Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Wrekin C S on December 14, 2014, 01:18:10 pm

Title: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Wrekin C S on December 14, 2014, 01:18:10 pm
Been checking out some vids on YouTube of these poles have seen a 22ft with 4ft extention,  im after a new pole looking at gardiner aswell but considering buying 2 one for me and my dad, so maybe one of each make?
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 14, 2014, 03:33:53 pm
Been checking out some vids on YouTube of these poles have seen a 22ft with 4ft extention,  im after a new pole looking at gardiner aswell but considering buying 2 one for me and my dad, so maybe one of each make?

This is a gardiner loving forum,

Some of us have phoenix carbon poles and highly rate them as well, they are very good! I have two, 18ft and 25ft, both lighter than gardiner poles of equivalent heights, and really rigid in use, good poles, the facelift brush is also really very good, lots of good feedback on them too.

I also own gardiner poles for the record
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Smudger on December 14, 2014, 03:41:26 pm
The Phoenix did have some issues in the early days with the little extension piece, and I'm not sure you can fit an aquadaptor or aquatap on the end.

Which ever you choose I'd buy 2 - there is no point in having different equipment that does not share common parts

Personally I use and like gardiners, good price, great quality, brilliant customer service, myself and the guys all have the slx 25 they range from 4 yrs old to 18 months, all are totally interchangeable for parts, extent ions, goosenecks etc..

Darran
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Alex Gardiner on December 14, 2014, 03:47:59 pm
Been checking out some vids on YouTube of these poles have seen a 22ft with 4ft extention,  im after a new pole looking at gardiner aswell but considering buying 2 one for me and my dad, so maybe one of each make?

This is a gardiner loving forum,

Some of us have phoenix carbon poles and highly rate them as well, they are very good! I have two, 18ft and 25ft, both lighter than gardiner poles of equivalent heights, and really rigid in use, good poles, the facelift brush is also really very good, lots of good feedback on them too.

I also own gardiner poles for the record

Each to their own  ;D

Just for clarity's sake, the Phoenix 25ft is not lighter than the equivalent 25ft Gardiner pole - it is actually heavier than the Gardiner 25ft.

Of course the 35ft SLX pole you have will feel a lot heavier than either of your shorter poles - its amazing how the dynamics of poles change once they go past 30ft.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 14, 2014, 03:54:28 pm
My 18ft phoenix is lighter than an slx18... 980g to 1050g

Yep your right the 25ft is marginally heavier, my mistake. I like
And trust your poles Alex, but I personally find the clamps easier on the facelift, a friend has 2 slx2 poles, one 18 and one 25 and I just find the facelift easier. However I purchased the 35ft from you because as I've always said I believe the quality of your poles to be superior, but I was very suprises at the bend and whip on it...

Alex feel free to send me an xtreme 35 for a trial of course... Show me what all the fuss is about  ;) for me price is important, I find the phoenix poles great for a good price, as I mentioned in another thread, is rather spend my money on holidays and the like...work to live not live to work etc
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Alex Gardiner on December 14, 2014, 04:03:42 pm
My 18ft phoenix is lighter than an slx18... 980g to 1050g

Yep your right the 25ft is marginally heavier, my mistake. I like
And trust your poles Alex, but I personally find the clamps easier on the facelift, a friend has 2 slx2 poles, one 18 and one 25 and I just find the facelift easier. However I purchased the 35ft from you because as I've always said I believe the quality of your poles to be superior, but I was very suprises at the bend and whip on it...

No problem just wanted to clarify the weight - of course this is all on 'published' weights which does rely on a similar set of scales being used.

I realize that clamp use is down to personal preference  :) (although a lateral action clamp has less chance of RSI later in life due to the more natural action on the wrist/elbow).

You have mentioned the whip on the 35ft pole previously hence my above comment. We have found that the whole dynamics of poles and sections change when you exceed about the 30ft mark and again after about 45ft. Materials that feel incredibly rigid at about 25ft seem to be very different an extra 10ft higher.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 14, 2014, 04:08:33 pm
Yeah I understand that is of course a problem all pole manufacturers have with height, Its the massive support you have on here that persuaded me to part cash wih you rather than facelift on the 35ft. I had high expectations on rigidity, and was genuinely suprised how bendy it was, I use it for commercial work, and also ordered the 45cm super lite brush, but found that it was too heavy for the slx, had to revert to the standard super lite,

Now if your xtremes were cheaper, I'd buy one, but they are very pricy! I'd rather go on a nice holiday with the wife...
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Alex Gardiner on December 14, 2014, 04:17:50 pm
Yeah I understand that is of course a problem all pole manufacturers have with height, Its the massive support you have on here that persuaded me to part cash wih you rather than facelift on the 35ft. I had high expectations on rigidity, and was genuinely suprised how bendy it was, I use it for commercial work, and also ordered the 45cm super lite brush, but found that it was too heavy for the slx, had to revert to the standard super lite,

Now if your xtremes were cheaper, I'd buy one, but they are very pricy! I'd rather go on a nice holiday with the wife...

Here's an offer for you  :) If you want to try out a 35ft Phoenix pole and find it measurably more rigid than the 35ft SLX then I will happily offer you your money back. Drop me an email and I can sort out the details of this with you.

Practically speaking with any standard carbon pole of 35ft plus height, one way to make it handle better is to not fully extend each section, perhaps sliding it back in just a couple of inches on each section. Makes quite a difference if you do not need the full height.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 14, 2014, 04:25:33 pm
Yeah I don't over extend it for that reason, im humble enough to admit defeat Alex, howevee I won't be buying abother 35ft pole for the sake of a test, but if I do I'll
Be in touch!

Interesting you say about the clamps and long term injury, however my technique for releasing the clamps is left hand thumb flipping the lever in a lateral way on the phoenix poles, which feels very natural, and easy.

I've got another offer, I'll eat my shorts if you send me an xtreme, if it's as good as people say, I'll sell phoenix my poles within 24 hours...

I did like the free hat and pen though Alex, it was well packaged, the wife told me not to wear the hat though... Apparabtly wearing a hat that says 'gardiner' on it when your window cleaning looks a bit odd lol

Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Alex Gardiner on December 14, 2014, 04:30:36 pm
Yeah I don't over extend it for that reason, im humble enough to admit defeat Alex, howevee I won't be buying abother 35ft pole for the sake of a test, but if I do I'll
Be in touch!

Interesting you say about the clamps and long term injury, however my technique for releasing the clamps is left hand thumb flipping the lever in a lateral way on the phoenix poles, which feels very natural, and easy.

I've got another offer, I'll eat my shorts if you send me an xtreme, if it's as good as people say, I'll sell phoenix my poles within 24 hours...



I didn't mean go and buy one! I thought maybe you might have a friend with one you could compare.

You will have to send me a video of the action you use on the clamps. It is interesting the different techniques used - my dad is left handed (hence uses his right thumb to quickly flick the levers open and closed)

As to eating shorts - probably wouldn't do you a lot of good in the long run  ;D
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 14, 2014, 04:33:25 pm
I'll send you a video Alex... What's your email?  I'm sure I'll find a 35ft phoenix to use, but I'm also sure it will bend a lot as well...
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: steven jonesg on December 14, 2014, 04:37:46 pm
Phoenix clamps are the easiest to use.
They are for right and left handed people,
Just they tend to wear quick.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Alex Gardiner on December 14, 2014, 04:41:36 pm
I'll send you a video Alex... What's your email?  I'm sure I'll find a 35ft phoenix to use, but I'm also sure it will bend a lot as well...

Here it is alex@agardiner.co.uk  :)
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 14, 2014, 04:48:32 pm
Video is too long! Won't let me email, how else can I send it...
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Dave Willis on December 14, 2014, 04:50:05 pm
When the Pheonix poles first came out I was initially quite interested in them that was until they released a video.

First off the top section was for 'occasional use' then they were advising you could get more reach by extending the sections past all the extended marks on the pole.  ???

Quickly lost interest after that.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Alex Gardiner on December 14, 2014, 04:50:35 pm
Video is too long! Won't let me email, how else can I send it...

You could pop it in a dropbox and link it to me.

If you send me an email I will create a folder for you to copy it in to.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 14, 2014, 04:58:36 pm
Video will be with you shortly Alex, I've shoved it on YouTube till you've seen it
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 14, 2014, 05:01:08 pm
Check emails alex
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 14, 2014, 05:05:07 pm
When the Pheonix poles first came out I was initially quite interested in them that was until they released a video.

First off the top section was for 'occasional use' then they were advising you could get more reach by extending the sections past all the extended marks on the pole.  ???

Quickly lost interest after that.

Dave you don't use the top section unless you purposly buy it, I don't own it and have two facelift poles, it's an accessory for extra reach should you wish to use it.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: ChumBucket on December 14, 2014, 05:07:52 pm
When the Pheonix poles first came out I was initially quite interested in them that was until they released a video.

First off the top section was for 'occasional use' then they were advising you could get more reach by extending the sections past all the extended marks on the pole.  ???

Quickly lost interest after that.

I quickly lost interest when I found out Stephen Fox was involved!! ;D It's just WCW who bought the rights to Facelift poles!
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Dave Willis on December 14, 2014, 05:17:35 pm
When the Pheonix poles first came out I was initially quite interested in them that was until they released a video.

First off the top section was for 'occasional use' then they were advising you could get more reach by extending the sections past all the extended marks on the pole.  ???

Quickly lost interest after that.

Dave you don't use the top section unless you purposly buy it, I don't own it and have two facelift poles, it's an accessory for extra reach should you wish to use it.

Yeah, it just made no sense to me at the time. I've never seen one so won't slag it off as it might well be a good pole. I've stayed with the Gardiner range as all their stuff is designed to fit their poles - particularly the resi swivel necks and goosenecks. Their clamps can be a bit odd when they flip about but I've got used to that and then there is the customer service etc.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 14, 2014, 05:27:48 pm
Yes agreed gardiner have fantastic service and good innovation
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Stephen Fox on December 14, 2014, 08:41:03 pm
My 18ft phoenix is lighter than an slx18... 980g to 1050g

Yep your right the 25ft is marginally heavier, my mistake. I like
And trust your poles Alex, but I personally find the clamps easier on the facelift, a friend has 2 slx2 poles, one 18 and one 25 and I just find the facelift easier. However I purchased the 35ft from you because as I've always said I believe the quality of your poles to be superior, but I was very suprises at the bend and whip on it...

No problem just wanted to clarify the weight - of course this is all on 'published' weights which does rely on a similar set of scales being used.

I realize that clamp use is down to personal preference  :) (although a lateral action clamp has less chance of RSI later in life due to the more natural action on the wrist/elbow).

You have mentioned the whip on the 35ft pole previously hence my above comment. We have found that the whole dynamics of poles and sections change when you exceed about the 30ft mark and again after about 45ft. Materials that feel incredibly rigid at about 25ft seem to be very different an extra 10ft higher.

This is pretty much nonsense Mr G, lateral clamps are far more likely to cause future injury due to the thumb moving in an unnatural way....
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Stephen Fox on December 14, 2014, 08:41:57 pm
When the Pheonix poles first came out I was initially quite interested in them that was until they released a video.

First off the top section was for 'occasional use' then they were advising you could get more reach by extending the sections past all the extended marks on the pole.  ???

Quickly lost interest after that.

I quickly lost interest when I found out Stephen Fox was involved!! ;D It's just WCW who bought the rights to Facelift poles!

Snap...
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Stephen Fox on December 14, 2014, 08:44:05 pm
When the Pheonix poles first came out I was initially quite interested in them that was until they released a video.

First off the top section was for 'occasional use' then they were advising you could get more reach by extending the sections past all the extended marks on the pole.  ???

Quickly lost interest after that.

Dave, I know you are not a 'fan' but introducing a new concept, some people simply won't get it. Especially if they have never tried it
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Smudger on December 14, 2014, 08:53:31 pm
C'mon then Mr fox, send jakey boy a pole for him to compare with 👍
You have nothing to lose, and a chance to trump Mr G

Darran
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Stephen Fox on December 14, 2014, 09:17:56 pm
Smudged, between me and you I don't know why I get so much hate on this forum. Every time we release something new there is a Gardiner's sale which never happened before... They should be thanking us!

We've got the mark 2 range of phoenix coming out now, I think a few on here may even have some... I wonder if Alex will offer this to all his customers, it's only fair... And may prove expensive ;D!
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Dave Willis on December 14, 2014, 09:18:57 pm
When the Pheonix poles first came out I was initially quite interested in them that was until they released a video.

First off the top section was for 'occasional use' then they were advising you could get more reach by extending the sections past all the extended marks on the pole.  ???

Quickly lost interest after that.

Dave, I know you are not a 'fan' but introducing a new concept, some people simply won't get it. Especially if they have never tried it

If you read the whole thread I did say I wouldn't rubbish it and said it might be a good pole - I've never seen one in the flesh.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Mick Kent on December 14, 2014, 09:29:06 pm
I think the pheonix poles are great! Just i think the gardiner poles are greater.
Both quality poles that do the job they are designed for, all of it is overpriced chinease rubbish anyway lol... Just lenghs of carbon tube cut to different sizes with clamps and a brush's added by other companies.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Smudger on December 14, 2014, 09:37:19 pm
Mr fox, like a good polatition you have avoided the question !!!

Are you not up for a challenge...?

Between me and you, the reason you may get some stick is some former posts of yours have left a little bit to be desired in the way of a professional answer.

I'm with dave, not used the Phoenix as the "part time" extension wouldn't suit me, I'm interested in maybe buying one of your brush heads to compare against gardiners

Darran
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Smudger on December 14, 2014, 09:38:56 pm
I think the pheonix poles are great! Just i think the gardiner poles are greater.
Both quality poles that do the job they are designed for, all of it is overpriced chinease rubbish anyway lol... Just lenghs of carbon tube cut to different sizes with clamps and a brush's added by other companies.

What do you know !! You only do half a job front only boy  ;D ;D ;D

Darran
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 14, 2014, 09:43:47 pm
When the Pheonix poles first came out I was initially quite interested in them that was until they released a video.

First off the top section was for 'occasional use' then they were advising you could get more reach by extending the sections past all the extended marks on the pole.  ???

Quickly lost interest after that.

Dave, I know you are not a 'fan' but introducing a new concept, some people simply won't get it. Especially if they have never tried it

Send me a 35ft and I'll happily compare, however i won't run either down, as both have good features and differing strengths...
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: the king on December 14, 2014, 09:44:02 pm
ive got a pheoinx 22 carbon an it wore out after 1 yeay luv the clamps very fast but dont bite the sections very well i now have a slx22 time will tell but so far im inpressed fiels like the qualty is beta on this pole
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: jimmy boots on December 14, 2014, 09:48:40 pm
  2 weeks ago I got mesmerized  by the Phoenix poles and bought a Phoenix X 22. I have a SLX 22 as my main pole.
  The pole is a nice looking bit of kit, feels the same weight as the SLX when all kitted up, but, in direct comparison to the SLX is more bendy. I was a bit shocked as thought it would have same rigidity as the SLX. Also the sections having no stop tape on them only slowed me down when working.
  Clamps are just a matter of preference. Both work fine. I am left handed and use SLX clamps the same as Alex's Dad with ease. Phoenix clamps have a nice easy action to them also.
  AquaTap does fit on the Phoenix. Just thread the hose from the Tap down through the outlet at the top of the poles end stop.
  All in all 'IMO' The SLX is a better pole Purely because it is more rigid.
   I do like the red lightweight 11" Phoenix brush though.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Smudger on December 14, 2014, 09:55:51 pm
Jimmy - did you mean the Phoenix had more bend ?

Also being a southpaw I have no troubles with the gardiner clamps

Us lefties are the chosen ones.....  ;D

Darran
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Stephen Fox on December 14, 2014, 09:59:07 pm
We've got the Phoenix mk2 poles which are leaking out there at the moment, I would love to see a comparison with these against anything on the market. When we have windies turn up with anything interesting we often do a comparison, but don't post the results up on CIU.....Alex can tell you all about it!
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Smudger on December 14, 2014, 10:03:06 pm
So, I take its a no to a direct comparison then??

That's a shame...

Darran
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 14, 2014, 10:05:39 pm
We've got the Phoenix mk2 poles which are leaking out there at the moment, I would love to see a comparison with these against anything on the market. When we have windies turn up with anything interesting we often do a comparison, but don't post the results up on CIU.....Alex can tell you all about it!

Fair enough!
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: jimmy boots on December 14, 2014, 10:09:49 pm
Yes, the Phoenix X has more bend. These are about the same price as the SLX. so a good comparison.
  The new Phoenix poles are, I think called 'NEON'. Dont know what the price for these will be, but I reckon they will be along the line of Gardiners Extreme poles, so should be compared to them.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: the king on December 14, 2014, 10:13:43 pm
thats what i was thinking jimmy the neon is in the same price facter as a extreme i recken
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: jimmy boots on December 14, 2014, 10:16:44 pm


Us lefties are the chosen ones.....  ;D

Darran

Lefties rule  8) Dont know how these right handed folk manage mate  ;D

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I reckon they will King.....Iv'e seen no prices yet though
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: the king on December 14, 2014, 10:21:53 pm
nore me m8 . stevon how much is is for a new 1 an 2 section for my 22ft pheonix x full carbon pole not the ul section cant find any details on price??
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Stephen Fox on December 14, 2014, 10:22:18 pm
So, I take its a no to a direct comparison then??

That's a shame...

Darran

Darren, we got loads of vids and pics of the Phoenix vs other poles... Problem is they are from us so will always be looked at suspiciously. I remember Alex releasing a video comparing the Phoenix to his range, which was so loaded he had to take it down as it wasn't a real comparison in any shape. Comparisons beed to be done by unbiased parties.

Your best bet is coming down to Marks show in Dorset, for a side by side hands on experience. We will be filming the results, gonna be a lot of fun!
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Stephen Fox on December 14, 2014, 10:26:18 pm
nore me m8 . stevon how much is is for a new 1 an 2 section for my 22ft pheonix x full carbon pole not the ul section cant find any details on price??

King, can you email fox@wcw and will get this sorted for you. Out of the office all pretty much all day tomorrow, but will pass it on straight away.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: the king on December 14, 2014, 10:28:17 pm
thanks stevon :)
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: ChumBucket on December 14, 2014, 10:39:33 pm
We've got the Phoenix mk2 poles which are leaking out there at the moment, I would love to see a comparison with these against anything on the market. When we have windies turn up with anything interesting we often do a comparison, but don't post the results up on CIU.....Alex can tell you all about it!

That's great news. Whenever a competitor gets close to catching up, Gardiners always seem to move the goalposts even further just after!! ;D ;D
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 14, 2014, 10:48:53 pm
We've got the Phoenix mk2 poles which are leaking out there at the moment, I would love to see a comparison with these against anything on the market. When we have windies turn up with anything interesting we often do a comparison, but don't post the results up on CIU.....Alex can tell you all about it!

That's great news. Whenever a competitor gets close to catching up, Gardiners always seem to move the goalposts even further just after!! ;D ;D

We could do with them competing more on price though, carbon poles are bloomin expensive for what they actually are, there's not a lot of material to them really...

Just spoke to Alex via email, to be fair he's a good guy, and I will always trust him and his products, but as I said to him, I can buy poles direct from a local supplier so always save money that way. I've been pleased with facelift poles and brushes, I'm waiting for Alex to bow send me an 18ft slx2 (go on Alex, be a legend)  ;) then I'd like to compare them side by side, with nothing negative, just listing the 3 things I feel are best on gardiner poles, and 3 things I feel are best on facelift.

No bias at all, just a direct comparson from a consumer/average window cleaner.

Wonder how confident they'd be at me doing this... Just need that slx18 Alex  ;)
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Dave Willis on December 15, 2014, 05:35:58 pm
When the Pheonix poles first came out I was initially quite interested in them that was until they released a video.

First off the top section was for 'occasional use' then they were advising you could get more reach by extending the sections past all the extended marks on the pole.  ???

Quickly lost interest after that.

I quickly lost interest when I found out Stephen Fox was involved!! ;D It's just WCW who bought the rights to Facelift poles!

Snap...

Do they?  ???
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: advanced on December 16, 2014, 05:06:28 pm
love my gardeners pole one year in  changed the little widgets  and  its clamping like a new pole again 
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: jimmy boots on December 16, 2014, 10:33:55 pm
Actually. Does anyone know how to tell the Phoenix Hybrid from the Phoenix X apart, cuz Iv'e got a feeling I have been sent the wrong pole   :-\
  It just has a Phoenix sticker on it. No 'X' or anything
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 16, 2014, 10:58:16 pm
Actually. Does anyone know how to tell the Phoenix Hybrid from the Phoenix X apart, cuz Iv'e got a feeling I have been sent the wrong pole   :-\
  It just has a Phoenix sticker on it. No 'X' or anything

No numbers at all?
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: jimmy boots on December 16, 2014, 11:12:35 pm
Actually. Does anyone know how to tell the Phoenix Hybrid from the Phoenix X apart, cuz Iv'e got a feeling I have been sent the wrong pole   :-\
  It just has a Phoenix sticker on it. No 'X' or anything

No numbers at all?

No nothing. obviously on receipt it says phoenix 'x'. The ends are blue where you stop extending the lengths. I'm wondering if they are colour coded to the different types. The pole seems very bendy compared to SLX
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 17, 2014, 07:56:05 am
Actually. Does anyone know how to tell the Phoenix Hybrid from the Phoenix X apart, cuz Iv'e got a feeling I have been sent the wrong pole   :-\
  It just has a Phoenix sticker on it. No 'X' or anything

No numbers at all?

No nothing. obviously on receipt it says phoenix 'x'. The ends are blue where you stop extending the lengths. I'm wondering if they are colour coded to the different types. The pole seems very bendy compared to SLX

My 'x' has silver bands at the ends, Is the pole chequerd carbon? It looks like you may have a hybrid!! Send it back!!
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Ian101 on December 17, 2014, 08:12:41 am
Not read a lot of the above but I can remember going to a road show of facelifts at Richy's lock up few years back and tbh the phoenix poles felt very good esp the basic one of the range.

Being upfront I have only ever used Gardiners poles apart from my first xtel that came with a trolley from pure freedom so perhaps Im biased

but whichever brand you go for theyre both gonna do the job for you and do it well  :)
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: mufcglen on December 17, 2014, 01:55:03 pm
what are the phoenix full carbons like compared to slx for stiffness when fully extended or lightness?
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 17, 2014, 03:20:22 pm
what are the phoenix full carbons like compared to slx for stiffness when fully extended or lightness?

Probably not much in it, mainly the clamps that are different
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Susan Dean (1stclean) on December 17, 2014, 04:54:02 pm
what are the phoenix full carbons like compared to slx for stiffness when fully extended or lightness?

not much in it at all ive had both 22ft side buy side this week and there not much in it at all
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: mufcglen on December 17, 2014, 05:07:25 pm
cheers Jakey and Susan out of the two which do you guys prefer or would buy again?
ive read comments that the phoenix wear out quickly?
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 17, 2014, 05:16:53 pm
I have both, and lean toward the phoenix, but I still a think gardiner poles are better made. Although maintained well, I.e cleaned thoroughly once a month, the phoenix will last a good 2 years and more,

There's not much in it, I really like both, but I don't own a shorter gardiner slx pole, so can't comment, but I do have the slx35 and a clx18. I don't think you'll be dissaponted with either, i wild say the facelift brush is much better than gardiner super lite though, it's a fantastic brush, amazing splay, and scrubbing power, a real joy to use, and lasts for ages.

Alex will be bringing out new brushes next year though, so who knows, maybe he'll trump the lot again!

I like the narrower width of the phoenix, and love the clamps. the phoenix also has a 'shiny' texture to it, and glides very nicely. I still highly rate gardiner poles and if could buy an slx18 cash price I would, but I'm able to get phoenix poles a lot cheaper, and really enjoy using them, I have the phoenix 18 and 25 carbon x's
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: jimmy boots on December 17, 2014, 07:21:11 pm
  Well, it turns out that I have been sent the wrong pole. I have got the hybrid pole. Apparently the Hybrid has blue ends and the 'X' has silver ends.
   I was quite mad when I phoned them today and found out, because if I hadn't already got a full carbon pole I wouldn't have known the difference, and would have been ripped off for 80 or so quid. He assured me it was a mistake.
   When sending out poles that look the same, they should be checking them to make sure customers get the right ones. I bet no dearer poles have been sent out, mistaken for cheaper ones.
  Mistake or con. I don't know but my faith in WCW has been shaken.
  Anyway, they said they sending someone out tomorrow to exchange the pole.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: DG Cleaning on December 17, 2014, 08:01:01 pm
Smudged, between me and you I don't know why I get so much hate on this forum. Every time we release something new there is a Gardiner's sale which never happened before... They should be thanking us!

We've got the mark 2 range of phoenix coming out now, I think a few on here may even have some... I wonder if Alex will offer this to all his customers, it's only fair... And may prove expensive ;D!

Perhaps the time you somehow funneled Gardeners Poles url straight to your website didn't help with the animosity you feel?
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Stephen Fox on December 17, 2014, 08:52:49 pm
  Well, it turns out that I have been sent the wrong pole. I have got the hybrid pole. Apparently the Hybrid has blue ends and the 'X' has silver ends.
   I was quite mad when I phoned them today and found out, because if I hadn't already got a full carbon pole I wouldn't have known the difference, and would have been ripped off for 80 or so quid. He assured me it was a mistake.
   When sending out poles that look the same, they should be checking them to make sure customers get the right ones. I bet no dearer poles have been sent out, mistaken for cheaper ones.
  Mistake or con. I don't know but my faith in WCW has been shaken.
  Anyway, they said they sending someone out tomorrow to exchange the pole.

Jimmy, looked into this and as discussed wrong pole sent out... I can assure you we have sent out full carbons before to customers when they have only order composites, funny enough they don't complain! We've upgrade the pole quality along with colour coding  the material for the mk2 range (red, blue, black and distinct marking for the Neon poles). It will be very clear which is which going forward..

Apologises for the mix up, I'm as disappointed as yourself... :(
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: duncan h on December 17, 2014, 09:01:12 pm
why don't you just print on the pole base section what it is...like  Gardiner poles  ;)
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 17, 2014, 09:06:34 pm
Whenever I've looked at the phoenix poles they are always labeled? Phoenix x has an 'x' and hybrid has a 'p' so why not on the wcw ones??? Bizarre
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Dave Willis on December 17, 2014, 09:26:52 pm
Is Fox hunting still legal?
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Stephen Fox on December 17, 2014, 09:29:59 pm
Is Fox hunting still legal?

I know cock fighting isn't
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: CleanClear on December 17, 2014, 09:48:54 pm
. I can assure you we have sent out full carbons before to customers when they have only order composites, funny enough they don't complain!

I've had no complaint from any service i've recieved from WCW, they've been great. But now with this one sentence you have destroyed any faith that they know what they're doing. How are you finding out, after the event, with no complaint you've sent out the wrong gear ? Looks to me like you're trying to make inaccuracy acceptable by the fact a recipient may benefit from it. Thats neither here nor there, your ordering system is inefficient, or so it appears from what you say , and works or it doesn't ?
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 17, 2014, 10:03:29 pm
How can a company send out the wrong pole? I don't understand? That's ridiculous, you can't confuse the poles. There's definatly labels on them, I go to a local supplier for mine and they are always labeled.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Stephen Fox on December 17, 2014, 10:09:51 pm
. I can assure you we have sent out full carbons before to customers when they have only order composites, funny enough they don't complain!

I've had no complaint from any service i've recieved from WCW, they've been great. But now with this one sentence you have destroyed any faith that they know what they're doing. How are you finding out, after the event, with no complaint you've sent out the wrong gear ? Looks to me like you're trying to make inaccuracy acceptable by the fact a recipient may benefit from it. Thats neither here nor there, your ordering system is inefficient, or so it appears from what you say , and works or it doesn't ?

Every, and I mean EVERY, company in the world (let alone forum frequenters) has sent a wrong product/service out at some point in time....the same way you've probably cleaned the wrong property or missed a part of job, etc.... Didn't amazon have a massive pricing error costing £10000's just the other day?? When you do something 1000's of times, is there anyone who performs flawlessly every time? I'll give you a grand if you find someone!

Come on CleanClear lets get real.....
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 17, 2014, 10:17:18 pm
Still is a bizarre mistake to make...
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: jimmy boots on December 17, 2014, 10:27:14 pm
Jakey, the pole just has a phoenix sticker on it

(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b553/jimmybootsx/pole%20hose%20with%20no%20join%20showing/IMG_20141217_221043407_zpsc38e51e8.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/jimmybootsx/media/pole%20hose%20with%20no%20join%20showing/IMG_20141217_221043407_zpsc38e51e8.jpg.html)

Stephen I don't want to rubbish your business but this is just basic stuff. If your sending out poles the first thing you do is check that you are sending the right one.
 If you could just deliver the right one tomorrow please (even if i do have to wait in for delivery.)  Thanks

PS I have used the other pole a couple times as it took a bit to realise.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: CleanClear on December 17, 2014, 10:29:30 pm

Come on CleanClear lets get real.....

Ok, if no one is complaining how are youi finding out you got it wrong ?
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 17, 2014, 10:40:38 pm
Jimmy, mine all have a second sticker with the model number, they read fp18x and fp25x I beleive, can't remember off top off my head... (18ft and 25ft) x stands for carbon

So no idea why they didn't have a sticker on yours...
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Stephen Fox on December 17, 2014, 11:14:11 pm
Jimmy, this is where we are at now....the confusion is, i'm guessing, the transfer of new products - all black poles meaning carbon. We have about 5 warehouse staff packing boxes all day so it seems like it was a case of 'pick something up and put it in the box.....'

(http://www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/user/content/Banners/banner-phoenix-mkii-side.png)
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Mick Kent on December 17, 2014, 11:43:15 pm
Easy mistake to make for the warehouse staff if you ask me.
I many of times in the past have cleaned the wrong house or bought the wrong dog food getting the puppy brand instead etc. everyone makes mistakes.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: CleanClear on December 17, 2014, 11:55:53 pm
Easy mistake to make for the warehouse staff if you ask me.
I many of times in the past have cleaned the wrong house or bought the wrong dog food getting the puppy brand instead etc. everyone makes mistakes.

Agree 100%, colours could be a challenge for the staff, especially if English isn't their first language and they can't read the boxes.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: jimmy boots on December 18, 2014, 12:40:46 am
Stephen. Do you think you could accidentally send me a 'Neon' tomorrow please   :)
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: The Jester of Wibbly on December 18, 2014, 10:15:59 am
Stephen,

Please can you answer the questions on Van System thread?

http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=191830.0

Thanks.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: duncan h on December 18, 2014, 10:27:12 am
Easy mistake to make for the warehouse staff if you ask me.
I many of times in the past have cleaned the wrong house or bought the wrong dog food getting the puppy brand instead etc. everyone makes mistakes.

Agree 100%, colours could be a challenge for the staff, especially if English isn't their first language and they can't read the boxes.
That's the problem nowadays  ;)
Yes we all make mistakes at some time. Anyone here got sent a wrong Gardiner pole? all English pleasant staff.
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Soupy on December 18, 2014, 11:38:28 am
http://www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/facelift-phoenix-s-22.html

 :o
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 18, 2014, 11:55:59 am
http://www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/facelift-phoenix-s-22.html

 :o

Notice how it has a big fat 's' on it
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Soupy on December 18, 2014, 11:59:43 am
http://www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/facelift-phoenix-s-22.html

 :o

Notice how it has a big fat 's' on it

Yeah but, £42.00 !!

 :o
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Jakey boy on December 18, 2014, 12:07:28 pm
It'll e a crap pole though...
Title: Re: Phoenix facelift any good?
Post by: Soupy on December 18, 2014, 12:10:07 pm
It'll e a crap pole though...

http://www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/facelift-phoenix-pro-22.html

 :o :o