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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Perfect Windows on June 27, 2024, 12:33:51 pm

Title: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Perfect Windows on June 27, 2024, 12:33:51 pm
Every single size of SLX on the Gardiner website is showing as out of stock. Have I missed an announcement or something?

Vin
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Soupy on June 27, 2024, 12:40:28 pm
It says due in end of June which is now  ???

Try Doug at daqua, he might have stock.

https://www.daqua.co.uk/slx.htm
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Perfect Windows on June 27, 2024, 12:54:04 pm
Ah, thanks!
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Scottish Cleaning Service on June 27, 2024, 02:29:32 pm
I have stocked up on a few Extreme poles to take me to 47 feet. Don't need them at the moment but have priced 3 office cleaning jobs. I didn't get them but I don't want to suddenly get a call that my services are required and only for the poles to be sold out.
What I have noticed in this game, come Summer it can be difficult finding a merchant with stock available. Was going to buy another Bluman backpack but no stock so I bought the Nano Trolley.
If you know you will need something in the future then try and buy it right away or it can become a headache. 😉
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: The Jester of Wibbly on June 27, 2024, 03:30:28 pm
Bugger..... I was about to order new pole section to replace one that's just snapped.

Out of stock..... 

Think it gives me a chance to try something else for now.    What's the alternative pole out there these days similar to the SLX?
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Scottish Cleaning Service on June 27, 2024, 07:04:52 pm
Once you change to an Extreme its hard to try anything else. 😉
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: dazmond on June 27, 2024, 07:12:29 pm
Bugger..... I was about to order new pole section to replace one that's just snapped.

Out of stock..... 

Think it gives me a chance to try something else for now.    What's the alternative pole out there these days similar to the SLX?

Xline nano...
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: zesty on June 27, 2024, 08:01:13 pm
Bought a replacement xtreme section 6 the other day, could not believe the cost. Well over £200 for one single xtreme section.

It’s not about affording it before you lot say ‘you’re a rich window cleaner, what’s £200’

It’s just the fact that a single pole section cost that much money! It’s ludicrous for what it is.

I will always use xtreme poles, but I do find window cleaning poles a massive rip off for what they are.

That’s the problem with lack of competition!
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: KS Cleaning on June 27, 2024, 08:12:06 pm
Bought a replacement xtreme section 6 the other day, could not believe the cost. Well over £200 for one single xtreme section.

It’s not about affording it before you lot say ‘you’re a rich window cleaner, what’s £200’

It’s just the fact that a single pole section cost that much money! It’s ludicrous for what it is.

I will always use xtreme poles, but I do find window cleaning poles a massive rip off for what they are.

That’s the problem with lack of competition!
I put a replacement SLX  No1 section in my Xtreme pole.
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Bungle on June 27, 2024, 09:06:17 pm
Here's a tip. Whenever your pole is tired and worn out don't throw it away. Keep any sections that are useful. I've got loads of spare sections that I can use at any given time. I also bought a CLX-18 a few years back as back up. It's never been used.

Also keep spares of everything on your van.
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Slacky on June 27, 2024, 09:53:48 pm
Bought a replacement xtreme section 6 the other day, could not believe the cost. Well over £200 for one single xtreme section.

It’s not about affording it before you lot say ‘you’re a rich window cleaner, what’s £200’

It’s just the fact that a single pole section cost that much money! It’s ludicrous for what it is.

I will always use xtreme poles, but I do find window cleaning poles a massive rip off for what they are.

That’s the problem with lack of competition!

Ive got quite a few sections I'll be getting rid of some time. I guess I need to have a look through and see whats available.
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: dazmond on June 27, 2024, 10:03:56 pm
Here's a tip. Whenever your pole is tired and worn out don't throw it away. Keep any sections that are useful. I've got loads of spare sections that I can use at any given time. I also bought a CLX-18 a few years back as back up. It's never been used.

Also keep spares of everything on your van.

I've got a pretty impressive pole graveyard  ;D

I always have a spare SLX/xtreme section to replace  a worn/broken one
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: DJW on June 28, 2024, 12:18:08 pm
I have stocked up on a few Extreme poles to take me to 47 feet. Don't need them at the moment but have priced 3 office cleaning jobs. I didn't get them but I don't want to suddenly get a call that my services are required and only for the poles to be sold out.
What I have noticed in this game, come Summer it can be difficult finding a merchant with stock available. Was going to buy another Bluman backpack but no stock so I bought the Nano Trolley.
If you know you will need something in the future then try and buy it right away or it can become a headache. 😉

How many poles did you buy to get to 47’
Couldn’t you buy one around 47’
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Smudger on June 28, 2024, 12:46:19 pm
Cleared out my old sections just before Christmas - 28 various slx sections - 12 ova-8 sections - 4 clx sections  :o

Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Scottish Cleaning Service on June 28, 2024, 01:07:43 pm
How many poles did you buy to get to 47’
Couldn’t you buy one around 47’

You can buy a 25' plus 4 sections or a 35' plus 2 sections. I have a 35' plus 2 extensions now which is used in a bluemoon. Mainly use the 25' on all my tall cleans. The way I see it, they will not come down in price so they are an asset. 90% of my work is with the 18' but run with 22' and 25' and a 22' sprayer always in van. All  Extremes so when you add them up it would cost over 2k to replace them. That's why I have equipment insurance of £10k which was less than £400 with Aplan.
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: tlwcs on June 30, 2024, 08:31:48 pm
On the wear, I put aluminium tape around the top middle and bottom of each pole section, creating the 3 point of contact. Like the early extreme pole. Back off the clamps to accommodate the tape and it limits the wear.  Available at Screwfix
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Stoots on June 30, 2024, 08:40:09 pm
Bought a replacement xtreme section 6 the other day, could not believe the cost. Well over £200 for one single xtreme section.

It’s not about affording it before you lot say ‘you’re a rich window cleaner, what’s £200’

It’s just the fact that a single pole section cost that much money! It’s ludicrous for what it is.

I will always use xtreme poles, but I do find window cleaning poles a massive rip off for what they are.

That’s the problem with lack of competition!

I agree i snapped my xline nano 18ft and they wanted £180 for a section, i just bought an slx 18 to replace it... the nano is still snapped on the van and has been there a year.
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: zesty on June 30, 2024, 09:07:03 pm
Bought a replacement xtreme section 6 the other day, could not believe the cost. Well over £200 for one single xtreme section.

It’s not about affording it before you lot say ‘you’re a rich window cleaner, what’s £200’

It’s just the fact that a single pole section cost that much money! It’s ludicrous for what it is.

I will always use xtreme poles, but I do find window cleaning poles a massive rip off for what they are.

That’s the problem with lack of competition!

I agree i snapped my xline nano 18ft and they wanted £180 for a section, i just bought an slx 18 to replace it... the nano is still snapped on the van and has been there a year.

Surely we can buy the poles direct from china.
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Smudger on June 30, 2024, 09:24:06 pm
Someone was doing that

But what seems to happen is the forums poo poo the idea (it’s gardiners or nothing) or they can’t get enough to make a reasonable profit vs the effort and outlay

Surely you guys don’t envy the suppliers making 150% mark up when you’re making £60 to £90 + p/h ?
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: simon w on June 30, 2024, 09:26:41 pm
Bought a replacement xtreme section 6 the other day, could not believe the cost. Well over £200 for one single xtreme section.

It’s not about affording it before you lot say ‘you’re a rich window cleaner, what’s £200’

It’s just the fact that a single pole section cost that much money! It’s ludicrous for what it is.

I will always use xtreme poles, but I do find window cleaning poles a massive rip off for what they are.

That’s the problem with lack of competition!

I agree i snapped my xline nano 18ft and they wanted £180 for a section, i just bought an slx 18 to replace it... the nano is still snapped on the van and has been there a year.

Surely we can buy the poles direct from china.

They are manufactured to order exclusively for the individual window cleaning retailers bare poles shipped to UK then clamps fitted and sections built up.
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: zesty on July 01, 2024, 08:31:22 am
There’s loads of carbon fibre window cleaning poles for sale on Chinese wholesale websites, but who knows what the quality is like. Could be worth a try, they are mega cheap in comparison to uk supplier poles.

Adam, you be the first to try  ;D
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Smudger on July 01, 2024, 04:05:47 pm
I would think the quality is about the same as the ones your paying for from gardiners - WCW - Streamline etc...

Just cutting out the middleman
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Scottish Cleaning Service on July 01, 2024, 08:02:09 pm
A wfp will last 2 years before the top section breaks. I just buy a new top section and I'm good to go for another 2 years. I would try to go easy on the poles and they will last a lot longer.
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: M & C Window Cleaning on July 01, 2024, 11:20:11 pm
A wfp will last 2 years before the top section breaks. I just buy a new top section and I'm good to go for another 2 years. I would try to go easy on the poles and they will last a lot longer.

I find it's similar with my Xtreme 25, but usually its #2 section that goes every 2 years due to wear inside and out . #1 goes about every three years, probably due to only wearing on the outside. Section #3 gives way about every four to five years due to much lighter use, and to date I've not had to replace sections #4&5 as they get used even less frequently than section #3.

I try to anticipate when each section is about ready to go and buy the necessary part in advance.
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Scottish Cleaning Service on July 02, 2024, 08:26:46 am
I find it's similar with my Xtreme 25, but usually its #2 section that goes every 2 years due to wear inside and out . #1 goes about every three years, probably due to only wearing on the outside. Section #3 gives way about every four to five years due to much lighter use, and to date I've not had to replace sections #4&5 as they get used even less frequently than section #3.

I try to anticipate when each section is about ready to go and buy the necessary part in advance.

I've had the 25' for over 4 years and still looks new. Only use it a  handful of times a month and even less since I bought the 22'. Its my 18' that takes all the beating so that's why I have two of them. One breaks then I order the part if I don't have it and run with the other one. Going to buy a new 25' and add the 4 sections I have to make a 47' pole and then that's me complete. Two 18', 22', 25' 35' and a 47' and when I retire I will sell them. 😉
Red 50% jets are out of stock!
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Spruce on July 02, 2024, 08:53:02 am
Most SLX poles are now showing as being available.
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: dazmond on July 02, 2024, 08:57:13 am
My current section 4 xtreme is damaged a bit on the first third of the section. so  long as I don't clamp it on that bit it's fine.i will replace it soon with a spare section I have in my pole graveyard.the pole is 15 months old.

It's usually the first 3 sections that wear the most so I have loads of 4 and 5 section extremes.i think next time I'll just order the first 3 sections when I need a new xtreme pole.(I use a 25 footer as my main pole)
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Perfect Windows on July 02, 2024, 09:16:09 am
Regarding buying poles from China.

Our franchisees get pretty much a couple of years out of the everyday poles (longer reach ones last far longer). They tend to work about 200 days a year. So a £400 pole costs a quid a day, on which they earn hundreds.

You're far better off working out if you can fit one more clean into a day by shaving time off cleans than you are trawling round the internet to save 50p a day buying an unknown, unguaranteed key piece of equipment.

Vin
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Perfect Windows on July 02, 2024, 09:19:22 am
Most SLX poles are now showing as being available.

Thanks. My OP was posted out of concern that I might have missed an announcement that they were phasing them out or such like.

Vin
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: Scottish Cleaning Service on July 02, 2024, 01:43:43 pm
Was talking to Gardiners this morning and all the SLX are back in stock but they have orders to make up. Another thing, they are closed Thursday and Friday so I put my order in this morning hoping it arrives on Friday. Backpacks are back in stock also.
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: windowswashed on July 02, 2024, 06:18:49 pm
Ordered top two sections of supermax and extra shims and springs to refresh some other poles as it's about time to replace some bits.
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: the king on July 02, 2024, 08:05:10 pm
i love my extreme poles but i have to say my xline nano with phamton clamp upgrade is still going strong with hardly any ome were since changing clamps its just a shame its not a bit liter on the tip sections but its bloody strong
Title: Re: SLX poles out of stock
Post by: The Jester of Wibbly on August 29, 2024, 09:26:37 pm
And again