Working 2/3 days a week we used to get through a fg pole every 6-9 months each, xtels and before that universals and excels. However we have switched to the slx and I have one that is well over 2 years old and going strong used every day and another that's coming a year now and looks fine. I reckon life on the slx with the new clamps will be 2-3 years easy.
Simon.