Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: williamx on September 27, 2009, 07:26:07 pm
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I have been using this pole for the last 2 months and I thought I would give you my un-biased views and maybe improvements that can be made.
I already have the 60' SL2 which I use on higher commercial properties, in fact I have reached the dizzy heights of 84' and I am looking for that 100' building.
In the past I have used either Unger or Excel Poles for work upto 21', then the SL2 takes over.
Anyway after a long wait I ordered the SLX 25.
This pole is great for reaching any window on most domestic window cleaners books and is of for most low level commercial work.
The weight is ok, but the SL2 is a lot lighter and stiffer.
The clamps are rubbish, they are too fragile and need to be adjusted all the time. ( I do believe that a new clamp is coming to market soon).
The other major problem is that the pole hose gets dirty and transmits this to the inside of the pole, this them causes the pole to jam.
A solution to this problem would be for the pole hose to attached to the outside of the pole, and the way this can be done is either the pole clamp is modified or an eyelet is glued onto the clamp.
The other major bug bearer is the carbon fibre residue that come off the pole, maybe the pole could be treated with a sealent to prevent this.
You will also need to put on 'o' clips into the jets on the brushhead because these to seen to come off after time.
Overall this is a good pole but I personally feel that it can be improved.
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I had some Loctite left over from the original clamps and use a drop on the latest clamps with plastic barrel nuts. Never need to adjust them now.
I like the idea of an eyelet on the outside - bit like the eyes on a conventional fishing rod. They would have to be super strong though but it would prevent the dirt on the inside of the pole.
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Agree that incremental improvements could be made but there ssems to be resistance to our suggestions.
It's still a better pole and cheaper than anything else though
Yours is what i would call informed critisism, and it's about where i stand myself.The problem with this forum is that people twist what you say, and the criticism, often from people who haven't even got one, gets harsher. I wouldn't want anything i said to affect sales because i find it a big advance and believe that on balance so will most others.
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it is a great pole but yes those clamps need constant adjusting a pian in the but
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When you lift the lever the bolt rotates a little every time untill eventually you get caught out. Well, that's what mine did. Tiny drop of loctite has stopped this for me.
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agree with slumpbuster, you have criticized the faults you have found, but then you have offered suggestions to rectify these. good illustration for others of how it should be done ;)
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Agree that incremental improvements could be made but there ssems to be resistance to our suggestions.
It's still a better pole and cheaper than anything else though
Yours is what i would call informed critisism, and it's about where i stand myself.The problem with this forum is that people twist what you say, and the criticism, often from people who haven't even got one, gets harsher. I wouldn't want anything i said to affect sales because i find it a big advance and believe that on balance so will most others.
I agree that constant improvement should be considered for any product if possible. We should be having the 'evolution' levers/nuts/bolt assemblies arriving this week. These are being sent out automatically to all owners of the SL-X. These will address the issue of constant adjustment that some are having to make (better lock nut facility). They will also prevent over-adjustment and will feature stronger barrel nuts.
With regard to the external pole hose idea, this would greatly reduce, if not eliminate, pole wear on almost any pole. I had thought about a similar idea of hoops to hold the hose in situation.
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Mine collects dust if left in the van over the weekend, cant you do anything about THAT please Alex!
FWIW I like it, no moaning here. Its a fabulous piece of kit, very little flex, light, very easy to work with, so the clamps need adjusting! AND?
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Mine collects dust if left in the van over the weekend, cant you do anything about THAT please Alex!
FWIW I like it, no moaning here. Its a fabulous piece of kit, very little flex, light, very easy to work with, so the clamps need adjusting! AND?
It's not the fact of needing to adjust clamps. It's because it needs doing very frequently - on occasion twice in a day. Not a complaint. It's a lovely piece of kit. I would like some quality clamps retro fitted though. I've held back from this until the feedback has been more positive and it sounds like Alex is just about there now. In fact, retro fitting the clamps and possibly replacing the no 1 section could give me a virtually new pole - from a functionality perspective rather than an aesthetic one.
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I havent found that the clamps need adjusting that often. However, when they do need adjusting it doesnt bother me at all, it only takes 2 secs and doesnt require tools or a trip to the van. Be honest it is a high class problem isnt it ;D
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I havent found that the clamps need adjusting that often. However, when they do need adjusting it doesnt bother me at all, it only takes 2 secs and doesnt require tools or a trip to the van. Be honest it is a high class problem isnt it ;D
High class problem indeed.
Once you stop throwing up over your shoes everything else is a high class problem. No tool needed to adjust? It sounds like you have later clamps than I. I need to use an allen key.
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not sure if you can do this with the slx, but why not leave the clamps open and use some stronger hose and use it as a clampless pole?
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I havent found that the clamps need adjusting that often. However, when they do need adjusting it doesnt bother me at all, it only takes 2 secs and doesnt require tools or a trip to the van. Be honest it is a high class problem isnt it ;D
High class problem indeed.
Once you stop throwing up over your shoes everything else is a high class problem. No tool needed to adjust? It sounds like you have later clamps than I. I need to use an allen key.
It does sound that way. No allen key needed here.
Think we're singing from different hymn sheets. ;D
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I think the original SLX needed allen keys
Then the one I bought in March came with aluminium quick-release type efforts.
Then three weeks ago Alex sent me the clamp upgrade kit which I used to replace the top three clamps and the new ones are faultless - less wear, more grip and really light to use.
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I think that most people have experainced a few niggles with the SL-X mk3 but it is far too early to make any real judgement whether this pole can 'last'.
As for clamp adjustments...I see this as part of my morning routine each day - Reason> have had 2x levers/nut fall off on one particular day.
At the end of each week the pole is broken down and completely washed out and then given a very light coat of teflon spray...this is also done if feel the pole is getting 'clogged' during the week.
Each time the pole hose is wound up it passes through a rag to remove debris.
I love the lightness and flexibility..and I hope that it lasts...alas I can already see large area's of the ribbed carbon has worn away...now starting to get black hands again.
Cheers
Dave.
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I havent found that the clamps need adjusting that often. However, when they do need adjusting it doesnt bother me at all, it only takes 2 secs and doesnt require tools or a trip to the van. Be honest it is a high class problem isnt it ;D
High class problem indeed.
Once you stop throwing up over your shoes everything else is a high class problem. No tool needed to adjust? It sounds like you have later clamps than I. I need to use an allen key.
Don't feed the troll leapstall!
Is that necessary? I have reported my experiences, nothing else.
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Agree that incremental improvements could be made but there ssems to be resistance to our suggestions.
It's still a better pole and cheaper than anything else though
Yours is what i would call informed critisism, and it's about where i stand myself.The problem with this forum is that people twist what you say, and the criticism, often from people who haven't even got one, gets harsher. I wouldn't want anything i said to affect sales because i find it a big advance and believe that on balance so will most others.
I agree that constant improvement should be considered for any product if possible. We should be having the 'evolution' levers/nuts/bolt assemblies arriving this week. These are being sent out automatically to all owners of the SL-X. These will address the issue of constant adjustment that some are having to make (better lock nut facility). They will also prevent over-adjustment and will feature stronger barrel nuts.
With regard to the external pole hose idea, this would greatly reduce, if not eliminate, pole wear on almost any pole. I had thought about a similar idea of hoops to hold the hose in situation.
Alex
Have you thought about having the eyelet moulded on the back of the coller that goes on the pole.
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This is what I was toying with. The trouble I can see is one of strength as these would very easily get knocked about in use.
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sorry to change subject slightly , but is it possible to get the pole fitted with the streamline lite -5 pole hose as i find the clear pvc hose terrible used hose in my current pole and have had far less problems with kinking and knotting over the past year
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I havent found that the clamps need adjusting that often. However, when they do need adjusting it doesnt bother me at all, it only takes 2 secs and doesnt require tools or a trip to the van. Be honest it is a high class problem isnt it ;D
High class problem indeed.
Once you stop throwing up over your shoes everything else is a high class problem. No tool needed to adjust? It sounds like you have later clamps than I. I need to use an allen key.
Don't feed the troll leapstall!
Is that necessary? I have reported my experiences, nothing else.
I thought it was a tad harsh too. I assumed it was a bit of humour on winndowashing's part.
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I havent found that the clamps need adjusting that often. However, when they do need adjusting it doesnt bother me at all, it only takes 2 secs and doesnt require tools or a trip to the van. Be honest it is a high class problem isnt it ;D
High class problem indeed.
Once you stop throwing up over your shoes everything else is a high class problem. No tool needed to adjust? It sounds like you have later clamps than I. I need to use an allen key.
Don't feed the troll leapstall!
Is that necessary? I have reported my experiences, nothing else.
I thought it was a tad harsh too. I assumed it was a bit of humour on winndowashing's part.
Sorry mis-read the post.. thought it was going to go a different direction! :-X
Sorry to hijack post. :-\
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sorry to change subject slightly , but is it possible to get the pole fitted with the streamline lite -5 pole hose as i find the clear pvc hose terrible used hose in my current pole and have had far less problems with kinking and knotting over the past year
It is possible, yes.
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This is what I was toying with. The trouble I can see is one of strength as these would very easily get knocked about in use.
You could try one that goes across the whole of the collar, and is at least 10mm by 10mm.
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I think it would be a minority who would wish an external hose. Too much bulk with clamps & extra hassle extending/retracting, holding the pole & removing sections etc. Defeats the object IMO when a quick wipe with a rag is all that's needed.
My slx (MKI) is still going great & is used every day, it's got original clamps on too.
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I'm now starting to get black hands from large smooth areas on my 25' mk3 and I don't want to wear gloves. I was gonna try some swarfega.
The clamp adjustment and broken barrel nuts are a problem but are soon to be rectified.
I'm a bit worried with the winter coming that the ground will often be wet which I'm thinking will attach more grit to the hose.
You cant wipe it on every retraction, it would be a right pain. It really does go stiff with a bit of grit because the sections are such a close fit.
Saying all that i would still buy it again.
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Alex, any chance of making the levers stronger?
Not to clamp any tighter but so that they don't snap when they get a slight clobber. :-[
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i really like slx poles and have three of them but the latest clamp has definately been a backward step and i think they need totally re doing the faults are
1 not enough adjustment in clamp to allow for wear
2 levers are very flimsy and break easy
3 the barrel nuts are next thing to useless
although i have listed the faults above one thing i cant fault is the after service alex has provided in dealing with the issues, he has sent new barrel nuts and levers that have arrived next day without charge and is already working on sending everybody some other improvement to the clamp, i think where he went wrong was the demand for his new pole was so great it made him rush it out a bit soon before giving it the proper tests it required.
finally i would like to say that even with the faults listed above they are still the best poles i have used and would still recomend them.
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The hose that goes to the jets on the brushes needs to be just a little bit longer.
As either a quick fix for a broken cam, or an alternative simpler and possibly superior design, put a metal nut on the end of the bolt and a plastic wheel over this.Then there are serrated plastic wheels to turn either side. Works well and less to catch and knock. Pics if unsure what i mean.If the wheels were slightly larger it would be better.
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I prefer the old style (straight) super lite flocked brush to the new (splayed version) simply because it tickles the spiders into submission, who then do death defying Kamikaze style jumps from the top corners of the window frames, whilst busily spinning a web to parachute safely to the ground to survive and crawl back up to the same blooming home they started out from. ;D
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I prefer the old style (straight) super lite flocked brush to the new (splayed version) simply because it tickles the spiders into submission, who then do death defying Kamikaze style jumps from the top corners of the window frames, whilst busily spinning a web to parachute safely to the ground to survive and crawl back up to the same blooming home they started out from. ;D
LOL
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I used my new 18' and 35' slx for the first time yesterday.I new within 10 mins that the clamps are the poles downfall.
I clean mainly domestic propertys so I continuelly have to adjust the pole up and down,I have been useing x-tel & Hx-tel poles this last year. The clamps are so far ahead of anything I have used that if the slx had these clamps it would be the perfect pole. The x-tel with correct adjustment on the clamps allow the pole sections to glide up and down even from new. This is due to how the clamp as been designed in 4 sections around the pole which allows it movement from gripping the pole when the handle is locked and then allowing the pole to slide when the handle is open as the plastic moves fractinally away from the pole.
The slx clamp grips the the poles around the full circumfrance of the pole with miniscule movement of the clamp when the lever is in the open position. This causes friction between the pole sections and clamp leading to an unecessary increase in wear & tear. The effort of wasted energy in pulling the pole sections up and down all day is such a shame for a fantastic pole.For me I find an 18' carbon pole is worth the extra dosh if the clamps can be improved.
To be told that the poles will get easier to use in time means only one thing. The pole as worn down due to friction,so every time I use It it feels I am wearing the pole down just to get it moving more freely.
So Alex use the design of the xtel clamp,the part that grips the pole and use your lever so combine the best of both.
Neil
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I'm sure Alex said that would make the pole longer collapsed though.
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I used my new 18' and 35' slx for the first time yesterday.I new within 10 mins that the clamps are the poles downfall.
I clean mainly domestic propertys so I continuelly have to adjust the pole up and down,I have been useing x-tel & Hx-tel poles this last year. The clamps are so far ahead of anything I have used that if the slx had these clamps it would be the perfect pole. The x-tel with correct adjustment on the clamps allow the pole sections to glide up and down even from new. This is due to how the clamp as been designed in 4 sections around the pole which allows it movement from gripping the pole when the handle is locked and then allowing the pole to slide when the handle is open as the plastic moves fractinally away from the pole.
The slx clamp grips the the poles around the full circumfrance of the pole with miniscule movement of the clamp when the lever is in the open position. This causes friction between the pole sections and clamp leading to an unecessary increase in wear & tear. The effort of wasted energy in pulling the pole sections up and down all day is such a shame for a fantastic pole.For me I find an 18' carbon pole is worth the extra dosh if the clamps can be improved.
To be told that the poles will get easier to use in time means only one thing. The pole as worn down due to friction,so every time I use It it feels I am wearing the pole down just to get it moving more freely.
So Alex use the design of the xtel clamp,the part that grips the pole and use your lever so combine the best of both.
Neil
Drop me an email with your phone number alex@agardiner.co.uk
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if its any consilation to anyone one of my new harris poles snapped after 4 weeks use....I'm gutted! ;D ;D
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its funny you posted that, i used a harris for the first time in 3 months today, after my bentley collar disaster first time round, and i have to say, awesome! got 3/4's of my houses done with it, and it's effortless.
if only someone could make a 7/8m version of the harris...
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its funny you posted that, i used a harris for the first time in 3 months today, after my bentley collar disaster first time round, and i have to say, awesome! got 3/4's of my houses done with it, and it's effortless.
if only someone could make a 7/8m version of the harris...
wern't you suppose to be buying me a beer last week? 8)
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didnt get finished in time to catch you before your half day ;)
will surprise you soon 8)
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i'm normally around till about 5pm but i do fly in and out all day 8)
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I agree with Neil 100.
My 18' SLX is only weeks old, showing alarming signs of wear and the nut and bolt clamps are not 'finger tip' adjustable. The nuts don't bite and hold and the carbon pole wears quickly.
I might add I do look after the pole and use it for 95% of my work - full week mon-fri 9 -5 non stop.
Lightness and rigidity are good, but I can't see the pole lasting long. Sorry to say this as I have a high regard for Gardinerpolesystems in general.
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I'm hoping my new and improved nuts and levers are comig soon, cos even the 6 pack of replacements they very kindly sent me are running out fast :-[
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At the moment while I am waiting for the new improved clamps to arrive, I am using wing nuts.
These seem to be working fine.
Also for the last week I have taken the pole hose from the pole and I am letting it run free, I have noticed that my pole is much smoother when I need to extend and retract it, normally by this time in the week I find that the poles jam together, and the collar breaks free from the pole when I try to seperate them.
I am now looking at ways to attached the pole hose to the outside of the pole.
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Mine had been fine the last couple o weeks but as has been mentioned before.....i'm worried to say the least next time we get a damp day and the hose get's sand/grit on it. But all in all, it has been better the last couple o weeks. The first week of so it was quite literally getting jammed on the bottom section. To the degree that i couldn't even take it apart to flush it thru :-\
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Looking at the SL-X mk3 and it's previous incarnations...I feel at times that the product is a complete work in progress....and 'we' the masses that buy it are to some extent a 'beta' test.
Look at the issues that occur...clamp levers, nuts are pants...rapid wear rates within a couple of months..but we are told these items are tested prior to release for how long? I mean really...2 months on my pole is showing rapid signs of wear in many places.
Lets face it ...without the clamp it is a hollow stick which fits into another stick and with the clamp it is a stick which can be adjusted with another stick.
One is the idea's behind the new clamp I believe is that the plastic clamp would be to a certain extent a sacraficial componant..but looking at the complaints raised here...and looking at the area's of wear on my own pole...that is the least of the issue with regard to wear.
Carbon to carbon surface wear is a big issue still...to what extent this will shorten the 'useful' life of the pole only time can tell.
Now I know that r&d, testing, tooling etc, etc is expensive...but we pay for that and it must be within the cost price so I do not see as a user I should be too concerned with those issues.
I suppose my real concern is that given the amount of changes that have occured with the SL-X whether it is different clamps, clamp componants, materials, pole structure/weave.... it seems to be wearing at a greater rate that my previous SL-X mk1.
Now I am not taking a pop at Alex...but the product..yes it enables me to make money and it is light...thats a part of why I bought it....but if the wear rate continues and does so at the rate of the previous MK1 I personally will need to buy one pole each year...now think how much you would need to earn and be taxed etc, etc to pay for that end sum?..for me that is going to be around 70 net euro's a calender month.
I wish I had more to bring to the table than my opinions and complaints but I don't...I am not an engineer so trying to 2nd guess the r&d process would only be a 'stab in the dark'...I'm just a end user with issues and this is a open forum where these items can be discussed.
If there was something better I would jump ship in a heart beat but alas there does not seem to be much else yet.
Cheers
Dave.
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At the moment while I am waiting for the new improved clamps to arrive, I am using wing nuts.
These seem to be working fine.
Also for the last week I have taken the pole hose from the pole and I am letting it run free, I have noticed that my pole is much smoother when I need to extend and retract it, normally by this time in the week I find that the poles jam together, and the collar breaks free from the pole when I try to seperate them.
I am now looking at ways to attached the pole hose to the outside of the pole.
How about using the velcro straps that are used with the superlite pole?
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I would like the Aluminium levers and metal nuts back on the plastic clamps. The Nylon levers and cams are not up to the job. Wear? I don't know how that can be avoided. If the resin/carbon mix is altered then the pole wouldn't perform the same and would probably become brittle. The only way I can see wear being reduced is by having the hose on the outside or very fast wearing clamps.
I feel exactly the same as Pingu - this is a fine pole - what's the alternative? Why are we moaning? What do we expect?
We've got carbon, lightness, rigidity and top customer service all at a reasonable price
so things ain't so bad.
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I think you're right.
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To a degree all products within any field are work in progress. In 10 years time I'm sure that the poles available will be very different again and hopefully to the benefit of all of us.
The new 'Evolution' lever/nut assemblies are very nearly finished for the new SL-X clamps. The levers are stronger and the barrel nuts are very strong. In testing this week we progressively over-tightened the lever assembly and the barrel nut refused to break. Instead we were starting to deform the wall of the carbon fibre tube due to the increased strength. If we made the levers/nuts out of aluminium there would be the real danger of being able to crush the carbon if the clamp was over-tightened. They also now feature a much better lock-nut facility so that the bolts do not come undone with use and also do not easily over-tighten.
Ideally we should have anticipated some of these issues during prototyping, but unfortunately with certain components you are only able to fully realise the issues once you have several hundred of the product in clients hands who are using them in everyday life. Where possible we will always try to keep making improvements throughout our product range, hence the ability to upgrade the Mk1 and Mk2 poles to the latest clamps.
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To a degree all products within any field are work in progress. In 10 years time I'm sure that the poles available will be very different again and hopefully to the benefit of all of us.
The new 'Evolution' lever/nut assemblies are very nearly finished for the new SL-X clamps. The levers are stronger and the barrel nuts are very strong. In testing this week we progressively over-tightened the lever assembly and the barrel nut refused to break. Instead we were starting to deform the wall of the carbon fibre tube due to the increased strength. If we made the levers/nuts out of aluminium there would be the real danger of being able to crush the carbon if the clamp was over-tightened. They also now feature a much better lock-nut facility so that the bolts do not come undone with use and also do not easily over-tighten.
Ideally we should have anticipated some of these issues during prototyping, but unfortunately with certain components you are only able to fully realise the issues once you have several hundred of the product in clients hands who are using them in everyday life. Where possible we will always try to keep making improvements throughout our product range, hence the ability to upgrade the Mk1 and Mk2 poles to the latest clamps.
if you require a guinea pig to test new poles etc in the future please feel free to send one my way, i'll happily test it to maximum for you! ;D
After the test period i'll happily send it back to you, and should i require a new one would love a 30% or more discount.. 8)
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Problem is Alex, you are very gentle with your kit whereas I happen to be the clumsiest windowcleaner on the planet. If I slide my pole back into its rack and clip a lever then it snaps. :-[
If I lean the pole against a wall and it topples over the same thing happens. My levers haven't snapped from overtightening but purely from knocking them and catching them on conservatory roofs and gutters. When the cold weather comes I'm going to spend more and more time picking up the pieces.
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Problem is Alex, you are very gentle with your kit whereas I happen to be the clumsiest windowcleaner on the planet. If I slide my pole back into its rack and clip a lever then it snaps. :-[
If I lean the pole against a wall and it topples over the same thing happens. My levers haven't snapped from overtightening but purely from knocking them and catching them on conservatory roofs and gutters. When the cold weather comes I'm going to spend more and more time picking up the pieces.
In testing this week I have been hitting the new clamp levers with a hammer! I have been trying to replicate the effect of a sideways knock whilst in a van or in the field. The new levers will be about twice as strong in resisting the effect of a sideways bash. They will look like the image below:
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If you buy a new set of top sport tyres (or any tyre for that matter) The minute you drive out the bay the tyres are wearing. You get home, have a look & yep, they will show signs of wear. Pop your new shoes on & go for a walk then have a look at the soles when you get back!
You use a carbon pole for one day & it too will show signs of wear.
Showing signs of wear isn't relative IMO as this will happen from day one. Your new carbon pole aint gonna look flashy & shiney for very long I'm affraid. If your pole wore out so that it was unusable after say, 6 months then yes, I would have issue with it. BUT, it "showing signs of wear" tells us very little.
I've owned facelift, gardiners, unger, excell, extender, harris poles & ALL show signs of wear. Comparing the best two- facelift & gardiners, both have worn at roughley the same, expected rate. I do clean the hose with a rag after every job though. 8)
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Well done Alex good to see you take comments on board. Err hope they won't be blue - won't go with my eyes.
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Well done Alex good to see you take comments on board. Err hope they won't be blue - won't go with my eyes.
I did think of doing them in orange but decided to stick with 'manly' black. :D
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Orange...do them Orange the Dutchies will love em ;D
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Ahh!! Think the email I just sent you Alex has just been explained. So the upgrade kit will be Levers & Barrel Nut's.?
Wayne
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Ahh!! Think the email I just sent you Alex has just been explained. So the upgrade kit will be Levers & Barrel Nut's.?
Wayne
I have replied :), please ignore my comment about the brushes on the email as I had mixed you up with another customer!!!!
The 'Evolution' upgrade will be sent out automatically to all those who have purchased the new SL-X and the upgrade kits. They will consist of new levers, barrel nuts, bolts and bolt caps. This is because changes made on one item affects the others so the length of the bolt and the bolt cap have also needed to be changed slightly.
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Alex I'll have the 2 brushes if you can email me a paypal request, cheers, Wayne (easycleanwayne@msn.com).
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At the moment while I am waiting for the new improved clamps to arrive, I am using wing nuts.
These seem to be working fine.
Also for the last week I have taken the pole hose from the pole and I am letting it run free, I have noticed that my pole is much smoother when I need to extend and retract it, normally by this time in the week I find that the poles jam together, and the collar breaks free from the pole when I try to seperate them.
I am now looking at ways to attached the pole hose to the outside of the pole.
How about using the velcro straps that are used with the superlite pole?
I have tried these straps, but the main problem with them is they kept on slidding down the pole, instead I have been using wrist sweatbands.
Because they are elasticated, they hold their position better on the pole.
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Had a bad day today with my slx. I suspected the first time i had to use this on a really wet day, that the grit picked up would screw me. I wasn't dissapointed. First job.....wet ground. The bloody thing seized up on me. Couldn't extent the bottom section at all. Even if i had of, it would have happened again and again and again. Love the pole............but what happened today really p*ssed me off ::) Luckily i have a spare Harris DIY jobbie. Hate to say it, but it saved my backside. I coulda been well n truly mullered. :-\
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If I was you run the pole hose on the outside.
I have been doing this for the last 2 weeks and the pole extends and retracts perfectly, I havn't had to clean, like I use to have to do all the time with the hose run though the pole.
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I totally agree that would solve it. With hindsight, I should have done exactly that. I was too stressed out to think logically. ::) It does defeat the object though, doesn't it? If i wanted a pole with hose wrapped around it, i woulda bought one ::)
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Had a bad day today with my slx. I suspected the first time i had to use this on a really wet day, that the grit picked up would screw me. I wasn't dissapointed. First job.....wet ground. The bloody thing seized up on me. Couldn't extent the bottom section at all. Even if i had of, it would have happened again and again and again. Love the pole............but what happened today really p*ssed me off ::) Luckily i have a spare Harris DIY jobbie. Hate to say it, but it saved my backside. I coulda been well n truly mullered. :-\
Exactly the same happened to me today twice. Didn't lock up totally but were grinding and stiff. Had to dismantle the first two sections and hose off with a customers hose pipe. Don't want it wearing any quicker than it already is. I can't get enough flow from my pump to clean it out with pure water.
I find it worse on block pave driveways as they're often quite sandy.
As I've said before though, I'd still buy it again.
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What's that grinding sound like???? I dunno what grinds more when that happens, the pole or my teeth ;D
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if an automatic cleaner was available to clean your tubing as you work, no manual cleaning, would you buy it, will stop all dirt and grit getting into your pole and damaging it,, price would be around 14.99 for any size pole,
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if an automatic cleaner was available to clean your tubing as you work, no manual cleaning, would you buy it, will stop all dirt and grit getting into your pole and damaging it,, price would be around 14.99 for any size pole,
Absolutely, I would buy three. No doubt about it.
But......how easy will the pole hose come out when lowering the pole? That might be the biggest issue.
Tell us more please.
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very easy, it took me a little bit to work it out, working on 2 prototypes now, am just surprised it has not been done yet, all the parts i ordered should be here tomorrow so can do more testing, just need to know what the market would be like if i go ahead and make them, or convince a supplier like gardiners to take it on,
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Well if it works I think a lot of people will be interested.
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yes i hope it will traps7, i do a lot of inventions, so have a good knowlege of what has a chance of working, as tim said working the problem out lowering the pole, which am 95% certain i have worked it out, it looks good to 8)
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I had thought of fitting a brush system in the base of the pole maybe in place of the butt ring (ooerr).
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Yeh, sounds painful.
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what i have is simply fitted to the base,
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Jouk is this your master plan you told me you had a couple of months ago?
Good on ya.
Hope it works, are you taking one to the show on Friday?
Matt
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i was drinkin a lucozade sport the other day, and examining the system they have in the lid, and wondered if that would work on the base section of all poles?
for those who dont know what it is, its like a rubber section with an x cut into it, that under the correct pressure, opens to let the liquid through. clearly there would be no pressure required, but a rubber section with slots cut so the pole hose can be pushed through, tight enough to clean the hose, but loose enough to allow it to move freely upon extension.
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Jouk is this your master plan you told me you had a couple of months ago?
Good on ya.
Hope it works, are you taking one to the show on Friday?
Matt
no matt, that was my ufobrush ;D sorry i cant make it to the show, i never knew there was one until 2 weeks ago :'(
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i was drinkin a lucozade sport the other day, and examining the system they have in the lid, and wondered if that would work on the base section of all poles?
for those who dont know what it is, its like a rubber section with an x cut into it, that under the correct pressure, opens to let the liquid through. clearly there would be no pressure required, but a rubber section with slots cut so the pole hose can be pushed through, tight enough to clean the hose, but loose enough to allow it to move freely upon extension.
you mean like this dish towel holder ;D
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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am not drinking out of that ;D ;D ;D
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Jo, if you need any one to fieldtest it for a week, I would be more then happy to do so, I would gladly pay for it as well.
I can do a minireview with some pictures etc.
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the reason the pole sticks is because you let the hose trail on the floor and pick up grit, if you carry the hose in your hand and only have the hose as long as is needed you wont have this problem i do this and have just ordered an slx for myself iv used my mates a couple of times and i have had a facelift pole for nearly 4 years
Simples
gary
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the reason the pole sticks is because you let the hose trail on the floor and pick up grit, if you carry the hose in your hand and only have the hose as long as is needed you wont have this problem i do this and have just ordered an slx for myself iv used my mates a couple of times and i have had a facelift pole for nearly 4 years
Simples
gary
Or, even better, get a pole hose tidy from Purefreedom :
http://www.purefreedom.co.uk/store_polespares.html
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I personally feel that my SL-X mk3 is jamming far more that the mk1 ever did...I have had the mk3 since it's release and it jams weekly but the mk1 only ever jammed aprox 3 to 4 times are there tighter tolerences with the mk3 than the mk1?
Cheers
Dave.
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Think so, also the mk1 had a different clamping system that actually distorted the carbon it moved so much and split around the drilled hole. When that clamp was released it seemed to be much looser.
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Yes I have just had a look at my old mk1 and there does seem to be alot more gap but then again I am looking at a old pole...
Cheers
Dave.
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G,L,R let us know how you get on.
I've only been wfp for a few months but I can't see how you can not drag the pole hose sometimes. It's unavoidable.
And how is a hose tidy going to help? I can see the point in the van but not whilst working.
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How about something like this:
http://www.raisedfloorgrommets.com/snap-in-brush-grommets.asp
Hmmmm, I reckon I could cut up my sons car wheel cleaning brush and coil that inside the base section for the hose to pass through - shouldn't be too difficult.
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Looks good. The only thing I worry about with this whole idea is that whatever is used will trap grit inside the pole.
We'll have to wait for someone to make something and get it tested.
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If it has the ability to trap grit inside the pole doesnt it therefore also have the ability to trap grit outside the pole?
We'll have to wait for someone to make something and get it tested.
Of you go then ;D
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Maybe a brush ring that sits around the hose then as you extend the pole the ring simply butts up to the pole base and automatically rubs the hose clean. Collapse the pole and the ring just falls away.
I have the wheel brush in my hand - I think I might take the wire brush out of it and and simply ziptie the loop to the base of the pole and try that first. (nothing else to do - it's hissing down)
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I wrapped my hose round the outside of the pole today as mentioned yesterday. Yep, same problem. Grit now finds itself attached to the outside of the pole. Same dilemma to be honest. Call me a cynic........and i hate talkin like this,i really do. But as good as the weight of the pole is...........I feel like i been mugged for £200 odd quid and earned the title of Guinea pig of the year. There is no way my pole was tested for as long as has been said. Not on a wet day anyway. I didn't buy a pole to wipe it down,break it down,flush it out every 2 seconds. I'm that close to selling it......though i wouldn't recommend buying >:(
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Which pole would you recommend pole 2 pole to avoid your problems?
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the reason the pole sticks is because you let the hose trail on the floor and pick up grit, if you carry the hose in your hand and only have the hose as long as is needed you wont have this problem i do this and have just ordered an slx for myself iv used my mates a couple of times and i have had a facelift pole for nearly 4 years
Simples
gary
As for keeping the hose off the ground...........i'm far too busy trying to work to think about keeping the hose levitated off the ground. I'm sure most others are too.
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I wrapped my hose round the outside of the pole today as mentioned yesterday. Yep, same problem. Grit now finds itself attached to the outside of the pole. Same dilemma to be honest. Call me a cynic........and i hate talkin like this,i really do. But as good as the weight of the pole is...........I feel like i been mugged for £200 odd quid and earned the title of Guinea pig of the year. There is no way my pole was tested for as long as has been said. Not on a wet day anyway. I didn't buy a pole to wipe it down,break it down,flush it out every 2 seconds. I'm that close to selling it......though i wouldn't recommend buying >:(
Email me your phone number and I'll have a chat with you - alex@agardiner.co.uk.
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Hey anyone from Facelift?..hey could you make your poles a little shorter and perhaps lighten them a bit and whilst your there could you make them a little cheaper than the SL-X ft for ft...I'll buy one and I think so would a few other people here...
Cheer
Dave.
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Which pole would you recommend pole 2 pole to avoid your problems?
I had the extel mate. No problems in the wet whatsoever. Even on wet days
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Which pole would you recommend pole 2 pole to avoid your problems?
I had the extel mate. No problems in the wet whatsoever. Even on wet days
Sorry for stating the bleeding obvious ;D I could have edited that......but i don't mind having the numptiest quote of the week ;D
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Problems in the dry then? On dry days ;D
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My MKI is still going strong, I must just be better than you all!!!!!! 8) 8)
Anyone want to buy a 44ft carbon facelift????
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Pole2Pole you still haven't emailed me. :)
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alex when will the new levers be sent out i had one of mine break today and its pointless ordering another if the new ones are being sent out soon.
just for the record i have tried most poles facelift, brodex, ionics, peter fogwells first clampless model and others but the SLX in my opinion is still the best and even though it does have its faults the aftercare and customer service makes up for it and i am sure given a bit of time alex will solve the faults.
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alex when will the new levers be sent out i had one of mine break today and its pointless ordering another if the new ones are being sent out soon.
just for the record i have tried most poles facelift, brodex, ionics, peter fogwells first clampless model and others but the SLX in my opinion is still the best and even though it does have its faults the aftercare and customer service makes up for it and i am sure given a bit of time alex will solve the faults.
We'll send some more out to you Trevor, no probs. The new levers and barrel nuts are due in at the end of the week so will start going out next Monday.
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i agree
aftercare and customer service makes up for it and i am sure given a bit of time alex will solve the faults.
im having the same problems as the rest of you Ive got the slx and super max and wouldn't change them
once these problems are sorted its got to be the best available
but i do not understand why people keep knocking gardiners and alex when they are doing their best
to put things right for all of us
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dispite everything i have heard, i have still ordered a 30ft sl-x pole, simply because of gardiners after care service,
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i agree
aftercare and customer service makes up for it and i am sure given a bit of time alex will solve the faults.
im having the same problems as the rest of you Ive got the slx and super max and wouldn't change them
once these problems are sorted its got to be the best available
but i do not understand why people keep knocking gardiners and alex when they are doing their best
to put things right for all of us
I understand why, it is a way of venting their frustration at having their day's work interrupted or made harder. The best way would be to contact me directly as then I am better able to assess the problem and take steps to rectify. The forum works but is less direct.
Fortunately these issues do not affect most users, but they are still annoying to those that it does affect.
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I think Alex bears the brunt as he is about the only supplier that will come on the forums and 'fess up to prob's and try to offer solutions. As has been said by others the attitude of the supplier goes a long way to the choices customers make. ;)
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My pole is great, if you are one of the owners who has just bought an SL-X and ALSO find it is great at least you know now that you are not alone ;D
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My mk1 is now a dwarf..I've been out in the garden and cut the whole thing down is is now a stumpy short pole..I have removed the old mk1 clamps and fitted the new mk3 clamps...what I did find was significant wear down the pole sections lengthwise....so lopping the tops/bottoms off has now given it a new lease of life as my 2x3ft g/f pole which was used for 3 years is now in the bin.
It did hurt cutting the mk1 down even more but hey at least I don't look at it in the corner and curse it every time I pass it.
Cheers
Dave.
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you have changed your name ;D
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You can just call me Monkey if you want...keep's it less formal ;D ;D
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With regard to the external pole hose idea, this would greatly reduce, if not eliminate, pole wear on almost any pole. I had thought about a similar idea of hoops to hold the hose in situation.
Alex any chance of you producing these hoops for the SL2?
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With regard to the external pole hose idea, this would greatly reduce, if not eliminate, pole wear on almost any pole. I had thought about a similar idea of hoops to hold the hose in situation.
Alex any chance of you producing these hoops for the SL2?
There is, but I will probably save it for the SL3......
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With regard to the external pole hose idea, this would greatly reduce, if not eliminate, pole wear on almost any pole. I had thought about a similar idea of hoops to hold the hose in situation.
Alex any chance of you producing these hoops for the SL2?
There is, but I will probably save it for the SL3......
when is that out? would like a month and day in concrete please :D
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July the 12th 2010 at approximately 10.05 am. Seriously though we haven't even decided if there is going to be an SL3 but we are throwing some ideas about.
The hose holders is one idea that will make it through regardless of any other changes but that won't be within the next four months.
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hoops that a new one to me, please explain, ::)
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When I started this tread, it was not an opportunity to knock alex or gardiners, over the years I have purchased quite a lot of equipment from them and I have been quite happy with it.
Their SL2 modular pole is in my opinion the best high level cleaning pole on the market, I also like their brushheads and their fan jets are fantastic.
Their customer service is very good, but other suppliers also offer this type of excellence, Cleantech are a good example.
The only gripe I have ever had, has been the wait we have had to endur for the new products they bring out.
When I started this topic I pointed out the problems that I have come across, the clamps are not that important in the long run, but the poles jamming all the time is very worrying, if I cannot use the pole all the time, what is the point of having it? it might be the lighest pole on the market, but its useless if you cannot extend it to clean the upper windows.
Some have said, why worry about these small problems, but when you have spent over £400 on a pole you expect it to last more than 2 months.
Tonight I have had to strip it down again to clean it, except now I cannot take the final 2 sections apart, they just will not budge past the yellow mark.
I also have had to re-glue the collars back on the 2nd and 4th pole again for the 4th time in the last 10 days.
The reason why the pole seems to jam more often than the other telesopic poles on the market, is I think, because the pole diameters are too close together, if they were 1 or 2mm smaller, I think this would cure the problem.
I also believe that the pole hose should be on the outside of the pole.
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Sorry Alex,
I wrote the hoop comment as I was reading the thread thinking it would be the same thing I was thinking about but you explained it further on and I realised your idea is much more engineered.
I was only thinking of a replacement for the velcro straps, rather than try to explain Ive just knocked up a mock up in paint...........................Dont laugh ;)
Sorry couldn't seem to upload it, Alex I will email it to you!
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When I started this tread, it was not an opportunity to knock alex or gardiners, over the years I have purchased quite a lot of equipment from them and I have been quite happy with it.
Their SL2 modular pole is in my opinion the best high level cleaning pole on the market, I also like their brushheads and their fan jets are fantastic.
Their customer service is very good, but other suppliers also offer this type of excellence, Cleantech are a good example.
The only gripe I have ever had, has been the wait we have had to endur for the new products they bring out.
When I started this topic I pointed out the problems that I have come across, the clamps are not that important in the long run, but the poles jamming all the time is very worrying, if I cannot use the pole all the time, what is the point of having it? it might be the lighest pole on the market, but its useless if you cannot extend it to clean the upper windows.
Some have said, why worry about these small problems, but when you have spent over £400 on a pole you expect it to last more than 2 months.
Tonight I have had to strip it down again to clean it, except now I cannot take the final 2 sections apart, they just will not budge past the yellow mark.
I also have had to re-glue the collars back on the 2nd and 4th pole again for the 4th time in the last 10 days.
The reason why the pole seems to jam more often than the other telesopic poles on the market, is I think, because the pole diameters are too close together, if they were 1 or 2mm smaller, I think this would cure the problem.
I also believe that the pole hose should be on the outside of the pole.
Sounds like I need to have this pole back to give it a 'once-over' in the workshop. I will drop you an email.
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Any one know how long till the new clamp levers, I've managed to snap another so I'm out of spares now.
Simon.
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Any one know how long till the new clamp levers, I've managed to snap another so I'm out of spares now.
Simon.
If you email or ring the Office they would be able to answer your question and send you out some FOC replacements. As previously posted, the new lever, barrel nut, bolt and bolt cup arrangement will be going out next week automatically to all SL-X and Super-Max owners regardless of whether they need them or not. In the meantime I will get the girls in the Office to post some spare levers out to you tomorrow.
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Sorry Alex. I had to go out this afternoon after my rant.I'll give you a bell tommorrow if that's ok? I got your number still. Just a word of warning. If you get a call from a mobile,ending in 780,put it on divert ;D
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Sorry Alex. I had to go out this afternoon after my rant.I'll give you a bell tommorrow if that's ok? I got your number still. Just a word of warning. If you get a call from a mobile,ending in 780,put it on divert ;D
:D No probs.
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So the clamp issue as we know is being sorted any day - great.
The black hands can be sorted by buying some gloves - thats fine.
The collars without enough glue have been easily rectified - so that's fine too
And I haven't got a problem with price or Customer service which have been first class.
I haven't got a problem with the wear issue when you take into account the relative cheap price for a carbon pole and that replacement sections can be purchased.
So Alex I think the only real unaddressed issue is the grit sticking to the hose and jamming or grinding the pole.
Am I using mine wrong or something?
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So the clamp issue as we know is being sorted any day - great.
The black hands can be sorted by buying some gloves - thats fine.
The collars without enough glue have been easily rectified - so that's fine too
And I haven't got a problem with price or Customer service which have been first class.
I haven't got a problem with the wear issue when you take into account the relative cheap price for a carbon pole and that replacement sections can be purchased.
So Alex I think the only real unaddressed issue is the grit sticking to the hose and jamming or grinding the pole.
Am I using mine wrong or something?
Email me your telephone number to alex@agardiner.co.uk and I can ring you and see how we can get this problem sorted.
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Alex. Just out of interest. Would skimming the pole sections be a potential modification? For those that are having issues,I mean.
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Email me your telephone number to alex@agardiner.co.uk and I can ring you and see how we can get this problem sorted.
Email sent. Thanks Alex. Speak to you tomorrow.
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i agree
aftercare and customer service makes up for it and i am sure given a bit of time alex will solve the faults.
im having the same problems as the rest of you Ive got the slx and super max and wouldn't change them
once these problems are sorted its got to be the best available
but i do not understand why people keep knocking gardiners and alex when they are doing their best
to put things right for all of us
I didn't think people were knocking him or the company. I just read it all as constructive criticism of how a very good pole could possibly be made even better.
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Tonight I cleaned the pole again, the method I used was to clean it in the bath, I put loads of hot soapy water down the inside of the poles and rubbed the outside down also with hot soapy water.
Anyway I just checked the bath tub and the botton is covered in black particles which has come off the pole.
I think that this cleaning method is ok but I feel that the best way to clean them is the same way you clean rifle barrels.
I will try this method at the weekend and kept you posted.
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Its no good cleaning it in the bath if you didnt use a conditioner. Carbon fibre has very sensitive 'skin'
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I certainly didn't intend to knock Alex or Gardiners. I should have taken a deep breath after work today, but i came on here pretty much after gettin in the door, fresh from bein wet and thoroughly stressed out. As Alex said, it wasn't a slagging off as such, just venting my frustration on something that if i'm honest, frustrated the pants off o me over the last week, month, whatever. Something that was mentioned earlier and it was something i hadn't ever really thought about, was that although Alex uses CIU as a platform for his products(intentionally or under duress :-* ) it does leave him or should i say, his products up for criticism on here which is obviously being scrutinised by God knows how many people. Which i think is fair game. Back to the point i nearly got to make was...........yeh at least he's man enough to address/rectify issues to the best of his ability, whereas alot of companies couldn't give a monkeys once money has been parted with. So in that respect, i still take my hat off to the guy. Oh and the gals in the office have cute voices ;D
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Alex. Just out of interest. Would skimming the pole sections be a potential modification? For those that are having issues,I mean.
Taking the top surface off of the pole perhaps with sandpaper would certainly increase the tolerance gap and would no doubt get rid of the problem. What you would be sanding off is the ridged top layer of epoxy resin that is over the top of the actual carbon fibre. The downside of this would be that you would be taking months off the life of the pole. A better solution would be to contact me and let me sort the problem out :D. Most people are not having this problem (thank goodness) so I am interested in the few that are because there will be a reason.
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OK OK ;D I'll call ya tomorrow ;) In the meantime, nighty night all. ;)
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Oh and the gals in the office have cute voices ;D
I thought that the other week!
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I'm glad it aint just me ;D Right i'm going....... For real this time :P
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Jouk on the academy has a new idea for automatic pole hose cleaning,... I don't know how it works, but in principle it should solve a lot of SLX problems,....
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Jouk on the academy has a new idea for automatic pole hose cleaning,... I don't know how it works, but in principle it should solve a lot of SLX problems,....
Yea he hinted it on here as well. But no details.
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Well I replaced the clamps on my mk 2 about a month ago and have no problems - they are excellent. (Nylon little ones)
From lever breakage probs I read about here I line them up so that the levers are on the "skyward" side of the pole when going over conservatory roofs at a low angle to avoid the possibility of catching a lever on a gutter edge or roof bar.
I always carry an old towel in my unger pouch and the end of the hose connects to a tap on my hip belt. When I put the pole away I run the hose through it and so it is clean when I extend it for the next job. I occasionally wipe the hose with the towel if I have a run of work without putting the pole away and get few grit problems.
If I see the hose drop in grit or cut grass or mud I wipe it before it goes up the pole.
No probs here!
------
But ... I am an owner operator - if I had employees I would not expect them to take the same care so would train them thoroughly.
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1pm yesterday ordered my slx 4pm today it arrived thanx Alex i will let you know how i get on
. by the way i dont let my pole hose drag on the floor because i use a backpack and if i use a reel then the microbore drags on the floor but i still dont let the pole hose go on the floor i have one of alex taps in my hand to turn the water on and off . i have used this method for 4 years so it is second nature to me and i dont think i will have any problems with the pole sticking if i do i will let you know Alex .
thanx for the quick service
Gary
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I love the idea of this pole, but how on earth do you lot have the patience to keep cleaning the hose and even"bathing"it. Surely the whole point is to be able to do more work?but if your constantly fretting i wonder if it is really worth it..I am ,however, open to convincing!!!!
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I love the idea of this pole, but how on earth do you lot have the patience to keep cleaning the hose and even"bathing"it. Surely the whole point is to be able to do more work?but if your constantly fretting i wonder if it is really worth it..I am ,however, open to convincing!!!!
I'm not trying to sell you the product but from experience as a SL-X user (I have three SL-Xs and 1 Super-Max in my van and all get constant use), the only maintenance I ever do is to wipe the pole hose as I coil it away back into the van. An exception to this is if I've been working on a beach, then I will hose the pole sections down inside before I put it away.
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i wear gloves so no probs with pole hose can't understand why people are getting so worked up about pole hose simply measures will keep it clean
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i wear gloves so no probs with pole hose can't understand why people are getting so worked up about pole hose simply measures will keep it clean
You would get a bit stressed out if you have extended the pole out to 35' and you cannot retract it, I only drive a Maxus swb, so the pole won't fit in the back when fully extended, it also makes cleaning the bottom windows a tad bit harder.
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An exception to this is if I've been working on a beach, then I will hose the pole sections down inside before I put it away.
Oh! how the other half live ;D
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An exception to this is if I've been working on a beach, then I will hose the pole sections down inside before I put it away.
Oh! how the other half live ;D
:)
It is a right pain. What I try to do whilst working over the sand is to hold all of the coiled pole hose in one hand so that it never touches the sand. Still seems to pick it up sometimes though.
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Life's a beach Alex ;D Did ye get my mail ok???
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Life's a beach Alex ;D Did ye get my mail ok???
Sure did, I was sitting on the beach at the time....
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have the new clamps come for the sl-x yet?just curious broke 1 again today
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have the new clamps come for the sl-x yet?just curious broke 1 again today
If you mean the lever, then they should be with us by Monday and they will go out automatically. Give me an email on alex@agardiner.co.uk and I'll get the girls to send out a handful of spares in the meantime.
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i was just asking thats all the girls sent some out the other week think i got 2 left so should b ok for another week but thanks,still impressed with the overall pole though,might change to a metal goose neck though gone through a couple of the plastic 1s since i bought it a month ago lol
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i was just asking thats all the girls sent some out the other week think i got 2 left so should b ok for another week but thanks,still impressed with the overall pole though,might change to a metal goose neck though gone through a couple of the plastic 1s since i bought it a month ago lol
That doesn't sound right either. Drop me an email and I'll get another plastic gooseneck sent to you.
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Alex, my pole snapped in half; well, when I say snapped, I mean in fact all the sections just disintegrated on me today; well, when I say disintegrated I mean crumpled into a heap of dust on the pavement.
Wotcha reckon?
8)
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Alex, my pole snapped in half; well, when I say snapped, I mean in fact all the sections just disintegrated on me today; well, when I say disintegrated I mean crumpled into a heap of dust on the pavement.
Wotcha reckon?
8)
You're on something :D
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:D
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thanks i will tommorow
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SL-X mk3 clamp levers....3 broken this week..could these be considered the worst improvement to the SL-X so far?
Dave.
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i was just asking thats all the girls sent some out the other week think i got 2 left so should b ok for another week but thanks,still impressed with the overall pole though,might change to a metal goose neck though gone through a couple of the plastic 1s since i bought it a month ago lol
That doesn't sound right either. Drop me an email and I'll get another plastic gooseneck sent to you.
have to say my plastic one also broke within 4 days of using it :'(
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Amazing how people are different because I've had the other problems but I have not snapped one lever.
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Amazing how people are different because I've had the other problems but I have not snapped one lever.
none of my levers have snapped, just a few things i'm waiting to have a chat with Alex about I think the pole weight is good
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SL-X mk3 clamp levers....3 broken this week..could these be considered the worst improvement to the SL-X so far?
Dave.
Update on the new Lever arms/bolts/barrel nuts/bolt cups - I have been getting
increasingly frustrated the last two weeks with the slow progress at the
plastic injection firm, nobody's fault just little hitches. We should have
had these new items with us about 2 weeks ago. I have had an email from them
confirming that tomorrow they will be doing the full production run (7000
units) so we should have some of these by Monday. Allowing for in house
sorting and packing we should start getting these items out in the post on
Tuesday, this will take us some time as we have literally hundreds of
SL-X clients to send these to. Fortunately most of our clients have not had any
breakages at all, so we will try and target the 'offenders' to start with.
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You know what with the wear rate on my SL-X mk1 and the MK3 breaking levers and again wear issues....I again feel that I am doing somthing wrong with the pole as 'most' do not seem to suffer with the poles?
I wish I knew what is it that I am doing wrong then I could stop my pole having these issues or indeed modify my working habits to prevent these really annoying defects stopping me working whilst I have to continually repair/clean out the pole.
Am I writing this whilst still 'hot', yes I am ...
I work fast day in day out I work to make money...I do not have time to treat a pole with kidd gloves and gently brush windows with the mearest touches...and then conduct a time and motion study to ascertain the route to the next window that would involved the least amount of time and objects that might brush up against my pole..
For the love of God...do these poles and componants get any testing? each lever has broken in the exact same spot.
Dave.
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I'm still using the "allen key" clamps at the moment. I've been wanting to have updated clamps on both my SLXs for a while but just waiting until the gremlins are sorted out.
I've got very used to having such a lovely light pole. It really has spoilt me. I will only return them one at a time as I don't want to be without it. Won't be sleeping with it though :)
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I suppose I should approach this all like using Microsoft o\s...never use the lastest as it'll be full of bugs and issues that will get patches and fixes over a period of say 5 years then it'll be fit for purpose.
Cutting edge or bleeding edge...trouble is that despite these issues there is nothing I can think of that comes close to the SL-X when it's playing.
Cheers
Dave.
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Ive been using my SLX-35 for a couple of weeks now and am loving the light weight and being able to extend easily due to having short sections.
Ive noticed that there are a few sticking areas on a couple of the sections that have started to weard down, but nothing that is causing any problems. The only thing I spotted on the pole that could be improved was the little screws on the clamps are very loose and need adjusted from time to time, but Im sure if I remove them and wrap some ptfe tape around them that would sort the problem.
All in all, Im really enjoying using the pole for both top floor and ground floor work, just with it would reach a bit higher.
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Yet another lever broken today...thats 4 in 5 working days.
Words fail me..
Dave.
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I reckon you're not doin it properly ;D Ask alex to pop a dozen or 3 in the post. I'm sure he won't mind.........In the meantime..........are they on their way alex? The "hob nob" clamps i mean. ;D
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You have to admit the lever is begging to be broken...just a weak design...
IMHO the worst 'improvement' to the SL-X since it's inception.
Dave.
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will we get the new clamps for xmas i hope so then i can open them on xmas day ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Yet another lever broken today...thats 4 in 5 working days.
Words fail me..
Dave.
Me too Dave! What are you doing to them!? They will only break if you push down hard (when the nut has been over-tightened) or hit against something. Having helped pack up the new clamp/barrel nuts/etc sets in literally hundreds of jiffy bags it reminded me that so few have had this trouble but if it does happen to someone, they seem to repeat doing so. The first wave of new sets have been posted today with more following over the next couple of days.
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Mine all break at the cam too. Don't seem to get much warning, one minute all's fine next the pole collapses and there's no sign of the lever - just the nut and bolt.
I reckon we both are melting them ;D
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Hey FTP perhaps we need remedial training in clamp operation and handling systems.
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All I can say Dave is that I challenge you to break the new ones - during normal use that is!
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Bet you a 40' SMAX I can do it!
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i have been using my slx35 now for about 3 weeks its a fantastic pole, the thing with the nuts breaking none of mine have yet but I am very careful to not overtighten the clamp just enough to pinch it and hold the pole straight.
craig
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I can only break the levers, I haven't progressed to the nuts yet. ;D
Very, very rarely do I need to tighten the clamp anymore since adding a spot of Loctite to the bolt threads. Bit tricky to undo them though once the lever has jettisoned off.
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Bet you a 40' SMAX I can do it!
I am almost tempted to take you up on that challenge as I am really confident in the latest design.
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Are ya using the Royal Snail Alex?
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Are ya using the Royal Snail Alex?
Yes, via franking machine. Hopefully the proposed strike won't delay it too much.
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oooooooooooooohhhhhh Alex I'll see your '19' and raise you '19' ;)
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oooooooooooooohhhhhh Alex I'll see your '19' and raise you '19' ;)
I've sent your bulk load out via a Pallet!
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;D Now that made me smile. Thanks.
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Perhaps FTP and myself could be used in the testing phase of any new products you have coming out... ;D ;D ;D you'll be sure they will have had a good workout.
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Perhaps FTP and myself could be used in the testing phase of any new products you have coming out... ;D ;D ;D you'll be sure they will have had a good workout.
I have been thinking about something along those lines.
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So did either pole 2 pole or Pure Hydro send their poles back for Alex to give the once over and what was the outcome?
I cleaned the inside of my clamps out with a kitchen knife like Alex suggested to me on the phone. I'm just waiting for a real wet day to test if it still grinds when I pick up grit.
Only reason I'm relunctant to get mine checked over is I dont want to go back to fibre glass. Even if only for a few days. I've been spoilt.
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Perhaps FTP and myself could be used in the testing phase of any new products you have coming out... ;D ;D ;D you'll be sure they will have had a good workout.
I have been thinking about something along those lines.
Well, I've already reversed into a lampost this week so I'd rather give the crash testing a miss if you don't mind. Pole destruction is really my speciality. ;)
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Perhaps FTP and myself could be used in the testing phase of any new products you have coming out... ;D ;D ;D you'll be sure they will have had a good workout.
I have been thinking about something along those lines.
Well, I've already reversed into a lampost this week so I'd rather give the crash testing a miss if you don't mind. Pole destruction is really my speciality. ;)
you forgot total destruction ;D
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Perhaps FTP and myself could be used in the testing phase of any new products you have coming out... ;D ;D ;D you'll be sure they will have had a good workout.
I have been thinking about something along those lines.
Well, I've already reversed into a lampost this week so I'd rather give the crash testing a miss if you don't mind. Pole destruction is really my speciality. ;)
We have been letting MIRA take care of the crash-testing side of the business. Perhaps you could set up a consultancy and test facility specifically for testing tools and hand implements to destruction. All of these big manufacturing firms would pay vast sums of money for you to 'do your stuff'.
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Perhaps FTP and myself could be used in the testing phase of any new products you have coming out... ;D ;D ;D you'll be sure they will have had a good workout.
I have been thinking about something along those lines.
I would be willing to test products ;)
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So did either pole 2 pole or Pure Hydro send their poles back for Alex to give the once over and what was the outcome?
I cleaned the inside of my clamps out with a kitchen knife like Alex suggested to me on the phone. I'm just waiting for a real wet day to test if it still grinds when I pick up grit.
Only reason I'm relunctant to get mine checked over is I dont want to go back to fibre glass. Even if only for a few days. I've been spoilt.
Alex has arrange for Fed Ex to pick up the pole tomorrow (Thursday) while I go to the Sunny side of America for some much needed R & R.
As it would happen, one of the collars broke its glue seal again and is now spinning around like, also the lever will not tighten up on the same section as well.
For the last 2 weeks I have been using the pole with the hose on the outside to slow down the jamming, which has worked, but some sections are now just started to jam.
I reckon that alex should use it first (with the hose on the inside) before they do any repairs.
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My pole will be going back, for new upgraded clamps, Alex emailed to ask me this, have to say that is good customer service.
Would like to know about jamming issue maybe clamps will change this.
Enjoy usa William ;)
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Yeh i sent mine back for alex to test. Our opinions differed a little bit, but without malice. Mr G didn't seem to find any immediate problems with it. But in fairness to the man, he replaced one section on the pole, having seen it had some serious scorch marks on it due to grit etc. I even asked him while he had it to add another section to make it a 22?? footer. No probs this week at all with it to be honest, but i have been doin everything in my power to make sure the hose don't touch the ground and keepin a towel in the pouch to clean hose at every given opportunity. Not an ideal way of working but less hastle than cleaning the pole out when on the job. I'm just waiting for an end cap for 18 ft of the pole........I'll use the other section as and when required. Shouldn't take more than a few seconds to add it on.
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I bought an 18' and 35' slx about 3 weeks ago.My 18' was sent back to be adjusted as it was so difficult to extend and shorten in use. The pole worked slightly better on its return but in my opinion it still was not right.On Monday 2 sections of the pole locked tight in use and they would not budge. Thats a first after 4 years wfp. Examining all the pole sections Monday evening I was alarmed at the rate of wear on certain parts of the carbon poles,bearing in mind I have used it only for about 25 hours. I am getting black hands because certain parts of the carbon have lost all their weave due to the accelearated wear. If the problem that I found had been rectified at source the wear on the pole would not be anything like it is.I will post the photos when I have time. I have fixed the problem and now the poles slide and glide as they should of done from new. I am happy to return the 18'pole to you Alex for you to inspect to see if the rate of wear is normall. I will fix the problem on some of the sections of my 35' slx as I have only used it for about 4 hours, it does not have any wear issues.If you can give me a ring Alex on 07780677316 anytime I will tell you the problem and my soloution. Sorry in advance for posting this before contacting you as I know your a decent bloke. But the slx is now performing as it should of done fromthe outset.Regards Neil
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Are ya using the Royal Snail Alex?
Yes, via franking machine. Hopefully the proposed strike won't delay it too much.
They're striking :( today and i "think" tomorrow. 1% chance of them(amongst other things i've ordered) arriving saturday. I'll be at work if and when they come on monday. So it's lookin like tuesday earliest. And it's ALL Alex's fault ;D
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Got my new clamps today. Gonna put them on now.
They look exactly the same.
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What????????????? I got mine this morning too.........ty ty ty postie(and alex,lol) Different league.............you can tell just by lookin at them that they oughta last a very very very long time. Congrats Al.............Ya got there ;)
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Yep I've just put them on. The bolt goes through the barrel nut more and is stiffer.
Haven't had chance to test properly yet as it's raining.
I take it they still need minimum effort? Just enough to stop pole twisting?
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Yep I've just put them on. The bolt goes through the barrel nut more and is stiffer.
Haven't had chance to test properly yet as it's raining.
I take it they still need minimum effort? Just enough to stop pole twisting?
Yes just tight enough to hold the section from spinning. If you put the old and the new next to each other you can see the difference fairly easily.
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I'll do some testing for you Alex! ;)
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Could you post a pic of the old and new side by side..so those who are waiting for theirs can have a gander?
Cheers
Dave.
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Just got back home and the New Clamps are here Alex.
Seen a few Posties out today in Bolton, not sure what this strike is all about or who is actually on strike. Just hope my custy's dont take advantage and say they have sent Cq's when they haven't.
Just finishing my brew and I'll be out to road test the clamps. Haven't done our windows for months ;D
Wayne
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Just got back home and the New Clamps are here Alex.
Seen a few Posties out today in Bolton, not sure what this strike is all about or who is actually on strike. Just hope my custy's dont take advantage and say they have sent Cq's when they haven't.
Just finishing my brew and I'll be out to road test the clamps. Haven't done our windows for months ;D
Wayne
Pikey ;D
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They look pretty much the same.
Old one is nearest
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Pikey ;D
:o
It all being done in the name of research. Just wondering how long windows stay clean using WFP :P
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They don't look different, granted...........if they did, we'd be moaning all over again,lol. You can certainly tell when they're in you hand....they just feel much more heavy duty.
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Thanks for taking the time & effort Traps.
Dave.
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I have different ones to both of them ???
oh well.
Have to say again impressed with Alex service, sent email yesterday after getting one from Alex, this morning or when evr the post man came (probs about 4pm) I got a new set of clamps ;D
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could you post a pic then?
Cheers
Dave.
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My clamps are metal ones
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You don't have the latest plastic clamps and levers then. Sounds like you have the mkll version. Best levers/worst clamping system imo. Easy to upgrade.
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I went out with these this afternoon and they seem fine.
Looking good so far.
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I have different ones to both of them ???
oh well.
Have to say again impressed with Alex service, sent email yesterday after getting one from Alex, this morning or when evr the post man came (probs about 4pm) I got a new set of clamps ;D
I have checked through the ship-out list for yesterday and it seems that you were sent the new clamps lever-sets by accident as you have the older Mk11 model. If you want to send them back to us we can re-fund your postage. Or you can wait until we have your pole back to upgrade the clamps for you and we can have them back then.
Someone went back too far on the SL-X database! :)
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Alex i got the new clamps today but sent my 18ft,er back :o
if the new clamps work ok i,ll order a 25ft,er to go with them :)
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Alex i got the new clamps today but sent my 18ft,er back :o
if the new clamps work ok i,ll order a 25ft,er to go with them :)
Just pop them back in the post and we'll refund you.
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Alex i got the new clamps today but sent my 18ft,er back :o
if the new clamps work ok i,ll order a 25ft,er to go with them :)
Just pop them back in the post and we'll refund you.
no worries
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Well my new clamps arrived today (are they ver 3?)...anyways...
They look and feel more sturdy I must say....I hope with all the best will in the world that these are the 'ones' that will put this all to bed.
Cheers Alex if you're reading....the pallet was just about right to fit all the clamps ;), think that next time a euro-pallet will do fine ;D.
Cheers
Dave.
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I'm still waiting Alex .... ;)
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I heard that the important customers we getting theirs first then the rest of the dross would get their clamp bits as and when the Ladies in the office had some spare time..... ;D
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I heard that the important customers we getting theirs first then the rest of the dross would get their clamp bits as and when the Ladies in the office had some spare time..... ;D
That'd explain it, Pingu!
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Received new clamps to-day, have put them on, will try out tomorrow.
I have decided i am now putting the hose on the outside of the SLX as grit etc: is causing too much damage to an expensive though very nice pole IMO.
And probably wont be able to replace for a while, so will give it a go with hose flappin' in the wind!