Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: nathankaye on July 27, 2017, 10:55:27 am

Title: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: nathankaye on July 27, 2017, 10:55:27 am
2 yrs ago embarked on new learning curve switching from trad to wfp. Did plentybof research etc etc and then i got too keen and got all my equipment from one place, purefreedom, whereas i initially wanted to get my poles from gardiner.
So not knowing any better I purchased a phoenix hybrid and i think its a facelift v2 carbon. I soon learnt the difference and very rarely use the hybrid. But needed a new pole and recently got the SLX25 from gardiner.

For me the SLX25 is a great everyday pole. But recently i broke extension 1 and so i ordered a replacement smart clamp from gardiner and yesterday placed it on extension 1 of my old facelift pole.
So today im using a mix pole and to my suprise the facelift is a stronger composit of carbon. My facelift was a 25ft reach compared to the SLX but overall its more rigid when fully extended. But the clamps are a waste of space n money. The amount of times i had to fix or tighten them.
But i do really like the slx as a pole.

Im thinking next pole in future might be a facelift again but replace all the clamps with gardiner smart clamps instead?!

I havent tried reach it nor ionics for poles, i think they are over priced. But some of you guys have been wfp way longer than me. What have you found to be the best pole and by whom?
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Simon Trapani on July 27, 2017, 11:15:19 am
Gardiner's all day long for me. Very happy so have no intention of trying any other make. What more could you want?

Great value especially the SLX & CLX. And Alex was the first to come up with self adjusting clamps. Everyone else has since tried to copy in their own way.
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: paul alan on July 27, 2017, 11:57:12 am
Slx 27 longer and shorter than the slx 25
Love it!
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: duncan h on July 27, 2017, 01:18:38 pm
Gardiner's all day long for me. Very happy so have no intention of trying any other make. What more could you want?

Great value especially the SLX & CLX. And Alex was the first to come up with self adjusting clamps. Everyone else has since tried to copy in their own way.
How are they self adjusting clamps?
You have to tighten them manualy
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Dave Anderson on July 27, 2017, 01:55:10 pm
SLX all day every day.... hav'nt tried anything since my massive heavy facelift pole from years back and my first pole the 'orange horror' g/f nasty stick!

SLX...25 > 47
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Simon Trapani on July 27, 2017, 02:46:06 pm
Gardiner's all day long for me. Very happy so have no intention of trying any other make. What more could you want?

Great value especially the SLX & CLX. And Alex was the first to come up with self adjusting clamps. Everyone else has since tried to copy in their own way.
How are they self adjusting clamps?
You have to tighten them manualy

Ok 'smart clamps' if you wanna split hairs Duncan. But basically the latest clamps with Delrin shims don't let the pole spin unless extremely worn. Yes you have to turn the nut now & then but what I meant was that the shim takes up the small difference in worn sections & compensates. So no spinning.
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on July 27, 2017, 02:49:51 pm
I have recently changed from an SLX"20" to an Extreme "20" as lightness is king for me as my everyday pole.

Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Soupy on July 27, 2017, 02:52:35 pm
Gardiner's all day long for me. Very happy so have no intention of trying any other make. What more could you want?

Great value especially the SLX & CLX. And Alex was the first to come up with self adjusting clamps. Everyone else has since tried to copy in their own way.
How are they self adjusting clamps?
You have to tighten them manualy

There is a self adjustment range in the form of the spring, although admittedly outside the range you have to tighten yourself.
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: dazmond on July 27, 2017, 06:53:08 pm
the SLX 25 is the perfect all arounder main day to day pole IMO.the xtreme 25 is a better pole for lightness and rigidity though but a bit too brittle for my liking.ive never snapped a section on an SLX but snapped 3 sections and worn down countless xtreme sections.

i wouldnt buy a facelift pole ever because i didnt like the sales guy who used to come on here.little arrogant modded. it put me off them and the whole company.
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: the king on July 27, 2017, 08:27:29 pm
ive had a few poles over the years my big pole is a super max47ft compact no longer on sale had it years lol upgraded it to smart clamps to keep it going, had a clz27 bendy as hell then got a facelift pheonix x 22ft nice poles but wore out after 8 months , then got a slx22 ft that lasted and was a grate pole till i snaped it , now i have a xline pro 20ft only had it a month so early days but i thault ide get a extion for it did not read the small print and its blady 6ft tall :o wich makes it a pig to extend  ::)roll i may cut a foot off lol
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: the king on July 27, 2017, 08:30:43 pm
my next pole may be a reach it or may try a facelift edge  i like to try different ones just for a change ;D
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: lal on July 27, 2017, 09:05:56 pm

  My everyday Pole has been  an  SLX 25 for the last 4 years, which has been luxury compared to the Brodex Pole i was using
  before for a year, but due to a problem with my shoulder, I've recently purchased an Extreme 18 to lighten the load on my
  shoulder, i can't believe the difference it makes, but i still use the SLX 25 for about 20% of my work,
  I know from posts on here that the Extreme has a tendency to be delicate, so I'm being very very careful with it  :'(
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Spruce on July 27, 2017, 09:14:03 pm
my next pole may be a reach it or may try a facelift edge  i like to try different ones just for a change ;D

This was one of the best posts in a long time - Poor Perry Tait.

http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=200017.0;all
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: the king on July 27, 2017, 09:29:19 pm
that vid he did was a bit of a joke very complicated but im hearing there very good poles on fb best to just get the 25ft minni with out the faff of xa xb ac or what ever it is i was confused as soon as he broke the pole down
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: ֍Winp®oClean֍ on July 27, 2017, 09:42:41 pm
SLX all day long...... end of! ;D
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Dan marsh on July 28, 2017, 01:48:43 am
Slx 27 longer and shorter than the slx 25
Love it!
Just out off curiosity can you reach 4 stories with that ?
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Simon Trapani on July 28, 2017, 07:21:46 am
Slx 27 longer and shorter than the slx 25
Love it!
Just out off curiosity can you reach 4 stories with that ?
No, nowhere near. My 25' SLX reaches 2nd floor. You'd probably need a minimum of a Super Max  47' or similar.
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Tony dunmall on July 28, 2017, 09:30:15 am
Gardners extreme 22 every day pole for me last one lasted 3 years

Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: dazmond on July 28, 2017, 03:20:35 pm
Gardners extreme 22 every day pole for me last one lasted 3 years

the xtreme 22 has not been out for 3 years yet mate!
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: the king on July 28, 2017, 04:24:47 pm
he may have the metal clamping point extreme ?  3 years is inpresseve can i ask how meny hours a week do u use this pole?
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Tony dunmall on July 28, 2017, 05:37:35 pm
No I don't have the metel clamp version as I don't like it

I have the oringinal half way point clamping extreme

On average I work 24-30 hours a week in the glass sometime more, I'm not heavy  handed with poles don't thump windows, clean poles each week




Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: dazmond on July 28, 2017, 06:03:04 pm
No I don't have the metel clamp version as I don't like it

I have the oringinal half way point clamping extreme

On average I work 24-30 hours a week in the glass sometime more, I'm not heavy  handed with poles don't thump windows, clean poles each week

i think you need to contact the guinness book of records mate for the longest lasting xtreme pole!! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Dave66 on July 28, 2017, 06:32:56 pm
Was going to buy an extreme 22' or just an slx.. hmmm decisions
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Tony dunmall on July 28, 2017, 07:24:48 pm
Dasmond I have my first ever extreme a 25 still usable. Much older than the 22 possibly around 2010-11  but in all honesty it's only used about 1 hour a week and that's probably more than it's actually used and I'm just waiting for it too snap

I'm deciding what to purchase a 35 or another 25 or just move all jobs that require a 25 to my subcontractor and just stick to 22

Not sure yet

But my daughter is 19 in August and started when she was 16,the summer she left school and she's still using her 18 extreme but she only works 2days with me so will last till end year

I've worked out years ago what wears out the pole and it's using it downstairs on lower windows, the side ways cleaning action and many hold there pole to tight ( hence often the trigger finger,  tennis elbow ) and it's that movement that puts so much twist through pole clamps and wears  the carbon, IMHO

So I allow pole to twist through my grip and they don't wear as much

But if I was giving pole to staff or subcontractor, one which was more durable I'd give an 22 SLX as it will take more abuse but I can't comment on how it stands against the new style extreme 

 
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Susan Dean (1stclean) on July 28, 2017, 07:39:54 pm
the last of our ex.47 is as old as they come , its a mk1 and was got the very first week they went on sale so it must be about 5-6 years old
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Dave66 on July 28, 2017, 08:59:25 pm
Can't believe how expensive the extreme is.. more than double the slx :o
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: p1w1 on July 28, 2017, 09:11:12 pm
Can't believe how expensive the extreme is.. more than double the slx :o
Not double the pole though...slx is definitely the best all round value for money pole in my opinion. However i personally use extreme's as everyday poles (just nicer to use).
 
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: the king on July 28, 2017, 09:59:51 pm
so if u were using a extreme for every day use 8 hours a day 5 days a week would u get 2 years out of the pole??
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Dazzler3370 on July 31, 2017, 06:17:23 pm
Ive had my 2 extreme poles for two years. I spray them once a week with clear lacquer and they are still going strong

Dazzler  ;D
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: robbo333 on July 31, 2017, 06:29:29 pm
22 extreme for me, but i'm a big girls blouse with a bad elbow so this suits me fine.  ;D
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: the king on July 31, 2017, 09:00:21 pm
No I don't have the metel clamp version as I don't like it

I have the oringinal half way point clamping extreme

On average I work 24-30 hours a week in the glass sometime more, I'm not heavy  handed with poles don't thump windows, clean poles each week
your part timer then m8  ;D
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: dazmond on August 01, 2017, 08:24:20 am
i have an xtreme pole(47 footer) thats nearly 5 years old but its not my main pole.it gets used around 10 times a month.it should last me another 15 years yet. ;D
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Stoots on August 01, 2017, 08:48:28 am
I've had an slx 22 since I first cleaned a wimdow so it's coming up to 3 years old.

It is getting worn but I've never looked after it, never cleaned it.

I reckon with a good refurbished and some laquer etc I should get another couple of years out of it.

Considered an extreme but too pricy and the slx is good value so will keep going with  it until it wears right through or snaps
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Dave66 on August 25, 2017, 12:12:58 am
That's nothing, had my slx18" since 2010 and used everyday although now it's just about dead lol
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: Jonny 87 on August 25, 2017, 06:57:49 am
I honestly don't understand why everyone doesn't use the extreme poles.

I get atleast 2 years before any sections need replaced, and that is heavy use. Full days, mon-fri.

I'm only 29 but As we all Get older the rsi factor is going to become aparant if you are a full time wfp window cleaner. It literally costs pennies when you add up how much the pole makes you.

£500 pole over two years is going to cost you about £20 a month. It's even less than that really as you oky need to replace one section or so every year, and not buy a whole new pole.

If your business is turning over a decent profit then it's really a no brainer. Use the best quality gear out here to make things easier and more enjoyable/comfortable.

I've got an slx 25 as a backup and if I switch to that for a change it feels so bendy and heavy.



Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: dazmond on August 25, 2017, 09:07:39 am
I honestly don't understand why everyone doesn't use the extreme poles.

I get atleast 2 years before any sections need replaced, and that is heavy use. Full days, mon-fri.

I'm only 29 but As we all Get older the rsi factor is going to become aparant if you are a full time wfp window cleaner. It literally costs pennies when you add up how much the pole makes you.

£500 pole over two years is going to cost you about £20 a month. It's even less than that really as you oky need to replace one section or so every year, and not buy a whole new pole.

If your business is turning over a decent profit then it's really a no brainer. Use the best quality gear out here to make things easier and more enjoyable/comfortable.

I've got an slx 25 as a backup and if I switch to that for a change it feels so bendy and heavy.

when you ve snapped 4 sections on 2 xtreme poles in the space of a couple of months then you might change your mind.they snapped just cleaning windows normally too.(v2 and v3 versions).very annoying.i nearly smashed a window too when one snapped.

they ve never lasted longer than 18 months for me plus ive spent thousands on them.i could of saved myself at least a grand by buying SLXs instead.

you get used to the extra weight and bend.its only noticeable on awkward windows.
Title: Re: whos is the better carbon everyday pole?
Post by: the king on August 25, 2017, 07:39:58 pm
thats very good jonny geting to years out of a extreme pole when you brake it down its very cheep  indeed