Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: ftp on December 12, 2008, 04:49:53 pm

Title: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: ftp on December 12, 2008, 04:49:53 pm
Had to skim some more material from the slots so the clamps could take up the wear today, i'm down to the clamp edges now. Everything still working fine though even though the distortion of squeezing the slot so far has caused splits around the drilled holes. I'm wondering if anyones got one to destruction yet? Darn good pole i have to say.  :)
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: ftp on December 12, 2008, 04:52:21 pm
Slid down some ice covered stone steps this week flat on my back, the pole took an almighty whack and nothing to report. Pity my back wasn't carbon fibre.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on December 12, 2008, 05:37:31 pm
"Anyone worn an SLX out yet?"

Naaah! I prefer to wear a leather jacket and smart trousers when I go out! ;D

I'll get me (leather) coat ...
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: Chris Galloway on December 12, 2008, 05:41:04 pm
"Anyone worn an SLX out yet?"

Naaah! I prefer to wear a leather jacket and smart trousers when I go out! ;D

I'll get me (leather) coat ...

 ::)

 ;D
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: pingu on December 12, 2008, 05:48:20 pm
Ftp...I had a similar issue and Alex sorted it out for me without any problems.

Why not give him a ring or email him?

Cheers
Dave.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: ftp on December 12, 2008, 07:01:27 pm
It's no problem Pingu, ta very much. Had a little email chat with Alex too, no worries. Should go on for a long time yet.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: Captain Scarlet on December 12, 2008, 07:55:27 pm
It only came out like in Aprill, what have you been doing to it?
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: ftp on December 12, 2008, 08:06:49 pm
Everything, gutters conservatories and windows. The S2 rarely comes out to play now, only on the high stuff. Amazing to think how many times that top section whizzes out in a day.  :o
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: macmac on December 12, 2008, 09:11:08 pm
Mine's still going strong, never cleaned it either! great pole. ;)

Tony
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: Clive McDonald on December 12, 2008, 09:24:00 pm
hmm, I have wondered about this, and I must say the fact that no one has anything negative to say is a pretty good testimony. Although, we are a kind considerate lot and perhaps people are just too polite to say anything bad.....

I want one, but i've heard there is a big price drop due in the new year so i am hanging on untill they are cheaper.It's nice to know that they last though.

In the same time frame (since April) I have gone through three 17' xtels, £140 inc brush, so perhaps mine is a false economy.

Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: john tomkins on December 12, 2008, 09:25:12 pm
The odd "cracking " sound sometimes when tightning up the clamps can be a little worrying but no splitting as yet.

Macmac, how you manage to never clean it beats me ???.
I find myself stripping it down every couple of weeks or it starts jamming up.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: macmac on December 12, 2008, 10:14:25 pm
The odd "cracking " sound sometimes when tightning up the clamps can be a little worrying but no splitting as yet.

Macmac, how you manage to never clean it beats me ???.
I find myself stripping it down every couple of weeks or it starts jamming up.

I just never get round to it, too busy. Only cleaned my facelift once in over two years! :D

Tony
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: [GQC] Tim on December 13, 2008, 12:44:16 am
My sections are very dusty, my hands get covered in carbon dust, and it's 10x worse when it's a bit wet. This is my first carbonfibre pole, so I'm not sure if that's normal or not.

During the Christmas period, I'm going to take it completely apart, and cover the sections in engine lacquer.

I'm using a pole hose tidy now from purefreedom, keeps the pole clean on the inside, and doesn't make it seize up, very handy bit of kit, they do it in black as well, so it matches the SL-X.

Mine is from the first batch, I don't have that much of a busy round, but I have been using it for all my work, brilliant pole.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: chrismroberts on December 13, 2008, 02:09:52 am
I'm using a pole hose tidy now from purefreedom, keeps the pole clean on the inside, and doesn't make it seize up, very handy bit of kit, they do it in black as well, so it matches the SL-X.

Whats one of these? Do you have a picture?
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: Paul Coleman on December 13, 2008, 07:54:32 am
I do make sure that I have the supplied allen key with me when I go to work.  I find that I need to nip nos. 1 and/or 2 clamps most  days - if not every day.  No hardship though and I really like this pole.  I would love it if Alex brought out a much longer version of it.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: Oakley Windows on December 13, 2008, 07:59:35 am
hmm, I have wondered about this, and I must say the fact that no one has anything negative to say is a pretty good testimony. Although, we are a kind considerate lot and perhaps people are just too polite to say anything bad.....

I want one, but i've heard there is a big price drop due in the new year so i am hanging on untill they are cheaper.It's nice to know that they last though.

In the same time frame (since April) I have gone through three 17' xtels, £140 inc brush, so perhaps mine is a false economy.



Alex's 17' X-TELs are £56.00
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: Mr H on December 13, 2008, 08:03:35 am
I do make sure that I have the supplied allen key with me when I go to work.  I find that I need to nip nos. 1 and/or 2 clamps most  days - if not every day.  No hardship though and I really like this pole.  I would love it if Alex brought out a much longer version of it.

The new one is longer than the last lot..... Its 30ft fully open so 35ft reach depending on your height and arm length and only 5ft5" when closed.

Regards
Mr H

Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: Dave Turley on December 13, 2008, 11:44:21 am
my slx is 4 months old and still goi strong (as you would hope)

i'm finding it's well worth giving a good wash out regularly to keep it nice and smooth to use. I hate it when it sounds gritty and you can imagine bits of sand scraping at your precious carbon fibre! :o

a pic and description of this pole tidy would be nice please?
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: [GQC] Tim on December 13, 2008, 11:56:52 am
Here is the pole hose tidy, instead of having it on the top of the pole, I have it under it, and combined with a numatic trigger, it's the best combination for me.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/POLE-HOSE-TIDY-WATER-FED-POLE-WINDOW-CLEANING_W0QQitemZ260329129717QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_HomeGarden_CLV_Cleaning_CA?hash=item260329129717&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1301|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

They also have a normal shop, just google purefreedom. :)
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: john tomkins on December 13, 2008, 12:10:28 pm

Alex's 17' X-TELs are £56.00

They are not really £56 are they ::)
Add on VAT + delivery and it comes to £81.59
And thats the bare pole, no gooseneck no hose, no connector.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: WCE on December 13, 2008, 12:23:42 pm
I do make sure that I have the supplied allen key with me when I go to work.  I find that I need to nip nos. 1 and/or 2 clamps most  days - if not every day.  No hardship though and I really like this pole.  I would love it if Alex brought out a much longer version of it.
Someone else said that to me - They suggested that they put the allen key on your van key ring apart from that though they are well impressed with it. I must admit it is a well made and thought out pole and await the new versions with interest. The other addition to the range which would be good is a 17ft one based on the Xtel Dimensions (ie section length). A lot of us use the extel but I dont think any of are impressed on the life of them. Now if someone brought out a similar pole which addressed this issue then that would IMO be a top seller! The SLX certainly has the potential
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: mark dew on December 13, 2008, 01:27:23 pm
The other addition to the range which would be good is a 17ft one based on the Xtel Dimensions (ie section length). A lot of us use the extel but I dont think any of are impressed on the life of them. Now if someone brought out a similar pole which addressed this issue then that would IMO be a top seller! The SLX certainly has the potential

The 17ft xtel is by far the best value pole going.
I'm suprised there are no other poles which have the same closed length. The user  friendliest pole on the market. IMO.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: Oakley Windows on December 13, 2008, 05:38:16 pm

Alex's 17' X-TELs are £56.00

They are not really £56 are they ::)
Add on VAT + delivery and it comes to £81.59
And thats the bare pole, no gooseneck no hose, no connector.

Yes, of course, but theyre not £140.00 either. I have enough brushes, angle adaptors, hose to last a lifetime, the bare bones pole'll do me.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: kevin James on December 13, 2008, 08:33:05 pm
Slid down some ice covered stone steps this week flat on my back, the pole took an almighty whack and nothing to report. Pity my back wasn't carbon fibre.

On another forum, Duke has fitted a kettle element to a backpack. In the YouTube vid he has it boiling. I'm doing the same. How nice to have a hot hot water bottle on yer back & something to soften the fall!

Kevin
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: NWH on December 13, 2008, 08:50:12 pm
I don`t like the clamps on the pole and if you close the pole from height to quickly sections get jammed,i couldn`t get on with it and to be honest it looks a good product but was slowing me down.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: [GQC] Tim on December 13, 2008, 09:03:15 pm
I don`t like the clamps on the pole and if you close the pole from height to quickly sections get jammed,i couldn`t get on with it and to be honest it looks a good product but was slowing me down.

Hm, I do understand what you mean, but in order for the clamps to jam, you have to lower the section, with out stopping it or slowing it down with your hand, because they are low drag clamps, the pole picks up quite a lot of speed. I've hurt my finger a couple of times doing that, the clamp slamming down on a cold finger is quite painful.

The clamps do need a bit getting used to, but I'm happy with them, lining them up doesn't cost time, I was annoyed with that in the beginning, but it's not that bad when you have used it for a while.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: NWH on December 13, 2008, 09:06:20 pm
Nothing whatsoever to do with the clamps,the pole shuts beyond it`s taper and that`s why it jams it`s pushed into section below it.You can shut the Facelift pole from height almost like it`s clampless,it`s hard to do this with any other tele pole out there.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: Paul Coleman on December 13, 2008, 11:01:25 pm
I do make sure that I have the supplied allen key with me when I go to work.  I find that I need to nip nos. 1 and/or 2 clamps most  days - if not every day.  No hardship though and I really like this pole.  I would love it if Alex brought out a much longer version of it.
Someone else said that to me - They suggested that they put the allen key on your van key ring apart from that though they are well impressed with it. I must admit it is a well made and thought out pole and await the new versions with interest. The other addition to the range which would be good is a 17ft one based on the Xtel Dimensions (ie section length). A lot of us use the extel but I dont think any of are impressed on the life of them. Now if someone brought out a similar pole which addressed this issue then that would IMO be a top seller! The SLX certainly has the potential

I just keep the key in my back pocket while I'm qworking as it's pretty much guaranteed I will need it sometime throughout the day.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: Paul Coleman on December 13, 2008, 11:07:34 pm
I don`t like the clamps on the pole and if you close the pole from height to quickly sections get jammed,i couldn`t get on with it and to be honest it looks a good product but was slowing me down.

Yes I noticed that about jamming.  You need to take a bit of care not to close it too tightly.  I suppose everyone works a bit differently.  The tiny bit I lose on closing it down I more than make up in general usage due to the light weight.  I also would prefer the more standardised clamp style but it is possible to get used to the ones it comes with.  I was very pleased to be able to get that spare off you as overall, I do like these poles.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: Window Cleaning Services on December 14, 2008, 04:59:55 pm
After almost jamming my finger with a speeding clamp i decided to wrap a piece of duck tape around the pole directly below each clamp. Now i can close them at speed with no jamming or crushed finger ends. 8) syd
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: NWH on December 14, 2008, 05:36:18 pm
After almost jamming my finger with a speeding clamp i decided to wrap a piece of duck tape around the pole directly below each clamp. Now i can close them at speed with no jamming or crushed finger ends. 8) syd
Why should you have to do that though.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: Jeff Brimble on December 14, 2008, 05:41:36 pm
you get love bites otherwise Ionics poles were lethal at doing it
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: Clive McDonald on December 14, 2008, 06:31:22 pm
Don't like the their hose tidy because this adds to the weight of a pole when closed and makes the work harder. There is a much better way of doing this.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: [GQC] Tim on December 14, 2008, 06:59:35 pm
Don't like the their hose tidy because this adds to the weight of a pole when closed and makes the work harder. There is a much better way of doing this.

It does add weight but not and awful lot. It's quick and simple, and neat. I know that pvc tube thing that you mentioned a long time a go, but that might pay out to much in one go, so your pole hose would be on the ground more. That's what I'm doing it for, to keep the pole hose clean.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: Clive McDonald on December 14, 2008, 07:14:08 pm
Good answer.

I'd like to go into this a little bit but it would be too far off topic so i'll save it for another time.
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: [GQC] Tim on December 14, 2008, 07:42:31 pm
Good answer.

I'd like to go into this a little bit but it would be too far off topic so i'll save it for another time.

Please do, it's been some time, and I forgot what exactly it was and how it worked, it was pole hose loops in a couple of pvc pipes held on your belt I believe?

I've been thinking of ideas as well, but I needed something quick, because my pole was seizing up due to all the mucky mess on the ground due to the weather, and I must say that the purefreedom thing does a very good job, you can notice the added weight, but it's not too much of an inconvenience. I might get some lightweight pole hose to counter it. The actual pole hose tidy is very very light, doesn't weigh anything.  :)
Title: Re: Anyone worn an SLX out yet?
Post by: Window Cleaning Services on December 14, 2008, 07:51:50 pm
After almost jamming my finger with a speeding clamp i decided to wrap a piece of duck tape around the pole directly below each clamp. Now i can close them at speed with no jamming or crushed finger ends. 8) syd
Why should you have to do that though.
I shouldn't really considering the price paid but until the man in the street uses them the designers don't get everything right first time. Its still a brilliant pole though, just a pity the extel clamps aren't suitable. As for the hose tidy aspect, i have a small metal "s" hook on my belt to loop the excess tubing on when doing the downstairs/bungalows. D.I.Y again, but it works! ;D ;D ;D Syd