Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: SherwoodCleaningSe on December 06, 2007, 11:22:43 pm
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Hi all and Alex
Was just wondering if anyone has any more info on this pole that appears on the gardeners site, rigidity section.
http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_Rigidity_Quotient_of_Poles.html
I know it's supposed to be a Gardeners own buy like the SL2 and that it's telescopic. But what length is it closed and then open, the full weight, price and when is it coming out. Just being nosy but the available stats do look intriguing.
Simon.
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Hi Simon
Here are some stats on the SL-X:
Size: 26ft extended with a 30ft reach, in 5 sections 5' 4" closed length
Weight: 1450 grammes
Price: £340
Launch date: End of January 2008
It is currently the stiffest telescopic pole we have tested in it's length. It has lightweight aluminium clamps which are the most compact clamps available. The sections have low drag when extending for faster, easier use. The sections have a positive stop action so that you cannot accidentally over-extend the pole, but you can still quickly and easily remove sections with a twist of the allen bolt. The pole will have the facility to have an extension section fitted giving you an extra 5ft when needed, this then will have the ability to take our Super-Lite base sections to give even greater height if required.
It uses an even tougher grade of carbon fibre weave than the Super-Lite2. It needed this to cope with the internal stresses that telescopic poles generate. As a result it is not quite as light as the S2 but it is still about half a kilo lighter than a comparable X-Tel Hybrid.
This pole has been in development now for about a year and we have been working with the prototypes for well over six months. Because of this, we are confident not only in it's strength but it's durability. Apart from the Super-Lite2, this is now the only other pole I use.
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Now I know why you have been pushing that you like 5 ft top sections :)
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I've always hated 6ft sections. One of the very first three poles I bought was a 6 section Universal. I made the company that I bought it from (before I'd even used a pole) cut it down to 5ft sections for me as I knew 6ft sections would be too long. Every pole I had from then on I would customize down myself to 5ft sections.
When Exel were developing the new X-Tel pole, two of their representatives visited our firm and asked us in our opinion what would be important in a new pole range. Naturally I replied 'shorter sections'.
When developing your own pole it's very tempting to go for 6ft sections as it gives you the ability to have a longer pole for no greater investment but the greater usability of 5ft sections outweighs this temptation. This is the advantage of actually working with the equipment we sell, day in and day out, as I know what works best for me and what doesn't (and I'm a fussy blighter).
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Ow man, this will come right in time. Will it just be one size? How about a 34' pole? That's what I'm aiming for. The rigidity looks through the roof, fantastic! :)
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Our aim with this pole has been to simplify pole choice. As a result we have restricted this pole to just one size (30ft reach). This size will do all 3rd storey work (and some low fourth storey as I found out on Monday) yet is compact and light enough to easily do downstairs work. For the average domestic window cleaner they will never need another pole.
If you have commercial and higher work then a Super-Lite offers the easiest way to do this type of work. For those window cleaners who do not need the regular height of a Super-Lite then we have developed the extension section which easily adds another 5ft to the SL-X for occasional work, if needed another couple of Super-Lite extensions can also be added to take it to 42ft (2370 grammes). This facility is more suited to occasional use though rather than everyday use.
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Glad to hear it has a positive stop action Alex,.. IMO that's an essential feature,.. I wouldn't buy a pole without it. Will the pole hose be internal or external on this one?
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The hose is internal.
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£340 + vat + delivery including hose and brush?
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Includes hose and fitting. The brush will depend on which brush we specify with it.
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£340 + vat + delivery including hose and brush?
You mean £340 + delivery + vat,those suppliers know how to be crafty ;)
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Mmmm i'll have to rummage through the house and see what i can sell on ebay!
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£340 + vat + delivery including hose and brush?
You mean £340 + delivery + vat,those suppliers know how to be crafty ;)
If you pick it up from us it will be £340 + VAT ;)
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Alex,why not make a pole with `specis` exactly the same as the telescopic 30 footer
But with working heights of 40 to 50 feet.I know it would weigh more and cost more,
But can you clarify,as opposed to adding on here and adding on their etc. etc.?
Lewis Doubtfire Gleem Clean (The Blade Runner )
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Ah, but then it would be into S2 territory. :)
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Because we already have the most usable pole for the job at 40-50ft, the Super-lite.
We wanted a pole that would be suitable for at least 50% of WFP window cleaners entire round. We then added the idea of a push on light-weight extension section, purely due to customer demand. Having thought this through we thought that it might as well fit the Super-Lite extensions on the end. In reality most people will not use this facility.
Having worked with this pole for the last 6 months, I have found that the SL-X and the Super-Lite complement each other perfectly.
On our two-man domestic rounds the only poles we take out are a 26ft SL-X (1450g), which one of us uses and a 13ft (950g) X-Tel which the other uses. We can reach everything easily with these poles right up to high third storey work, including dormers. If I worked alone on domestic work, the only pole I would take out would be a 26ft SL-X. I simply add a Super-Lite for high level commercial work.
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Alex it sounds the ultimate pole and i will be having 1 or 2 of them,but lets not forget that most important thing the brush can you give more details on it please.Also i take it the pole hose is inside the pole with it being telescopic,and last of all has the pole got a thread on the top section fixed like a normal telescopic so no more spinning brushes,when can i take delivery.Cheers.
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Hi NWH,
I can put you top of the list for the end of January :)
The pole functions just like a standard telescopic pole, with internal hose and a fixed aluminium top screw that is compatible with a plastic neck or our G-Fit range. The clamps are completely different to most other poles on the market, they are only 18mm deep and feature a sideways clamp that is probably the easiest action clamp I have used. The brush we hope to launch it with will be our new Super-Lite brush. This will feature mono-filament, dual-trim, easy-splay bristles on a screw on stock. It should weigh about 220-240g.
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Like i said i want one so let me know when please so i can ring Kirsty to pay.
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Hi Alex
I will have a look at it when you have them in Jan.
I have family in Cornwall so add me to your list and contact me near the time.
Roy
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Alex,as you say,to get to say 42 to 45 feet or whatever,you just add sections of the
SuperLite 2.How does that work? I thought they were modular,this pole is telescopic
With the hose on the inside. Thanks.
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The extension sections of the S2 fit on the bottom of the telescopic if needed.
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Sorry NWH I see now,my mistake,no need to write Alex,I get it
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;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
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Can you you clarify the 5' extension?
Would this be available as a seperate item? would it fit many/ some other poles?
Would it fit my 34' hybrid?
17' xtel?
12' streamline'?
As I mentioned before i'm having a few problems with my clear hose tail going like jelly when hot and splitting at the base of the shrader are there any tougher options?
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What i can't work out is where the pole hose goes when you fit the Superlight section. Unless the hose and valve will plop down through the Superlight section? Or would you need to disconnect at the brush head and feed all the way back through (not practical)?
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What i can't work out is where the pole hose goes when you fit the Superlight section. Unless the hose and valve will plop down through the Superlight section? Or would you need to disconnect at the brush head and feed all the way back through (not practical)?
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I will keep the details quiet at the moment, but there is a very simple solution to this.
Can you you clarify the 5' extension?
Would this be available as a seperate item? would it fit many/ some other poles?
Would it fit my 34' hybrid?
17' xtel?
12' streamline'?
As I mentioned before i'm having a few problems with my clear hose tail going like jelly when hot and splitting at the base of the shrader are there any tougher options?
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The extension has been designed exclusively to fit the SL-X (as you would expect!), but it may end up fitting other poles on the market. I know that it will not fit a 34' Hybrid as its diameter is a lot greater than the SLX (the 5 section SL-X diameter is less than an 18ft Universal). It may fit the streamline 12'. Before we sell them I will be doing some careful research to see what other poles they will fit and whether a simple modification would help with this.
As to your clear hose, I will have a look in our specialist hose directory and see what I can find. It still needs to be fairly light and flexible, but tougher. Hot hose project is progressing-something soon.
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Sounds interesting and quite mouthwatering. A couple of questions for Alex.
Is the 5 foot extension section (the SL2 "adaptor") an additional cost to the SL-X?
If so, how much extra would that cost?
What length pole hose is supplied with the SL-X as presumably there will be occasions when a lot extra would be needed if adding some SL2 sections but too much extra would be a potential nuisance and a tangle problem when using the SL-X in "ordinary" mode? It sounds like it could be a delicate balancing act. Unless of course the spare pole hose could be velcroed to the SL-X base section when not needed.
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Ummm i wonder if the hose exits the but ring on the base section to the side instead of through the bottom? Good game this Alex, and of course it whips up more interest in the product. Looks like you are undercutting (whisper in-case tony's about) the Carbon Facelift? :o
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What i can't work out is where the pole hose goes when you fit the Superlight section. Unless the hose and valve will plop down through the Superlight section? Or would you need to disconnect at the brush head and feed all the way back through (not practical)?
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I will keep the details quiet at the moment, but there is a very simple solution to this.
My hunch would be a small notch cut out near the bottom end of the 5 ft extension section to just above where an SL2 extension would reach on it. Then the pole hose could be run down the outside of any SL2 sections and velcroed as per normal modular work.
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Sounds interesting and quite mouthwatering. A couple of questions for Alex.
Is the 5 foot extension section (the SL2 "adaptor") an additional cost to the SL-X?
If so, how much extra would that cost?
What length pole hose is supplied with the SL-X as presumably there will be occasions when a lot extra would be needed if adding some SL2 sections but too much extra would be a potential nuisance and a tangle problem when using the SL-X in "ordinary" mode? It sounds like it could be a delicate balancing act. Unless of course the spare pole hose could be velcroed to the SL-X base section when not needed.
The 5ft extension is a separate product as a lot of people will not require it. It should cost about £70. There is a solution to the hose issue, but once again, at the moment I would like to keep quiet about it. :)
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Sounds interesting and quite mouthwatering. A couple of questions for Alex.
Is the 5 foot extension section (the SL2 "adaptor") an additional cost to the SL-X?
If so, how much extra would that cost?
What length pole hose is supplied with the SL-X as presumably there will be occasions when a lot extra would be needed if adding some SL2 sections but too much extra would be a potential nuisance and a tangle problem when using the SL-X in "ordinary" mode? It sounds like it could be a delicate balancing act. Unless of course the spare pole hose could be velcroed to the SL-X base section when not needed.
The 5ft extension is a separate product as a lot of people will not require it. It should cost about £70. There is a solution to the hose issue, but once again, at the moment I would like to keep quiet about it. :)
Thanks for your prompt (as ever) answer Alex.
Ok, I won't pursue the hose bit. I look forward to seeing how you tackle it though.
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(whisper in-case tony's about) the Carbon Facelift?
Sssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ;D
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Thanks for the reply Alex. It sounds really good, especially for domestic. Just a couple of questions.
What is the diameter of the pole at the base?
If you remove sections (not that there is a real need) will it reduce the closed length of the pole?
Simon.
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Oh and can I be cheeky, any photo's?
:D
Simon.
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Absolutely fantastic.
Alex, could you perhaps setup a mailing thing, so that when it comes available people that apply for it, get an email?
I'm very much interested, and will buy one I reckon when it comes out.
gqc-cleaning@hotmail.com
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Can you you clarify the 5' extension?
Would this be available as a seperate item? would it fit many/ some other poles?
Would it fit my 34' hybrid?
17' xtel?
12' streamline'?
As I mentioned before i'm having a few problems with my clear hose tail going like jelly when hot and splitting at the base of the shrader are there any tougher options?
Ionic's black pole hose. Light and keeps it's integrity up to 100 degrees. You can mail me if you need some. Mail@pswc.co.uk
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Thanks for the reply Alex. It sounds really good, especially for domestic. Just a couple of questions.
What is the diameter of the pole at the base?
If you remove sections (not that there is a real need) will it reduce the closed length of the pole?
Simon.
No photos yet I'm afraid!
It is about 33.5mm in diameter on the base section.
Taking off a section will not reduce the closed length at all as the section length are fully optimised.
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Thanks for the reply Alex. It sounds really good, especially for domestic. Just a couple of questions.
What is the diameter of the pole at the base?
If you remove sections (not that there is a real need) will it reduce the closed length of the pole?
Simon.
No photos yet I'm afraid!
It is about 33.5mm in diameter on the base section.
Taking off a section will not reduce the closed length at all as the section length are fully optimised.
33.5mm WOW.
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What is the closed length with a G-fit neck? Is it easy to use to clean bottoms?
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So what will the total price be then? And will the new brush be stiffer than a vikan?
thanks joe
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What is the closed length with a G-fit neck? Is it easy to use to clean bottoms?
I haven't measured it, but I think it would be about 6ft 5inches. It is very easy to use for downstairs work. I have been using it with a G-Fit on and have found it ideal for this.
So what will the total price be then? And will the new brush be stiffer than a vikan?
thanks joe
£340 for the pole (+ SHIPPING + VAT). We are not sure how much the new brush will be retailing at, but we hope that it will end up being comparable to the Vikan on price. As to stiffness, the new brush bristles are a little stiffer but also splay better providing a very easy and efficient clean.
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340 quid + vat + delivery for a pole of this spec (from what alex has described) is IMO an absolute steal. If, indeed the sl-x lives up to be the beast that i think it will, then the quoted price for such a pole represents excellent value for money. for such a miesley figure, a pole like this will pay you back the minute you put it to good use. ;)
just my 2 pennys worth as usual.
tony
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Turncoat. ::)
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Turncoat. ::)
Yeah, facelift have stopped paying me so i'm looking for a new hero :P
tony
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My facelift has yet to let me down.
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My facelift has yet to let me down.
Same here dude but every manufacturer/supplier has the oppertunity to improve on the facelift & not just try to equal it & i await that day to come. When it does come ( & it will come at some point ) we will all be better off for it, just wish it was me then i could plan my early retirement! :D
tony
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The S2 in tele form will be a good pole no doubt in that at all,with a fixed thread on the top section and easy to use ie quick in use clamps it should be a top pole.what is the closed length i`ve forgotton.
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They mean one pole does everything- facelift- it's light, rigid,and the best out there at the moment, but it's expensive.
Ref the SL-X I understand the deliberate limiting of choice and optimising the design by actual usage by window cleaners.
Maybe at some point a shorter closed lenght and even less reach could be an option for someone wanting an absolute gold star A plus down pole.
For example a whole foot shorter would give a closed length of just over four feet and an extended lenght of twenty( down from twenty four), but what a pole it would be!
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Ref the SL-X I understand the deliberate limiting of choice and optimising the design by actual usage by window cleaners.
Maybe at some point a shorter closed length and even less reach could be an option for someone wanting an absolute gold star A plus down pole.
For example a whole foot shorter would give a closed length of just over four feet and an extended length of twenty( down from twenty four), but what a pole it would be!
It would be very easy for us to have this size built (5x4ft=20ft) as all the clamps and tubes are sorted. We did almost decide to a have a 4x5ft=20ft version built as well, but decided that there would be no real advantage to the pole other than a lower weight.
A 5x4ft pole would however be a very different idea. What would you be prepared to pay for this pole? It would realistically be almost as expensive as the full version due to the same number of section/clamps/labour involved. I would imagine that it would still be about £300 retail. Would anyone seriously pay £300 for a 20ft pole however good it may be (if you are really serious we could build a one-off for you). Unfortunately it is not possible to simply cut down a 26ft version due to the design of the top and bottom of each section.
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Is it going to come with top quality ali hosetail adapters rather than the cheap plastic ones?
My appetite has been really whetted, how do I slip this purchase past the wife come the end of Jan.
Simon.
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January? I'm sure Alex will have them in the "sales" by then.
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Is it going to come with top quality ali hosetail adapters rather than the cheap plastic ones?
My appetite has been really whetted, how do I slip this purchase past the wife come the end of Jan.
Simon.
Quality users will specify them with the EZ-Snap connectors ;)
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As to the hose I think I know where your going with that Alex but I'll say nothing! Luke
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Alex
If the pole hose runs inside the new SL-X what happens to the hose when you add the extention sections?
Nick
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It's all sorted. Details nearer launch date.