I don't rate the Brodex aluminium Hydra poles,they are good for about a week,then the black hands syndrom comes in,clamps come away from the pole,the pole itself begins to bend,yes a pole section actually bent on two of my Hydra poles on the second to top section,crap poles,I really thought I was on a winner when I first purchased these poles as I bought three ,there was a 3 year guarentee with them,more like 3 days,I could send them back but the pole had to be complete with original hose and brush I was told but I binned them Nothing like that has ever happen to my Brodex Hydra pole, for me it is a good pole and it is a tad heavy than others. And not as bendy as some poles can be. But then its everyones preferences in what they use. Gardiners are a much lighter pole and priced reasonable for new poles too.