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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: AuRavelling79 on June 18, 2015, 11:53:49 am

Title: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on June 18, 2015, 11:53:49 am
The 22 pole is generally the best all rounder for my round. If money isn't the main issue:

Would you get an SLX22 or an Extreme 22 as your everyday pole?

Extreme 22

How does the lightness help?
But what about not being able to clamp wherever you like?
Robust enough?

SLX22

More robust but heavier.
Can clamp where you like and more quickly in awkward spaces.




I know the extreme 25 is only £20 more than the 22 but I like the shorter closed length and already have an extreme 35/47.
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: p1w1 on June 18, 2015, 12:09:18 pm
Personally I would go for the slx 22.  For the reasons you mentioned quicker to use more robust for day to day running.  I suffered a herniated disk beginning of the year and got the extreme 25 for the awkward house with Windows over cons and flat roofs to make it easier for me and extensions for my higher work but as an every pole the slx is fine, plus I'm a bit heavy handed so like the robustness of it and with the new clamps they do last longer.  Far better value for the money really the slx and I also prefer the shorter closed length aand not bothered if it gets knocked about.
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: Gerald Ash on June 18, 2015, 12:45:06 pm
Have a look at the Facelift Phoenix. I`ve had mine for nearly three years and still going strong. Had too replace a couple of clamps but other than that. You can remove sections, lock clamps at any position and it`s light. The clamp levers are easy to use and only take one finger to operate.  I wouldn`t buy any other pole now and I`ve tried other windies poles but overall I`d stick with mine.
  Believe me you don`t get more heavy handed than me.
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on June 18, 2015, 01:12:48 pm
Have a look at the Facelift Phoenix. I`ve had mine for nearly three years and still going strong. Had too replace a couple of clamps but other than that. You can remove sections, lock clamps at any position and it`s light. The clamp levers are easy to use and only take one finger to operate.  I wouldn`t buy any other pole now and I`ve tried other windies poles but overall I`d stick with mine.
  Believe me you don`t get more heavy handed than me.

What is the weight on this pole?
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: Jonny 87 on June 18, 2015, 02:58:41 pm
Extreme all the way.

Why wouldn't you want to use a lighter and more rigid pole?

Unfortunately we spend most of our lives waggling a pole around, so we should make it the best experience possible. :)
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: Gerald Ash on June 18, 2015, 04:38:01 pm
Have a look at the Facelift Phoenix. I`ve had mine for nearly three years and still going strong. Had too replace a couple of clamps but other than that. You can remove sections, lock clamps at any position and it`s light. The clamp levers are easy to use and only take one finger to operate.  I wouldn`t buy any other pole now and I`ve tried other windies poles but overall I`d stick with mine.
  Believe me you don`t get more heavy handed than me.

What is the weight on this pole?
1.4kg to answer your question  and that`s glass fibre.
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on June 18, 2015, 04:55:46 pm
Extreme all the way.

Why wouldn't you want to use a lighter and more rigid pole?

Unfortunately we spend most of our lives waggling a pole around, so we should make it the best experience possible. :)

You'd think so wouldn't you; but how does that stack up against having to clamp in specific positions rather than infinitely adjustable? Does that slow you up?
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on June 18, 2015, 04:56:39 pm
Have a look at the Facelift Phoenix. I`ve had mine for nearly three years and still going strong. Had too replace a couple of clamps but other than that. You can remove sections, lock clamps at any position and it`s light. The clamp levers are easy to use and only take one finger to operate.  I wouldn`t buy any other pole now and I`ve tried other windies poles but overall I`d stick with mine.
  Believe me you don`t get more heavy handed than me.

What is the weight on this pole?
1.4kg to answer your question  and that`s glass fibre.

But surely they do a carbon fibre that's much lighter?
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: Jonny 87 on June 18, 2015, 05:00:17 pm
Extreme all the way.

Why wouldn't you want to use a lighter and more rigid pole?

Unfortunately we spend most of our lives waggling a pole around, so we should make it the best experience possible. :)

You'd think so wouldn't you; but how does that stack up against having to clamp in specific positions rather than infinitely adjustable? Does that slow you up?

Not for me atall.

The top section half way clamped does all higher ground floor stuff, then just fully collapse it if I'm in a tight squeeze.

It's the extreme 18 I have though, so it will be a bit shorter collapsed than the 22 but not much.
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: tlwcs on June 18, 2015, 05:17:00 pm
Tough call this, I've got/had both.
Extreme 22 lasted me 3 months when I snapped no2 section pushing a window to, I know I shouldn't have but was rushing.
Bob plum bought the sections off me, replaced the broken one and is happy with it. Now I'm back to the slx 22 and happy with it

I will buy another extreme but only to replace my slx35 not as my everyday pole.

Gerald Ash, you must like the whip of a glass fibre pole seriously, a carbon pole is much easier to work with.

Tony
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: Dave Willis on June 18, 2015, 05:22:26 pm
Gold, you berk!
If you already have an Extreme then break it down to the desired length and try it for a day or two - all your questions will then be answered!
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on June 18, 2015, 06:01:49 pm
Gold, you berk!
If you already have an Extreme then break it down to the desired length and try it for a day or two - all your questions will then be answered!

Not quite:

My extreme is of longer sections than the 22. So it would be an Extreme 20 (slightly too short in reach) or an Extreme 25 (unnecessarily long in reach) but when collapsed a bit bigger in a tight space.

I like the shorter sections of the 18/22 SLX's over the 25/30/35 etc.
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: Dave Willis on June 18, 2015, 06:14:04 pm
I see,
My everyday pole is an Extreme at 30' - reaches pretty much everything on my round bar the higher commercial work.
22 foot? probably not enough in it to warrant the extra money - I'd go SLX.
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: Perfect Windows on June 18, 2015, 06:28:37 pm
The 22 pole is generally the best all rounder for my round. If money isn't the main issue:

Would you get an SLX22 or an Extreme 22 as your everyday pole?

I've used both.

Extreme 22

Lighter.  Effect is probably not noticeable day to day but the fact is that it simply has to cause less wear & tear on your body the less a pole weighs.
Stiffer.  Underrated sometimes but makes work easier.
Restricted clamping points don't really affect usefulness and the metal ones look like they'll never wear out.
Section 3 snapped after nine months of use while cleaning dried on bird muck (albeit with some vigour)

SLX 22

Slightly heavier.
Bullet proof if well maintained - pole hose always wiped, weekly interior wash out with pure while filling van, daily exterior of all sections with spray from another brush.

Vin
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: dazmond on June 18, 2015, 07:07:47 pm
xtreme mr gold!well worth the money IMO.

lighter than an slx

more rigid than an slx

smoother to extend and retract

you get used to the clamping points and they are surprisingly robust for a ultra light pole as long as you dont go bashing stiff open windows with them!im pretty heavy handed and ive never snapped a section ever and ive  been using xtremes for years now.

ive also dropped them loads of times!the metal clamping points are a really good upgrade reducing wear.

xtreme 25 is my everyday pole(i have lots of awkward windows over connys/extensions to clean on lots of my work and high first floor windows/3 storey etc)
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: slap bash on June 18, 2015, 08:23:53 pm
If was buying a pole under 22 foot, I would buy a clx its only 120 grams more weight and has not effect at all. We are all take in with weight  and flex. Its a very expensive phobia. 120 grams is the weight a tube of tooth paste.
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: ChumBucket on June 18, 2015, 08:31:27 pm
Have a look at the Facelift Phoenix. I`ve had mine for nearly three years and still going strong. Had too replace a couple of clamps but other than that. You can remove sections, lock clamps at any position and it`s light. The clamp levers are easy to use and only take one finger to operate.  I wouldn`t buy any other pole now and I`ve tried other windies poles but overall I`d stick with mine.
  Believe me you don`t get more heavy handed than me.

What is the weight on this pole?
1.4kg to answer your question  and that`s glass fibre.

I can't find any weights for the Phoenix poles on their website? ???
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: dazmond on June 18, 2015, 08:41:49 pm
If was buying a pole under 22 foot, I would buy a clx its only 120 grams more weight and has not effect at all. We are all take in with weight  and flex. Its a very expensive phobia. 120 grams is the weight a tube of tooth paste.

I dont agree.lighter weight and better rigidity is everything when your poling all day,every day (esp on awkward windows at angles.)the xtremes are also super smooth to extend and retract due to the raised clamping points.

i noticed a significant difference when i used my slx 22 at angles a few months ago compared to my xtreme 25.it was harder work to scrub and rinse.multiply this over hundreds of days poling over the course of a few years and your putting more strain on arms,shoulders etc.

id rather pay the extra and save my body from  unnecessary strain.
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on June 18, 2015, 09:56:35 pm
@Vin

So which did you opt for in the end?
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: Perfect Windows on June 18, 2015, 10:33:44 pm
@Vin

So which did you opt for in the end?

I was long-term testing the Xtreme to see if it would be a good purchase for the franchisees.  They each had a week with it then I used it as my everyday pole to see how it would wear and last.

Their opinion was that the weight gain wasn't worth it (though I disagree, see above - any weight gain has to reduce strain on joints, etc).  I didn't like the fact that it snapped after nine months.  So on balance we're opting for the SLX.

Vin
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: Rich Wilts on June 19, 2015, 06:58:29 am
how does that stack up against having to clamp in specific positions rather than infinitely adjustable? Does that slow you up?

You need versatility in this game, particularly with an everyday pole.

SLX is the answer, I'd go with extreme personally except the clamping positions would stop me from making that choice. I use an SLX 25 for my everyday pole and so does the guy who with me.
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: jonboywalton75 on June 19, 2015, 07:03:42 am
Six every time for 22 feet and under.
extremes are not robust enough even if you look after them
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: robert mitchell on June 19, 2015, 10:49:29 am
my extreme 25 is around 18 months old now and not snapped yet .......and i do close windows with it .

The clamping points are no problem after an hour or two of using it , it is showing signs of wear on the clamping points though , mine is the old version without the metal clamping points.
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: CasaDeCabra on June 19, 2015, 01:46:48 pm
To touch on the post by Vin, I did use the extreme for a week but thought the extra expense really wasn't worth the weight saving. Although I do now use an SLX18 for 85% of my daily work which is the same weight pretty much as the Extreme but over £250 cheaper. Fully appreciate that at 6ft 2 this is possible for me and that some people who are shorter would find this difficult but it works for me.
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: Gerald Ash on June 19, 2015, 01:51:57 pm
Tough call this, I've got/had both.
Extreme 22 lasted me 3 months when I snapped no2 section pushing a window to, I know I shouldn't have but was rushing.
Bob plum bought the sections off me, replaced the broken one and is happy with it. Now I'm back to the slx 22 and happy with it

I will buy another extreme but only to replace my slx35 not as my everyday pole.

Gerald Ash, you must like the whip of a glass fibre pole seriously, a carbon pole is much easier to work with.

Tony
I`m use to floppy things at my age, feels familiar.
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on June 19, 2015, 06:23:35 pm
My favourite is my "SLX20." It's the top four sections of my SLX30 (although it would be the top four sections of an SLX25 too of course) It is much lighter than my SLX22 because it doesn't have  the extra thicker section but is of the same sections as an SLX18 - but being longer in closed length makes up to being an SLX20.

The 18 is just a little too short a little too often.

I wonder if Alex would sell me an SLX25 without the biggest section?

Gold: "Alex would you sell me an SLX25 without the biggest section?"
Alex: "Well .... I could, but it wouldn't have the protective coating or the logo and what am I supposed to do with a logo'ed main section hmmmm?"

Gold: "I'm prepared to grovel."
Alex: "Oh all right then seeing as it's little old you you can have one for free."

Gold: "With an extreme hard-bristled brush, pretty please?"
Alex: "Oh go on then, I'll split a case just for you."

Gold: "Fantastic .... Huh? Huh? Who woke me? .... Oh! It was a dream! Damn!"

 
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: jonboywalton75 on June 19, 2015, 11:08:28 pm
It's Friday night on CIU
It's what dreams are made of ;D
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: robbo333 on June 20, 2015, 06:04:00 pm
I have an slx 22 with bottom section removed (about 18 feet) and an extreme 25.
The extreme definitely feels more fragile but it is noticeably lighter and more rigid (at awkward angles).
The Slx has a better closed length and feels like you don't have to 'tip toe' with it.
If your fit, young and strong get the slx.
If you're like me (older, knackered elbows...actually just generally knackered) then the extreme is excellent.
I think the extreme is definitely worth the extra money, but don't go throwing it around.
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: Jonny 87 on June 20, 2015, 08:03:40 pm
For me, I'm on the same wave length as vin.

If we are in this for the long haul, and dont have a super dooper retirement plan that means you can retire at 50..... Then use the lightest and most rigid pole you can afford.

Even if you think it's easy work with an slx, I guarantee that in 20 years time you will feel it in your joints. Even with an extreme your going to feel it in your joints, but surely it's got to be better and worth a few hundred quid?

I did a conservatory roof for the first time with my extreme and noticed a major difference. No shoulder aches what so ever.

The £100 a year that an extreme pole costs me is pennies (literally pennies day in day out )  in comparison to minimising repetitive strain and injury.

Granted if you only work part time or less then the need for an extreme is less too, but still well worth it in my opinion.

My dad works with me and I'm getting him an extreme pole for the same reason.

Extreme 18, 25, and 47 is what I'll have by the end of the year and for me they will be worth each and every penny.

Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: kempy on June 21, 2015, 12:03:25 am
I need a new 30ft  or 25ft SLX or 25ft Extreame .

Not a easy call .
Both good
But I do break things so maybe the Slx's .

Plus I use AQUA-ADAPTOR
Title: Re: Time to get a new "everyday" pole. Your thoughts?
Post by: jonboywalton75 on June 29, 2015, 08:39:35 pm
I need a new 30ft  or 25ft SLX or 25ft Extreame .

Not a easy call .
Both good
But I do break things so maybe the Slx's .

Plus I use AQUA-ADAPTOR

Use an aquadapter with an extreme and it WILL snap!!!!