When my new employee starts in September it's probably a new SLX 22 for him! As I already have a 2 year old SLX22 (used as an 18) and a 4 year old SLX35 (run as a 30) which are still serviceable and which I am very pleased with why would I risk spending £100's on a different pole?
When someone comes on here having used for over a year a pole that is a little better, a little less expensive and just as reliable as an SLX with the attendant Gardiners support then I might think about trying another.
I'm a real cheapskate me - build my own, cobble it together repair as I go and get to work but one thing I will not compromise on is a light rigid pole which earns me far more than the extra I pay!