Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: U.S. wfp USER on February 18, 2007, 03:40:49 pm
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Does anyone have a video of one of these poles being used at 40' or higher.
I am interested in these poles, but would love to see how rigid they really are.
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I will be using one on several commercial jobs tomorrow and I will try to get my work partner to take a short video of the Super-Lite in action.
I will post a link to it here.
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Much appreciated.
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Alex,
I've been hearing good things about your Supalights.
Are they hard wearing and can you buy individual replacement sections?
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Hi Tosh,
I have 2 that I have been using for over a year now and they are both going strong. Used correctly they will last a very long time as the taper joints will not wear like conventional pole/clamps.
You can easily buy replacement sections from us and you can even have sections repaired (great if you step on one!!) from just £15-20 per repair.
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i'm also interested alex, although i've been a wee bit unsure of the modular thing in the past i can't ignore the many good reports about them on this forum. it's mainley for work above 45ft for which i will be canvassing for shortley, although a love the carbon facelift i must admit that i wouldn't like to use one (the facelift) above this height. :)
tony
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I too am interested in the super-lite poles from gardiners. Noticed them on the website today, but have not heard any opinions about them. We will shortly be replacing our 60 foot carbon fibre ionics pole, which I find I pain to use to be honest.
Cheers,
Huw.
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Seems to be pretty rigid. I would like to see a video of you picking up a 40' pole from the ground and then viewing it in use from the side rather then behind.
Its all about whether its rigid or not to me.
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They are the lightest and most rigid pole for window cleaning. I've used one up to 60feet and not a problem to lift. I can clean windows all day long with a 'Supalite' and not return home feeling tired compared to say holding a normal telescopic carbon pole all day doing high level work. The only downside with the Supalite pole is the fact that it is so light is that I personally wouldn't try using one on very high level windows on a very windy day because it's so light and would settle for using the heavier telescopic poles at lower levels on windy days. Bit like comparing using a heavy ladder to a light one on a windy day.
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Seems to be pretty rigid. I would like to see a video of you picking up a 40' pole from the ground and then viewing it in use from the side rather then behind.
Its all about whether its rigid or not to me.
It is totally rigid and extremely - surprisingly - light!!!
I had a shot of Ian_Giles's this evening and there's no discernable 'flex' in it at all. You can hold the pole parallel with the ground - all of it (I think it's 35 foot long; but I could be wrong) - no problems; no bend; no physical effort.
Ian's 'over the moon' with it.
It's far far superior than the alluminium poles I use, and the fibre glass poles I have used.
Wor Lass wants one, because even she at 5' 1" tall and weighing in at eight-and-a-half stones can use it.
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Alright, send one over. I'll test it at no charge for the americans hehehehe ;D ;D ;D ;D
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as a usser and advocate of superlight, decided that to stock and sell the , 90% who come along and use one will buy.
i wont realy use much else either
i currently monthly use it at 72 ft no hassle at that height, although its a different ball game.
i have a photo from phone at 75 foot but not that clear and not much use
at 65 it easier to use than all other 56-60 foot poles
when i first recieved one for trail my kids stood it up in the garden by themselves at 45foot.
good pole alex
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Please take this as some gentle well meant advice from someone who has used these poles since January last year. You can just raise from horizontal at 42ft with a brush thats less than 8oz but.......
But I do not advise it for two reasons. The leverage on the pole joints is awesome, the pressure is applied at the very tip of each joint and can cause the possibility of a stress fracture paticulary if there is a already a slight hairline crack.
The second and more important reason is your body. You can and will do more things with the poles, going to difficult situations just because you can reach over under, up and across, its so easy. But the downside is you body takes strains it shouldnt have to and you may well suffer small injuries paticulary reaching at low levels using your leading arm elbow joints and muscles. They can quiet easily be put into strain injuries, muscle spasm etc. I have been there.
There is no need, it is generally faster to raise say 20-30ft from horizontal and then just add remove the last few sections when upright in a more balanced and controlled way. The whole oif the pole and brush can be held upright with just one hand.
This applies with trad wfp poles as well, dont go over your or the poles capabilities.
Hope this info helps you.
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There is a warning that should be brought to attention about carbon fishing poles especially if they are being supplied as WFP`s,
carbon fibre conducts electricity and if these poles are being used at different lengths without the base section that has a protection cover you are at risk,
that is why a carbon WFP is made with a fibreglass base section,
so if you have modified one yourself please take note and if you are supplying them as a wfp then i think you should warn people of the danger,
Gaz
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Gaz,
Would rubber gloves provide any protection? I'm not taking the mick, mate; I'm after getting one of these carbon fibre poles and I wear gloves 99% of the time; even in Summer.
Also, are there actually any uncovered electric cables in residential/commercial areas?
I haven't came accoss any that I've noticed!
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Tosh,
as far as wearing gloves i don`t know mate,
and overhead cables it is better to be safe than sorry,as the scout saying goes always be prepared,
Gaz ;)
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I also wear boots with rubber soles; that's gotta help!
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I also wear boots with rubber soles; that's gotta help!
Tosh,seems like you have a bit of a rubber fetish going on there ;D,
why don`t you just go for a rubber diving suit you should be coverd then ;)
Gaz
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Tosh,seems like you have a bit of a rubber fetish going on there ;D,
why don`t you just go for a rubber diving suit you should be coverd then ;)
Gaz
Hmmm, might be okay in the Winter, but too warm in the Summer!
Anyway, I've just read all of Jeff Brimble's posts, back till 1983; (phew); and I've ordered a fishing pole he's recommended, and I've going to have a go at making my own.
Thanks Jeff!
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YOU Deserve a medal :) Didnt know I went that far back....where has time gone.
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The supalite base pole has a bright yellow rubber coating to protect against just that eventuality, though if you are lugging around an aluminium ladder you are at just as much risk of giving yourself an afro :o
Not that I make a habit of caressing electric cables with any of my poles...and my one pole is an aluminium pole :-\
But as Tosh says, unless you are rubbing against a powerline with a perished outer rubber insulation layer, you are highly unlikely to fry yourself...it is possibility of course, but the likelyhood of it happening is pretty remote...
I've used the Supalite on domestic work today, some of the ones that were the most awkward on my round with the Aluminium pole, a real strain on the body.
Here are a couple of pics of the complete pole in use, note the yellow insulation on the base section.
All 35ft are in use, I must be 25-30 ft out from the house, these windows are a real sod with an Aluminium pole, I'm usually having to rest the pole itself on the guttering for support, but as you can see, I'm holding the pole with one hand while I take the pics with my other hand, the bend in the pole is very, very little.
There are three of these houses all next door to one another, I'm stood in the pavement and simply walk along doing all the tops, easily holding the pole and confident enough to work directly over the customers cars.
(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m136/biggiro/all35ftinuse1.jpg)
(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m136/biggiro/all35ftinuse2.jpg)
Getting used to the modular sections wasn't too bad either, got to re-think things a little, but overall I was a little quicker and by the end of the day I was getting the hang of taking just the right amount of sections with me, and it's childs play to pop on or off the relavent sections, way easier than farting around with the Unger twist grips and yanking away on the various sections!
Ian
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Jeff,
Being honest, do you reckon I could do a DIY pole as good as the one Ian has shown?
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We have an earth wire in the electric supply here, in the states they only have a 2 wire system and its where most of the elecrocution figures come from. Maybe less of a risk over here as all overhead supplies are also insulated.
Having an insulated base is no good if you are working at say 20ft because the base being modular and thicker cannot be fitted. If you get a cheap glassfibre pole similar to a Zensor flex, you wil find that some of the sections will fit in between any of the the carbon fibre poles whatever model in various positions , so in effect you have a non conducting section that can be fitted at various heights on any carbon fibre pole. I had these sections tested by an approved electrical engineer and they are non conducting to 1000 volts. So if you are anywhere near an electrical supply, just fit one of these sections. :)
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Hi Tosh, Yes but maybe the diy site is the best place to discuss it as this is a superlite topic ?
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Cheers, Jeff! See you there!
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jeff as ever makes good points, maybe in the USA things are different, I hadn't thought about that! :-\
A point about Gardiners Supalite poles is that they have undergone a fair bit of R & D, the top section has been strengthened for instance and although it is of course fishing pole derived, it is also in conjunction with the manufacturers off the carbon fibre poles themselves.
And that brush is something else too, I've used the salmon brushes up until now, but I think this is superior, the bristles are lightly flocked and their density seems just right, and so much lighter than the Vikan brushes...and not so densely flocked either, though not having used a Vikan I can't say whether that makes a difference or not.
So far, unlike the ionics double trim brush, the bristles don't flop or collapse, and even if I have to replace it in 6 months, it is only about £15 or so to do so (too many so's!)
I am now a needle jet convert too, as a result of using them I have been able to do the job with less water and in the same time too (possibly less actually, but that is from a combination of factors (brush + pole + jets)
So all in all I think my move over to the lightweight pole and brush has been a really top move.
It is also going to put way less strain on my body and joints...providing of course I follow Jeff's advice and don't over extend just because I can! ::)
Ian
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I would love a photo of the connection/joint on these poles as well as a photo of where the gooseneck/brush attaches.
If only they werent so far away.
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Hi US, have you got winXP? If so I'll e-mail you a short video of our own modular pole in testing today.
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you have my email from the email i sent you last week.
feel free to send the video. i would love to see it.
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ok, was that about the 4040ro's?
e-mail on its way.
Only a short videobut at least you get to see it working.
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Could I have a look JM ?
jeff.brimble@onetel.com
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I'd love a butchers too JM?
I might be kitted out at present, but I'd love to see...er...your pole in action ;D
you have my email address...
Ian
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I'd be interested too JM123. Here's my email alex@gardiner.e7even.com
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ok guys calm down! I'm having the pole modified and then rebuilt to my specs (I'm sure most of you know I'm an Engineer - a real one, with letters after my name, yeah I know I'm a snooty so and so)
You need a player that can play MP4 to view by the way. I'll send it to each of you this evening, my internet connection is very slow today.
Ps Gaz's swivel brush is on the pole in case you recognise it. Can't recommend it enough.
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Thanks johnboy!
It looks very light!
Don't much like the posture of your neck, sorry about that.
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can i see?
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thats not me using the pole, thats another shiner, stephen - I can't comment on his neck posture, I think thats just the way he works!
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JM123 Can i have a look please :-*
sajwindowcleaners@fsmail.net
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And me too please if I may
Chris
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videos sent to everyone who asked.
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JM123 There was no video attached to the email you sent me.
Stuart
SAJ Window Cleaners Ltd
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I'll send it again
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No video here either JM
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yeah sorry there was a few I forgot to attach videos to - problem fixed
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thanks for sending JM, looks good!
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Hi Jonny,
can you send it me aswell mate,
cheers,Gaz ;)
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Got it now JM123 Many thanks
looks very good will have to think about getting one.
Stuart
SAJ WIndow Cleaners Ltd
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And me. ;D elite.solutions@btinternet.com
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Thanks for sending that JM,
I enjoyed viewing it.
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No problem Alex.
I weighed the pole with the brush today and it came up at 1.12Kg which I reckon is light by anyones standards. Currently I am working on having the pole made from a different type of carbon fibre reinforced plastic, more expensive but I am hoping to buy in bulk in order to keep prices down. This other type of cf is about 40% lighter, is much more rigid and is most often used in formula one cars etc. I have calculated that if I can have the pole manufactured this way then a 60ft would weigh very close to 2.2Kg with brush. I'll keep you all posted on it.
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could i have one Please ;)
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how much would they cost roughly and also when you say modular are the screw connect or put over
shawn
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can i have the vid plz, stephen@scwindowcleaning.com
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Thanks for that JM, you seen to be throwing that up and about with incredible ease 8)
Chris
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Could I see the video clip please?
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Sorry it would help if I provided a mail address dooh!
info@idealwindowcleaners.co.uk
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007 - no problem mate, e-mail me j.mills175@btinternet.com for further information.
Shawn - the one in the video is £390 inc VAT, this includes the carry bag and a Gaz lightweight brush (anyone you want).
S.Carpenter/John Willan - I'll e-mail you the vids tonight, just getting a cup of tea here.
Chris Cottrell - Yeah its incredibly easy to work with, light as a feather, very grippy too.
ok, backsoon - cup of Namosa waiting.
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JM123,
Glad that you have joined the modular club!
Fishing Poles Rule!
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In spite of what I have previously thought (and written) about modular poles/external hoses on the type of work that I have, I must admit, this does give me a lot of food for thought.
So, few questions (I haven't seen the video).
1) Are all the sections (apart from the base section) identical? It sounds like the sections might be a bit on the fragile side so carrying a spare or two might be a good idea as and when affordable.
2) I believe that the base section is different. Is is necessary to remove the base section before adding/removing other sections?
3) Is twirling the pole hose around the pole (rather than velcroing it) a viable way of working .i.e. does it get in the way?
4) Are these poles rigid enough to push windows closed without risking damage to the pole or brush assembly?
5) Is it fairly easy to connect/disconnect sections while pole is extended? Are they screw-on or push fit?
6) Does anyone in my area have one who would be willing to show me how they operate with one? (I'm in the Gatwick area). Failing that, I would be willing to travel.
7) I see that there is a two week turnaround in ordering these poles. What is the turnaround time for repairing/replacing sections?
8) Would it be possible to order a shortish version initially and gradually add to it if affordability is an issue? (I guess this is back to the "are all sections identical?" bit)
A lot of questions I know but I wouldn't be asking them if I wasn't beginning to contemplate making a purchase.
In spite of my aversion to modular poles due to the type of work I currently have, I do see that there may be a way forward for me in this regard.
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can i have a veiw of the vid please
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I wouldn't mind a view too please ;D
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I can't answer all of those questions, but as a user I can do a do a few of them..
In spite of what I have previously thought (and written) about modular poles/external hoses on the type of work that I have, I must admit, this does give me a lot of food for thought.
So, few questions (I haven't seen the video).
1) Are all the sections (apart from the base section) identical? It sounds like the sections might be a bit on the fragile side so carrying a spare or two might be a good idea as and when affordable.
Answer:
No, they all vary in size, in use they certainly FEEL fragile but they are also very strong...though if you smacked a section against a wall you would break it.
The base end of each sections needs to be protected in use as the wall of the pole section is of course very thin, working with an 'end cap' on resolves that though. But how would you decide which spare section to carry? You'd have to have an entire pole! :o A rather expensive option methinks!
2) I believe that the base section is different. Is is necessary to remove the base section before adding/removing other sections?
Answer: You only need use whatever section or sections you want to use, I personally use the top section by itself on most of my shops...piece of cake.
If you are working at the maximum height of the pole then you simply remove the sections as you drop down onto the next level.
3) Is twirling the pole hose around the pole (rather than velcroing it) a viable way of working .i.e. does it get in the way?
Answer: It is for me, though the Velcro that Alex at Gardiners supplies is double sided, so the one section of it does not have to be fixed in place, it's really pretty easy to rip it off and re-apply anywhere you like on the pole.
But I regularly twirl the pole hose if I can't be bothered to velcro (or don't have the time)
4) Are these poles rigid enough to push windows closed without risking damage to the pole or brush assembly?
Answer: To a degree, but you would not want to exert too much force, this is an area where the more robust, heavier poles are better.
5) Is it fairly easy to connect/disconnect sections while pole is extended? Are they screw-on or push fit?
Anwer: All my answers are with regards the Supalite pole, on that one assembly is childs play, all sections are push fit, no clamps of any description.
Adding and removing sections while pole is extended is very easy, the only fiddly bit is working out where to place the discarded pole section safely.
And no, the brush doesn't twist or swivle in use either (before you ask ;))
6) Does anyone in my area have one who would be willing to show me how they operate with one? (I'm in the Gatwick area). Failing that, I would be willing to travel.
Answer: Well of course I'm not in your area, I'm in chepstow (2 hours fdown the motorway :-\) And although I have only just started using it, I'd be happy to show it you in use.
7) I see that there is a two week turnaround in ordering these poles. What is the turnaround time for repairing/replacing sections?
Answer: Not one for me to answer! This is one for the suppliers!
8) Would it be possible to order a shortish version initially and gradually add to it if affordability is an issue? (I guess this is back to the "are all sections identical?" bit)
Answer: See answer to Q. 7 ;D
A lot of questions I know but I wouldn't be asking them if I wasn't beginning to contemplate making a purchase.
In spite of my aversion to modular poles due to the type of work I currently have, I do see that there may be a way forward for me in this regard.
Working with a modular pole as against a telescopic one means you have to adjust the way in which you work a little, you have to plan your jobs a little differently, and if you are used to 'though the pole' hose then I guess it will feel pretty alien to you for a while, but I also think that you would very quickly wonder why you had never gone 'outside the pole' with your pole hose before!
Ian
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Good Questions (The Shiner)
Good Answers (Ian Giles)
Very informative, I enjoyed reading it.
There are such a lot of things mentioned on this site that I haven’t quite got the picture.
A very good topic.
This really helped.
Martin
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john tomkins and trevor perry I'll send you both a copy of the vid later today.
For all the guys here that have enquired about purchasing the pole - firstly I am still testing the pole so its not for sale just yet - I never sell a product without testing it to destruction first (Engineers golden rule), I'm hoping that if all goes well I'll have a batch ordered up within the month. I will also be carrying spare sections so anyone needing a spare section should hopefully have it sent same day.
Many Thanks for your enquiries and comments
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I can't answer all of those questions, but as a user I can do a do a few of them..
In spite of what I have previously thought (and written) about modular poles/external hoses on the type of work that I have, I must admit, this does give me a lot of food for thought.
So, few questions (I haven't seen the video).
1) Are all the sections (apart from the base section) identical? It sounds like the sections might be a bit on the fragile side so carrying a spare or two might be a good idea as and when affordable.
Answer:
No, they all vary in size, in use they certainly FEEL fragile but they are also very strong...though if you smacked a section against a wall you would break it.
The base end of each sections needs to be protected in use as the wall of the pole section is of course very thin, working with an 'end cap' on resolves that though. But how would you decide which spare section to carry? You'd have to have an entire pole! :o A rather expensive option methinks!
2) I believe that the base section is different. Is is necessary to remove the base section before adding/removing other sections?
Answer: You only need use whatever section or sections you want to use, I personally use the top section by itself on most of my shops...piece of cake.
If you are working at the maximum height of the pole then you simply remove the sections as you drop down onto the next level.
3) Is twirling the pole hose around the pole (rather than velcroing it) a viable way of working .i.e. does it get in the way?
Answer: It is for me, though the Velcro that Alex at Gardiners supplies is double sided, so the one section of it does not have to be fixed in place, it's really pretty easy to rip it off and re-apply anywhere you like on the pole.
But I regularly twirl the pole hose if I can't be bothered to velcro (or don't have the time)
4) Are these poles rigid enough to push windows closed without risking damage to the pole or brush assembly?
Answer: To a degree, but you would not want to exert too much force, this is an area where the more robust, heavier poles are better.
5) Is it fairly easy to connect/disconnect sections while pole is extended? Are they screw-on or push fit?
Anwer: All my answers are with regards the Supalite pole, on that one assembly is childs play, all sections are push fit, no clamps of any description.
Adding and removing sections while pole is extended is very easy, the only fiddly bit is working out where to place the discarded pole section safely.
And no, the brush doesn't twist or swivle in use either (before you ask ;))
6) Does anyone in my area have one who would be willing to show me how they operate with one? (I'm in the Gatwick area). Failing that, I would be willing to travel.
Answer: Well of course I'm not in your area, I'm in chepstow (2 hours fdown the motorway :-\) And although I have only just started using it, I'd be happy to show it you in use.
7) I see that there is a two week turnaround in ordering these poles. What is the turnaround time for repairing/replacing sections?
Answer: Not one for me to answer! This is one for the suppliers!
8) Would it be possible to order a shortish version initially and gradually add to it if affordability is an issue? (I guess this is back to the "are all sections identical?" bit)
Answer: See answer to Q. 7 ;D
A lot of questions I know but I wouldn't be asking them if I wasn't beginning to contemplate making a purchase.
In spite of my aversion to modular poles due to the type of work I currently have, I do see that there may be a way forward for me in this regard.
Working with a modular pole as against a telescopic one means you have to adjust the way in which you work a little, you have to plan your jobs a little differently, and if you are used to 'though the pole' hose then I guess it will feel pretty alien to you for a while, but I also think that you would very quickly wonder why you had never gone 'outside the pole' with your pole hose before!
Ian
Thank you for your very comprehensive reply Ian. I imagine Alex will fill in the gaps. Also, thank you for the offer of showing me how you work with the pole. I may well take you up on that in spite of the distance. I don't know how you drive but I reckon a bit more than two hours. How far beyond the Severn Bridge are you? I've never been averse to travelling if I can find a better way of working from it. I once drove up to East Anglia to spend part of a work day with someone who showed me ways of trad cleaning faster. That day out was paid for in the first month afterwards. It's early days yet but what I might even do is go up to the NEC cleaning show and make the journey westward afterwards - take a few days out from the daily grind and have a busman's holiday. Maybe I'll follow that up with two or three days in Devon to visit family.
Would make a nice change from the routine I think.
Might even become a co-opted member of the breakfast club :)
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You'll do better than me, I've yet to receive my own invite to the breakfast club :'(
Chepstow is literally just the other side of the old Severn bridge, I'm sure it has only taken me about 2 hours to get up to Gatwick airport from Chepstow??
I could be wrong mind ;)
I'm going up to the NEC show too, along with Tosh, we're going to stay overnight and inbibe in some refreshments ::)
Tosh wants a double room, but I've insisted it's a TWIN room :o...have you seen what he's wearing in his avatar!!! :o :o
Ian
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hi paul
Ill be going to Crawley on Monday after noon if you want to have a go of the super lite pole.
07944 227635 ( Tony Essentially pure)
give us a call if you would like to meet up
tony
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In answer to the question on whether someone can start with a smaller pole and add to it as required I don't see any problem with that - although anything less than 30ft and you'd be better looking at a smaller standard fishing pole or a telescopic carbon/glass fibre pole.
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Hi Shiner,
Just got back from a day's work using the Super-Lite!
I will attempt to fill in the gaps as requested
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1) Are all the sections (apart from the base section) identical? It sounds like the sections might be a bit on the fragile side so carrying a spare or two might be a good idea as and when affordable. The top 5 sections are individual, all sections after this are the same.
2) I believe that the base section is different. Is is necessary to remove the base section before adding/removing other sections? It is not necessary to remove any section before adding another.
3) Is twirling the pole hose around the pole (rather than velcroing it) a viable way of working .i.e. does it get in the way? Yes, although for safety I would always recommend using the velcro straps.
4) Are these poles rigid enough to push windows closed without risking damage to the pole or brush assembly? If you are careful you can (I do!), although I would not endorse this!
5) Is it fairly easy to connect/disconnect sections while pole is extended? Are they screw-on or push fit? They are push-fit and are very easy to use (took a bit of R&D to get them like this).
6) Does anyone in my area have one who would be willing to show me how they operate with one? (I'm in the Gatwick area). Failing that, I would be willing to travel. Essentially-pure at Tunbridge Wells are authorised distributors. I think Tony (sair) has already replied.
7) I see that there is a two week turnaround in ordering these poles. What is the turnaround time for repairing/replacing sections? Repaired sections are usually carried out within 3 working days, replacement sections can usually be sent out within 2 working days.
Would it be possible to order a shortish version initially and gradually add to it if affordability is an issue? (I guess this is back to the "are all sections identical?" bit) Yes, the shortest one we supply is a 35ft package, but this can be added to easily.
I hope that the above has been informative. I will be posting a minute long video of the Super-Lite in use later on today.
Alex
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Hi to all,
As promised I have posted the link to a video of the Super-Lite in use.
For reference purposes;
The Pole is an SL-40 (40ft) it is a year old and I have used it regularly during the last year.
The building I am using it on is 4 stories high and the top of the highest window is 43ft from the ground.
The video has been shot to demonstrate the rigidity and ease of use not to provide a guide to pole usage (hence single handed use!)
Enjoy....
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s174/Gardiner_Pole_Systems/th_Super-Lite001.jpg) (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s174/Gardiner_Pole_Systems/?action=view¤t=Super-Lite001.flv)
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4) Are these poles rigid enough to push windows closed without risking damage to the pole or brush assembly?
DO NOT DO THIS!!!!!! :o :o :o
I have, and regretted it big time. I had not had the pole very long, and I was pushing a window shut that was quite stiff. I was looking up the pole and I stared in horror as I watched the top two sections collapse on me!! :o The pole had managed to break either side of the first joint at the top! Received replacements quicly along with the £100+ bill! Whoops, won't be doing that again in a hurry :-\
You can close some windows, but just don't exert too much pressure. If I have a window that needs closing I either keep tapping it with the brush until it shuts, or leave it open and clean it carefully!
This post is in no way a complaint, as I would not be without this pole, it saves so much time, not to mention the lack of arm and neck ache!
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Lets say the lower sections are 2mm side walls but the upper sections are only 1mm, (thats usually how they are made to give the pole a bit of bend for fishing, which we dont really want) maybe thats why they split inder intenal pressure ? Whay make of pole was it ?
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hi paul
Ill be going to Crawley on Monday after noon if you want to have a go of the super lite pole.
07944 227635 ( Tony Essentially pure)
give us a call if you would like to meet up
tony
Ok. Will phone you Tony.
Cheers.
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Hi Shiner,
Just got back from a day's work using the Super-Lite!
I will attempt to fill in the gaps as requested
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1) Are all the sections (apart from the base section) identical? It sounds like the sections might be a bit on the fragile side so carrying a spare or two might be a good idea as and when affordable. The top 5 sections are individual, all sections after this are the same.
2) I believe that the base section is different. Is is necessary to remove the base section before adding/removing other sections? It is not necessary to remove any section before adding another.
3) Is twirling the pole hose around the pole (rather than velcroing it) a viable way of working .i.e. does it get in the way? Yes, although for safety I would always recommend using the velcro straps.
4) Are these poles rigid enough to push windows closed without risking damage to the pole or brush assembly? If you are careful you can (I do!), although I would not endorse this!
5) Is it fairly easy to connect/disconnect sections while pole is extended? Are they screw-on or push fit? They are push-fit and are very easy to use (took a bit of R&D to get them like this).
6) Does anyone in my area have one who would be willing to show me how they operate with one? (I'm in the Gatwick area). Failing that, I would be willing to travel. Essentially-pure at Tunbridge Wells are authorised distributors. I think Tony (sair) has already replied.
7) I see that there is a two week turnaround in ordering these poles. What is the turnaround time for repairing/replacing sections? Repaired sections are usually carried out within 3 working days, replacement sections can usually be sent out within 2 working days.
Would it be possible to order a shortish version initially and gradually add to it if affordability is an issue? (I guess this is back to the "are all sections identical?" bit) Yes, the shortest one we supply is a 35ft package, but this can be added to easily.
I hope that the above has been informative. I will be posting a minute long video of the Super-Lite in use later on today.
Alex
Thanks for filling in the gaps Alex. That video looks good.
Although I still feel that adding/dropping sections would be fiddly on much of my existing work, the real potential for me is that:-
(a) I wish to start pursuing more high work
(b) I believe that a pole such as the superlite would free me to do this. One of the things that has put me off seeking such work is that using longer poles is more normally a two man job. I prefer to work on my own and a pole such as superlite could make working alone and doing high work a distinct possibility. One of the problems with existing long poles is that they can get seriously heavy. Another one is that erecting them can be very difficult - especially as many of them are designed with 8 foot sections. The superlite seems to address both these issues.
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4) Are these poles rigid enough to push windows closed without risking damage to the pole or brush assembly?
DO NOT DO THIS!!!!!! :o :o :o
I have, and regretted it big time. I had not had the pole very long, and I was pushing a window shut that was quite stiff. I was looking up the pole and I stared in horror as I watched the top two sections collapse on me!! :o The pole had managed to break either side of the first joint at the top! Received replacements quicly along with the £100+ bill! Whoops, won't be doing that again in a hurry :-\
You can close some windows, but just don't exert too much pressure. If I have a window that needs closing I either keep tapping it with the brush until it shuts, or leave it open and clean it carefully!
This post is in no way a complaint, as I would not be without this pole, it saves so much time, not to mention the lack of arm and neck ache!
Oh well. At least there's no danger of it smashing any windows :)
Got to look on the positive side I guess.
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Hi Simbag,
The latest Super-Lites have a, unique to us, stronger top section (still only weighs 79g) which is about 3 times stronger. So is a lot less prone to 'snapping' when misused!
It can bought as a separate upgrade for older poles, but I am still personally using my old type top section.
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can i have a look at that video plz johnmckim"btinternet.com
thanks
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hi paul
Ill be going to Crawley on Monday after noon if you want to have a go of the super lite pole.
07944 227635 ( Tony Essentially pure)
give us a call if you would like to meet up
tony
Hi again Tony.
I tried to phone you Friday afternoon but your phone was either switched off or in a bad signal area and there was no voicemail facility for me to leave a message. I will try again Monday morning. If possible I would like to meet up before you actually start the job so that I can have a look at the pole being assembled etc. I would be happy to meet you onsite - wherever that is. If you don't want to say where the job is on here, my number is 07775 857762. Anyway, I will try to call you or, if you prefer, you are welcome to phone me (not tonight though as going out for a friend's birthday dinner).
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Me too for the vid please
dmwc@talktalk.net
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Well I met up with Tony (Sair) this morning to view and have a feel of the superlite pole and I have to say that I am pretty impressed. It was so light I nearly lost my balance picking it up. The dropping and adding sections isn't as fiddly as I expected because you can hold the pole in one hand while doing it. My initial reservations were based on the Unger Carbontec design (think I got the name right) but the superlight is a different animal. Very little bend and so light.
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JM123 can i get a look at the vid to please. peter_ali@hotmail.com
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At this height the Carbonized Pole System from Williamson Pumps is very strong & rigid. - see www.carbonized.nl/stelen.html
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you live. where you been hiding?
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any chance i could see the video too jm123,many thanks
kgwindowcleaning@blueyonder.co.uk
thanks
kevin
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any chance i could see the video too jm123,many thanks
shinewindows.co.uk
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sorry guys I haven't looked at this thread for a few days, I'll post the video to each of you in the morning.