[*foxman]

If an extender pole lasts you 6 months it works out less the 3.50 a week. if you can't earn that by your first job on a Monday morning your in the wrong business, it's less than a squeegee rubber.

[Paul Coleman]

I had an 18ft extender but gave it away kept getting like splitters from the fibreglass made my hands itchy

Paul

I've experienced that too Paul but not enough to bother me.  I didn't realise it was the pole doing it at first.  I thought I just had slight "pins and needles".

[Alex Gardiner]

This is why the smaller X-Tel poles are so much better than the Extenders.  They have a completely different surface finish and fibre glass layers which even when they wear down will not produce these small splinters which can be such a nuisance (Extenders were not designed for window cleaning, X-Tels have been).  The new X-Tels construction has much more in common with the old Universal poles.

[Sir Squeaky]

That reminds me Alex, I need to speak to you about that x-tel pole. 
I'll ring you on monday.

[Paul Coleman]

This is why the smaller X-Tel poles are so much better than the Extenders.  They have a completely different surface finish and fibre glass layers which even when they wear down will not produce these small splinters which can be such a nuisance (Extenders were not designed for window cleaning, X-Tels have been).  The new X-Tels construction has much more in common with the old Universal poles.

Thanks for the info Alex.  Ironically, I bought another 18ft Extender only yesterday so I will be using Extenders for some months yet.  Anyway, I have gloves so I can always  start wearing them.  I will bear in mind what you say when I'm getting closer to my next pole change.  I have been hoping to get a light, long pole as well but have not yet heard anything about work I quoted for some while back.  It's funny how some people can say that I'm almost certain to get jobs then never get back to me.  Seems to have happened a few times recently.  Then sometimes I quote a job and get the impression I've got no chance and end up getting it.
Maybe I need to do a bit more following-up.

[Alex Gardiner]

You can prolong the life of the extenders (and almost any pole) by carefully cleaning them after work each day as the wear is due to dirt being trapped between the clamp surface and the section.

 All window cleaners should make it their practice to fully clean and flush out poles at least once a week. You would be surprised how much grit and dirt ends up the insides of the poles from the pole hose.