Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Kevin R on August 16, 2008, 08:12:12 pm

Title: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Kevin R on August 16, 2008, 08:12:12 pm
How are the people that bought the SLX getting on?

Any signs of wear? any downsides? can it really be used as a downstairs pole too? How are the clamps now you have had time to adjust?

Very interested in your comments  ;)
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: ftp on August 16, 2008, 08:15:46 pm
Lovely pole, it is wearing though but if it lasts a year of daily use i'll be happy. Doesn't show any signs of wearing in one place like all the poles i've had before. Downsides? slightly bulky clamps and would like a longer version sometimes, but the negatives are nit picking really.
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Paul Coleman on August 16, 2008, 08:22:08 pm
How are the people that bought the SLX getting on?

Any signs of wear? any downsides? can it really be used as a downstairs pole too? How are the clamps now you have had time to adjust?

Very interested in your comments  ;)

I've only had mine 2 - 3 weeks and I've been on holiday for one of those (got back yesterday)  :)  .
Obviously it's not wearing yet.  The clamps are OK.  Found them fiddly at first.  Would be handy if there was a way of ensuring they stayed lined up without having to do it manually.  I like the pole.  Best I've ever used.  I don't always use it for ground floor.  Sometimes it just feels easier to use my 2 x 2ft Ionics multipole.  Was a real help today though as I had quite a few ground floor windows where I needed to bridge over bushes and other obstacles which the multipole wouldn't have reached.
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: NWH on August 16, 2008, 09:01:48 pm
How are the people that bought the SLX getting on?

Any signs of wear? any downsides? can it really be used as a downstairs pole too? How are the clamps now you have had time to adjust?

Very interested in your comments  ;)

I've only had mine 2 - 3 weeks and I've been on holiday for one of those (got back yesterday)  :)  .
Obviously it's not wearing yet.  The clamps are OK.  Found them fiddly at first.  Would be handy if there was a way of ensuring they stayed lined up without having to do it manually.  I like the pole.  Best I've ever used.  I don't always use it for ground floor.  Sometimes it just feels easier to use my 2 x 2ft Ionics multipole.  Was a real help today though as I had quite a few ground floor windows where I needed to bridge over bushes and other obstacles which the multipole wouldn't have reached.
The clamps not lining up you`ve hit the nail right on he head there they don`t,i still think the pole is to long closed.Sorry Alex i`ve been giving you greif over the last week about the brush,no offense.
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: NWH on August 16, 2008, 09:03:45 pm
I`d like to see the pole with clamps that have to stay in line no matter how you use it,i would also like to see the pole a good 18" shorter when closed and by doing this i would add another section to maintain it`s overall length.
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Alex Gardiner on August 16, 2008, 09:09:39 pm
I`d like to see the pole with clamps that have to stay in line no matter how you use it,i would also like to see the pole a good 18" shorter when closed and by doing this i would add another section to maintain it`s overall length.

I can make you a custom one, with six sections, only 4' long.  ;)
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: NWH on August 16, 2008, 09:17:08 pm
I`d like to see the pole with clamps that have to stay in line no matter how you use it,i would also like to see the pole a good 18" shorter when closed and by doing this i would add another section to maintain it`s overall length.

I can make you a custom one, with six sections, only 4' long.  ;)
I am about to email you Alex.
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Moderator David@stives on August 16, 2008, 09:25:12 pm
My slx is now perfect now Alex has set it up for me,

 it is now the best tool in the box again, I cant believe how easy the clamps are now.

Instead of being stuck in the van we are all fighting over it again,
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: [GQC] Tim on August 16, 2008, 09:46:45 pm
Still going strong here, it literally does everything, clamps are great, very happy with it, takes a couple of miliseconds to line up the clamp to the next one, very easy.

Knocked the base section against a wall once or twice, that hurts, makes you cringe, still looks great though, hard wearing pole.
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Kevin R on August 16, 2008, 11:17:58 pm
So lining up the clamps? it it more difficult or more of a problem then when using standard clamps?
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Nathanael Jones on August 16, 2008, 11:39:08 pm
I`d like to see the pole with clamps that have to stay in line no matter how you use it,i would also like to see the pole a good 18" shorter when closed and by doing this i would add another section to maintain it`s overall length.


I can make you a custom one, with six sections, only 4' long.  ;)

IMO 4' is the perfect closed length for an everyday pole,...

Will you add this to your range of poles Alex,.. or will it be just "on request"?
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: [GQC] Tim on August 16, 2008, 11:46:47 pm
So lining up the clamps? it it more difficult or more of a problem then when using standard clamps?

Lining up the clamps isn't really that much more difficult then any other pole really, X-tels etc seem to keep them lined up, but I don't even think about doing it after using it for a while.
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: cvdewsbury on August 17, 2008, 12:49:55 am
its excellent at reaching over porch areas .... but while young Gardenier is in bed...my only gripe Ive  found with it,  is the fitting from gooseneck to pole could be  sturdier...but otherwise a decent pole for the cash..Alec!!
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: [GQC] Tim on August 17, 2008, 01:20:42 am
its excellent at reaching over porch areas .... but while young Gardiner is in bed...my only gripe Ive  found with it,  is the fitting from gooseneck to pole could be  sturdier...but otherwise a decent pole for the cash..Alec!!

You might have the old G-fit goose neck, they have improved it so it so the thread doesn't come off the goose neck.
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Dave Turley on August 17, 2008, 02:38:04 am
i've seen my friends slx and will hopefully be ordering mine next week. I can't see why you would need a 4ft pole (closed up). if i'm in a tight  spot (alleys etc) I simply adjust my angle adapter so the pole runs parallel to the wall (it took me 2 years wfp to realise this!) ::)
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Paul Coleman on August 17, 2008, 06:16:32 am
i've seen my friends slx and will hopefully be ordering mine next week. I can't see why you would need a 4ft pole (closed up). if i'm in a tight  spot (alleys etc) I simply adjust my angle adapter so the pole runs parallel to the wall (it took me 2 years wfp to realise this!) ::)

Some people work from a car or a small van.  Shorter pole length allows it to be kept inside rather than in a tube on top.
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: pingu on August 17, 2008, 07:20:41 am
I have to admit that when I use my Facelift...I do prefer the clamps operation

All in all it is a good pole and is light and strong...would I buy it again...YES...it now feels better with the SL DTB brush....

It fits in the van easily...

So I like it....but I still prefer th facelift style clamps...but thats just personal preferance.

Dave.
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Pj on August 17, 2008, 10:02:58 am
We are mainly carrying only the SL-X, SL2 and 12' and 2-4' Ionics multipoles.

If I'm working one property I'll tend to do the tops then drop the SL-X down for ground floor stuff because it seems easier than going back to the van to swap over to the ground floor pole.  If the ground floor pole is nearby I still tend to swap over to it.  I do a lot of ground floor with the SL-X but it is just a bit too long to be comfortable, so I'm betwixt and between with using it ground floor.
Using SL-X 1st floor and above?  Only pole I use until I'm beyond it's reach.  Light enough, rigidity is probably best you'll get if that's what you want (I do), extension lengths ideal, clamps bulky but I like the way they work, easy to adjust.

Looking forward to the SL-X tra??

In the meantime SL-X with Dual Trim Supalite Brush (on a swivel :o) is my tool of the moment.
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Kevin R on August 17, 2008, 11:56:08 am
Well thanks Guys that has been very useful  ;D

Have any of you noticed any wear yet?
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: trevor perry on August 17, 2008, 11:59:37 am
the pole is great very light rigid and it seems to be wearing well, just need the perfect brush now.
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: ftp on August 17, 2008, 02:12:05 pm
Well thanks Guys that has been very useful  ;D

Have any of you noticed any wear yet?

Yes. The top section is visibly worn but fine, you know it's wearing by the carbon dust on your hands and the slot in the pole sections closing up. It must wear inside the sections too but obviously you can't see this very well.
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Kevin R on August 17, 2008, 08:20:35 pm
anyone else with wear?

Bearing in mind your experience with other poles, how long do you predict these pole to last?
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: NWH on August 17, 2008, 08:21:28 pm
All poles work better when there worn in a bit.
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: billozz on August 17, 2008, 09:06:21 pm
we have spoken to one guy who had one and he reckoned it had worn enough for the sections to slide after only six weeks, i believe alex did sort it out for him but still makes you wonder how long it will last with regular daily use
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: [GQC] Tim on August 17, 2008, 11:12:29 pm
we have spoken to one guy who had one and he reckoned it had worn enough for the sections to slide after only six weeks, i believe alex did sort it out for him but still makes you wonder how long it will last with regular daily use

Clamps might needed servicing.  ;)  ;)

I highly, HIGHLY doubt it wears that quick lol.

Anyway, Alex prototype is still going strong for over a year, you always get carbonfibre dust, it's nothing new, happens on any pole, doesn't mean it's wearing at an extreme rate.
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: alanwilson on August 17, 2008, 11:19:34 pm
at £400 a pop I wouldn't like to think that you'd only get a year from it. 
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: macmac on August 17, 2008, 11:53:50 pm
ALL poles wear- it's called friction 8)

The slx has thick carbon tube walls, as thick as a facelift pole, which bodes well for it's longevity. Poles with lo-drag clamps work far better when the surface coat of each section has worn anyway. None of us can say for sure, as the slx has only been out a couple of months, but from my experience so far- comparing it to my carbon facelift I'd say it's built to last at least as long. As the pole IMO being the most important tool in the kit I think the slx @ 400 quid is a snip for such an excellent product. ;)

TOP PIECE OF KIT!

Tony
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: [GQC] Tim on August 18, 2008, 01:12:25 am
ALL poles wear- it's called friction 8)

The slx has thick carbon tube walls, as thick as a facelift pole, which bodes well for it's longevity. Poles with lo-drag clamps work far better when the surface coat of each section has worn anyway. None of us can say for sure, as the slx has only been out a couple of months, but from my experience so far- comparing it to my carbon facelift I'd say it's built to last at least as long. As the pole IMO being the most important tool in the kit I think the slx @ 400 quid is a snip for such an excellent product. ;)

TOP PIECE OF KIT!

Tony

Indeed, already earned me well over 10x it's worth.  ;)
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: steve a on August 18, 2008, 05:42:53 am
I'm lovin' it. What more can I say.
Why would you want to line up the clamps? Obsessive compulsive?

Steve
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: p1w1 on August 18, 2008, 09:41:50 am
Indeed, already earned me well over 10x it's worth.  ;)
Quote

and if you had brought a pole half the price it would have givin you 20x it's worth
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: jaykie on August 18, 2008, 10:18:45 am
I have to say its i nice pole for doing windows above conservatories, but have to agree that its too long when closed down must be about 6 foot, especially on your old style houses that have windows down the side of the house that are set into the wall, id be interested in a 4' version.

Chris
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Alex Gardiner on August 18, 2008, 11:58:32 am
I have to say its i nice pole for doing windows above conservatories, but have to agree that its too long when closed down must be about 6 foot, especially on your old style houses that have windows down the side of the house that are set into the wall, id be interested in a 4' version.

Chris

Hi Chris

The pole is 5' 7" closed.  :)

Mrs A
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: macmac on August 18, 2008, 12:14:32 pm
I have to say its i nice pole for doing windows above conservatories, but have to agree that its too long when closed down must be about 6 foot, especially on your old style houses that have windows down the side of the house that are set into the wall, id be interested in a 4' version.

Chris

Use a plastic angle adaptor + swivel & you'll be able to clean any window regardless of how tight the space is or how low the window is! ;)

Tony
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: jaykie on August 18, 2008, 12:15:55 pm
Sorry kirsty i ment about 6' with brush.

Chris
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: macmac on August 18, 2008, 12:17:26 pm
ALL poles wear- it's called friction 8)

The slx has thick carbon tube walls, as thick as a facelift pole, which bodes well for it's longevity. Poles with lo-drag clamps work far better when the surface coat of each section has worn anyway. None of us can say for sure, as the slx has only been out a couple of months, but from my experience so far- comparing it to my carbon facelift I'd say it's built to last at least as long. As the pole IMO being the most important tool in the kit I think the slx @ 400 quid is a snip for such an excellent product. ;)

TOP PIECE OF KIT!

Tony

Indeed, already earned me well over 10x it's worth.  ;)

Indeed, & made your job easier & quicker etc. etc. Direct investment where it counts! :D

Tony
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Alex Gardiner on August 18, 2008, 12:22:38 pm
Sorry kirsty i ment about 6' with brush.

Chris

I knew that........................



 ;D

(Kirsty is Alex's sister who owns/runs the business.  I'm just Alex's missus.)
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: jaykie on August 18, 2008, 12:26:03 pm
Just sweet and innocent misses ah lol, im so glad my misses doesnt come on here lol

Chris
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: macmac on August 18, 2008, 12:30:30 pm
Sorry kirsty i ment about 6' with brush.

Chris

I knew that........................



 ;D

(Kirsty is Alex's sister who owns/runs the business.  I'm just Alex's missus.)

While you're on-line Mrs. A.  I'd be interested to know what you have fed Alex on throughout your married life as the wife's wanting another child? :-*

Tony
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Alex Gardiner on August 18, 2008, 12:33:57 pm
Chocolate  :D
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: macmac on August 18, 2008, 12:52:59 pm
Chocolate  :D

Nice, no shortage of that stuff in this house! ;D
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Paul Coleman on August 18, 2008, 05:46:41 pm
Chocolate  :D

Must be Boost bars I imagine   :)
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: ftp on August 18, 2008, 05:50:59 pm
Too much Curly Wurly.  :o
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: tonylee on August 18, 2008, 06:06:47 pm
we have spoken to one guy who had one and he reckoned it had worn enough for the sections to slide after only six weeks, i believe alex did sort it out for him but still makes you wonder how long it will last with regular daily use
Hi.
I am the guy who had a problem with the slx after 6 weeks.
I was ajusting the clamp as it wore (last section was slipping) and with in 6 weeks I was not using the last section.
Now the pole was not cheap and all the write ups have been brilliant so I emailed Alex and told him of the problem. Alex asked me to send some photos of the clamps and after his inspection of them, he arranged for the pole to be collected  repaired and re-delivered.
In the manufactoring proccess the poles are part machine made and part hand finnished, mine had not got the right gap in the carbon for ajustment.
Alex offered me a loan pole while mine was away, but mine was collected, repaired and returned within 48 hours.
As I've said the pole was not cheap but but comes with fantastic customer service.
That said I now only use it for second story work and have gone back to my 17' xtel pole.
Tony
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Kevin R on August 18, 2008, 06:45:11 pm
That said I now only use it for second story work and have gone back to my 17' xtel pole.
Tony

Can I ask why please Tony?
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: tonylee on August 18, 2008, 07:50:31 pm
Kev (sorry for the delay)
I suppose I have lost a little confidence in it.
I am mainly domestic and the xtel gets to most of my work. The slx is a great tool to keep in the van for certain properties.
If you can afford one, buy one. It will replace the pole you currently use for second story work, its light and stiff and with the limited use that I now use mine should last me years.
Tony
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: Kevin R on August 18, 2008, 08:22:34 pm
Thanks Tony  ;)
Title: Re: SLX- How are people getting on?
Post by: [GQC] Tim on August 18, 2008, 11:02:27 pm
Indeed, already earned me well over 10x it's worth.  ;)
Quote

and if you had brought a pole half the price it would have givin you 20x it's worth

Your missing the point, people complain about the high price, but fail to see how much money it can make them for relatively little cost.