[Smudger]

Cheers spruce,

Very interested to know what the wear situation is, unfortunately the thread is a little wrapped up in gardiners clamps rather than focus ing on the viper pole.

TBH I never had any real issues with any version of the Gardiner clamp, I still have a couple of poles that have worn in the closed position and spin even with smart clamps this I have put down to the use of aquatap and the guy in question not doing cleaning maintaince so just forcing the aquatap on and off which puts great stain on the clamp.
That's why the univalve is of great interest...

I can't fault the slx poles however at nearly £150 to change section one and two it may make more sense to buy a complete new pole .

Darran

[SeanK]

Cheers spruce,

Very interested to know what the wear situation is, unfortunately the thread is a little wrapped up in gardiners clamps rather than focus ing on the viper pole.

TBH I never had any real issues with any version of the Gardiner clamp, I still have a couple of poles that have worn in the closed position and spin even with smart clamps this I have put down to the use of aquatap and the guy in question not doing cleaning maintaince so just forcing the aquatap on and off which puts great stain on the clamp.
That's why the univalve is of great interest...

I can't fault the slx poles however at nearly £150 to change section one and two it may make more sense to buy a complete new pole .

Darran

Darran I think when it comes to poles the only way is to try them yourself, I have yet to buy a pole where not lasting was an
issue both with sections and clamps.
If  Spruce is right about the lengths then there's definitely a case for false advertising as they are advertised as being the
same length as stated in other words a 25ft pole being 25ft when extended, I know some of the manufacturers used to try
and pull the wool over our eyes by advertising their poles as 25ft working length.

[Spruce]

Cheers spruce,

Very interested to know what the wear situation is, unfortunately the thread is a little wrapped up in gardiners clamps rather than focus ing on the viper pole.

TBH I never had any real issues with any version of the Gardiner clamp, I still have a couple of poles that have worn in the closed position and spin even with smart clamps this I have put down to the use of aquatap and the guy in question not doing cleaning maintaince so just forcing the aquatap on and off which puts great stain on the clamp.
That's why the univalve is of great interest...

I can't fault the slx poles however at nearly £150 to change section one and two it may make more sense to buy a complete new pole .

Darran

I agree.  I might consider buying SLX18's and adding your SLX22 base section to it if its serviceable.

I once tried to use the bottom 2 sections rather than the top 2 sections when opening my SLX22. The weight balance was terrible , so I would never expect an employee to do the same.

I would just expect them to treat my equipment with respect.  A couple of weeks ago I witnessed an employee of a local window cleaning company driving off to his next customer down the road dragging his hose down the road behind him.

There are lots of us looking the Univalve way. This will certainly make my day easier. I can't believe how heavy the A/D makes the end of my SLX feel. However, the weight disadvantage of the A/D is still worth it to me.

[Spruce]

Cheers spruce,

Very interested to know what the wear situation is, unfortunately the thread is a little wrapped up in gardiners clamps rather than focus ing on the viper pole.

TBH I never had any real issues with any version of the Gardiner clamp, I still have a couple of poles that have worn in the closed position and spin even with smart clamps this I have put down to the use of aquatap and the guy in question not doing cleaning maintaince so just forcing the aquatap on and off which puts great stain on the clamp.
That's why the univalve is of great interest...

I can't fault the slx poles however at nearly £150 to change section one and two it may make more sense to buy a complete new pole .

Darran

Darran I think when it comes to poles the only way is to try them yourself, I have yet to buy a pole where not lasting was an
issue both with sections and clamps.
If  Spruce is right about the lengths then there's definitely a case for false advertising as they are advertised as being the
same length as stated in other words a 25ft pole being 25ft when extended, I know some of the manufacturers used to try
and pull the wool over our eyes by advertising their poles as 25ft working length.

^^ I agree Sean. It wouldn't be any good giving it to an employee either. If they don't like it then they will destroy it quickly.

Here are the specs of the 22' pole they advertise.
http://www.thecleaningwarehouse.co.uk/water-genie-viper-22ft-carbon-fibre-pole-4763-p.asp

What's the difference between actual pole length and working height? 4 foot?

So the Viper is cheaper because its shorter. So its in a similar length category to the SLX18. The Viper specs say its 22' working height (imperial) but opens to 5.23 meters (metric.) Then they give a closed length of 4' 9" (imperial).

Now I ask myself; why would they give imperial and metric figures on the same chart? To confuse me? Then I come to the conclusion that most cleaners wouldn't know how long 5.23 meters is in an imperial measurement. I think that's a dishonest way of advertising. Then I ask myself; would I want to deal with a company that is trying to pull the wool over my eyes?

At least I know that when I buy from Gardiner's I'm dealing with an honest company. I know the SLX22 I have is actually 22' long (6.5meters) and has a reach of 26'.

When comparing apples with apples, I see the Viper 22 is priced at £161.19 + VAT + delivery.  An SLX 18 is advertised at £172.00 + VAT with free delivery.  Easy decision for me to make TBH.

[SeanK]

Spruce  Gardiners do the same, the SLX25 gives its extended length in metric that's how I compared them both just to see
if they where pulling that old trick as my thinking was the same, I think the Viper is about 20mm longer.
Maybe its do to with selling them in the states or that the SLX25 sounds better than the SLX7.64 same with the Viper.

[KS Cleaning]

Cheers spruce,

Very interested to know what the wear situation is, unfortunately the thread is a little wrapped up in gardiners clamps rather than focus ing on the viper pole.

TBH I never had any real issues with any version of the Gardiner clamp, I still have a couple of poles that have worn in the closed position and spin even with smart clamps this I have put down to the use of aquatap and the guy in question not doing cleaning maintaince so just forcing the aquatap on and off which puts great stain on the clamp.
That's why the univalve is of great interest...

I can't fault the slx poles however at nearly £150 to change section one and two it may make more sense to buy a complete new pole .

Darran

Darran I think when it comes to poles the only way is to try them yourself, I have yet to buy a pole where not lasting was an
issue both with sections and clamps.
If  Spruce is right about the lengths then there's definitely a case for false advertising as they are advertised as being the
same length as stated in other words a 25ft pole being 25ft when extended, I know some of the manufacturers used to try
and pull the wool over our eyes by advertising their poles as 25ft working length.

^^ I agree Sean. It wouldn't be any good giving it to an employee either. If they don't like it then they will destroy it quickly.

Here are the specs of the 22' pole they advertise.
http://www.thecleaningwarehouse.co.uk/water-genie-viper-22ft-carbon-fibre-pole-4763-p.asp

What's the difference between actual pole length and working height? 4 foot?

So the Viper is cheaper because its shorter. So its in a similar length category to the SLX18. The Viper specs say its 22' working height (imperial) but opens to 5.23 meters (metric.) Then they give a closed length of 4' 9" (imperial).

Now I ask myself; why would they give imperial and metric figures on the same chart? To confuse me? Then I come to the conclusion that most cleaners wouldn't know how long 5.23 meters is in an imperial measurement. I think that's a dishonest way of advertising. Then I ask myself; would I want to deal with a company that is trying to pull the wool over my eyes?

At least I know that when I buy from Gardiner's I'm dealing with an honest company. I know the SLX22 I have is actually 22' long (6.5meters) and has a reach of 26'.

When comparing apples with apples, I see the Viper 22 is priced at £161.19 + VAT + delivery.  An SLX 18 is advertised at £172.00 + VAT with free delivery.  Easy decision for me to make TBH.

The Viper 22 according to the spec sheet is advertised as having a working reach of 26'

[Smudger]

Some interesting points guys

Just looking at the web sites

The viper 25 reaches 30 ft ( as does the slx ) open length is 7.66 meters (7.64 for slx)  both 1.7 meters and a knats  what's it  when closed and both weigh 1410 grams. Price difference £45 which is a reasonable saving

Darran

[ChumBucket]

Some interesting points guys

Just looking at the web sites

The viper 25 reaches 30 ft ( as does the slx ) open length is 7.66 meters (7.64 for slx)  both 1.7 meters and a knats  what's it  when closed and both weigh 1410 grams. Price difference £45 which is a reasonable saving

Darran

Not really when you consider that one pole is designed, made and supplied by the industry's leader, backed up by unsurpassed customer service along with a relentless programme of research and development. A pole which can be added to, has every spare part readily available for next day "National" delivery along with a multitude of various attachments/accessories etc etc.  The other is most probably an "off the shelf" product, sold by a company with seemingly no renowned credentials.
 "VALUE" is the key here, not "PRICE"!! You can know the price of everything but the value of nothing.

[Spruce]

Cheers spruce,

Very interested to know what the wear situation is, unfortunately the thread is a little wrapped up in gardiners clamps rather than focus ing on the viper pole.

TBH I never had any real issues with any version of the Gardiner clamp, I still have a couple of poles that have worn in the closed position and spin even with smart clamps this I have put down to the use of aquatap and the guy in question not doing cleaning maintaince so just forcing the aquatap on and off which puts great stain on the clamp.
That's why the univalve is of great interest...

I can't fault the slx poles however at nearly £150 to change section one and two it may make more sense to buy a complete new pole .

Darran

Darran I think when it comes to poles the only way is to try them yourself, I have yet to buy a pole where not lasting was an
issue both with sections and clamps.
If  Spruce is right about the lengths then there's definitely a case for false advertising as they are advertised as being the
same length as stated in other words a 25ft pole being 25ft when extended, I know some of the manufacturers used to try
and pull the wool over our eyes by advertising their poles as 25ft working length.

^^ I agree Sean. It wouldn't be any good giving it to an employee either. If they don't like it then they will destroy it quickly.

Here are the specs of the 22' pole they advertise.
http://www.thecleaningwarehouse.co.uk/water-genie-viper-22ft-carbon-fibre-pole-4763-p.asp

What's the difference between actual pole length and working height? 4 foot?

So the Viper is cheaper because its shorter. So its in a similar length category to the SLX18. The Viper specs say its 22' working height (imperial) but opens to 5.23 meters (metric.) Then they give a closed length of 4' 9" (imperial).

Now I ask myself; why would they give imperial and metric figures on the same chart? To confuse me? Then I come to the conclusion that most cleaners wouldn't know how long 5.23 meters is in an imperial measurement. I think that's a dishonest way of advertising. Then I ask myself; would I want to deal with a company that is trying to pull the wool over my eyes?

At least I know that when I buy from Gardiner's I'm dealing with an honest company. I know the SLX22 I have is actually 22' long (6.5meters) and has a reach of 26'.

When comparing apples with apples, I see the Viper 22 is priced at £161.19 + VAT + delivery.  An SLX 18 is advertised at £172.00 + VAT with free delivery.  Easy decision for me to make TBH.

The Viper 22 according to the spec sheet is advertised as having a working reach of 26'

I hold my head in shame. I read the chart incorrectly. I apologize unreservedly for my error and the comments I have made. 

[SeanK]

Some interesting points guys

Just looking at the web sites

The viper 25 reaches 30 ft ( as does the slx ) open length is 7.66 meters (7.64 for slx)  both 1.7 meters and a knats  what's it  when closed and both weigh 1410 grams. Price difference £45 which is a reasonable saving

Darran

Not really when you consider that one pole is designed, made and supplied by the industry's leader, backed up by unsurpassed customer service along with a relentless programme of research and development. A pole which can be added to, has every spare part readily available for next day "National" delivery along with a multitude of various attachments/accessories etc etc.  The other is most probably an "off the shelf" product, sold by a company with seemingly no renowned credentials.
 "VALUE" is the key here, not "PRICE"!! You can know the price of everything but the value of nothing.

How do you know what's the best value if you don't give the other company a chance ? they could have every bit as good a
customer service but just need to prove it.
All poles come from china or similar, all the sellers do is glue the clamps on and add logo's if even that,

[Smudger]

I agree to a point Sean I also remember Alex getting slated when he first brought out his poles, over the years he has worked hard to be a leader in supplying equipment and if the replacement sections were priced at a more compedative price I wouldn't even be looking at alternatives...

Darran

[ChumBucket]

Some interesting points guys

Just looking at the web sites

The viper 25 reaches 30 ft ( as does the slx ) open length is 7.66 meters (7.64 for slx)  both 1.7 meters and a knats  what's it  when closed and both weigh 1410 grams. Price difference £45 which is a reasonable saving

Darran

Not really when you consider that one pole is designed, made and supplied by the industry's leader, backed up by unsurpassed customer service along with a relentless programme of research and development. A pole which can be added to, has every spare part readily available for next day "National" delivery along with a multitude of various attachments/accessories etc etc.  The other is most probably an "off the shelf" product, sold by a company with seemingly no renowned credentials.
 "VALUE" is the key here, not "PRICE"!! You can know the price of everything but the value of nothing.

How do you know what's the best value if you don't give the other company a chance ? they could have every bit as good a
customer service but just need to prove it.
All poles come from china or similar, all the sellers do is glue the clamps on and add logo's if even that,

Find me some posts where CW are being commended for their customer service- there must be a million posts on this forum so it shouldn't be too difficult a task.
Where a product is manufactured matters not this day and age, anyone with half a brain would know that.
If one clamp breaks on a pole and it's not replaced within 24 hours your £45 saving is down the swanee and more! Same goes for any other issues you may have with it. For me it beggars belief that for a miserly £45 someone would dismiss what is commonly accepted as the very best in the industry- the main tool of their job to boot!! £45 is all it is to take NO risks and sleep safe in the knowledge that you have spent your money wisely.

[ChumBucket]

Add to that this thread is 14 months old, how many posts have you seen raving about this Viper pole? I've seen ZERO.

[Smudger]

Wow, your well into the new year spirit aren't you.....

That's the reason I bumped it, there has been time for these to prove themselves in the market place.
It's called research...

A broken clamp wouldn't put my pole out of service for more than 3 minutes I have the foresight to carry spares of everything and not wait until it's broken. So a set of spares given to the person using it is no different from the spares they currently have.

I see exceed seem to have stopped selling poles, nothing on the website  can anyone confirm this ?

Darran

[ChumBucket]

Wow, your well into the new year spirit aren't you.....

That's the reason I bumped it, there has been time for these to prove themselves in the market place.
It's called research...

A broken clamp wouldn't put my pole out of service for more than 3 minutes I have the foresight to carry spares of everything and not wait until it's broken. So a set of spares given to the person using it is no different from the spares they currently have.

I see exceed seem to have stopped selling poles, nothing on the website  can anyone confirm this ?

Darran

Which demonstrates my point perfectly.

[david mark]

I purchased a 22"sim pole
all the clamps spin they would not refund my money after 14 days still in garage  not used went back to Gardiners got the 22 clx

[Walter Mitty]

Bumping this thread - anyone been using the viper 25 ? And what is the brush like.

At under £200 including a brush I'm considering these instead of buying new sections for the slx.

Any close up pictures of the clamps

Thx



Darran

Hi Darran,

Alex replied to a thread on another forum recently. The window cleaner was told that they (Viper poles) are the same as Gardiner poles.

Just to clarify - the poles that the Cleaning Warehouse import are not the same as Gardiner poles, neither the tube sections nor the clamp bodies. However, the clamp bodies have been designed to look very similar to our smart clamps despite not working like them. If they are being sold as the same as Gardiners then this would be a case of mis-selling and a purchaser would be entitled to a refund from the Cleaning Warehouse.

He also states that, Yes I have examined the poles in great detail.

Another poster also reported a fellow cleaner bought one and has reported that it isn't wearing too well.

    My friend has one and said its not wearing well at all already! Gonna have a look when i next see him.


I also notice that what is being sold as a 22' pole is actually the equivalent of an 18' pole in real terms.

Oh no!  Not another one selling "reach" height?  If there's one thing that puts me off buying a product, it's being treated like an idiot by someone trying to fool me.  It doesn't even matter if I am an idiot, being treated like one is the key negative point.

[Smudger]

Don't worry Walter they are selling them as actual length,

It appears no one on  earth, we'll certainly this website has brought one, so I shall stay with ol' faithful 😄

Darran

[Mike #1]

I have also yet to come across anyone who has previously bought a SLX  and later on bought a different brand pole and confirmed they weighed exactly the same .