Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: A Glass Act on April 08, 2008, 01:39:07 pm
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Hi there. Does anyone have any experience with the SL-2 or any other modular carbon poles.
My only very limited experience is with an aluminum (Coress). However I am interested in an SL-2 but no one in my area has ever heard of Gardiner, as water fed is very new here in Canada.
Thank you
Réal
A Glass Act
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Hi Real,
Here is a few links I found on a trawl for you.
http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=52632.0;all
http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=52058.0
http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=52002.0;all
:)
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one word, LIGHT!
oh and superb, and the best purchase!
simple get one ;)
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Mega light and mega strong,and for the money it`ll earn you mega cheap.
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Been using 1 for about 6months now and the only small down side I have found is it takes just a little bit longer to get to started when compared to a telescopic. Aprox 1 - 2 mins longer so definatly not much......
But once you start working you can just keep on going as it is just so light and strong.
Well worth importing and getting the edge on any competition in your area m8.
Regards
Mr H
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There brilliant mate. Im glad to see another foreign user on here, great!! I have a 45ft ( 50ft reach ) sl2 and it is the best thing I have bought, just get one, Luke
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I agree that they take a little longer to assemble and you need to take a little more care with them, however, once they are assembled they are so light and strong that I believe you will easily make up them added time taken to assemble and more!
I can't recommend them strongly enough.
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Réal
At the moment the UK is leading the way with Pure Water Fed Poles. Holland are also doing well and the USA has quite a good range now.
Things are only just starting really, I can see things changing quite alot over the next few years in this industry. The only place that true "light" poles are produced for Window Cleaning is here in the UK, by Gardiners and Emporium. The SL2 from Gardiners is the superior pole in my opinion as it is a true replacement for a telescopic ( being just as robust and hard wearing ). There are also other modular poles on the market, but these are far far heavier:
The Unger Carbontec
IPC Eagle Modular Pole
Carbonized modular
Having held all the above poles I would always choose the SL2 for various reasons.
If you want to buy an SL2 then it may work out cheaper to buy from a distributor in the USA:
http://reachhigherground.com/shop/index.php?cPath=21_45&osCsid=247ed2018cf066806e9e7aa4a0738899
Luke
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Réal
At the moment the UK is leading the way with Pure Water Fed Poles. Holland are also doing well and the USA has quite a good range now.
Things are only just starting really, I can see things changing quite alot over the next few years in this industry. The only place that true "light" poles are produced for Window Cleaning is here in the UK, by Gardiners and Emporium. The SL2 from Gardiners is the superior pole in my opinion as it is a true replacement for a telescopic ( being just as robust and hard wearing ). There are also other modular poles on the market, but these are far far heavier:
The Unger Carbontec
IPC Eagle Modular Pole
Carbonized modular
Having held all the above poles I would always choose the SL2 for various reasons.
If you want to buy an SL2 then it may work out cheaper to buy from a distributor in the USA:
http://reachhigherground.com/shop/index.php?cPath=21_45&osCsid=247ed2018cf066806e9e7aa4a0738899
Luke
Luke i wouldn`t say the Emporium is produced in the UK,more like Japan and delivered to the UK.
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No, it is made in the UK
Our window cleaning pole is manufactured in the UK and we are extremely proud to have created a British product to such a high standard at such a competitive price.
http://www.emporiumpoles.co.uk/?aboutus
Infact Ive made a mistake, I dont believe the SL2 is made in the UK. I think it might be made in France or Italy??? But both companies are here in the UK, thats what I meant! Luke
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I know someone that couldn`t source anyone who made that pole in the UK Luke,i know the SL2 might be made in italy as you say but it was made exclusivley for Gardiners.
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Yes the SL2 is actually made for Window Cleaning but Ive heard claims that the Emporium is identical to a certain fishing pole, they are rumours though so I want proof. Luke
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I know for a fact that it`s not identical to the Maver resolution because i`ve had both and the Emporium pole is longer and not as strong,you have to be very very careful with the emporium pole when lowering it i had 2 sections snap on me and i`m very careful with all my poles.
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When I went the Windex the other week, I went around every stall where they had poles, I lifted every single one up in the air.
The majority were quite light, some were also too heavy for working long period at great height.
On all of them I needed to wrap my hand around them to lift them up, but the Emporium pole was so light that it almost took off, you can pick a 40' Emporium pole up with just 2 fingers, it might be possible with 1 finger if you could kept its balance.
The Emporium pole is only every so lighter than the Gardiners one.
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Lighter but no where near as strong, Luke
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Lighter but no where near as strong, Luke
And you would know this How?
Have you used one?
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[water fed is very new here in Canada/quote]
Its not that new Omnico was selling poles there in 1997.
At the moment the UK is leading the way with Pure Water Fed Poles
And has done for many years, their are probably more manufacturers in the UK than the rest of the World put together. We export systems to all the continents as does Ionics.
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Dont wish to get into a conflict Glyn as I respect your products and might want to buy something of yours in the future! ( like your new modular pole that is in the process of being built!!! ) Yes, I have held it when Jeff Brimble brought it to my house and we got my SL2 out too, and I also held it again in Windex. The sections are far more "squashable". NWH owns both and he believes ( infact knows from practical use) that the SL2 is stronger as he has had the Emporium break in two places.
If I remember correctly NWH initially preffered the Emporium due to its slight extra stifness and being slightly lighter than the SL2, but I believe he now only uses the SL2 after the breaking.
When Jeff brought the Emporium round I was very impressed. But it just didnt feel as strong as the SL2. As I said before Glyn, I would consider buying one for another user but want the SL2 as my main modular.
Its still a good product though, being cheaper lighter and stiffer than the SL2. But give me the option which I would use and it would be the SL2. Just my opinion though, Luke
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I know for a fact that it`s not identical to the Maver resolution because i`ve had both and the Emporium pole is longer and not as strong,you have to be very very careful with the emporium pole when lowering it i had 2 sections snap on me and i`m very careful with all my poles.
Apparantly NWH has held one. (And broke one lol)
http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/Video_Section.html
I'd say you won't be doing that with an emporium. ;)
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Yes going back to them videos. I know this isnt a replication of the type of usage a modular window cleaning pole gets but it proves a point. I doubt very much the Emporium would be capable of this type of thing, Luke
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No offense and to bring a bit of balance, but those videos prove absolutley nothing! You could do the same with a broom stick. For all Alex's graphs, facts and figures this is the scientific process for pole strength and endurance??? it's laughable and very gimmicky. I know users of this pole and they themselves say 'you have to be careful' and it not for everyday use. They come across as the 'WFP Geeks' choice and not for the mass market - or am I wrong?
seems to me window cleaning warehose wont be stocking these poles then and are maybe biased when the truth is known .
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Tried to stay out of this one. But..
Any light pole needs only enough strength for it to the the job its designed to do, as is the Emporium,Sl2 or for that matter the original Map F16 from http://www.cheshirefishing.co.uk/shop/mappoles.htm at £249 its a bargain that will get you adequately to 42ft and is strong enough.
The Emporium currently at 88ft does have the theoretical capability of 100ft though.( with the right procedures) ... ahh well, one day 8)
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No offense and to bring a bit of balance, but those videos prove absolutley nothing! You could do the same with a broom stick. For all Alex's graphs, facts and figures this is the scientific process for pole strength and endurance??? it's laughable and very gimmicky. I know users of this pole and they themselves say 'you have to be careful' and it not for everyday use. They come across as the 'WFP Geeks' choice and not for the mass market - or am I wrong?
I am certainly not going to be showing you our sales figures foxman. Not for the mass market, mmmm, that would be telling. :D
Oh I notice that Ionics have knocked 30% off the list price of their Ergolite 3 range!
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Ionics claim in their 2008 catalogue that the E3 is "Probably" the lightest waterfed pole available anwhere.
But at 7.1Kg for the 60ft, its nearly 3 times the weight and with the discount its still more than twice the price of the SL2.
Shows just how much they know about the WFP market.........
Regards
Mr H
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Jeff, if there is going to be somebody who is going to pole at 100ft properly, then it will be you. I cant wait for the day, Luke
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did some one say a new modular for omni pole or did i miss read, seeing as all the main suppliers bo hoowd the concept. sounds interesting, hope there as light.
they are they way forward, my original prototype from alex has just been retired, it has done over ££$£%^& . work. although will still be used at 45ft
since we first had, as delicate as they are thats been in daily use, lasted as long as as other poles would have and thats the delicate one. the sl2 will prove to last longer.
luke there are others who worked at that height that jeff works at , we are just a little shy about it and useless with cameras.
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Yes, Glyn mentioned a new modular he will eventually release........sounds interesting. Like Alex said before the SL2 is proving a true alternative to a telescopic for big heights because they are having so few problems with breaking and wear. So unlike the fishing poles and sl1 its a more viable alternative.
The only modular "fishing" style pole I would give a sceptic to try and help them see the light would be a SL2, I think that says it all in a way, Luke
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quoted from the Gardiner site regarding the SL2
Due to un-precedented demand we are currently out of stock. We will have them back in stock shortly
So they are going somewhere!
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No offense and to bring a bit of balance, but those videos prove absolutley nothing! You could do the same with a broom stick. For all Alex's graphs, facts and figures this is the scientific process for pole strength and endurance??? it's laughable and very gimmicky. I know users of this pole and they themselves say 'you have to be careful' and it not for everyday use. They come across as the 'WFP Geeks' choice and not for the mass market - or am I wrong?
Gardiners facts and figures of the differences between various poles is a simple way of showing what each pole can do.
It might not be that scientific but its believable, on the tv show "myth-busters" they show what various products can and cannot do, its not done in laboratory conditions with rules and regulations that nobody understands, but its done in a way that proves its point, in ways that anyone can understand.
Gardiner's do these tests to show in simple terms what it products, can and cannot do in comparisons to other suppliers products.
Most of the other suppliers simple state that their product is the best thing since sliced bread and all the other companies products come a poorly second, but how do we know this.
If you think and know that you product is the best why not show us in simple terms that we can all understand.
These tests are taken with a pinch of salt, but they do give some insight on what they can do.
On the "window cleaning warehouse catalogue" it states "you've got the most versatile and durable pole on the market" on the DURApole carbon fibre 45' pro pole.
How do we know this? have they done loads of test and compiled all the data to show that what they saying is true? if so can we all see it? or is it top secret?
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I think the Durapole does what is says on the tin. Its extremely durable and was just as stiff as the "special" xtel pole Aquafactors were showing. Ive held it down at the Window Cleaning Warehouse, it is mega tough. Luke
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Tony, I guess you used your prototype pretty much daily. What sort of chips breaks or splits over the whole period did you inflict on it for it to finaly have been retired ? I ask because we need to learn lessons and your experience could progress the developement of modulars.
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Thats what I think Jeff, the more people experimenting and devoloping the better. Its better for us Window Cleaners! Luke
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I think that Emporium has huge potential to better their pole and become a modular leader along with Gardiners. Alan has good composite and carbon understanding and experience so he has the experience to make more good products in the future. Luke
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DURApole was at the Windex show for a start, for anyone to hold and examine! .
But what about the ones who don't know about windex, or didn't turn up?
I did and I held every pole there, and IMO the emporium one was the lightest pole on show, as for it being the best, who can say, some will feel that it is, while others will go for another pole as being better, but for the ones who have seen neither, how will they know?.
That's why some of these videos and personal recommendation, help them decide whats might be ok for their needs.
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quoted from the Gardiner site regarding the SL2
Due to un-precedented demand we are currently out of stock. We will have them back in stock shortly
So they are going somewhere!
Just my luck :-\ Alex, when is a new patch SL2 due in! as I would like to place a order for SL2 Extension Sections for my gutter system! need 4 to get me up to 25ft
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The extension sections are due in in the next couple of weeks.
The trouble with these type of poles is that you have to book the factory production run about 2-3 months in advance each time. You do not want to overstock with each batch being worth about £30k. Since we booked the last production run the rate of sales on the SL has increased dramatically, hence the shortfall. We hope to have it remedied soon though.
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The extension sections are due in in the next couple of weeks.
The trouble with these type of poles is that you have to book the factory production run about 2-3 months in advance each time. You do not want to overstock with each batch being worth about £30k. Since we booked the last production run the rate of sales on the SL has increased dramatically, hence the shortfall. We hope to have it remedied soon though.
OK many thanks, I had to wait 5 weeks for a 51mm hose & inlet, so couple weeks isn't to bad :)
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You could have got 51mm hose from us off the shelf!
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Your off the shelf hose is a very very good buy, as is the modular alu sections. I am tending to think along the lines of alu for the majority of domestic jobs say up to 25ft and then arguably/possibly expendable c/f for the 60ft ones, or combinations thereof, whats your opinion Glyn ?
Just realised that I have gone off topic, so appologies to all.
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quoted from the Gardiner site regarding the SL2
Due to un-precedented demand we are currently out of stock. We will have them back in stock shortly
So they are going somewhere!
Just my luck :-\ Alex, when is a new patch SL2 due in! as I would like to place a order for SL2 Extension Sections for my gutter system! need 4 to get me up to 25ft
All modular extensions or there abouts will intermix somewhere along the tapering length whether garbolino, maver, sl1 or 2 or emporium.
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We have seen that you can add and add more sections over the 60' height that the Emporium pole goes too, is this possible with the Gardiners pole?
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Jeff
Do you think that it is possible to cleans the windows on a building that is 11 storeys high?
If so what pole would you use, also what advice would you give?
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Blimey what a question ::)
We have just lifted horizontal fishing poles poles to vertical and improved them for our use. They are in their infancy and will be developed further.
I have used and sold on a basic fishing pole at 80ft and see no reason why the same pole cannot be used at 100ft if you know how.
120ft has according to Luke's friend already been achieved but the pole broke.
So to answer yes, why not. Asking me how to do it is however a question I am not prepared to answer because basically its untried. Give me the money and I may be able to give you the answer you want.
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We have seen that you can add and add more sections over the 60' height that the Emporium pole goes too, is this possible with the Gardiners pole?
Several of our clients our using the SL-2 at 75ft on a regular basis. I never have personally worked this high. There is 12 storey block down the road from us, so you never know.
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I've being asked to quote for a 11 storey building inside and out every month, going to see it Monday, they used to have abseilers but need to cut the budget back.
I game for any job and if it can be done then I will give it a bash.
It should look good on the website or "news at 10" and "finally moment".
I reckon it will be over my minimum charge.
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The link in your profile doesnt seem to connect ?
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I can't connect that way either, don't know why, it used to wwork.