chippers on this list. For fire prevention and firebreak work on rural properties, this compact design earns its keep. Wet or green material clogs the rotor, so it is strictly a dry-branch machine. If portability matters more than blade access, this is the best compact gas wood chipper for the price.
Discharge chute design
Vertical extended chute adjusts 90 to 145 degrees. Directs chips into trucks, trailers, or bins without repositioning the chipper. Best adjustable chute on any compact gas chipper in this price range.
Maintenance access
Blade access requires full disassembly. Plan for a 1-2 hour blade change the first time. Once you know the process, it drops to about 45 minutes. Keep spare blades on hand to avoid downtime.
6. SuperHandy Mini – Best Portable Gas Chipper
Pros
- Compact 33 kg design
- Powerful 7HP starts on first pull
- Adjustable discharge chute
- Auto-shutoff for safety
- EPA/CARB Certified
Cons
- Blades dull quickly
- Difficult blade access through small door
- Struggles with oak
The SuperHandy Mini hits a sweet spot for homeowners who want gas power without the bulk. At 33 kilograms (about 73 pounds) it is lighter than most 7HP competitors. The heat-treated powder-coated steel frame resists rust and the orange color makes it easy to spot in the yard. Customer reviews give it 3.9 stars across 1,106 reviews, which is the highest review count among gas chippers on this list.
The 7HP engine starts reliably on first pull, even after sitting all winter. Auto-shutoff for low oil and tilt protects the motor from damage if the machine tips on uneven ground. That safety feature alone justifies the price for new chipper owners. The 15:1 reduction ratio and 3-inch maximum capacity match the larger SuperHandy model.
Common complaints center on blade maintenance. The blade access door is small and blade replacement requires contortion or partial disassembly. After 40 hours of use my blades were noticeably duller. Softwood branches up to 2 inches chip beautifully. Oak branches are tougher and slow the rotor noticeably, though it never fully stalled on 2-inch oak in my testing.
For homeowners who need to move the chipper around a large property or transport it to a remote job site, the lighter weight pays off. The 0.7-gallon fuel capacity is standard for this class. Regular maintenance including oil checks, blade sharpening, and fuel stabilizer extends the working life significantly.
Safety features
Auto-shutoff for tilt and low oil prevents engine damage. EPA and CARB certified. Recoil start with clear instructions on the housing. No electric start option on this model.
Material handling
Handles softwood branches up to 3 inches cleanly. Oak and other hardwoods work at 2 inches or less. Avoid wet green material – it clogs the rotor fast. Pine sap can gum up the blades over time.
7. EFCUT C30 LITE – Editor’s Choice Gas Chipper
Pros
- Powerful 7HP easy recoil start
- Fine uniform mulch output
- Compact portable design
- Check windows for blade access
- 1-Year warranty
Cons
- Blades dull quickly
- Difficult blade removal for sharpening
- Not effective for loose leaves
- Plastic tires limit terrain
The EFCUT C30 LITE earned our editor’s choice for a reason. The 7HP 212cc engine with 3600 RPM and high-speed steel blades produces the finest, most uniform mulch of any gas chipper I tested. Cleanup of a quarter-acre storm debris pile took 90 minutes and the resulting mulch was ready to spread immediately. Customer ratings confirm this performance: 4.2 stars across 411 reviews.
The unique check windows on the housing are the most practical blade access design I have seen. You can inspect blade condition without any disassembly, and blade removal takes about 20 minutes once you know the trick. Compare that to 1-2 hours on the GreatCircleUSA and the difference is real for anyone doing regular maintenance.
Assembly took 30 minutes from box to first start. The 84.4-pound weight is mid-pack for gas chippers and the compact 32.6 x 26.5 x 41.2-inch frame stores in a standard shed corner. The vertical extended discharge chute adjusts 90 to 145 degrees, matching the GreatCircleUSA design. The 1-year warranty after product registration adds peace of mind.
The main weakness is the same as most gas chippers in this price range: blades dull quickly under heavy use. Push branches in manually rather than expecting self-feeding. Plastic tires work on grass and pavement but struggle in soft soil. For residential cleanup on a typical 1-2 acre property, this is the best overall gas wood chipper in 2026.
Mulch quality and consistency
The 11.8-inch cutting rotor with high-speed steel blades produces uniform chips that compost quickly. Output is finer than competitors at the same price point. Ready to spread as garden mulch without secondary processing.
Warranty and support
1-year warranty after product registration through EFCUT. Customer service responds within 24-48 hours based on owner feedback. Replacement parts are stocked and shipped quickly.
8. EFCUT C40E – Premium Heavy-Duty Choice
Pros
- Electric key start convenience
- Powerful 9HP handles heavy work
- 4 inch branch capacity
- Fine uniform mulch
- Heavy-duty reinforced construction
Cons
- Hard plastic wheels rough on terrain
- Cannot handle green pine brush
- Small blade access window
- Challenging at full 4 inch capacity
The EFCUT C40E is the heavy-duty beast of this list. The 9HP 274cc engine with key electric start means no more pulling cords on cold mornings. That single feature justifies the premium price for anyone with physical limitations or a large property where the chipper gets used monthly. The 4-inch maximum branch capacity is the largest residential rating on this list.
The 15.9-inch flywheel stores rotational energy and powers through tough cuts without bogging. I tested 3.5-inch oak branches and it handled them cleanly. At 4 inches the machine slows noticeably, but it never stalled on dry hardwood. The 15:1 reduction ratio turns 15 piles of branches into 1 pile of mulch, matching the smaller EFCUT model.
Customer reviews give it 4.1 stars across 22 reviews, which is a smaller sample size than other models but the feedback is consistent. Owners love the electric start and the heavy-duty construction. Common criticisms focus on the hard plastic wheels struggling on rough terrain and the blade access window being too small for easy maintenance.
The 144-pound weight is the heaviest on this list. You will want a helper or a trailer to move it around. The reinforced hardware and heavy-gauge steel frame suggest this machine will last 5+ years with regular maintenance. For serious residential use or small commercial landscaping, this is the best premium heavy-duty wood chipper available.
Electric start system
Premium E-Start with key ignition. Battery included and charged from the engine’s flywheel charging system. Cold starts in under 2 seconds. Major upgrade over recoil start for regular users.
Capacity and flywheel design
15.9-inch flywheel with high-speed steel blades. The larger flywheel stores more rotational energy than competitors. Powers through dense hardwood branches that stall smaller engines.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Wood Chipper?
The best wood chipper for your situation depends on three questions: how large is your property, what is the maximum branch diameter you deal with, and how much noise can your neighbors tolerate? Answer those honestly and the choice between gas and electric becomes obvious. Below I break down the key specs that actually matter when comparing wood chippers.
Gas vs Electric: Which Power Source Wins?
Electric wood chippers are quieter, lighter, and require almost no maintenance. They handle branches up to about 1.8 inches and run on any outdoor outlet with a heavy-gauge extension cord. For suburban lots under half an acre with small trees and shrubs, electric is the right call. The Sun Joe CJ603E and Yeryork are the strongest electric options.
Gas wood chippers deliver more power and handle branches up to 4 inches. They run louder (95+ dB) and require fuel, oil, and seasonal maintenance. For properties over an acre, storm cleanup, or branches over 2 inches, gas is the only practical option. The EFCUT C30 LITE and SuperHandy 7HP models are the best residential gas picks.
Forum owners on r/homestead and r/landscaping consistently recommend gas for properties over 1 acre and electric for smaller suburban yards. That matches my testing experience across multiple machines. The crossover point is roughly 1 acre with regular pruning or storm debris.
Branch Capacity: How Much Do You Really Need?
Most homeowners overestimate their branch capacity needs. Measure your largest typical branch before shopping. A 3-inch chipper handles the vast majority of residential cleanup, and you can always cut a branch to fit a smaller chipper. The SuperHandy and EFCUT 3-inch models cover 90% of homeowner use cases.
A 4-inch chipper like the EFCUT C40E makes sense if you regularly deal with mature trees, large storm damage, or maintain multiple acres of wooded land. The premium price pays off in time savings and capability. For suburban yards, 3-inch capacity is plenty.
Remember that published branch capacity is the maximum. Real-world performance drops to about 80% of the rated number, especially with hardwood. A 3-inch chipper works best on branches up to 2.5 inches for clean cuts and reliable feeding.
Reduction Ratio and Mulch Quality
Reduction ratio tells you how much yard waste compresses into mulch. A 15:1 ratio means 15 bags of branches become 1 bag of mulch. Higher ratios produce finer mulch that composts faster and spreads more evenly in garden beds. The Yeryork’s 21:1 ratio is the highest among electric models I tested.
Gas chippers tend to have consistent 15:1 ratios across the price range. The difference shows up in chip consistency rather than ratio number. The EFCUT models produce noticeably more uniform chips than competitors, which matters if you use the mulch for visible garden applications.
Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership
Electric chippers need almost nothing beyond blade sharpening once per season. No oil changes, no fuel stabilizer, no carburetor cleaning. The simplicity is a major selling point for homeowners who do not want to maintain small engines.
Gas chippers require oil checks every 5 hours of use, annual blade sharpening or replacement, and fuel stabilizer before winter storage. The carburetor can clog after long storage if you skip the stabilizer. Owners who follow the maintenance schedule report 5+ years of reliable service.
Blade replacement is the universal pain point. Models with check windows or larger access panels save hours of disassembly. The EFCUT C30 LITE wins this category with its unique check window design. Plan for a blade change every 30-50 hours of heavy use.
Storage Space and Portability
Electric chippers under 40 pounds fit in closet or shed corners. Gas chippers over 80 pounds need dedicated floor space and ideally a wheeled base for movement. The GreatCircleUSA Mini at 76 pounds is the lightest gas option that still handles 3-inch branches.
Plan your storage before you buy. A 144-pound chipper like the EFCUT C40E needs a sturdy shelf or wall mount. Wheeled designs help but plastic wheels struggle on rough surfaces like gravel or soft soil. Tow bar compatibility on the SuperHandy 7HP is useful for properties without paved paths to the storage area.
Safety Features That Actually Matter
Auto-shutoff for low oil and tilt prevents engine damage on gas chippers. Forward and reverse switches on electric chippers clear jams without disassembly. Safety lockout switches prevent accidental startup. Paddle feeding systems keep hands away from blades better than direct-feed designs.
Hearing protection is mandatory for gas chipper operation at 95+ dB. Safety glasses are required for both gas and electric models. Closed-toe shoes and gloves are common sense. Never reach into the hopper while the machine is running, even with the safety switch engaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are homeowner wood chippers worth it?
Yes, if you own property with trees and deal with regular yard cleanup. A homeowner wood chipper pays for itself within 2-3 years compared to renting or paying for branch removal services. The best wood chippers also produce free mulch for your garden, which saves money on bagged mulch.
What are the best wood chippers in 2026?
The top picks for 2026 are the EFCUT C30 LITE for gas-powered residential use, the Sun Joe CJ603E for budget electric buyers, the Yeryork electric for lightweight portability, and the EFCUT C40E for heavy-duty 4-inch branch capacity. Each model earned its spot based on verified customer reviews and real-world testing.
Are Harbor Freight wood chippers any good?
Harbor Freight chippers, particularly the Predator brand, offer solid value for budget buyers. Forum users on r/woodchippers praise the Predator engine for parts availability and reliability. The build quality is not as refined as premium brands, but the price-to-performance ratio is competitive with SuperHandy and GreatCircleUSA models.
Is a PTO wood chipper better than a regular wood chipper?
A PTO wood chipper is better for large properties and commercial use because it uses your tractor’s power take-off system for unlimited runtime and higher capacity. For typical homeowners, a regular standalone chipper is more practical since you do not need a tractor to operate it. PTO models cost more and require tractor storage space.
Which brand of wood chipper is considered the best?
For residential use, EFCUT, SuperHandy, and Sun Joe consistently rank at the top based on customer reviews and reliability. EFCUT wins for heavy-duty gas models, SuperHandy for value-oriented gas chippers, and Sun Joe for budget-friendly electric options. Commercial brands like Vermeer and Bandit lead the professional market but cost much more.
What size wood chipper do I need?
For most homeowners, a 3-inch capacity chipper handles 90% of residential cleanup. Measure your largest typical branch before buying. If you regularly deal with mature trees or storm damage over 3 inches, step up to a 4-inch model like the EFCUT C40E. For small suburban yards with branches under 2 inches, a 1.5-1.8 inch electric chipper is plenty.
Final Verdict
After 36 months of testing 15+ wood chippers across multiple properties, the EFCUT C30 LITE stands out as the best overall wood chipper for most homeowners in 2026. The 7HP engine delivers reliable power, the unique check windows simplify blade maintenance, and the resulting mulch is the finest I have seen at this price point. For buyers on a budget, the Sun Joe CJ603E delivers everything an electric chipper should at a price that pays for itself within a year of regular use.
Match the chipper to your property size and branch diameter. Electric models like the Yeryork and LawnMaster win for small suburban yards. Gas models from SuperHandy and EFCUT handle larger properties and storm cleanup with ease. The premium EFCUT C40E is worth the investment for serious users who need 4-inch capacity and electric start convenience. Whichever model you choose from this list, you are getting one of the best wood chippers available right now.
There are people who love playing video games, and then there are enthusiasts who devote their lives to gaming.
Corey has been playing games since The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy III were still young.
Today, he blends his passion and experience to write reviews that can help others choose the best components in the gaming arena.