Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: simonr on June 26, 2016, 10:50:44 am
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nowt to do with brexit, just up on gardiners site i think its their version of the univalve, but no info, anybody been trialing it ???
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Gotta link?
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http://gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/all-products/whats-new/control-is-not-letting-go.html
Found it - ooh exciting!
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I can't see anything being better than the univalve.. ???
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take some beating i agree but would they bring something out that wasnt at least as good
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Haven't tried univalve as I use a flow control tap but I think Alex Gardiner is passionate about bringing quality products out, I only buy from Gardiner's for wfp and wcw when I need trad gear.
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still waiting on the new sill brush he said would be out 6 weeks ago ???
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From the blurry picture (I hope is blurry and not just my eyes)
It looks like a similar design to univalve, but attaches to the top of the pole? Almost built into the gooseneck.
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From the blurry picture (I hope is blurry and not just my eyes)
It looks like a similar design to univalve, but attaches to the top of the pole? Almost built into the gooseneck.
Maybe thats what "is not letting go" means ???
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I think alex is just testing the water so to speak as the page has no description or decent pictures of the product yet.
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From the blurry picture (I hope is blurry and not just my eyes)
It looks like a similar design to univalve, but attaches to the top of the pole? Almost built into the gooseneck.
Maybe thats what "is not letting go" means ???
Although it could be similar to Peter fogwills Aqua tap. ?
Twist operation, and that's what not letting go means. With a uni valve you let go of the pole and tug the hose.
Interesting.
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From the blurry picture (I hope is blurry and not just my eyes)
It looks like a similar design to univalve, but attaches to the top of the pole? Almost built into the gooseneck.
Maybe thats what "is not letting go" means ???
Although it could be similar to Peter fogwills Aqua tap. ?
Twist operation, and that's what not letting go means. With a uni valve you let go of the pole and tug the hose.
Interesting.
Hope its out soon, if you don't have to let go of pole and it works well its a no brainer really.
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I'll reserve judgement on twisting till I've tried it, if indeed that is what it is based on. I said I'd never get on with tugging on the hose but it sped up my day no end over the trigger I was using, and getting rid of that loop of extra hose at my feet... I felt like a dog being let off a lead. Brilliant!
We shall see. :)
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gonna be hard to beat the univalve , brilliant bit of kit .........it may be something you squeeze rather than twist .
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Never liked the idea of letting go of the pole to control the flow.
At 30 foot or so I like both hands on!
If it works by twisting AND works with the swivel I'll give it a go.
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Mark Munro .i think been testing it for a few months. Said he is going to do a video next week 👍🏻
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I think alex is just testing the water so to speak as the page has no description or decent pictures of the product yet.
Alex is also the master at releasing the mouth watering aroma of a roast dinner before we visually see it.
Mark Munro has had one on test for the last 9 months and they having been tweaking it.
Mark says it brilliant.
I would have thought the market was saturated with the Univalve, but could this be another Citroen Picasso? (The Picasso was launched after most of the other manufacturers had released their versions; ie Renault Scenic, Vauxhall Zafira etc. But it became a very good seller.)
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gonna be hard to beat the univalve , brilliant bit of kit .........it may be something you squeeze rather than twist .
The Uni-valve has some excellent benefits. Weight being one of them.
I'm afraid I don't like the on/off action as I find it very stiff and have difficulty 'feeling' it. I honestly prefer the action of the old Aquadapter. I don't know whether this changed as both of mine are from the first manufacture.
I also don't like the O clip bodge on the pipe at the exit of the angle adapter.
I'm waiting for Alex's product before I consider another Uni-valve.
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Never liked the idea of letting go of the pole to control the flow.
At 30 foot or so I like both hands on!
you don't need to let go, you can just tred on the hose & push the pole up,, not my idea, but i've been trying for 2 days now & its great
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The Uni-valve has some excellent benefits. Weight being one of them.
I'm afraid I don't like the on/off action as I find it very stiff and have difficulty 'feeling' it. I honestly prefer the action of the old Aquadapter. I don't know whether this changed as both of mine are from the first manufacture.
I also don't like the O clip bodge on the pipe at the exit of the angle adapter.
I'm waiting for Alex's product before I consider another Uni-valve.
Hi Spruce. I didn't like that 'O' clip bit either. This works well for me. It's cut from a piece of 2" plastic plumbing pipe and drilled with 7.5mm bit. It forms a tight push fit but is removable to make roadside repairs easy if necessary.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/milkman2912/hose%20stay_02.jpg)
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/milkman2912/brush%2001.jpg)
I've also found that the higher the pressure that the pump is set to the more difficult it is to operate the univalve. Mine are from the second batch, and generally are very easy to operate. However, I tried a fixed 115psi pump on my trolley and found it almost impossible to operate the univalve with that much pressure.
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The Uni-valve has some excellent benefits. Weight being one of them.
I'm afraid I don't like the on/off action as I find it very stiff and have difficulty 'feeling' it. I honestly prefer the action of the old Aquadapter. I don't know whether this changed as both of mine are from the first manufacture.
I also don't like the O clip bodge on the pipe at the exit of the angle adapter.
I'm waiting for Alex's product before I consider another Uni-valve.
Hi Spruce. I didn't like that 'O' clip bit either. This works well for me. It's cut from a piece of 2" plastic plumbing pipe and drilled with 7.5mm bit. It forms a tight push fit but is removable to make roadside repairs easy if necessary.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/milkman2912/hose%20stay_02.jpg)
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/milkman2912/brush%2001.jpg)
I've also found that the higher the pressure that the pump is set to the more difficult it is to operate the univalve. Mine are from the second batch, and generally are very easy to operate. However, I tried a fixed 115psi pump on my trolley and found it almost impossible to operate the univalve with that much pressure.
Thanks for that. Thats a great idea. I would like to copy that if you don't mind.
Much appreciated.
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No probs Spruce. Best of it is I found the length of pipe on a pile of rubbish on bin day. ;D ;D
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No probs Spruce. Best of it is I found the length of pipe on a pile of rubbish on bin day. ;D ;D
That's the best of all. :)
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Come on then Alex...
Enlighten us ;D
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Univalve is very good
This gar-diners device seems it will be a twist action.
The univalve is for any pole .
I don't think gardiners device will be able to fit to any pole other than gardiners ?
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Don't think it going to be a twist device, from looking at the photo the hose seems to go into the brush and out at one side
which then connects to the jet hoses, I wonder is designed to be switched on and off by pressing the brush or part of it against the glass ?
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Don't think it going to be a twist device, from looking at the photo the hose seems to go into the brush and out at one side
which then connects to the jet hoses, I wonder is designed to be switched on and off by pressing the brush or part of it against the glass ?
foggy had something like that years ago. not a good idea.
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Univalve is very good
This gar-diners device seems it will be a twist action.
The univalve is for any pole .
I don't think gardiners device will be able to fit to any pole other than gardiners ?
Do we buy any other than Gardiners????
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115 PSI? why would anyone need that? I have worked with a 35 psi pump and it's totally adequote.
It must be 12 years since I sweitched to WFP, still using the same Surflow 60 psi pump with a varistream. Once you disconnect that pressure switch and let the varistream take control it will pump at 130 psi with everything turned to maximum. THe pump is the same only the presssure switch was differnt, once disconnected you can wind it up until it's popping connectors.
But for what? You only neede an adequote supply of water, jet washing glass sends spray over to the pane you just cleaned.
Using a greater flow rate is better controlled with jet size, flooding the glass makes for less rinsing, but do it gently.
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£19.95 + vat
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What's £19.99 +vat that's still gonna come to thirty quid with delivery
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Only an idiot pays for postage from Gardiner ::)roll
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That OK spending what Eva it is for free delivery but sometimes you only want something that costs a tenner but have to spend over fifty or sixty quid you might not have
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Well here's the first video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yic21IlHqoQ
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Well here's the first video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yic21IlHqoQ
Well, that's clear as mud.
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Well here's the first video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yic21IlHqoQ
Well, that's clear as mud.
lol - yes it would be useful to have a commentary & actually see the twist action ...
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Wonder how it will manage stretching over roofs and conservatory roofs at an angle
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Wonder how it will manage stretching over roofs and conservatory roofs at an angle
Yes, it always turned my water off on the aqua tap
Tony
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Here's Mark's review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAflR93kkiI
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think ill stick to my univalve if its any thing like the aquatap im out, my aqua tap was a nite mare water keeped turning off all the time pxxxiss me off so much its now sat in the box of unwanted junk lol , the only thing i can see thats different is it has a tenshioner to adjust the stiffness of the twist action not my cuppa t this one :P
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think ill stick to my univalve if its any thing like the aquatap im out, my aqua tap was a nite mare water keeped turning off all the time pxxxiss me off so much its now sat in the box of unwanted junk lol , the only thing i can see thats different is it has a tenshioner to adjust the stiffness of the twist action not my cuppa t this one :P
I can understand how easy it is to be negative considering your previous experience with a similar concept.
I didn't buy an Aquatap because I perceived there would be issues in my application, but it was all based on theory. IMO some purchasers were fobbed of with unacceptable fixes, ie open it up and remove an O ring, open it up and remove grease, open it up and add grease, etc; depending on the nature of the complaint.
The same Mr Peter Fogwill also was the first to market a flow controller mounted on his brush. The concept was modified by Steve and the Aquadapter was the result - probably the best accessory invention ever for window cleaners at the time. I still believe it is far superior to the Uni-valve in so many ways. Its only downfall is it's weight.
Peter will still argue that his Aquatap is superior the Gardiners on/off rotary switch as his design allows for a reduced water flow. Gardiner's unit appears to be either on or off.
Mark Munro has had the 'tap' on test for around 9 months. He commented once that its concept was brilliant. I have to believe that this is a tried and tested accessory and on the basis of that I would order one and try it.
I like the idea of being able to adjust the tension, although I would always be looking for my allen key. I'm still not convinced that the rotary action is a good idea for me.
Alex did tell me once that it may not be to everyone's taste, but I guess that's the 'nature of the beast'. You can't please everyone all of the time, especially window cleaners. ;D (I guess Alex is no stranger to this as he supplies brushes.)
It has taken Alex a long time to give the go ahead for tool making and production so I would expect the financial commitment is huge. If he wasn't 100% happy, I doubt he would make a commitment like this.
What we also don't see is the much bigger picture. Steve Jones says he has patented the pull on/off hose concept. I doubt Peter Fogwill will have patented a rotary on/off tap concept so this leaves a void to be filled now which can be improved in the future as did the Aquadaptor to Uni-Valve.
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Think it should be good with a tensioner on it tbh
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think ill stick to my univalve if its any thing like the aquatap im out, my aqua tap was a nite mare water keeped turning off all the time pxxxiss me off so much its now sat in the box of unwanted junk lol , the only thing i can see thats different is it has a tenshioner to adjust the stiffness of the twist action not my cuppa t this one :P
I can understand how easy it is to be negative considering your previous experience with a similar concept.
I didn't buy an Aquatap because I perceived there would be issues in my application, but it was all based on theory. IMO some purchasers were fobbed of with unacceptable fixes, ie open it up and remove an O ring, open it up and remove grease, open it up and add grease, etc; depending on the nature of the complaint.
The same Mr Peter Fogwill also was the first to market a flow controller mounted on his brush. The concept was modified by Steve and the Aquadapter was the result - probably the best accessory invention ever for window cleaners at the time. I still believe it is far superior to the Uni-valve in so many ways. Its only downfall is it's weight.
Peter will still argue that his Aquatap is superior the Gardiners on/off rotary switch as his design allows for a reduced water flow. Gardiner's unit appears to be either on or off.
Mark Munro has had the 'tap' on test for around 9 months. He commented once that its concept was brilliant. I have to believe that this is a tried and tested accessory and on the basis of that I would order one and try it.
I like the idea of being able to adjust the tension, although I would always be looking for my allen key. I'm still not convinced that the rotary action is a good idea for me.
Alex did tell me once that it may not be to everyone's taste, but I guess that's the 'nature of the beast'. You can't please everyone all of the time, especially window cleaners. ;D (I guess Alex is no stranger to this as he supplies brushes.)
It has taken Alex a long time to give the go ahead for tool making and production so I would expect the financial commitment is huge. If he wasn't 100% happy, I doubt he would make a commitment like this.
What we also don't see is the much bigger picture. Steve Jones says he has patented the pull on/off hose concept. I doubt Peter Fogwill will have patented a rotary on/off tap concept so this leaves a void to be filled now which can be improved in the future as did the Aquadaptor to Uni-Valve.
Always enjoy reading your well considered posts Spruce :)
I just wanted to mention that this product has been designed, developed and manufactured with Peter Fogwill from the beginning. You could say that this is a Gardiner Gooseneck Valve with 'Aquatap Technology' inside.
It has taken a long time to get the product to this stage along with the various Patents and Protection needed for them. Neither of us has been in a hurry - we would rather get it right the first time with this product.
It is a very integrated design to reduce the niggles usually associated with after-market products.
It will not suit everyone in their preferences, but does give a different option for those that like this type of simple twist action. For some the action of the Aquadapter or the new Uni-Valve will be preferable, but it does at least give users more options. For those that like a single button option the new WFP link will be a very good contender due to its high technology approach.
As development has progressed it has surprised me how much I like it - it does become second nature to use and I will be fitting them to my poles for standard use. For some jobs I will still, no doubt, prefer my trusty hand valve.
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Alex, am I buying a new angle adapter as well as control or is it all in one?
Rob
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Alex, am I buying a new angle adapter as well as control or is it all in one?
Rob
It will be sold initially only as a complete 'all-in-one' angle adapter gooseneck assembly.
This will be available as a stand alone product for the advertised £19.95 or as an option on the poles for the same £9.50 as our other pole flow valve option.
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think ill stick to my univalve if its any thing like the aquatap im out, my aqua tap was a nite mare water keeped turning off all the time pxxxiss me off so much its now sat in the box of unwanted junk lol , the only thing i can see thats different is it has a tenshioner to adjust the stiffness of the twist action not my cuppa t this one :P
I can understand how easy it is to be negative considering your previous experience with a similar concept.
I didn't buy an Aquatap because I perceived there would be issues in my application, but it was all based on theory. IMO some purchasers were fobbed of with unacceptable fixes, ie open it up and remove an O ring, open it up and remove grease, open it up and add grease, etc; depending on the nature of the complaint.
The same Mr Peter Fogwill also was the first to market a flow controller mounted on his brush. The concept was modified by Steve and the Aquadapter was the result - probably the best accessory invention ever for window cleaners at the time. I still believe it is far superior to the Uni-valve in so many ways. Its only downfall is it's weight.
Peter will still argue that his Aquatap is superior the Gardiners on/off rotary switch as his design allows for a reduced water flow. Gardiner's unit appears to be either on or off.
Mark Munro has had the 'tap' on test for around 9 months. He commented once that its concept was brilliant. I have to believe that this is a tried and tested accessory and on the basis of that I would order one and try it.
I like the idea of being able to adjust the tension, although I would always be looking for my allen key. I'm still not convinced that the rotary action is a good idea for me.
Alex did tell me once that it may not be to everyone's taste, but I guess that's the 'nature of the beast'. You can't please everyone all of the time, especially window cleaners. ;D (I guess Alex is no stranger to this as he supplies brushes.)
It has taken Alex a long time to give the go ahead for tool making and production so I would expect the financial commitment is huge. If he wasn't 100% happy, I doubt he would make a commitment like this.
What we also don't see is the much bigger picture. Steve Jones says he has patented the pull on/off hose concept. I doubt Peter Fogwill will have patented a rotary on/off tap concept so this leaves a void to be filled now which can be improved in the future as did the Aquadaptor to Uni-Valve.
Always enjoy reading your well considered posts Spruce :)
I just wanted to mention that this product has been designed, developed and manufactured with Peter Fogwill from the beginning. You could say that this is a Gardiner Gooseneck Valve with 'Aquatap Technology' inside.
It has taken a long time to get the product to this stage along with the various Patents and Protection needed for them. Neither of us has been in a hurry - we would rather get it right the first time with this product.
It is a very integrated design to reduce the niggles usually associated with after-market products.
It will not suit everyone in their preferences, but does give a different option for those that like this type of simple twist action. For some the action of the Aquadapter or the new Uni-Valve will be preferable, but it does at least give users more options. For those that like a single button option the new WFP link will be a very good contender due to its high technology approach.
As development has progressed it has surprised me how much I like it - it does become second nature to use and I will be fitting them to my poles for standard use. For some jobs I will still, no doubt, prefer my trusty hand valve.
Hi Alex,
I must admit I didn't expect to read that it is a joint venture between you and Peter. That threw me. ;D
But then again, who would have thought that Ford and Citroen would become joint diesel engine developers back in 1998/1999? :)
It makes sense to involve Peter as he has spent many hours developing the Aquatap to begin with.
The early wfp industry owes much to Peter. Peter is a good concept developer and has proved that over the years. Sadly, from what I see is that much of what he worked so hard on just died as he failed to develop and market it.
So to have someone who can market and drive a product forward can only be good news for Peter as I don't believe he is committed to that side of the business. (That's not a criticism btw).
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I'm really pleased to see efforts being made to improve the working day for us vision technicians.
I've tried nearly every gadget out there over the years, some are great.... Others not so much. Triggers on poles, loops of hose tripping myself up and decapitating many a garden gnome.
Must admit thigh I love the uni-valve, but I love having different options. I really liked the aquatap at first, but the extra weight, and the fact it would turn itself off sometimes when at awkward angles, made me wait for the uni valve, and love it so far.
The big thing for me is that I love using a carbon gooseneck, so I'll be waiting till the updated versions are out till I can try.
Really happy to see a nice competitive price too. (Think I've been living in Scotland too long it's rubbing off)
;D
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Alex, am I buying a new angle adapter as well as control or is it all in one?
Rob
It will be sold initially only as a complete 'all-in-one' angle adapter gooseneck assembly.
This will be available as a stand alone product for the advertised £19.95 or as an option on the poles for the same £9.50 as our other pole flow valve option.
Ok cheers :)
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does it work with swivel necks
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For me it has the same issue that put me off the Aqua tap, you have to touch either the glass or the frame with the
brush to turn it off and risk any dirt in the bristles being left on the glass.
I like to turn my water off with the brush off the glass and away from any potential splash back areas which you cant do with this device.
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For me it has the same issue that put me off the Aqua tap, you have to touch either the glass or the frame with the
brush to turn it off and risk any dirt in the bristles being left on the glass.
I like to turn my water off with the brush off the glass and away from any potential splash back areas which you cant do with this device.
If I’m honest that is one of the reasons why I never bought peter's aquatap apart from the obvious added weight to the end of the pole. Other drawbacks for me I could see with peters twist action design was not compatible with swivel necks nor having proper control of the water flow especialy when doing add-ons like fsg's cleans as could turn the water on/off unexpectedly when using the brush on awkward angles.
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does it work with swivel necks
It does work with Swivel Necks, but is not ideal.
I would probably recommend using one of the other water control options if using swivel necks.
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For me it has the same issue that put me off the Aqua tap, you have to touch either the glass or the frame with the
brush to turn it off and risk any dirt in the bristles being left on the glass.
I like to turn my water off with the brush off the glass and away from any potential splash back areas which you cant do with this device.
In real world use it can be operated very quickly, so whilst working I turn it off in the bottom RH corner of the window as the brush reaches the corner. The brush is then lifted away by the time the water curtain has flowed down and rinsed the area, meaning that the brush is not potentially leaving anything on the glass.
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For me it has the same issue that put me off the Aqua tap, you have to touch either the glass or the frame with the
brush to turn it off and risk any dirt in the bristles being left on the glass.
I like to turn my water off with the brush off the glass and away from any potential splash back areas which you cant do with this device.
If I’m honest that is one of the reasons why I never bought peter's aquatap apart from the obvious added weight to the end of the pole. Other drawbacks for me I could see with peters twist action design was not compatible with swivel necks nor having proper control of the water flow especialy when doing add-ons like fsg's cleans as could turn the water on/off unexpectedly when using the brush on awkward angles.
This Gooseneck Valve does have the ability to be locked in either an open or closed position for use - ideal for awkward jobs like FSG etc.
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i think it will be fine on big pains of glass but as soon as u are polling over connys at angles ect it will be like the old aquatap turning off all the time i just cant c it being any beta my self